As she entered the ballroom, Sophia's eyes scanned the room, the wolfish gazes of the guests made her uneasy. The room fell silent, all eyes turned to her. She stood frozen inexperienced in grand settings making her feel tensed.
Maya's voice broke the tension.
"ma'am Mr Fredrick is upstairs '. Sophia took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and stepped into the room, her eyes fixed ahead. Guests whispers and gossip followed her like a shadow, their words biting with jealousy. But she remained calm, her expression serene.
Mr Fredrick's smile lit up as he saw her approach.
"Mrs William, if a prophecy had told me you'd honor my invitation I'd have called it a lie. But here you are, flesh and blood". Sophia nodded graciously.
Sophia approached Mr Fredrick, exchanging pleasantries.
"I must say, you look stunning". He said smiling.
"Thank you". Sophia replied.
"So tell me, what brings the illustrious Dr. William to my gala?". Fredrick asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
"I accepted the invitation you forcefully placed on me". Sophia replied, her voice straightforward.
Mr Fredrick chuckled. "Is that all?"
"Yes". Sophia replied.
Mr Fredrick smile never wavered."I wonder what your story is but all story has an ending in my gala dear, so welcome".
The orchestra began to play a slow, melodious tune. Mr Frederick turned to Sophia.
"Would the great Dr. William honor me with a dance?".
Sophia hesitated, scanning the room. "I'm not much of a dancer and secondly I should be going". She handed Mr. Fredrick a gift. " I suppose it's your birthday".
Mr Fredrick laughed. "No... but I'll take it. Thank you". As he accepted the gift, he whispered, " kid, enjoy yourself. Be alive. Only you can do that, alright. Bye now".
Sophia watched Mr. Frederick disappear into the crowd, his words echoing in her mind.
Sophia scanned the room, her eyes tracing the clusters of people, their conversations, and laughter. She felt disconnected, a spectator observing a world she didn't fully understand. How did they know when to start and end their interactions? The crowd's dynamics bewildered her and the familiar ache resurfaced.
The orchestra's melody swelled, the guests scattered, moving in harmony. Like a well-rehearsed dance, each knowing their place. Some exuded charisma, commanding attention while others seemed pretentious.
Sophia sighed, her thoughts echoing in the silence." What a community".
"Maya, please inform the driver I'm ready to leave," Sophia whispered. Maya nodded and departed. Sophia continue to survey the room.
Once again the orchestra's melody swelled, and the groups dissolved into couples on the dance floor. Sophia sighed, feeling out of place. Mr Fredrick's words still lingered, she knew he was right but she wasn't alive like the rest. No matter what she did, she knew she would never be accepted.
She raised her head, a gaze caught her attention, unfamiliar, yet captivating. It had been there since she arrived, daring her to look back. The footsteps approached, deep in the music. Only those steps mattered. She held her breath. The presence loomed behind her, hot breath sending shivers down her spine. The stare made her stomach flutter, her heart racing with fear and curiosity.
"Hello". The voice sent tremors through her entire being. The soothing voice stirred a hidden smile within Sophia. She turned, her eyes locking onto his and felt an inexplicable rush.
#####
A cluster of ladies congregated, their hushed whispers filling the air as they discussed the latest sensation in the hall. Their cheeks flushed with excitement, their eyes fixed longingly on him. He had gone to the balcony when he came in at first and they had all wished for him to come out again especially a striking young woman among them, her chestnut hair cascading down her back like a rich waterfall, she had full lower lip and perfect figure, she was indeed beauty and if anyone among them they felt was to be the one to catch the gentleman's attention it would be her. They all gossip and anticipated his return, and then he came down. He was handsome. They waited for his approach but he walked around instead, his eyes looking at her; the woman in red. He walked towards her with each step, he saw her clearly, with her every movement she enticed him.
Standing behind her, he whispered, " hello".
