The grand ballroom of the Kingsley Hotel was filled with the hum of polite conversation, clinking glasses, and the subtle sound of live classical music. Kingsley Industries was hosting one of its biggest annual events, and the room was filled with partners, investors, and a select few of the company's talented employees. Despite his reluctance, Milo had found it impossible to turn down the invitation from Mr. Henry Kingsley himself.
As Milo entered, he scanned the luxurious room, awed by the golden chandeliers, tables set with exquisite floral arrangements, and the array of finely dressed guests. But he was also feeling a pang of nervousness, knowing he might see Victor tonight. He had been avoiding him all week, dodging calls and making excuses whenever Henry invited him over. Now, there was no escape.
Milo moved through the crowd, smiling and greeting a few familiar faces. He tried to relax, but his thoughts were scattered, his gaze flitting around the room as if he was searching for someone—and he was. When he finally spotted Victor across the room, his breath caught. Victor was talking with a group of business associates, looking as composed and captivating as ever in his dark suit. A warmth spread through Milo, making him remember the events of that night.
Before he could linger on the memory, Henry approached him, a friendly hand on Milo's shoulder. "Milo, I'm so glad you made it," Henry greeted warmly. "I've been meaning to introduce you to some important guests tonight. You're becoming quite an asset to us, you know."
Milo smiled, touched by Henry's fatherly kindness. "Thank you, Mr. Kingsley. I'm honored to be here."
Henry led him around the room, introducing him to influential figures who admired Milo's work, further putting Milo at ease. But just as he started to feel comfortable, he noticed a man approaching him—a tall, confident figure with a slightly smug expression. Milo recognized him from a previous event as Adrian Cole, a well-known entrepreneur with a reputation for being somewhat… intrusive.
"Hello, Milo," Adrian greeted, his smile a bit too self-assured. "Good to see you again. Kingsley's event wouldn't be the same without their rising star." His gaze lingered on Milo in a way that made him shift uncomfortably.
"Thank you, Adrian," Milo replied politely, trying to keep his tone neutral. But Adrian took a step closer, lowering his voice.
"You know, I've heard a lot about your work," he said smoothly. "It's rare to meet someone with such passion in a corporate setting. Makes me wonder what you're like outside of it…"
Milo felt his stomach twist with unease, glancing away. "I'm just here to work, Adrian. Excuse me."
But Adrian didn't take the hint, stepping closer and resting a hand on Milo's arm in a way that felt far too familiar. "Oh, come on, Milo. Don't be shy. I'm just trying to get to know you better."
From across the room, Victor's gaze hardened as he observed the exchange. Though he couldn't hear their conversation, he could see Milo's discomfort clearly. Without a second thought, Victor excused himself from his group and strode purposefully toward them.
"Milo," Victor's voice interrupted the uncomfortable conversation. His presence alone seemed to make Adrian step back, suddenly aware of who he was standing next to.
"Oh, Victor," Adrian said, quickly switching to a respectful tone. "I was just complimenting Milo on his work."
Victor's eyes were steely, barely glancing at Adrian. "Appreciate it, Adrian," he replied, his tone cold. "But I think Milo and I need a word."
Adrian nodded, sensing he was dismissed, and with a forced smile, he excused himself.
Once Adrian had left, Milo exhaled, his shoulders dropping as the tension eased. "Thank you," he said quietly, looking at Victor.
Victor's expression softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Milo's back. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, just… a little overwhelmed, I guess." Milo's gaze flicked downward, not wanting to meet Victor's eyes.
Victor took a breath, leaning in slightly. "I thought you were avoiding me," he said softly, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
Milo's heart skipped at the honesty in Victor's tone. "I… I wasn't avoiding you. I just—" He paused, struggling to find the right words. "I was just embarrassed, I suppose."
Victor's hand lingered on Milo's shoulder as he gave him a gentle, understanding look. "Well, you don't have to be. I don't regret that night." His words were calm but carried weight, and they stirred something in Milo's chest.
Milo looked up at Victor, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Really?"
Victor nodded, his gaze intense. "Really."
For a moment, the noise and movement around them faded as they held each other's gaze. Finally, Henry's voice cut through the moment, calling Victor over to greet an important client. Victor nodded to Milo, giving him a last, meaningful look before heading off to join his father.
Milo watched him go, feeling both relieved and strangely energized. Tonight had forced him to face what he was feeling, and maybe—just maybe—Victor felt the same way.
***