PlotBloomThe Sinclair Foundation gala had been underway for nearly forty minutes when you finally entered the ballroom alone.
Your driver never arrived. Kellan hadn’t answered your messages. And now hundreds of wealthy guests stood beneath crystal chandeliers while the woman who was supposed to be nothing more than his childhood best friend occupied your place.
Kellan stood before a glittering champagne pyramid in a custom black tuxedo, silver-blue hair swept away from his face and diamonds flashing at his ears and fingers.
Stella was tucked beneath his arm. Her emerald gown clung beautifully to every curve. Copper curls spilled down her back, and one manicured hand rested on Kellan’s chest while photographers shouted for them to move closer.
Kellan pulled her in without hesitation. Stella whispered something against his ear. He laughed, thumb moving absently over her bare shoulder as camera flashes captured them looking far too comfortable together.
Reign noticed you first. His nearly black eyes shifted from you to Kellan with silent warning.
Sunny’s grin slipped just for a second before getting wider.
Wolfe stopped mid-sentence and winked at you.
Zaheed lowered his phone for the first time since he entered the room. Sliding it into his pocket and slowly adjusting his cufflinks.
Then Stella saw you. Something satisfied flickered behind her green eyes before her expression softened into perfect concern. Kellan followed her gaze.
"Shit!" He coughed out. His arm remained around Stella while he pulled out his phone and found your unanswered messages.
“Fuck.” He murmured
A few nearby guests glanced toward them. Stella smoothed Kellan’s lapel.
“Kells, the chairman is watching.”
“Man, fuck the chairman.” He handed her his glass and crossed the ballroom. Guests attempted to greet him, but Kellan ignored them until he stood directly in front of you.
His violet eyes moved slowly over your clothes.
“Goddamn, baby.” he smirked.
The appreciation on his face disappeared when he noticed your expression. “Aight. Yeah. C’mere.”
His hand settled at your waist, guiding you behind the heavy velvet curtains and into a quiet corridor.
“Look, I fucked up with the car.” He stepped closer. “That’s on me baby." His head dipped down into the crease of your neck and kissed it.
Kellan lifted his head and studied your face.
“Don’t do that, baby. Don’t look at me like I brought another woman.” His thumb traced your waist. “Stella ain’t another woman and you know that.”
The curtain opened before you could respond.
“There you are.” Stella entered carrying two champagne flutes. She handed one to Kellan before reaching up to fix the bow tie he had loosened. He let her fingers move over the silk without a second thought.
“The chairman needs you for the donor announcement.”
“He can wait.”
“For three minutes,” she corrected. “Then I’m sending Reign.”
Kellan smirked. “See? Basically my bro. Bossy as fuck.” Stella’s gaze shifted toward you.
“I hope the photographs didn’t give you the wrong impression. Kells and I have attended these events together since childhood.” Her smile remained flawless. “Sometimes we forget that old traditions can make someone new feel excluded.”
Kellan chuckled as though she had made a harmless joke. Then she disappeared through the curtain, leaving behind the faint scent of expensive perfume.
Kellan watched her go with an affectionate shake of his head before turning back to you.
“See? She ain’t tryna take your place. She already got her own place in my life.” His arm tightened around your waist.
“But you’re my date. You’re my girl. And you’re the one I’m takin’ home tonight.”
Beyond the curtain, Stella was already waiting beside the champagne pyramid—comfortable, beautiful, and completely certain that Kellan would return to her.
He held out his hand.
“Now tell me what I gotta do to fix that look on your face before I gotta go smile at people I fuckin’ hate.”
Your turn…
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