The ballroom buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, the champagne flowing like golden rivers as the engagement celebration carried on. Elena and Alex made their rounds, stopping at tables, exchanging smiles and pleasantries with the endless parade of well wishers. Every so often, Alex would lean close to whisper something only she could hear, his lips brushing her ear, his words soft enough to make her giggle in spite of the formality of the night.
It was perfect…..almost.
"Elena, Alex." A smooth, feminine voice slid between them like silk.
They turned to find Mia Curts gliding toward them, her crimson gown hugging her body with calculated precision. The diamonds at her throat caught the light with every deliberate step she took. Her smile was the picture of grace, her eyes bright as though she were just another guest thrilled for their union. But there was something in the way her gaze lingered on Alex; a heat, a silent claim , that Elena noticed instantly.
"Congratulations," Mia purred, extending her hand toward Alex. Her fingers lingered a fraction longer than necessary as he shook it, her body tilting ever so slightly forward, brushing against his arm. Her smile curved into something almost… intimate.
Alex, ever the gentleman, kept his expression neutral, but Elena caught the subtle stiffening of his posture. Before he could respond, Elena's lips parted, a sharp edge hidden beneath her soft voice.
"Thank you, Mia," she said, tilting her head with a polite smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I hadn't realized congratulations came with body language lessons."
A ripple of laughter burst from the nearby guests who caught the remark. Mia's cheeks flushed crimson, her carefully composed mask cracking for the briefest moment. She tried to laugh it off, brushing her hair back with a casual flick. "Oh, Elena, you've always had such a sharp wit."
"Yes," Elena replied sweetly, her arm sliding possessively through Alex's, "and a sharper eye". A silent tension was slowly building up between the two women that have been competing for everything their whole lives. But it was abruptly dismissed in order not to embarrass oneself any further.
Alex pressed his lips together, clearly amused but wisely choosing silence. Mia, however, faltered, her smile stiff as whispers flitted through the onlookers. For the first time that evening, the flawless heiress of the Curts family looked rattled.
Elena basked in her small victory, her chest lifting with pride. She caught Alex's eye and winked; he gave the faintest shake of his head, half chiding, half admiring.
The night wore on with more toasts, more music, and more laughter. Eventually, the orchestra softened to a gentle waltz, and couples drifted onto the dance floor. Elena and Alex moved among them, her hand nestled in his, her gown sweeping gracefully as he guided her.
For a moment, they were alone in their own world.
"Can you believe this?" Elena whispered, her eyes shining up at him. "It feels like a dream. And yet, this is only the engagement."
"The wedding will be even more perfect," Alex promised, his voice low, steady, and sure.
"You think so?"
"I know so. Because I'll have you at my side. That's all that matters."
Her heart fluttered. "You're far too good with words."
He smirked. "Only with you."
Elena leaned in closer, her head against his chest as they turned with the music. "I want it to be simple, Alex. Not too extravagant. I don't care about the show, I care about us."
"Then simple it will be," he murmured. "Though I suspect our families may have other plans."
She laughed softly. "Let them. As long as we walk away husband and wife, I'll be happy."
Alex tightened his hold on her, his lips brushing against her temple. "Then happy you will be."
Their steps slowed, and their eyes met. For a heartbeat, the music faded, the chatter dimmed, and the only sound was the steady rhythm of their hearts. Alex bent his head, and Elena rose onto her toes, their lips meeting in a kiss that was tender, unhurried, and full of promise.
The orchestra swelled behind them, but neither noticed. For them, the world had narrowed to just this moment, this kiss.
When the last song faded and the final champagne flute was drained, the party began to dwindle. Guests trickled out to their waiting luxury cars. Maxwell Grayson shook hands with Dennis Stone, sealing with words what their children's union had already promised.
"I'm so glad that those two are a perfect match," Maxwell thought aloud. "It seems like the fate and the future of our empire is going to be safe."
"I agree with you my friend. Though it seems like there is a certain female that isn't quite happy with this improvement," Dennis replied. "But she'll get over it and make peace with it. Alex was never going to choose Mia,it was always Elena right from the very start. Let's hope she doesn't do anything she'll regret"
As Elena and Alex made their way toward the exit, deciding that they were going to call it a night before any other person got the chance to hound them. Alex's mother, Linda Stone, sidled up beside them. Her lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with humor.
"Well," she said, eyeing the way Alex's hand rested at the small of Elena's back, "you two look rather… cozy tonight. Good thing the wedding isn't far off, or I'd worry we'd have to rush things."
