CHAPTER SIX The Gala
314 Words
Three weeks later, Kane Holdings hosted its annual charity gala.
The event attracted celebrities, politicians, and the country's wealthiest business leaders.
Isabella had no desire to attend.
Until Adrian personally invited her.
"You owe me."
She crossed her arms.
"For what exactly?"
"For surviving your personality."
His laugh echoed through the office.
"Fair enough."
Now she stood in the grand ballroom, feeling completely out of place.
Her emerald evening gown flowed elegantly around her.
Her hair fell in soft waves across her shoulders.
When Adrian entered the room, conversations seemed to pause.
Not because he was famous.
Because he looked directly at Isabella.
And forgot everyone else existed.
For several seconds he simply stared.
"You look beautiful."
The words were quiet.
Sincere.
Dangerously sincere.
Heat rushed to Isabella's cheeks.
"Thank you."
His gaze remained fixed on her.
"As beautiful as you look tonight..."
His voice lowered.
"You have no idea how hard it is not to kiss you right now."
Her breath caught.
The world seemed to disappear.
The music.
The guests.
The noise.
Everything faded.
Leaving only him.
Before either could respond, someone interrupted.
"Adrian."
A familiar female voice.
Victoria.
She approached with a dazzling smile.
Isabella immediately stepped back.
The moment vanished.
The rest of the evening became a blur.
Everywhere Isabella turned, Victoria seemed to be beside Adrian.
Laughing.
Touching his arm.
Whispering in his ear.
By midnight Isabella had seen enough.
She slipped outside onto a balcony overlooking the city.
Cool air greeted her.
She closed her eyes.
"You disappeared."
Adrian's voice.
She didn't turn around.
"I needed some air."
"You left without saying goodbye."
"You're surrounded by people."
"I was looking for one."
Her heart skipped.
Finally she faced him.
The city lights glowed behind them.
The distance between them felt suddenly very small.
Very dangerous.
And for the first time, Adrian reached for her hand.
Neither pulled away.
- Writer
