[The Charity Gala]
The garden pavilion glowed under a canopy of warm golden lights. The air hummed with polite laughter, the clinking of champagne glasses and the rustle of gowns sweeping over marble floors. Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, reflecting off the soft ivory drapes and the fresh white roses that adorned every table.
The event had only just begun but the space was already filling with the city's most influential faces, business tycoons, socialites and their equally polished spouses, all smiling too widely and speaking too sweetly.
Outside, luxury cars began pulling into the circular driveway one after another.
The first to arrive was Olivia Reid, looking radiant, poised and perfectly aware of the heads turning as she entered.
Her gown was a masterpiece of silver satin that clung to her body just enough to draw attention. It had a daring neckline and its back was nearly bare and her diamond earrings grazed her shoulders, catching every flicker of light.
