Chapter 4 The ride to the gala was silent

The ride to the gala was silent, thick with tension that neither of them acknowledged. Liana sat with her hands neatly folded in her lap, staring out of the tinted car window as the city lights blurred past. Darren sat beside her, one arm resting on the back of the seat, his presence overwhelming despite the distance between them.

She could feel his gaze on her, watching, assessing. It had always been that way with him. Even back then, when things were different-when they were different.

"You're awfully quiet," he finally said, his voice smooth but laced with something unreadable.

Liana turned slightly, meeting his gaze. "Would you prefer I entertain you?"

His lips twitched, almost as if he wanted to smirk but stopped himself. "I seem to remember you being more talkative."

She held his gaze, refusing to back down. "And I seem to remember you being less cruel."

A beat of silence. His jaw tightened slightly, but his expression remained impassive. "People change."

"Yes," she murmured, turning back to the window. "They do."

They didn't speak again for the rest of the ride.

When the car finally pulled up to the grand entrance of the ballroom, Liana took a steadying breath. She had attended events like this before-dinners, charity galas, company functions-but never as Darren Vaughn's date. And no matter how much she reminded herself that this wasn't personal, that she was here as his employee, the reality of the situation was undeniable.

Darren stepped out first, then extended a hand toward her.

She hesitated only a second before taking it, the warmth of his palm against hers sending an unexpected jolt through her. But just as quickly as it happened, he released her the moment she was steady on her feet.

Paparazzi lined the entrance, their cameras flashing wildly as Darren led her forward.

"Smile," he said under his breath, his tone low enough that only she could hear.

Liana forced herself to plaster on a pleasant expression, though she knew the moment these photos hit the news, people would start speculating.

Who was she? Why was she here? What was her connection to Darren Vaughn?

Inside, the ballroom was breathtaking-towering chandeliers, gold-trimmed walls, an air of luxury that could only belong to the world of the elite. The guests were dressed in the finest designer attire, sipping champagne as they exchanged pleasantries and business deals with ease.

Darren's grip on her waist was light but firm as he guided her through the crowd, stopping to greet influential figures she barely recognized.

"Liana, this is Charles Whitmore, one of our most valued investors," Darren introduced smoothly.

Liana extended her hand with a polite smile. "It's a pleasure, Mr. Whitmore."

The older man studied her for a moment, then chuckled as he shook her hand. "My, my, Darren, I didn't realize you had such lovely company tonight."

Darren merely smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Liana is one of my most trusted employees."

Trusted. The word felt like a bitter irony.

She kept her expression neutral as the conversation shifted to business matters, but the weight of Darren's presence beside her was inescapable.

"You seem tense," he murmured as they moved away from the investors, his lips barely moving.

Liana didn't look at him. "I wonder why."

Darren sighed, reaching for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and handing it to her. "Relax. This is just a formality."

She took the glass but didn't drink. "A formality for what, exactly?"

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "For reminding people that I'm still untouchable."

A shiver ran down her spine, though she wasn't sure if it was from his proximity or the quiet authority in his voice.

Before she could respond, a new voice interrupted them.

"Darren. What a surprise."

Liana turned to see a striking woman approaching them, her crimson gown hugging every curve, her eyes sharp as they flickered between Darren and Liana.

Darren's grip on his glass tightened slightly. "Victoria."

Liana didn't need to be told who she was. She had heard enough about Victoria Hart to know that she was one of Darren's former flames-a woman who had once been rumored to be the perfect match for him in both business and personal life.

And judging by the way Victoria was looking at her, she was already being assessed as a threat.

"I don't believe we've met," Victoria said, her voice smooth but laced with subtle challenge.

"Liana Brooks," she replied, keeping her expression polite but unreadable.

Victoria smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Ah. Darren has never been one for sentimentality, but I must say, I'm intrigued."

Darren's jaw ticked. "Victoria, we're not doing this here."

"Oh, but I'm just making conversation," Victoria said sweetly. "I mean, it's not every day that Darren Vaughn brings a date to one of these things."

Liana kept her posture relaxed, but inside, she could feel the tension crackling in the air.

Darren took a sip of his drink, his gaze locked onto Victoria's. "Liana is none of your concern."

"Of course," Victoria mused, tilting her head. "But if I recall correctly, you used to say the same thing about me."

Liana wasn't sure if it was the way Darren's expression hardened or the way Victoria's lips curved into something almost victorious, but one thing was certain-there was history here. And not the kind that had ended amicably.

Darren set his glass down with a quiet click. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Victoria."

Without another word, he placed a hand on Liana's lower back and steered her away.

She waited until they were far enough from prying ears before speaking. "Charming woman."

Darren exhaled sharply. "Ignore her."

"Hard to do when she clearly hates me."

"She doesn't hate you. She just doesn't like being replaced."

Liana arched an eyebrow. "Is that what this is?"

Darren halted abruptly, turning to face her. "No." His gaze darkened. "And if you think for one second that I brought you here to play games, you're mistaken."

Something flickered in his eyes-something that made her breath catch.

He wasn't just angry. He was frustrated.

But not with her.

With himself.

Before she could respond, a voice announced the beginning of the evening's speeches, drawing the attention of the crowd.

Darren straightened, his mask slipping back into place as he extended his arm.

"Come," he said quietly.

Liana hesitated for only a second before looping her arm through his.

As they walked toward the front of the ballroom, she couldn't shake the feeling that, despite everything, she was standing beside a man who had once been hers-who still could be, if only she was foolish enough to reach for him.

But she wasn't that girl anymore.

And Darren Vaughn wasn't the man she had loved.

Or at least, that was what she kept telling herself.