The five-star hotel ballroom was filled with the rustle of silk gowns and the scent of expensive perfume. Elara stood beside David, her hand resting loosely on her husband's arm. Her emerald green gown fit perfectly, but her chest felt tight. This was a fundraising gala for Alisha's school, and David was one of the main donors.
"Relax, Darling," David whispered, patting Elara's hand. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight. All eyes will be on you."
Elara forced a smile. That was exactly what she feared. She wished she could disappear into the crowd.
Suddenly, David waved. "Hey! Look who's over there! Kael!"
Elara's heart stopped. Slowly, she turned. And there, across the room, stood Kael. But this time, he wasn't alone. A woman in an elegantly simple black dress stood beside him, her hand also linked through Kael's arm. Clara.
"My God, small world!" David exclaimed cheerfully, pulling Elara closer. "We can finally introduce our wives!"
Every step closer felt like walking the plank. Elara could see the same stiffness in Kael's shoulders. His eyes, dark and intense, locked with hers for a moment before shifting to David with a polite smile.
"David! Good to see you here," Kael greeted, his voice flat.
"Kael, this is my wife, Elara. Elara, this is Kael, my old friend, and his wife..." David turned to Clara.
"Clara," the woman said softly, extending her hand. Her smile was warm and genuine. Too genuine. "It's lovely to finally meet you, Elara. Kael often mentioned that David's wife was very beautiful. He wasn't lying."
Elara felt a pang in her chest. She shook Clara's hand, hoping it didn't feel like ice. "Thank you. It's nice to meet you too." She couldn't hold Clara's gaze for long.
"Lovely event, isn't it?" David chimed in, still oblivious to the tension between them. "Kael, is your company contributing as well?"
"I'm here representing my firm, yes," Kael replied, his eyes occasionally flicking to Elara. "They care about education."
The conversation flowed awkwardly. David, enthusiastic, talked about his latest property project. Kael listened politely, giving short responses. Clara occasionally added a comment, always with a soft smile directed at Elara, trying to ease the atmosphere.
Elara remained silent. She watched Clara. She saw how Clara familiarly touched Kael's arm, how she listened attentively, and how her eyes looked at Kael with affection. Clara was a good wife. And that knowledge made Elara's guilt intensify.
Mid-conversation, David was called away by an acquaintance. "Excuse me for a moment," he said before leaving, leaving Elara alone with Kael and Clara.
A brief, suffocating silence fell.
"You look beautiful, Elara," Kael said suddenly, his voice low. Clara looked at him, slightly surprised, then her smile returned.
"Yes, agreed. Your gown is stunning," Clara supported sincerely, without a hint of suspicion.
Elara felt like she was choking. "Thank you," she whispered. She couldn't take it. "Excuse me, I... need to use the ladies' room."
She turned and walked away quickly, leaving Kael and his perfect wife behind. As she walked, she could hear Clara asking Kael in a concerned voice, "What's wrong, Darling? You look pale."
And Elara knew, in her shattered heart, that she was the ghost in their marriage. A dark secret that could one day destroy everything. In this gala full of luxury and fake smiles, only she knew how fragile their illusion of happiness truly was.