He'd watched her all night but it seemed she ignored his gaze. Her indifference ignited a fire within him, fueling the overwhelming urge to capture her attention.
Turning on the sound of his voice, her expressionless eyes met his, a hint of smile on her lips. Atticus frustration grew; he was accustomed to desire in women and men's eyes, but this woman remained a mystery.
"Hi". She replied, her melodious voice sending his heart racing. Without thinking, he asked,
"Can I have this dance?" The silence that followed was agonizing, but her gaze finally met his again and she smiled.
"Sure".
Atticus beamed with triumph, taking her hand. A spark of electricity ran through him as their skin touched. He led her to the dance floor, savoring her hand's warmth. As they glided across the dance floor, Atticus felt victorious, he'd made her notice him, and now, he determined to unravel the secrets behind her enigmatic eyes.
Atticus's eyes locked onto Sophia's, fueled by a burning desire for her admiration. But her smile and expressionless eyes left him unfazed.
"Do you dance tango?" He asked.
"Tango," Sophia murmured.
"Yes". Atticus replied.
"No, Why?" Sophia asked.
Atticus lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"When you dance, trust your partner". He whispered as he pulled her closer and tangoed, Sophia followed his rhythm, their eyes locked. Her eyes changed, drawing him into an endless pit of mystery. Valentine pulled her closer, possessively, awaiting her reaction. But Sophia's smile, blush, and expressionless eyes left him intrigued. He knew she blushed and smiled for the sake of being polite, she didn't desire him like the rest. He was so lost hellbent on see her react to him he didn't know the music ended, and silence enveloped them as they starred into each other's eyes.
Atticus broke the silence, " wow, you're a natural. Ithought you said you didn't know how to dance?". Sophia smiled, glancing at the symbol on Atticus's chest. It seemed dangerous, radiating an otherworldly aura.
Raising her head. Sophia smiled again.
"When you dance, trust your partner". She replied smiling. Atticus nodded.
"How about I interest you in the viewing of the balcony?" Atticus said smiling.
Sophia smiled. " Well thank you but am good". Sophia replied.
"Please, although I know it isn't as beautiful as you but it is still a sight". Atticus said smirking. He knew no woman could resist his charm and...
"Goodnight sir ". Sophia replied and walked away.
"How about your name". Atticus's voice trailed, he was shocked.
"Did I just get dumped in the alter?"
Thomas's laughter echoed from the balcony.
"Ouch! , Ha, looks like someone's got his pride wounded".
Atticus's gaze snapped towards Thomas, a striking glance that commanded silence. Thomas smile faltered and he quickly quieted.
Just then a lady with chestnut hair walked up to him. She had seen him dance with the lady in red, she was annoyed.
"Good day gentleman, my name is lily Taylor of the Taylor enterprise so nice to meet you". She said her face flushed red.
Atticus's eyes swept over her, sharp and assessing, he hissed and just walked away without saying a word. Leaving the woman embarrassed and shocked.
Meanwhile, standing at the opposite end of the hall, stood a man in black. He had watched the couple dance and also watched the lady leave. His eyes were on them all night, watching them.
"What should we do now, my lord". A man standing next to him asked.
The man raised his head and smirked mischievously.
"Let the game begin".
#####
Sophia thought betrayed her, drifting back to the stranger from the ballroom. Her mind refused to erase the memory of his chiseled features, piercing eyes, sharp jawline, and full lips. His dark hair framed his face like a masterpiece. She sighed, resting her head on knees blushing.
Her phone suddenly beeped, shattering the reverie. An anonymous message appeared, featuring the symbol from the handsome guy in the gala's chest, alongside a single word: korvin.
Who is korvin and how did he get her number?: no one but her secretary could cotact her. Sophia's heart skipped a beat.
She didn't know why but the symbol scared her then and now. Fearing for her life Sophia turned off her phone as beads of sweat came down her face. She couldn't shake the feeling that her life was on the cusp of transformation and she hated changes.