From my room, I could hear my parents' voices echoing in the study. The door was slightly ajar, and although they tried to keep their tone discreet, their words reached me clearly. They had been preparing for this night for weeks, and now, everything was about to come together.
"Did you confirm that the catering service has everything ready?" my mother asked, her tone warm but firm, demonstrating the attention to detail that always characterized her.
"Of course, Amelia," my father replied, his voice carrying a smile. "And I also made sure the presentation on the expansion plans is ready. This isn't just a patriotic celebration; it's an opportunity to secure investments."
"Of course it is," I thought as I leaned down to tie the sandals I had chosen for the evening. I had known for days that this gathering was going to be much more than a party. My parents owned the Sapphire Grove Hospital, and expanding it had been their dream for years. The guest list consisted of entrepreneurs, investors, and key figures in real estate and healthcare. Everything else—the decorations, the music, the lights—was just the wrapping.
I looked at myself in the mirror one last time, adjusting the dress I had picked. It was a deep blue that highlighted my blonde hair and light eyes. It wasn't that I wanted to impress anyone in particular, but I knew that tonight I would be surrounded by critical eyes. I always was.
"Lindsay, are you ready?" My mother's voice came from the hallway, soft yet carrying an air of urgency.
"Yes, almost," I replied, grabbing a pair of earrings from my dresser and quickly putting them on.
My mother appeared at the door, knocking before entering. Her gaze was kind, though scrutinizing, and when she looked me up and down, a gentle smile formed on her face.
"You look beautiful, sweetheart," she said sincerely. "I'm sure everything will go well tonight. Remember, many of the guests are important for the future of the hospital, but don't forget to enjoy yourself a little too."
"I know, Mom," I responded, feeling a bit less tense under her understanding gaze. Though I knew this night was crucial for them, my parents always tried to include me in their plans in a way that didn't feel forced.
"Perfect. Come down when you're ready. Your father and I will be waiting." She gave me one last smile before leaving the room.
When the door closed, I let out the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. This night was going to be long, but maybe not as bad as I had imagined.
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The drive to the hotel was brief, but the conversation in the car revolved mainly around the final details of the evening. We arrived at the Waldorf Astoria, where the lobby was impeccably decorated with flags, lights, and an atmosphere that blended patriotism with sophistication. As hosts, my parents had to be the first to arrive and greet the guests, while I had a bit more freedom to explore.
I slipped over to the snack table and grabbed one of the small canapés. The food was always exceptional at these gatherings, and though I preferred not to stand out, I enjoyed watching the room fill up with people. Some faces were familiar; others, not so much.
"Lindsay, are you also escaping the protocol?" The voice belonged to Charlotte, an acquaintance my age who was often present at these events. She wore an elegant red outfit that contrasted with her dark brown hair.
"Just taking a breather before the serious stuff begins," I replied with a light smile. Charlotte always seemed to know exactly what to say to break the ice.
"The serious stuff? More like the boring stuff," interrupted Alex, another acquaintance who joined us. He wore an impeccable suit, though his relaxed attitude suggested otherwise. "It's always the same: endless speeches and adults talking business. At least the food makes up for it."
"And the dessert," I added with a small laugh, feeling a bit more comfortable being with them.
"And how's everything going, Lindsay? It's been a while since I've seen you," Charlotte asked, her tone genuine as she took a sip from her glass of water.
"Good, I guess. My parents have been busy with the hospital expansion, and well, tonight is a big part of that. What about you?"
Charlotte sighed. "My parents are doing the same, negotiating this and that. Sometimes I wonder if they need a party to relax, not just to work."
Alex nodded, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Tell me about it. Although, to be honest, I think they enjoy this more than they admit. And you, Lindsay? Are you planning to dance after all the formality?"
"We'll see how the night goes," I replied with a smile, noticing how the room was beginning to fill with more guests. In the background, my parents were busy greeting key figures, but I was grateful to have Charlotte and Alex to distract me, at least for a while.
It was then that I noticed a man who had just entered the room. His elegant demeanor and serious gaze immediately caught my attention. By his side walked someone who seemed surprisingly familiar: Sack. He wore a dark suit that, though impeccable, contrasted with his usual bored and apathetic expression. I couldn't help but widen my eyes a little more than I intended. What was he doing here?
The last time I had seen him, he was working at the Adidas store in the mall, helping me pick out a pair of sneakers, and later at Starbucks with that outgoing guy. His casual and disinterested attitude had led me to assume he was just another ordinary, albeit handsome, guy. But now, standing next to that man who seemed important, Sack was a complete enigma.
"Lindsay?" Charlotte asked, noticing my distraction and looking in the same direction I was. "Oh, good eye. That guy looks cute."
"Not as cute as me, but I suppose he's okay," Alex chimed in while I remained lost in my thoughts.
"I'd go for him, but Lindsay saw him first," Charlotte shrugged.
"What? Don't say nonsense. I'm going to get some fresh air," I said, heading toward a balcony somewhat away from the crowd, hoping it had a good view.