Chapter Two: Seven Years Later, He Found Me
1242 Words
Chapter Two: Seven Years Later, He Found Me
I turned away from Albert with measured steps, my clipboard clutched tightly in my hand like a shield against the emotions threatening to overwhelm me.
The brief encounter had lasted only moments, yet his voice continued to echo in my mind, refusing to fade. I forced myself back into the familiar rhythm of the gala, directing my team with quiet authority.
The glittering ballroom carried on its elegant flow around me, but inside, my thoughts remained in turmoil.
Why did his presence still have the power to unsettle me after seven long years? I had rebuilt my life piece by piece, forging strength from the heartbreak he had caused. This evening was meant to be a professional triumph and nothing else. I could not afford to let him reopen old wounds.
"Adjust the lighting on the east side of the silent auction," I instructed Mia.
My voice came out steadier than I felt, but my fingers trembled slightly as I smoothed the fabric of my gown in an unconscious gesture. The silk felt suddenly too confining against my skin. I drew in a slow breath, attempting to steady the rapid beat of my heart.
Moments later, while I reviewed items at the silent auction tables, Albert appeared again. He had separated himself from the group of VIP guests and now approached with clear purpose.
I attempted to move toward the opposite side of the display, but he reached me before I could create sufficient distance.
He stopped at a respectful range, yet close enough for the familiar woody scent of his cologne to reach me, stirring memories I had long tried to bury.
"Miss Bennett," he said, his voice low and intended for my ears alone. "A moment of your time."
I faced him, maintaining my polished exterior though my pulse raced. "Mister Kingsley. Is there a problem with the arrangements?"
He studied me carefully, his dark eyes tracing the features of my face as though seeking remnants of the woman he once knew. "You address me so formally now. There was a time when you called me Albert."
"That was another lifetime," I answered, my voice cool and controlled. "One that no longer exists."
Albert took a small step closer, though he remained aware of the guests surrounding us. "I know I do not deserve five minutes of your time, Aurora. I searched for you for years. When I heard Lumina Events belonged to Aurora Bennett, I cancelled three agencies before I signed yours. Seeing you tonight was not an accident."
The revelation landed with unexpected force. I froze for a heartbeat, my breath catching in my throat. The admission revealed a level of deliberate pursuit that pierced through my carefully constructed composure, leaving me momentarily speechless.
I adjusted the strap of my gown with unsteady fingers, buying time to regain control. The ballroom lights suddenly felt too bright, the air too thick. He had been searching for me all this time.
I swallowed hard, pushing down the surge of old pain and treacherous longing that threatened to surface.
"That is the first honest thing you have said tonight, Mister Kingsley," I managed at last, releasing a soft, bitter laugh that barely extended beyond our immediate space.
Before he could offer any further response, a group of board members approached. Their faces showed open curiosity. One older gentleman with silver hair placed a hand on Albert's shoulder.
"Mister Kingsley, it appears you have already become acquainted with our exceptional event planner. The two of you seem quite familiar."
Another board member added with a light chuckle, "Looks like our sponsor has charmed the talent responsible for this magnificent evening. Well done, sir."
I felt warmth rise in my cheeks but suppressed it immediately, offering a composed smile.
"We have collaborated on the necessary details of the gala as required. Nothing more."
My statement left no opening for further speculation, though my mind still reeled from his words.
Albert said nothing. His silence only encouraged the knowing glances passed among the group, increasing the unspoken questions lingering in the air.
The board members eventually continued toward the main stage, but their interruption had altered the atmosphere, leaving behind a current of curiosity.
Once they had moved on, Albert spoke again with calm determination. "I would like to request a private meeting after the gala concludes. There are matters we should discuss."
I met his gaze without wavering, though the echo of his confession still lingered painfully.
"I must decline, Mister Kingsley. My schedule following the event is already fully committed."
He inclined his head slightly, remaining undeterred. "It concerns business."
I allowed a faint smile that failed to reach my eyes. "Everything with you begins as business, does it not?"
With those words I turned and walked away. My steps remained measured and graceful even as I sensed the weight of his stare following my progress across the ballroom. I focused on my breathing, forcing one foot in front of the other while my thoughts continued to spiral. His admission had cracked something inside me, reminding me of promises once made and broken.
Later, as I oversaw the silent auction, a prominent guest leaned closer to me with a knowing smile.
"Mister Kingsley has barely spoken to anyone else tonight. He seems quite taken with the event planner. Refuses to leave this area for long."
I offered a polite nod, but the comment settled uneasily within me. I glanced across the room and caught Albert standing near a display of old charity photographs. His gaze lingered on one image in particular, his expression unreadable yet intense. The sight sent a fresh wave of awareness through me.
The remainder of the evening unfolded as a series of professional victories. Guests approached me with sincere compliments, praising the seamless execution, the refined ambiance, and the careful attention given to every element.
An international investor sought me out near the terrace, expressing strong interest in future collaborations with Lumina Events on a broader scale. He presented his card with evident admiration.
"This represents exactly the level of professionalism we have been seeking," he told me while shaking my hand. "We will contact you soon, Miss Bennett. Your work this evening speaks for itself."
I accepted the praise with quiet gratitude. This recognition aligned with the goals I had pursued for years. It promised the kind of growth that would secure my company's future and affirm my independence.
Yet despite these successes, I remained constantly aware of Albert watching me from across the ballroom. His quiet intensity created an unwelcome pull that I fought to ignore.
As the gala drew to its successful conclusion, I slipped out through a side entrance into the cool night. Rain fell steadily across the city, transforming the streets into shining reflections beneath the lamps.
I drew my wrap closer around my shoulders and walked toward my waiting car. The sound of my heels against the wet pavement provided a steady rhythm.
A deep, familiar voice emerged from behind me, slicing through the constant rhythm of the rainfall.
"You still run when things hurt."
I froze in place. My body tensed as the words settled over me. I did not turn immediately, taking time to gather my inner strength before replying.
"No."
A pause stretched between us, broken only by the steady downpour.
"Now I just know exactly who I am running from."
- Writer
