Chapter 6 S

Sophia and her parents arrived at the gala, and Sophia was immediately swept up in a whirlwind of socializing and networking. She smiled and laughed, exchanging pleasantries with the other guests. As they made their way through the crowded ballroom, Sophia's mother, Catherine, leaned in to whisper, "Remember, darling, tonight is all about making connections and having fun. Don't worry too much about impressing anyone." Sophia nodded, taking a deep breath as she scanned the room. She spotted a few familiar faces, including some of her parents' business associates and a few celebrities.

Just as Sophia was starting to feel more at ease, a waiter approached her with a tray of champagne glasses. "Miss Smith, would you like a glass of champagne?" he asked, smiling. Sophia smiled back, taking a glass from the tray. "Thank you," she said, raising the glass to her lips. As she took a sip of the champagne, Sophia's eyes scanned the room once again. She felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering what the rest of the night might hold. Ashley was starting to feel overwhelmed by the demands of hosting the gala. She was worried that something would go wrong and ruin the evening. As she circulated through the crowds, making sure everything was running smoothly, Ashley's mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. What if the catering didn't arrive on time? What if the sound system failed? Just as Ashley was starting to feel like she was going to lose her cool, she spotted Rachel, her friend and confidante, across the room. Rachel was chatting with a group of guests, laughing and smiling like she didn't have a care in the world. Ashley made her way over to Rachel, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she reached her friend's side. "Hey, Rach, I'm so glad I found you," Ashley said, her voice barely above a whisper. Rachel turned to her, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong, Ash? You look like you're about to collapse." Ashley took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "I just feel like everything is going to go wrong tonight. I've been planning this gala for months, and I just know something is going to ruin it." Rachel put a reassuring hand on Ashley's arm. "Ash, you've done an amazing job. Everything is going to be fine. Just relax and enjoy the evening." Ashley smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her friend. "Thanks, Rach. Just talking to you makes me feel better." Ashley was lost in thought as she navigated through the crowded ballroom. She was so focused on making sure everything was perfect for the gala that she didn't notice the person standing in front of her. Until she bumped into them. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" Ashley exclaimed, as she stumbled backward. The person she had bumped into turned around, and Ashley's eyes widened in surprise. It was Sophia. Sophia's eyes flashed with anger as she glared at Ashley. "Watch where you're going, why don't you?" Sophia snapped, her voice low and venomous. Ashley's eyes locked onto Sophia's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air was thick with tension. Sophia's eyes narrowed. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Sophia accused, her voice dripping with malice. Ashley's eyes widened in shock. "No, I didn't! I'm sorry, it was an accident," Ashley protested. Sophia's face twisted in anger. "Save it," Sophia spat, her voice venomous. "You're just jealous that I was able to snatch him, aren't you?" Sophia sneered, her eyes glinting with triumph. Ashley's face flushed with anger. "I'm not jealous of you, Sophia. And I don't know what you're talking about," Ashley said, trying to keep her cool. Sophia's eyes flashed with anger. "Don't play dumb with me, Ashley. I know you've been wanting him for yourself. But you'll never have him. He's mine now," Sophia said, her voice dripping with malice. Ashley's eyes locked onto Sophia's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air was thick with tension. "Look, Sophia, I don't know what your problem is, but I don't want to talk to you anymore. Can we just please leave each other alone?" Ashley asked, her voice firm. Sophia's eyes narrowed. "You're just mad because you lost him to me. But you'll get over it," Sophia said, her voice dripping with malice. Ashley couldn't take it anymore. She needed to get out of there, away from Sophia's venomous words and the crowded ballroom. She pushed her way through the throngs of people, desperate for some fresh air and a moment alone. Finally, she burst through the doors and out into the cool night air. She didn't stop running until she reached a secluded spot behind the building, where she collapsed onto a bench, tears streaming down her face. Rachel found her there a few minutes later, concern etched on her face. "Ashley, what's wrong?" Rachel asked, rushing to her side. Ashley sobbed, unable to speak. Rachel wrapped her arms around her, holding her close as she cried. "It's okay, Ash. Whatever it is, I'm here for you," Rachel whispered, her voice soothing. After a few minutes, Ashley's sobs began to subside. She pulled back, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm so sorry, Rach. I just...I don't know, it just feels like everything is falling apart," Ashley said, her voice shaking. Rachel nodded, handing Ashley a tissue. "Here, blow your nose. And then we'll talk about what's going on." Ashley blew her nose, feeling a little better. "Thanks, Rach. I think I just need some water. Do you think you could go get me some?" Ashley asked, feeling parched. Rachel nodded, standing up. "Of course, I'll be right back." As Rachel walked away, Ashley heard a voice behind her. "What are you doing out here all alone?" the voice asked. Ashley turned to see Ryan standing behind her, a look of concern on his face. Ashley's eyes widened in shock as she took in Ryan's concerned expression. But her shock quickly turned to anger, and she let out a loud scream. "Stay away from me, Ryan! Just leave me alone!" Ashley shouted, her voice echoing through the empty corridor. Ryan took a step back, looking taken aback by Ashley's outburst. "Ashley, what's wrong? What's going on?" he asked, trying to calm her down. But Ashley just shook her head, her eyes blazing with anger. "You don't know? You don't know? Of course, you don't know! You're too busy playing games with people's lives to care about anyone but yourself!" Ashley spat, her words dripping with venom. Ryan's face fell, and he looked like he'd been punched in the gut. "Ashley, that's not fair," he said, his voice low and even. But Ashley just laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Fair? You want to talk about fair? You have no idea what fair is, Ryan. You've never had to deal with the consequences of your actions. You've never had to feel the pain and the hurt that you cause. But I have, Ryan. I have, and I'm sick of it!" Ashley shouted, her voice echoing off the walls. And with that, Ashley turned and ran, leaving Ryan standing alone in the corridor, looking stunned and confused.