Chapter 5 Out of the shadows

VANESSA

Richard keeps his word. His chauffeur arrives exactly on time to pick me up. I spend the evening getting ready at Cassie's house, not my cramped apartment. There's no way I'm letting Richard see where I live. If he knew, he might judge me, and tonight, everything needs to be perfect.

The icy January air bites at my cheeks as I step out of the sleek black car. The sharp click of my stilettos echoes against the pavement in deliberate beats. I clutch my coat tighter around me, shielding the emerald silk of my dress from the wind that threatens to unravel me.

Ahead, the building glows like something out of a dream. Tall, arched windows spill warm light into the night, offering glimpses of an elegant crowd inside. Glittering gowns and tailored suits mingle in laughter, champagne glasses shimmering in their hands. My stomach tightens. This is their world-not mine-but I walk toward it as if I belong.

A valet steps forward, extending his hand as I climb the steps. I force a polite smile, handing over my coat even as my heart pounds in my chest. The warmth inside wraps around me the moment I step through the doors. I pause briefly, taking it all in.

The room dazzles. Chandeliers cast a golden glow over everything. The air hums with laughter and conversation, the scent of fresh flowers mingling with expensive perfume. My dress shimmers faintly under the soft light, hugging my body in all the right ways. As I move further inside, I feel the weight of people's gazes. Heads turn. Whispers follow me like shadows. I'm being seen, and the attention is both thrilling and terrifying.

I scan the room, searching for Richard. My heart beats faster when I finally spot him. He's standing near the centre of the room, tall and confident, his laugh easy and warm. Beside him is a blonde woman who looks like she stepped out of a magazine. Her sharp features and effortless charm mirror his. That must be Vivian, his sister.

I steady my breathing and walk toward him, the soft click of my heels the only sound I focus on. "Hi, Richie," I say, my voice smooth despite the nerves twisting inside me like a coiled spring.

Richard turns, and for a moment, he just stares. His eyes widen as if he's seeing me for the first time. "Jane," he breathes, his voice filled with awe. "You look... breathtaking."

"Thank you," I reply, a shy smile tugging at my lips as warmth creeps into my cheeks.

The blonde's eyes light up as she smiles at me. "And who is this?" she asks, her voice warm and curious.

Richard's expression softens as he gestures toward me. "Vivian, meet Jane-my date. Jane, this is my sister Vivian. She's the real star of the night."

Vivian laughs, brushing him off with a wave of her hand. "Don't listen to him. It's so nice to meet you, Jane."

"The pleasure's mine," I say, matching her bright energy as best as I can.

"You're stunning," she says, her gaze sweeping over me with clear appreciation.

"And you're gorgeous," I replied, surprising myself with how easily the words came out.

Vivian grins and leans in toward Richard, whispering something that makes him chuckle softly. Then, with a playful wave, she drifts off into the crowd.

Richard's hand slides gently to my waist as he guides me toward a table near the front. His touch is warm, grounding me. We sit, and conversation flows effortlessly. We talk about the decorations, the crowd, and even how his daughter Amber was disappointed she couldn't attend her aunt's party. For the first time tonight, I feel relaxed.

But then, a voice cuts through the hum of the room behind me.

"Well, there you are," the voice says, smooth and all too familiar.

My stomach drops like a stone. I don't need to turn around to know who it is.

It's Dave.

Of all people, it had to be him.

I turn slowly, forcing a polite smile even as my pulse pounds in my ears. Dave looks as sharp as ever in a tailored suit, his charm polished to perfection. But I know better than to trust it. His smile is dangerous, hiding knives behind its charm.

"Dave!" Richard says warmly, standing to greet him. "Join us!"

Dave steps forward, pulling out a chair beside Richard. His eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, his confident smile falters. He stares, unblinking, his expression unreadable. My pulse quickens, and I look away, pretending not to notice.

"Dave, meet Jane," Richard says, still smiling. "Jane, this is my cousin, Dave."

Dave's gaze sharpens. "Jane?" he says, his tone heavy with disbelief, as though the name itself is a question.

"Do you know each other?" Richard asks.

"No," I say quickly, lying through my teeth. My voice is louder than I mean it to be. "We've never met."

Dave blinks, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he remains quiet.

My hands feel clammy, and I wipe them discreetly against my dress. Summoning every ounce of composure, I extend my hand and smile. "Nice to meet you, Dave," I say, my voice steady even though I feel like I might shatter.

Dave hesitates, his gaze boring into mine. Finally, he takes my hand, his grip firm. "Nice to meet you, Jane," he says, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he emphasises my name.

Before I can respond, a waiter appears with a tray of champagne. Grateful for the distraction, I grab a glass and take a long sip. The bubbles fizz against my tongue but do little to calm my nerves. At least it gives me something to focus on besides the weight of Dave's stare.

Richard, oblivious to the tension, leans closer and compliments me again, his voice gentle and kind. But I can barely hear him. All I can feel is Dave's gaze burning into me, peeling back every layer I've carefully put on tonight.

"Jane, are you okay?" Richard asks with concern etched on his face. "You look a little pale."

I force a weak smile. "I'm fine," I say quickly, though the words feel hollow. "I think I just need a moment."

Before he can respond, I excuse myself and hurry toward the restroom, my hands trembling as I push open the door. I grip the edge of the sink and stare at my reflection in the mirror.

Why would that cheating, lying bastard show up here, dragging my past out of the shadows?

This night is not going to be easy. But no matter what happens, I can't let my real identity catch up to me-not tonight. Not ever.