Karen held her breath as she walked back into the ballroom. The moment she crossed the threshold, the shift in atmosphere hit her like cold air. Conversations dipped, eyes turned, smiles stiffened.
The balcony incident hadn't stayed secret for long.
She gripped her clutch tighter and headed toward the refreshment table, trying to act like nothing had happened. She could feel it, jealousy trailing behind her like a scent.
"Cute dress," a voice chirped beside her. Karen turned.
Marissa,(HR queen), perfect hair, perfect smirk.
"Though I didn't realize administrative staff had access to Armani."
Karen's lips tightened. "It's Zara."
"Oh," Marissa said with mock surprise. "Well… looks expensive. Especially for your position" sha added sarcastically
Before Karen could answer, a sharp splash of cold wine soaked through her dress.
Gasps.
"Oh my God! I am so clumsy!" Marissa held an empty glass, her hand covering her mouth in exaggerated horror.
"Red wine! On your light dress! I'm so sorry!"
Karen stood frozen, heart pounding as the fabric clung to her skin, stained deep burgundy.
A familiar voice cut through the crowd like a blade.
"Is there a reason you're harassing my employee?"
Alex.
Karen turned and saw him striding toward them, black suit sharp as sin, eyes cold as death. A hush fell, conversations paused.
Marissa swallowed. "It...it was an accident"
"Was it?" he asked, calmly, too calmly. "Because I watched you walk across the room, you aimed for her."
Marissa's mouth opened and closed. "I didn't..."
Alex didn't bother with her. He removed his blazer and stepped right up to Karen, ignoring every stunned face in the room. Gently, he draped the jacket over her shoulders, shielding the soaked fabric from view.
"Go to the restroom," he murmured, just for her. "I'll send someone to help you."
Karen's throat tightened. She nodded quickly and walked off, heat rising in her chest not just from embarrassment, but from the way his tone had changed. Protective. Gentle.
Unlike the cold Alex everyone else saw.
As she disappeared down the hall, whispers exploded behind her.
Later That Evening…
Karen returned to the ballroom in a black shawl someone had found for her, only to freeze halfway into the room.
Standing next to Alex now was a tall, sharp-featured woman in a velvet wine-red gown. Her presence was loud, deliberate. She leaned into Alex like she belonged at his side.
Her hand grazed his chest.
Karen's jaw clenched.
"Alex," the woman said, with a voice like silk and poison.
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your staff?"
Alex glanced at Karen. His expression changed, darkened and before the woman could blink, he walked away from her. Straight to Karen.
He stopped in front of her, ignoring the room, ignoring the woman still watching.
"This is Karen," he said clearly, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. "She's with me tonight."
The woman behind him stiffened. Karen blinked.
With me tonight?
Alex didn't explain. He just turned and offered his hand. "Let's dance."
Karen hesitated… then slowly reached out and took it.
As they walked to the center of the ballroom, all Karen could hear was the roar of blood in her ears and the quiet envy burning into her back.