Chapter 2:The Visit.
1062 Words
The graduation ceremony ended hours ago, yet the night pulsed with life, refusing to die down. The university had spared no expense. The hall shimmered with chandeliers, and the school crest glowed proudly from every banner that draped the luxurious stoned walls. This wasn’t just a celebration, it was a showcase of wealth, prestige, and power.
“Stop watching people like that, it's creepy, almost scary” Elena Whitmore’s closest friend, Damion Woods, snapped playfully, slipping her empty glass from her hand and replacing it with a fresh one filled with champagne. His tux not matching the smirk tugging at his lips.
“It's called observing,” Elena shot back, bringing her drink to her lips.
Damion raises an eyebrow. “Observing? We both know what this really is. You’re doing that thing again where you hide in a corner, avoiding people like some recluse.”
“Please! Do I look like a loner?” she retorted, finally dragging her gaze up to meet the teasing glint in his eyes.
His tux was flawless, tailored to a tee, though she tried not to notice the single undone button at his collar. That small imperfection made him look less formal and far too relaxed, as though the entire event bored him. And it worked in his favor. His easy lean against the wall made him look good, maybe too good because the moment she saw his grin linger on her, her body betrayed her.
She quickly glanced away before he could catch her staring.“Besides, we all know this poor excuse for an after-party organized by the board was just to give our parents what they want”
“A room to network?” Damion guessed lips curling
“Yes,” She tilted her glass toward the crowded floor. “Just look around. Have you ever seen this many elites in one place?”
‘The fact that it's an after-party of a graduation ceremony should be what you’re raving about” Damion added with a sly smile motioning towards their university's crest
It was obvious the guest list was like the front page of a business section: CEOs of multinational corporations, politicians, diplomats, high-ranking alumni, and wealthy benefactors. Everyone who mattered seemed to be here
“Look at that man over there,” Elena murmured, gesturing with her glass. “I’ve counted his moves between groups all night. This should be the eleventh circle he’s joined in under forty minutes. He’s practically speed dating power.”
Damion’s chuckle was low, but his eyes flicked briefly to the man. “That's the owner of VIV tech and his daughter is also one of the graduates tonight, his company went bankrupt because of our corporation a month ago, so you should give him some breathing space”
“Fine, it's not like I knew.” I shrugged. “Remind me never to make you my enemy”
“You’re always excluding yourself. How do you expect to know things? If not for you being a twin, I would have confirmed you were just adopted long time ago.” he teased.
Before she could even respond to his remark, she noticed a short, broad-shouldered man in his sixties making his way through the crowd, his gaze locked directly on her.
“Dee…” she muttered, tugging on his sleeves.
He smirked without even looking at her. “What’s with that tone?”
“Don’t play dumb! He’s coming this way….” Her voice dropped into a near whisper ” …and I can't deal with another one of them tonight”
Damion finally raised his gaze, the corner of his mouth lifting. “And why should I? Watching you squirm might be the highlight of my evening.”
“Seriously, Dee help me out here” she begged, her eyes wide and desperate
“I know you can do better than this, Elly," he teased, settling into a comfortable position to show his lack of interest, “Beg prettier,” his voice low filled with amusement
Her jaw dropped, heat rushing to her face. “You’re hopeless!” she said, placing her glass on the tray of a passing waitress to leave.
Swiftly following suit, Damion sets her previous empty glass on the same tray. With one smooth motion, he places his hand on the small of her back pulling her before she could be cornered. “And yet,” he drawled, clearly enjoying himself, “you still need me.”
Clearly not taking a no for an answer, the old man changed his direction and followed them still.
“You need to go ahead, this one is a hardhead,” he said patting her hair
“ Wait what are you…” she asked confusedly, turning to see him moving towards the man who she didn't notice was behind them
“Thanks” she whispered to his back, before moving towards the exit
She didn’t stop until she found the exit. The venue was heavily guarded by security, but no one dared question her as she slipped out, heels clicking against the pavement and made her way towards her car.
Finally relieved when she reached her car.
—------
By the time Elena pushed open the door to her apartment, exhaustion had set in. She dropped her clutch onto the side table, kicked off her heels with a sigh of relief, and collapsed onto the couch. The cushions swallowed her, and for a while, she simply lay there, staring at the ceiling, listening to the faint noise of the city outside her window.
Feeling hungry after a while, she pushed herself up, brushing strands of hair from her face, and padded barefoot toward the kitchen. Her hand had barely touched the refrigerator handle when the doorbell rang.
Her lips curved into a small smile. “That better be you, Damion,” she muttered, brushing her hair back and moving toward the door.
But when she opened it, it wasn’t him.
It was Melissa.
Her twin stood there, bold as fire, lips painted crimson and eyes sharp with mischief. Without waiting for an invitation, Melissa brushed past Elena and stepped inside, heels clicking against the floor as if the apartment belonged to her.
She smirked over her shoulder, eyes narrowed, “At least pretend you missed me, Elly. It makes walking away much more fun.”
- Writer
