The hall sparkled with soft lighting, casting a glow over the crowd gathered inside. Entering the room, Paula, dressed in a midnight blue satin gown with a backless style and long sleeves, radiated elegance.
With each step she took, the gown gently embraced her curves and the fabric cascaded to the floor in a gentle swirl. With her hair pulled back into a bun, her soft features and the lovely curve of her neck were highlighted.
As she made her entrance, whispers echoed through the crowd, and heads turned to catch a glimpse of the rising star.
Following her announcement that she would be the lead actress in Director David's newest movie, Paula found herself in the public eye and garnered a lot of attention, both online and offline.
"Get used to it, Paula. This is what you chose" She uttered to herself, building up her confidence.
Among the crowd, a group of ladies exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued by Paula's arrival. They murmured to each other, their voices hushed but full of curiosity.
Unbeknownst to them, Paula's heart fluttered with nervousness as she scanned the room, silently hoping to catch a glimpse of Drake.
Her prayers seemed to be answered as he appeared behind her, a smile lighting up his face as he greeted her.
"Hey, Paula. You look stunning," Drake exclaimed, his eyes alight with admiration.
"Thank you." Paula thanked him, a flush of pink blush spreading across her cheeks as she met his gaze with a mix of nervousness and excitement.
Taking her hand in his, Drake led Paula towards a distinguished couple who stood nearby, his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Steel, a middle-aged pair with a striking resemblance to their son, greeted Paula warmly as they were introduced.
"Hey, Mom, Dad. Meet my friend, Paula. The person I told you about," Drake said, his voice filled with pride.
Mrs. Steel's eyes twinkled as she appraised Paula, a warm smile gracing her lips. "You look even more stunning in person," she remarked, her words laced with genuine admiration. "Please, take care of him. Despite his years in the industry, he still has the mind of a child."
Paula chuckled at Mrs. Steel's jest, her laughter mingling with Drake's playful whine as he protested in mock offense.
"It's because I'm being spoiled by you" Drake whined, laughing in protest.
"Congratulations on your wedding anniversary" Paula uttered. "I apologize; I did not bring anything. I was informed late and didn't have time to prepare."
"It is okay, darling. We still have plenty of time in the future."
As the main event began, Drake had to attend to some business, leaving only Paula to sit in the private lounge, sipping the mocktail handed to her by a waiter.
A snort from behind her interrupted her as she was about to take another sip.
"Well, well, well" A voice came from behind her, causing her to turn her head.
Not terribly shocked to see the woman in black attire, Paula fixed her gaze on her. Considering that it was an event for high society, her presence was expected.
"You keep looking for opportunities to climb a ladder, Sister," Melissa said arrogantly, shoulders held high. "If you are not careful, you could end up with a broken leg soon."
She eyed Paula from head to toe, a look of disgust etched in her features.
"You could have simply left without saying anything," Paula chuckled as she took a sip of her beverage. She didn't even spare Melissa a glance. "However, since you have chosen to speak first, I might as well express my thoughts. I'm not as stupid as I used to be, Melissa. You bite me, I bite you back. Just consider this a warning cause my bite might cost you everything you've ever wished for."
Even though Paula didn't speak directly, Melissa understood what she meant. But what could Paula do anyway? She was just relying on her connection with David Alesso to get into the big circle.
Melissa laughed as though Paula had just cracked a joke. "Sister, exercise caution as well. I have already bit you once, and I promise it would hurt even more the second time."
With a faint smile on her face, Paula got up from her chair and set the cup down. "We would see about that, Miss Astor."
Given the way she pronounced the name, one might assume that she had no connection to it, even though, up until a few years ago, it came after her first name.
Paula adopted her mother's last name after leaving the city since she had nothing to do with the Astor Family.
As Paula walked away from the lounge, Melissa's voice rang out behind her, almost vulnerable.
"Paula," She called again. "Stay away from him."
Paula turned to her, a scoff escaping her lips. What the hell does Melissa take her for? "From Len?" Paula questioned, laughter coating her words. "I've moved from the past, Melissa. You all, including the Astor Family, have nothing to do with me."
Melissa wanted to retort but stopped when she saw Drake Steel behind Paula.
"It's time for the dance, Paula. You don't want to miss this" Drake pulled Paula's arm, his gaze fixated on her. He didn't even notice that another person was there.
"Shall we?" His lips curved into a smile as he extended his hand. Paula, with a smile also placed her hand on his before the two walked away while Melissa only stood there, cursing under her breath.
When Paula and Drake departed, Melissa noticed Len interacting with a group of people. With a sophisticated gait, she approached him after inhaling deeply.
"Hey, Len" She greeted, bowing her heads to the other people who bowed to her also.
Upon noticing that Melissa had already struck up a conversation with Len, the attendees moved on, getting set for the next ball activity.
Melissa has no intention of questioning Len about his disregard for her calls and messages for more than twenty-four hours. She just wanted to spend more time with the man she loves.
So instead of dwelling on what had happened, she stretched her hand forward. "Let's dance. You can't say no."
With gloomy and dark eyes, Len reluctantly put his hands on hers, not seeming overly happy to be there. It was very obvious that he wasn't in a good mood.
The rules of the dance were simple. As you dance and when the music changes, you switch partners. And in this type of event, it was assumed that the last person you danced with when the music stopped was your soulmate.
Although this logic was only intended for the couple of the day, Mr. and Mrs. Steel, who are celebrating 30 years of marriage, some of the couples in attendance took it seriously.
As the song began to play, Drake and Paula began to move to the rhythm, their steps matching their bodies.
"You are a good dancer" Drake praised, quite shocked at Paula's pace. "I hope we end up together when the music stops," he added jokingly.
Soon, the music changed, and Paula effortlessly landed in the arm of another man as they danced to the tune.
Paula, too, was having fun with the game and was speculating about who she would end up with when the music stopped.
The sixth time the music was changed, something unexpected occurred. Paula settled into Len's arm.
As his cold hands touched her waist, Paula's body went stiff. It was as if all of her blood had frozen.
This was not what she had anticipated at all, and all she could do was hope that the music would change soon.
"I didn't expect you to be here" Len whispered, drawing her closer to him. Keeping her waist firmly in place, he spun her around.
"You will be seeing me at more parties like this," Paula said, seeming unconcerned that her ex-husband was dancing with her.
But the truth was, a storm was roiling inside her. She just wanted the music to be changed so she could free herself.
However, at that point, the music stopped.
"Your soulmate is the person you danced with last!" The voice of the MC reverberated via the speakers. "I hope you live a happy life for the rest of your life if you truly end up with your soulmate."
Soulmate? Len Bertram?
Wriggling out of his arms, Paula could not help but scoff. It was just a game anyway. A very ridiculous game.