"We're going to be late if you keep staring at your reflection",Kylie groaned, leaning against the doorframe. "You look good already, Ava. I don't know why you're still there".
Ava glanced at her best friend through the mirror and smiled.
"I'm almost done. Just one last touch". She carefully applied a thin coat of gloss, admiring her reflection before putting the tube away.
At twenty-two, Ava was vibrant, confident,and effortlessly captivating.Her dark curls framed a face with warm brown skin,full lips,and almond shaped eyes that sparkled under the lights. Kylie,her best friend,was her opposite - striking blonde hair, heart shaped lips,and eyes full of curiosity. Together,they made heads turn without even trying.
As the two friends walked into the grand event center,the atmosphere shifted. The air seemed thicker,charged with whispers and stares that followed them like invisible spotlights.
"The one with the dark curls looks magical",someone murmured.
"They look like they just descended from heaven",said another.
"Darm,look at their figures", a guy whispered,not nearly as quietly as he thought.
Kylie rolled her eyes. "Girl,why won't they stop staring? It's making me uncomfortable".
Ava didn't reply. She was too caught up in the dazzling sight before her - crystal chandeliers cascading light like falling stars, elegant tables overflowing with food, laughter mingling with the hum of music. It was more beautiful than anything she had even seen.
Then, Kylie nudged her sharply. "Hey. Look over there".
Ava followed her gaze - and froze.
He was walking through the crowd like he owned it. Tall. Confident. Dangerous in the most beautiful way. The kind of man whose presence made the air change.
"Isn't he hot? Kylie whispered.
Ava didn't answer. She couldn't.
"Ava? Ava! Hello?" Kylie waved a hand in front of her face.
Ava blinked, snapping out of it. "Huh?"
Kylie grinned. "He's your type,huh?"
"Nope", Ava said quickly, even though her heart disagreed. "He's just…. something to look at".
Before Kylie could tease her again,the man started walking toward them.
"Why is he coming this way?" Kylie whispered.
"I don't know", Ava muttered,her pulse quickening.
He stopped right in front of them. "Hey there", he said smoothly,his voice deep and calm.
"Hi", Kylie replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm Fred",he said,flashing an easy smile.
"From the economic department".
For a moment, neither of the girls spoke.
He was breathtaking - six feet tall,a sharp jawline,a straight Grecian nose,and a messy wolf-cut that somehow made him look even more effortlessly rugged. His hazel eyes carried a quiet intensity that made Ava feel seen….and exposed.
"Hi",Ava finally said, realizing she'd been caught staring.
Kylie smirked. "Well, I'll leave you two to chat. The restroom's calling".
And just like that,she was gone.
Fred's eyes returned to Ava "So…you're Ava,right?"
"Yeah"
He smiled. " Would you mind if l asked for a dance?"
Ava hesitated for a second before talking his hand.
As they stepped onto the dance floor,the music wrapped around them like silk. His touch was firm but gentle,his gaze never leaving hers. For a moment,it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of them.
"So",he murmured softly, "are you in a relationship?"
The question caught her off guard. "Yeah",she said automatically, thought the word felt strange on her tongue.
"Oh",His voice dropped slightly. "Okay".
Before either could say more,the music ended.
Fred smiled faintly. "I guess that's it. See you around".
"Sure",she replied quietly.
Kylie reappeared at her side, smirking.
"So…what's up with the new guy?"
"Kylie,stop. You know l have a boyfriend",
Ava said firmly.
"He's your boyfriend,not you husband",
Kylie teased. "God forbid a girl wants to have fun".
Ava shot her a look "Enough".
Kylie raised her hands in surrender,but her tone softened. "I just don't trust guys like that . Especially ones who look too perfect".
Ava turned away,her expression unreadable. " That's my boyfriend you're talking about",she said quietly - but her voice trembled.
For the first time that night,the light in her eyes dimmed.
Kylie noticed. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could -
Ava's phone lit up.
One message. One name.
And just like that….
the night changed.