"Mother!" Alex's ears flushed scarlet.
Elena nearly choked on her laughter, her cheeks burning. Linda's mischievous grin widened. "I'm only saying, dear. But don't mind me. Carry on, pretend I said nothing." She waved her hand dismissively, though the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her amusement.
"Well I'd like you to meet someone, Elena," Linda continued. "I don't have much information on her, just that she claims that she wishes to give you something rather valuable...so she claims."
Just then a woman who seemed to be in her late thirties presented herself. She was clad in a red dress that didn't look too fancy,but it piqued some interest, as it was covered in some rather… . uncommon stones and ornaments. "It's nice to finally talk to the both of you in person. You can call me Lexie"
"It's nice to meet you, Lexie," Alex replied with a gentle smile that seemed like he was trying to seduce all the girls in the hall. "I hear you have a gift for my fiancee. I urge to make it swift because she's getting quite exhausted already."
"Ohh right then, let me quickly get on with it". Just then, from her purse, Lexie brought out a black box with a gold plated design that gave out an ancient vibe for some reason. "The gift is a surprise, so don't open it until you've left for home," Lexie smiled.
"I'm guessing it's a necklace," Elena said "even though I already have a boat load of it,I'll gladly accept it". Lexie offered the box to Elena,said a few encouraging words for the couple,and left as quickly as she came.
Elena pressed her face against Alex's shoulder, muffling her giggles as they slipped quickly headed to their waiting car.
Their driver, Duke, a tall man with broad shoulders and a quiet demeanor, opened the door for them and offered a curt nod. "Congratulations, sir, ma'am."
"Thank you, Duke," Alex replied, guiding Elena inside before sliding in himself.
The door shut, muting the noise of the party. For the first time all evening, there was silence, just the low hum of the engine and the steady rhythm of the tires as Duke steered them away from the glittering hall.
Elena leaned against Alex's shoulder, sighing softly. "I can finally breathe."
"You were perfect tonight," Alex murmured, brushing a kiss across her hairline. "Even when you nearly set Mia on fire with that comment."
Elena's lips curved. "She had it coming."
Alex chuckled, his chest vibrating beneath her cheek. "You'll give my mother a run for her money."
"Good," Elena teased. "Somebody has to keep you men in line."
They laughed together, the warmth of the moment easing the tension of the night.
But as the car continued down the road, Elena frowned, peering out the window at the looming trees. The further they drove, the fewer lights remained, until the darkness seemed to swallow the car whole.
She shivered. "I don't like this road, Alex. It's too dark… too empty."
Before Alex could answer, Duke spoke from the front. "It's the shorter route, ma'am. The manor will be just ahead in about fifteen minutes. I thought it would be best to avoid the longer route tonight, considering the late hour."
Elena pursed her lips. "Still… it feels unsettling."
Alex squeezed her hand, his voice soothing. "Don't worry. I'm right here. Nothing will happen."
She turned her eyes back to him, her nerves easing under his steady gaze. "Promise?"
"Promise."
He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a kiss that was warm, grounding, and steady. She melted into him, her earlier unease slipping away, at least for the moment.
But outside, the night had grown heavier. The trees loomed taller, their branches casting skeletal shadows across the road. The silence was absolute, broken only by the tires rolling over the asphalt. Even the crickets had gone mute, as though the world itself held its breath.
Then Duke's voice cut through the silence, low and uncertain. "Sir… look."
The car slowed.
Up ahead, bathed in the cold glow of the headlights, lay a figure sprawled across the asphalt. A man.
His clothes were tattered, his arms seemed to be bent at unnatural angles. He was motionless, his face obscured by shadow, his skin pale beneath the stark white light.
Elena gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my God… is he….?"
Alex leaned forward, his jaw tightening. "Duke, stop the car."
The vehicle rolled to a halt, the hum of the engine replaced by an eerie silence. Outside, the man did not move. Not a twitch. Not a breath. The night pressed closer, the trees whispering in the breeze like conspirators.
Elena's pulse thundered in her ears. Something about the scene felt wrong. Too still. Too deliberate.
Her fingers tightened around Alex's hand. "Alex… I don't like this."
Neither did he. His eyes narrowed on the lifeless figure, his instincts prickling with unease.
The road was empty. Secluded. Silent. And yet, in the pit of their stomachs, they both felt it, the sense that this was no accident.
That this man was not what he seemed.