LILY'S POV
Three days had passed since Caleb's unexpected visit. In those three days, I had barely allowed myself to think about the gala. My mind was still tangled in the aftermath of everything that had happened between me, Damien, and Caleb. It had been impossible to forget what I had seen in Damien's office—Samantha laid out before him, and the raw, broken trust that had shattered when I walked in on that. Yet, somehow, I managed to push it all to the back of my mind for now.
The dress arrived this morning—a royal blue shimmering piece that I hadn't expected. It was stunning and unapologetically sexy, a piece of fabric that hugged every curve in a way that felt like it was made for a woman who wasn't afraid to stand out. And that was exactly what I needed to feel tonight: confidence and power.
Standing in front of the mirror, my reflection stared back at me, transformed by the dress. The royal blue was mesmerizing, the fabric catching the light with every subtle movement. It made me feel beautiful, desirable—feelings I hadn't allowed myself to feel in a long time. The plunging neckline, the way it clung to my waist, the daring slit that ran up my leg—it was everything I needed to remind myself of my worth.
The note from Caleb lay on the dresser, its words simple yet commanding.
"I will pick you up at 6 p.m. sharp. Hope you like the dress."
I let out a small sigh and placed the note back down, ignoring the flutter of nerves in my stomach. Despite everything, there was something undeniable about the tension between Caleb and me. This gala wasn't just about dressing up or making an appearance; it was about confronting the truth. What had happened, what had been broken, and what could never be reclaimed.
I had agreed to come, but I wasn't entirely sure what I hoped to find tonight. Closure, maybe. Or perhaps just clarity—a chance to leave behind the confusion that had tethered me to the past.
The doorbell rang at exactly 6 p.m., pulling me from my thoughts.
Caleb.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my clutch and headed for the door. When I opened it, Caleb stood there, his confident smile tempered by something softer, more vulnerable. His eyes swept over me, and for a moment, he looked utterly disarmed.
"You look…" His voice dropped, his words almost reverent. "You look incredible."
Despite myself, I smiled. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."
He laughed softly, stepping closer but not overstepping. His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he extended his arm. "Shall we?"
Nodding, I slipped my arm through his. The evening was cool, the crisp air brushing against my skin as we walked to the sleek black car waiting at the curb. For a fleeting moment, it all felt normal again—like the chaos of the past few months had been nothing more than a bad dream.
We arrived at the gala in style. The venue was stunning, a sprawling ballroom bathed in golden light from glittering chandeliers. The politicians, celebrities and the jighee echelon were here, their laughter and champagne-fueled whispers filling the air. As we walked through the grand entrance, all eyes turned toward us. I could feel their gazes—assessing, curious, some even envious. But I stood tall, refusing to let the weight of their scrutiny affect me.
Caleb rested his hand lightly on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. The touch was familiar but not invasive, like a quiet reminder that I wasn't alone. The buzz of conversation followed us, but I tuned it out. I wasn't here for them. I was here for myself.
Something in the room shifted as soon as we entered the main hall. The air grew heavier, charged with tension I couldn't quite place.
Caleb scanned the crowd, his jaw tightening slightly. "Everything okay?" I asked, sensing the change in his demeanor.
He hesitated before answering. "Just… keeping an eye out. There's someone here I didn't expect to see."
Before I could ask who, the answer came to me in the form of a familiar presence. My breath caught as I turned instinctively, my body reacting before my mind could process.
And there he was. Damien.
Standing at the far side of the room, Samantha Reed at his side, her arm looped possessively through his. He looked every inch the powerful man he always was—impeccably dressed, his sharp features unreadable. But it wasn't his appearance that made my heart drop. It was the way he was looking at me.
His dark, intense gaze locked onto mine, and in that moment, the entire room seemed to disappear. There was a storm in his eyes—jealousy, anger, and something even darker.
Lust.
His gaze raked over my body shamelessly.
Damien didn't move, but the energy radiating from him was suffocating. Samantha leaned closer to him, a knowing smile on her perfectly painted lips as she glanced at me. They looked like the picture of perfection, like everything I had once believed Damien and I could have been.
I couldn't let myself falter. Not tonight.
"Don't let him get to you," Caleb said softly, his hand on my back steadying me.
I nodded, breaking the invisible tether Damien seemed to have over me. I wasn't the woman who had once crumbled under his touch or his betrayal. I had risen from the ashes of our shattered relationship, and I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of thinking otherwise.
"Let's get a drink," I said, my voice steady as I turned away from Damien without so much as a glance back.
Caleb led me to the bar, his presence an anchor amidst the swirling chaos. But even as we moved away, I could feel Damien's eyes on me like a tangible weight. He didn't follow, didn't speak, but his silence was louder than any words could have been.
At the bar, Caleb ordered drinks, his hand still resting protectively on the small of my back.
"Thank you," I said quietly, meeting Caleb's eyes. "I don't need to look back anymore. Not at Damien. Not at what could have been."
Caleb's expression softened, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I hope you can forgive me, Lily. I know I don't deserve it. But just remember this: I'll always pick you. No matter what. Even though I did what I did." He paused, his voice lowering. "Damien… he'll always pick Samantha. She was his first love. But you, Lily? You're mine."
His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. And i couldn't help but look at him with shock. Did he really nean it? And did it matter anymore?
I didn't know if it changed anything for me, but in that moment, I realized something important.
I was free. Free from Damien, free from the mistakes of my past, and free to move forward on my own terms.