Chapter 4 The Gala

Eloise

My phone buzzed incessantly on the nightstand, I groaned, my eyes still heavy with sleep. The dim light of the morning filtered through the curtains, but I didn't want to get up-not yet.

With a reluctant sigh, I reached for my phone and looked at the screen. Ava's name flashed on the display, and my heart dropped into my stomach for a brief moment.

"Ava, it's barely seven in the morning," I mumbled, pressing the phone to my ear. "This better be important."

"Good morning to you too," Ava's voice came through with her usual cheerfulness, unfazed by the early hour. "I know you're probably still in bed, but get up, girl! The gala is tonight! You can't miss it again, not like last year!"

I rolled over, pulling the covers up over my head to block out the light. I could already hear the excitement in her voice.

"Ugh, I know, I know. I just need a little more sleep. The whole thing gives me the heebie-jeebies."

Ava laughed on the other end.

"Please. You've been cooped up in that apartment for days. You're going to need more than a little beauty sleep to deal with it. Plus, I know you're secretly dying to look amazing and show Lucian that you're fine without him." She said,

My heart fluttered at the mention of Lucian's name. It had been a while since I saw him and I wasn't sure I was ready for it- the rumours that would come with it. He would be at the gala-he always was. And so would Jennifer.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," I muttered, sitting up on the edge of the bed and running a hand through my messy hair. "But just the thought of facing them again... I don't know if I can handle it."

Ava's voice softened.

"I know, Eloise. It's been rough, but you can't keep hiding from him. This is your chance to show that you're moving on, and you're better than that old life with him."

I paused, taking a deep breath. I had been avoiding Lucian for weeks, but now, it was time to face the inevitable. Ava was right. I shouldn't be the one hiding.

"Alright, alright. I'll go. But I swear, if I see Jennifer there, I might lose it."

Ava chuckled.

"Trust me, she's going to be there. But you won't let her get to you. You're going to look so good, like you've always do"

I totally agree I shouldn't be worried about them now but myself.

"Alright, fine. What time should I be ready?"

"Let's aim for 6:30. We'll leave early so we don't miss the main event this time. We'll have plenty of time to make an entrance'

I could practically hear Ava's grin through the phone. "Fine. You're the boss. I'll be ready." I replied.

"Good," Ava said, her voice light. "Now get up, Eloise. You've got a party to rock tonight."

"Alright, alright. I'm up. I'll see you at 6:30." I said, smiling.

"Can't wait," Ava said, and hung up.

I sat in bed for a few more moments, staring at my phone. I took a deep breath.

It was inevitable. I could already feel the old emotions rising-anger, betrayal and immediately I buried it.

¤¤¤¤¤

The evening air was cool as I stepped out of the car, the lights of the gala reflecting wealth and prestige.

My heels clicked against the marble floor as I entered, it was every bit as glamorous as I had expected-shimmering gowns, tuxedos, and the scent of expensive perfume lingering.

Ava, as always, was beside me, dressed to perfection in a sleek black gown, her arm linked with me as we made a grand entrance.

"You look stunning," Ava whispered, eyes scanning the room. "Lucian's already here, of course. And Jennifer's not far behind, I'm sure."

I nodded, my nerves creeping up my spine. The thought of seeing Lucian after everything that had happened made my insides twist. But i had to keep my composure.

"Don't let them get to you," Ava added, catching my gaze. "You look amazing. They'll be the ones wishing they had what you've got now."

I forced a smile, but I couldn't shake the feeling of Lucian's presence looming over the event- the headlines.

As I made my way through the crowd, my eyes scanned the room as elegant as ever, when I suddenly locked eyes with a man across the room.

His presence was commanding, I felt my heart skip a beat.

As if on cue, he began walking toward me, his gaze fixed on mine.

"Eloise True, isn't it?" His voice was deep, smooth, and slightly amused. "I have to say, You surprised me"

"Eloise Sinclair" I corrected him. I'm divorced now. I do not have to bear Lucian's last name now.

I blinked, unsure whether to be flattered or alarmed. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

He smiled-slightly teasing, but with an air of confidence that was impossible to ignore. " Yes you do, have you forgotten?"

I raised an eyebrow, trying to mask the intrigue I felt. He looked familiar but I can't seem to remember where I knew him from.

"Oh wow really? Mind to remind me?" I asked, my tone soft.

My heart raced as the man before me leaned in, his eyes catching mine with a spark of recognition.

"Sure! Since you can't seem to remember," he replied, chuckling. My lips parted, surprised at the directness of his words. He seemed amused, his confidence unnerving.

"We met at a club two days ago, remember? It's me, Mike," he said, his voice smooth and flattering, as if he already knew he'd left an impression.

My cheeks flushed, mortified. Wait Mike? Mike?

I felt my pulse quicken under his intense gaze, and I struggled to remember him. I could feel my cheeks warm as I mumbled.

"Of course, I remember..."

But his gaze lingered, piercing through my excuse.

"Do you?" he asked, a dark gleam in his eyes that made my stomach twist.

There was a confident calmness about him that I couldn't place, like he knew something I didn't.

Before I could reply, a familiar voice chimed in beside me.

"Eloise! There you are," Ava interrupted, breaking the tension. She held up her phone. "Could you take some photos for me? The lighting here is perfect."

"Sure," I managed, relieved for the distraction.

I took her phone and positioned the camera. But Ava's gaze drifted past me, her eyes narrowing in recognition as she spotted Mike.

"Oh, hey! Weren't you the one at the club with Eloise two days ago?" Ava asked, her voice filled with casual surprise.

My heart skipped a beat. Ava's words brought a flood of scattered memories, fragments of that night flashing before me. The laughter, the thrill, his hand on mine.

Mike? He was that Mike!

My pulse quickened as the pieces came together.

He tilted his head, an amused smirk crossing his face as he watched the realization dawn on me. "Finally remembering, are we?"