Chapter 4 Tangled In Desire

Chapter 4 – The Gala Game

The Sinclair charity gala was an event unlike any other-an extravagant display of wealth and influence where the rich mingled under the guise of philanthropy.

Zoey had attended events like this before, but tonight was different. Tonight, she wasn't just another guest. She was the future Mrs. Sinclair, and the entire city was watching.

She stepped out of the sleek black limousine, her silver gown shimmering under the flash of cameras. The moment her heels touched the red carpet, the paparazzi erupted with questions.

"Zoey! Over here!"

"How does it feel to be engaged to Eric Sinclair?"

"Is it true this was an arranged marriage?"

Zoey kept her expression poised, her fingers tightening slightly around Eric's arm as he guided her toward the entrance. He was the picture of composure, his tailored black tuxedo emphasizing his striking presence.

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Smile, Zoey."

She forced a dazzling smile just as the cameras captured the moment.

Inside the grand ballroom, champagne glasses clinked, and laughter filled the air. The golden chandeliers cast a soft glow over the guests, their expensive jewels glittering under the light.

Zoey scanned the room, already anticipating what-or rather who-would come next.

And just as expected, she didn't have to wait long.

Sarah was here.

Dressed in a deep crimson gown that hugged her figure, Sarah stood near the bar, a glass of wine in her hand. She wasn't alone-several guests surrounded her, whispering in interest as she cast occasional glances toward Eric.

Zoey smirked. Let the games begin.

The Public Performance

Eric guided Zoey toward a group of high-profile businessmen, including his father, William Sinclair.

"Eric, Zoey," William greeted smoothly. "The two of you make quite the striking couple."

Zoey smiled, slipping seamlessly into her role. "Thank you, Mr. Sinclair. Eric and I are honored to be here tonight."

Eric wrapped an arm around her waist, his grip firm. "Zoey has always had a talent for making an impression."

Their audience chuckled, but Zoey felt the shift in Eric's tone-the unspoken challenge beneath his words.

She met his gaze, tilting her head slightly. Oh, two can play this game.

Standing on her toes, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "And you always know how to make me feel special," she murmured just loud enough for the crowd to hear.

Eric's fingers briefly tensed against her waist.

From across the room, Sarah's smile faltered.

Zoey hid her satisfaction behind another sip of champagne.

The Confrontation

Later that evening, after countless conversations and fake smiles, Zoey excused herself to get some air.

She stepped onto the balcony, enjoying the cool night breeze-until a familiar voice interrupted her moment of peace.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Zoey turned to find Sarah standing a few feet away, her arms crossed, lips curled into a smirk that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Zoey lifted a brow. "Enjoying what, exactly?"

Sarah took a slow step closer. "Playing the perfect fiancée. Acting like you belong by his side."

Zoey chuckled, unfazed. "I do belong by his side." She tilted her head. "You, however? That's a different story."

Sarah's expression darkened. "You think a ring on your finger changes anything?"

Zoey smirked. "It changes everything."

Sarah scoffed. "You can play this game, Zoey, but let's not pretend you've won. You don't know him the way I do."

Zoey's smirk never wavered. "You're right. I don't know the man you knew." She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Because that man? He's in the past."

Sarah's nails dug into the railing, her mask slipping just enough for Zoey to see the frustration beneath.

Satisfied, Zoey turned on her heel, ready to walk away.

But then Sarah whispered, "Are you sure about that?"

Zoey froze.

Sarah smiled sweetly. "Because last night... he was with me."

Zoey's chest tightened, but she refused to give Sarah the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, she simply turned back with a cool expression.

"That's funny," she mused. "Because tonight, he's going home with me."

And with that, Zoey walked away, leaving Sarah standing alone in the cold.

But as she stepped back into the ballroom, her confidence wavered just slightly.

Had Sarah been lying?

Or was Eric still holding onto something he wasn't ready to let go of?

Zoey's jaw tightened.

Either way, she wasn't going to lose this battle.

Not now.

Not ever.

Zoey reentered the ballroom, her heart pounding beneath her composed exterior. The chandeliers sparkled above her, the laughter and chatter of high society blending into a dull hum in her ears.

Sarah's words lingered in her mind.

"Because last night... he was with me."

Zoey hated the way doubt crawled into her chest. She wasn't naive-she knew this marriage wasn't built on love, and she never expected Eric to fall for her overnight. But knowing that he might still be running back to her? That stung more than she wanted to admit.

She spotted Eric across the room, engaged in conversation with an investor, his posture relaxed, his smirk effortlessly charming. To the world, he was the perfect gentleman.

To her? He was an enigma.

Taking a deep breath, she approached him, her heels clicking purposefully against the marble floor.

Eric glanced at her, his gaze flickering with mild curiosity. "Zoey."

She slid her hand into the crook of his arm, smiling up at him as if she hadn't just had a confrontation with his ex-lover. "Darling," she purred, loud enough for the people around them to hear. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

The men around him chuckled, clearly entertained by the display.

"Not at all," Eric said smoothly, playing along. "We were just discussing business."

Zoey turned to the men, effortlessly slipping into charm mode. "Oh? Well, I hope my fiancé isn't boring you too much."

They laughed, and Eric gave her a knowing look.

She was playing her part. But beneath the act, her mind was racing.

She needed answers.

The Ride Home

The gala ended with a final round of photographs, and soon enough, Zoey and Eric were back in the limousine, the city lights casting a soft glow inside the car.

The silence between them was thick.

Zoey stared out the window, her reflection revealing the storm brewing in her expression.

Eric finally spoke. "You've been quiet."

She turned to him, her eyes sharp. "Should I be celebrating instead?"

His brow lifted slightly, as if intrigued. "And why wouldn't you?"

Zoey let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Maybe because your ex made sure to remind me that you were with her last night."

The amusement in Eric's gaze dimmed. "Did she?"

Zoey crossed her arms. "She's lying, then?"

Eric sighed, rolling his head back against the seat. "She's exaggerating."

Zoey's nails dug into her palm. "So you were with her."

His jaw tightened. "Not in the way you think."

She huffed a laugh. "Oh, really? Then enlighten me, Eric."

He exhaled through his nose, clearly irritated. "Sarah called me. She wanted to talk, and I owed her that much. That's all."

Zoey clenched her teeth. "You owed her?"

Eric's gaze darkened. "Don't twist my words, Zoey. She's someone I cared about-someone I thought I had a future with before all this happened."

Zoey hated the small pang in her chest at his honesty.

She looked away. "And what about now?"

Silence.

She turned back to him, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "What do you want, Eric?"

His blue eyes searched hers, something unreadable flickering in their depths.

For the first time since their engagement, he hesitated.

And that was all Zoey needed to see.

She let out a slow breath, nodding to herself. "I get it now."

Eric frowned. "Zoey-"

She held up a hand. "No. I understand." Her voice was steady, but the fire in her chest burned hotter. "You don't know what you want. You're caught between what was and what is. And until you figure that out, I refuse to be a fool in this marriage."

Eric's lips parted slightly as if to argue, but for once, he said nothing.

Good.

She didn't need empty words.

Zoey turned back to the window, her reflection now sharper, colder.

Fine.

If Eric was still holding onto Sarah... then she would just have to make sure he let go.

Even if it meant playing the game her way.