Chapter 5 Rippling laughter

Laughter, clinking glasses and the quiet murmur of pending business transactions filled the ballroom as we got in. Everything was perfect tonight.

The polished floors were bathed in a gentle golden glow from the large chandeliers above and the whole space was glistening with luxury thanks to the tasteful décor.

I had every right to be here as a distinguished guest. It wasn't just about the event though tonight. Seth was at the center as well as Chloe. I watched the people mingle as I stood by the window enjoying the cool breeze.

I ran my finger along the rim of my glass, the champagne within glistened as I thought about the lies I was about to reveal.

I had been planning for five years and waiting for this night to finally have my reckoning. Just a few paces separated me from the man I had once loved and who had deceived me.

This time though Seth would come to regret ever believing he could shatter me. I had created the ideal strategy. Every component was in its proper place. I was strong and in control. I had all I needed to show him what he had lost. He would never be able to get it back.

"Madame Selene." someone said as I was thinking.

It was Claire, my assistant.

I thought I could feel the change in the air when I first saw them. Seth. He had not yet seen me. With his back to me, I observed him conversing with a group of investors. He had remained largely unchanged with the same angular jawline and self-assured stance that catered to women.

However, there was a change. A crease in this place. He had a little gray in his hair. I assumed age. It worked for him. However it was Chloe who first noticed me. Her gaze swept the room as she stood next to Seth. She stopped as soon as she saw me. When her mouth opened slightly it seemed as though time had stopped.

She was staring at me with wide eyes and blinking a couple of times as though she was trying to convince herself that she was seeing things. She remained unchanged. flawless hair ,ideal cosmetics, ideal smile. Nevertheless she was unable to conceal her nervousness. And I knew right then. I was recognized by her.

The woman she once attempted to destroy. This woman was weak enough to allow Seth to escape. I moved slowly and deliberately forward making sure that every step was well-thought-out. I didn't want to let them witness my inability to succeed. Now I was in charge.

Chloe looked at me sharply and accusingly as I walked up to them. She didn't however speak right away. Trying to make sense of what she was seeing she just stood there motionless like a statue. There was a brief moment of recognition in Seth's eyes as he turned.

This surprised him. I allowed the sweetness of my smile to break through the tension in the room.

"Seth," I uttered in a steady, fluid voice. "Chloe..."

Although the words came easily to me I could feel a weight bearing down on them both.

As though he were trying to speak, Seth's lips parted and his eyes slightly narrowed. He simply shut his mouth after that as if the words had died before they could be spoken.

Chloe finally said in a slightly too high pitched voice as she forced a smile." It's been a while."

I slowly nodded without bothering to smile back at her. "Yes. A very long time."

While the three of us stood in the center of the ballroom like statues there was a brief period of silence. I could feel the weight of everything-five years of betrayal, lies and heartbreak-pressing down on me as people passed by unaware of the drama that was playing out.

Seth's hand automatically reached for his glass as he cleared his throat but he never actually drank.

His tone was reserved, almost cautious as he remarked "You look different Selene."

I had to control myself to keep from laughing bitterly. At first he didn't even recognize me. "Different?" My blood boiled at the mere thought but I maintained my composure and a neutral expression. With my eyes meeting his I said "I've changed. Time affects people in that way."

Seth's mouth clenched. "I didn't mean-"

With a voice like a blade slicing through the air I interrupted "I understand what you meant. Seth, I've changed since you left me."

His eyes briefly strayed to Chloe before returning to me.

I thought for a moment that he might apologize as his eyes seemed to soften. I was on the verge of believing he would acknowledge his actions. But no. Seth wasn't that person. He would always deny the suffering he inflicted. As she moved closer and stared at me with a poisonous gleam Chloe's smile wavered.

She said "It's funny isn't it?" in a mockingly sweet voice. "You always believed that you were the escapee. But now look at you. Do you believe that you are superior to me?"

I maintained a steady pulse and steady eyes. "Better than you?" I tilted my head in question.

"No Chloe. Simply put, I'm better than I was." The cracks in her armor were visible to me but her eyes flared with annoyance. She was vulnerable and I saw that for the first time.

Seth shifted uneasily, his face now tense. He did not however attempt to diffuse the situation or move.

Perhaps he understood that there was no turning back now. It's possible that he was aware that I wasn't the same woman who had pleaded for his attention. The woman who was devastated by his treachery.

As she moved closer Chloe spat "You've been playing this game for five years haven't you? Waiting for the ideal opportunity to arrive and make us undo everything."

Slowly and strategically I grinned. "No regret. Simply keep that in mind. Because what you did will always be remembered by both of you."

The atmosphere grew tense, roiling with unresolved resentment, anger and a desire for revenge.

I had spent so much time preparing for this moment and now that it had arrived I could feel the satisfaction rising within me. The beginning had just begun.

Even though the night continued, I had already won.