A Night That Changed Everything
The ballroom buzzed with life, the laughter and clinking glasses blending into a symphony of high society. Becky Turner lingered near the edge of the room, sipping a champagne flute she didn't particularly want. Her emerald-green dress hugged her figure perfectly, but the weight of her boss's gaze from across the room made her feel bare.
Ben Ratty, the powerful and distant CEO she worked for, stood among a cluster of influential guests. His sharp blue eyes scanned the room, landing on her for just a moment. Becky quickly looked away, her heart racing.
"You look like you'd rather be anywhere else," Julia, her best friend and plus-one, teased, nudging her gently.
"Probably because I would," Becky replied, forcing a smile. "This is more Ben's world, not mine."
Julia tilted her head, watching Ben. "Well, he doesn't seem to mind you being here. He's been staring at you all night."
Becky shook her head. "It's not like that. He's just... intense."
Before Julia could respond, a loud voice boomed across the room, interrupting the lively chatter.
"Ben Ratty! You think you can just ruin lives without consequences?"
Gasps filled the ballroom as a disheveled man staggered toward Ben. Security quickly moved to intercept him, but not before he pointed a shaky finger at the billionaire.
"You'll pay for what you've done!" the man yelled before being dragged out of the room.
Becky's stomach churned as she watched Ben's calm, unreadable expression. He adjusted his cufflinks and excused himself, heading toward the balcony.
"I'll be back," Becky murmured to Julia, her curiosity pulling her toward him.
The crisp night air greeted Becky as she stepped onto the balcony. Ben stood by the railing, his back to her, the city lights casting a glow around him.
"That was quite a scene," Becky said cautiously, breaking the silence.
Ben didn't turn around. "You shouldn't be here, Becky."
"You say that a lot," she replied, stepping closer. "But I'm here anyway."
He finally turned, his piercing eyes meeting hers. For a moment, neither spoke. The tension between them felt almost unbearable.
"You don't belong in this world," Ben said quietly, his voice softer than she'd ever heard it.
"I'm not sure you do either," Becky shot back, surprising herself.
His lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile before he stepped closer. "You're too bold for your own good."
"And you're too closed off for yours," she replied, her heart pounding.
Before she could think, Ben's hand brushed her cheek, and then his lips were on hers. The kiss was sudden and overwhelming, a rush of emotions that neither of them could control.
Becky froze at first, her mind racing, but then, without thinking, she kissed him back. The world around them seemed to disappear, and for that brief moment, it was just them tangled in a connection neither could deny.
When they pulled apart, Becky's breath came in short bursts, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Ben's face was inches from hers, his eyes dark with desire and something else regret?
"You shouldn't have done that," he murmured, his voice low, almost apologetic.
Becky swallowed hard. "You kissed me," she said, trying to catch her breath, but her words didn't feel right. What just happened?
Ben stepped back, looking away, clearly at war with himself. "I didn't mean for it to go that far."
A chill ran through Becky, and she nodded, stepping back. "Right. I... I should go."
They didn't speak as they left the party together. The elevator ride to Ben's private suite was charged with tension, every glance between them filled with unspoken desire.
Inside, the walls between them crumbled. Their connection was undeniable, their passion consuming. Hours later, Becky lay in his bed, her mind spinning with what had just happened.
But when she woke the next morning, the space beside her was empty. Her stomach sank.
She found it on the nightstand, written in Ben's neat handwriting.
"Last night shouldn't have happened. It was a mistake. Ben"
Becky stared at the note, her chest tightening. A mix of anger and humiliation flooded her. How could he be so cold?
Before she could fully process it, her phone buzzed with a message from Julia.
Julia: We need to talk. It's important.
Becky dressed quickly, shoving the note into her purse before leaving the suite. Her heart was heavy, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger.
Julia was waiting for her at a nearby café, her expression serious.
"What's going on?" Becky asked, sitting down.
Julia hesitated, then leaned in. "Becky, have you felt... different lately? Nauseous? Tired?"
Becky frowned. "What are you trying to say?"
"You need to take a pregnancy test," Julia said, her voice firm.
Becky's stomach dropped. Her mind raced back to the night before, and the implications of Julia's words hit her like a freight train.
She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "I...I need to go."
Julia reached for her hand. "Becky, whatever happens, you won't be alone in this."
Becky nodded, her thoughts a chaotic mess as she rushed out of the café.
Her life had already changed last night, but now it felt like it was about to be turned upside down.
Becky barely made it back to her apartment before the dizzying feeling returned. Her hands shook as she fumbled for the pregnancy test in the bathroom. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing.
What if Julia was right?
The test was in her hand, the results just a moment away. Her heart thudded in her chest as she stared at the window, her reflection staring back at her. What would she do if it was true? What would Ben say?
Before she could look at the test, her phone rang, the caller ID flashing "Ben Ratty."
Becky's breath caught in her throat. She hesitated, staring at the screen. What did he want now?