Elle stared back at her reflection in the mirror, smoothing down the elegant dress that had been dropped off by a delivery man a while ago. It hugged her body most perfectly, accentuating her curves.
She knew that this dress would surely get heads turning—even though the only person she wanted to notice her was Nicholas. Time was running out and she ought to have been on her way now but she kept being indecisive.
In less than 5 minutes, a limousine pulled up to her house and she stepped out, entering it to notice that Nicholas was there too. As usual, no pleasantries were exchanged between them. He only glanced at her, his eyes sweeping over her outfit for the night.
She looked nice, but he would never bring himself to say that. Especially not with the way she'd been acting up recently.
The ride to the Winter Gala was long and full of silence, with little to no conversation. Elle debated saying something, anything just to hear him talk to her, but she figured it wasn't the best idea and just kept silent.
Once they arrived at their destination, they both stepped out of the limousine, hand in hand. Like every other event, paparazzi stormed them with their flashing cameras and silly questions. Nicholas ignored them all swiftly pulling her into the venue with him.
She followed silently, descending down the enormous staircase. As they made their way into the midst of guests, all heads in the room turned to face them. Hushed whispers were coming from different corners of the room as they watched Nicholas and Elle make their appearance.
"I have a business to attend to, stay put." He whispered into her ear, before letting go of her hand and mixing with the crowd.
"Great. Now I'm alone." Elle scoffed, making her way to a vacant table to take a seat. Two women who had been eyeing her since she walked in moved towards the table, taking a seat across from her.
Elle was surprised but maintained her composure. She didn't really think that she'd have any reason to converse with anyone tonight.
"Elle, is it?" The eldest asked a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"Yes, that's me. Is anything the matter ma'am?" She asked, her brows knitting together as she glanced between the two middle-aged ladies sitting across her.
"No, not at all." The second spoke up, waving her hand in dismissal. "What we really want to know is if…"
She was cut off, by a clinking sound that filled the air. Almost immediately, Elle turned around to realize that it was Nicholas up on the stage, gently tapping a spoon on his glass cup to call everyone's attention.
"I'd like to thank everyone for showing up tonight. This couldn't be possible without your unwavering support." He started, his eyes glazing over the room.
"The Winter Gala serves as a perfect way to give back to the orphanages in partnership with Greg Co., and I hope we can hold more events like this over the years." He raised his glass high, "A toast?"
Guests followed, raising their glasses in the air and clinking them all around. It seemed like he was going to say much more, but Elle didn't stick around to wait because she had to use the restroom.
She quietly stood up from her seat, making her way to the toilet and easing herself. As she stood by the sink washing my hands, she heard footsteps coming her way. It wasn't the sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor—no, it sounded more like men's loafers barely making sounds.
She shut off the running tap, turning to see who would round the corner. It was a muscular man in a dark blue suit, he fashioned a buzzcut and a small mustache.
When he looked up to face Elle, memories flooded back into her mind. Memories that she'd tried so hard to forget, here they were. She'd never forget those heartless grey eyes. She yelped, backing up as her pulse quickened.
"W-what are you doing here, Derek?" She babbled, her heart racing as she tried to create enough distance between them.
"So, you thought you could run away from me, huh?" He smirked, pocketing his hands in his suit trousers as he stepped closer to her.
"Don't come anymore closer or I'll…I'll scream!" She threatened, her voice trembling, but her resolve unwavering. She had run away from him, only for him to fish her out again.
"You can scream all you want. It won't stop me from showing everyone who you really are." His voice dropped low and dangerous. Elle didn't know the next course of action to take. "Fuck…" She murmured, squeezing her eyes shut and bracing herself before she quickly ran past him and back out to where the guests were.
There was no way he'd come out and make a scene, right? Right.
However, she was wrong because he stormed out of the bathroom with his face contorted angrily. "You won't get away with this, Elle. Not as long as I have anything to say about it." He said loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear.
Guests were now facing them, confused about what all of the ruckus was about.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about." She tried to downplay the situation as he moved closer to her, "Yes you do! I'm going to tell the world about every single thing you've done. Both you and Greg Corporations will come crashing down, I promise!"
"What's going on here?" Nicholas interjected, making his way out of the crowd. Elle turned to him, "This man keeps bothering me, I don't know what he's talking about."
"Since you don't know me, you won't mind what I have to say." Derek retorted, getting ready to speak.
"You can't come into this venue and start constituting a nuisance. Where is the security?" Nicholas yelled angrily as he slithered his arm around Elle's waist.
Security guards came and took hold of Derek, "Sir, please come with us." Derek disobeyed, trying his best to twist out of their grip but to no avail.
What was he doing? She looked down at his arm in confusion.
"And to think I had good news to share tonight," Nicholas said as the crowd watched on.
"Huh?"
"What's he talking about?"
Murmurs of confusion were scattered around the room as everyone exchanged uneasy looks.
"Elle and I are getting married."