5: The Ball

"I never knew my heart could beat so fast, until I met you"

****

"You look absolutely stunning," Nova compliments me with a warm smile as she gracefully enters my room.

"Thank you, you do too."

I can't help but return the compliment, admiring her beauty. Nova is dressed in a gorgeous strapless blue dress that accentuates her figure, adorned with a subtle sparkle of diamonds at the top. Her curly brown hair, which is usually wild and free, has been expertly straightened, and her blue eyes stand out even more with the careful application of makeup.

In contrast, I've chosen a sleek one-sleeved black dress that enhances my curves, paired with elegant gold stilettos and a matching clutch bag. My preference for a more natural look is reflected in my choice of makeup. It's not that I judge or think less of girls who enjoy wearing makeup; I simply feel more comfortable and true to myself with a minimal approach.

"Let's go, the car is waiting for us," I tell her, grabbing my phone and keys and putting them in my clutch bag. My dad invited us to a ball he's hosting, but he didn't provide many details. All he said was that it's to introduce his new business partner to clients and the company. I was a bit miffed that he didn't even share the partner's name with me. As his daughter, I thought I deserved to know. Nonetheless, he instructed me to dress fancy, invite Nova, and be ready by eight p.m. for the car that would pick us up.

"Wow," Nova exclaims, marvelling at the elegantly attired guests entering the grand building. She's right; it's a sight to behold and screams exclusivity.

"Yeah, that's my dad for you—go big or go home," I reply, chuckling.

"The one and only Mr. Woods," Nova giggles back.

We share a moment of lightheartedness before stepping inside the immense building, which is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside.

The ballroom's walls are painted in a soothing beige hue, complemented by brown hardwood flooring and exquisite chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Beautiful paintings adorn some of the walls, and to the right of the ballroom, there's a small stage where my dad will likely make the announcement. On the left corner, a bar and food table await the guests, who are gathered in the center of the ballroom.

Descending the stairs, we each grab a glass of champagne offered by numerous waiters and get enveloped in the crowd of invited guests. "This place is stunning. Mr. Woods really went all out for this event. His new business partner must be someone important," Nova remarks, savouring her champagne. "Indeed, it seems that way," I reply, sharing her sentiment. We let the ambiance and the delicious champagne envelop us, enjoying the moment.

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupts our conversation. "What are you two monkeys laughing at?" my dad asks, a hint of amusement in his voice. I turn around to see him, and a smile lights up my face. "Daddy!" I exclaim, happily leaping into his open arms. He catches me, his muscular frame reminding me that he's in good shape for his age. People often say I'm a female replica of my father, with his green eyes and black hair. The only physical trait I inherited from my mom is my nose and my skin tone.

After our warm reunion, my dad acknowledges Nova's presence with a playful banter. "You're still as crazy as ever, Nova," he remarks, chuckling. Nova, true to her nature, replies with a mischievous wink, "You know me, Mr. Woods. Just living life to its fullest." My dad shakes his head in amusement. "Only you, Nova. Only you."

As my dad prepares to make his way to the stage for his announcement, he reminds us to have fun and come say goodbye before we leave. We nod in agreement and assure him that we will. With a final kiss on my cheek, he makes his way towards the stage, leaving Nova and me in the bustling ballroom.

"I can't wait to find out who this mysterious business partner is," Nova whispers in excitement, turning to me. I smile knowingly, relishing in the anticipation that hangs in the air. "Relax, Nova. We'll find out soon enough," I reply, amusement lacing my words.

Before Nova can respond, my dad's commanding voice echoes through the room, capturing everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for joining us tonight. As you may know, I have a new business partner, and it is my pleasure to introduce him to you. Please give a warm welcome to Blake Moon!" The room erupts in applause, and I feel my heart skip a beat.

Blake?

It can't be... But as I look up, our eyes meet, and a jolt of recognition courses through me.

"It's him," I whisper in disbelief, my mind reeling from the unexpected reunion.

The same Blake I had helped before, the one who had captured my heart in such a short time. My mind races, trying to process the coincidence. How did fate intertwine our lives in such a serendipitous manner?

"Blake?" Nova whispers beside me, her surprise evident. "Damn, he's hot," she adds, her eyes never leaving him. I can't help but blush at her remark, a mix of emotions swirling within me. My heart races, and I struggle to maintain my composure.

Amidst the commotion, Blake's presence dominates my thoughts. I can't shake the feeling that there's more to his sudden reappearance than meets the eye. Nova's gaze flickers between Blake and me, sensing the underlying tension.

Lost in a swirl of thoughts and emotions, I find myself drifting away from the present moment. I barely register the conclusion of my father's and Blake's speech as they make their way towards Nova and me. It takes a moment for the realisation to sink in that they're approaching us. Shaking off the fog in my mind, I refocus my attention, trying to gather my composure. My heart races with a blend of anticipation, curiosity, and lingering unease.

"Skye, Nova I would like you to meet Blake", my dad says reaching us. Looking up I'm met with Blake's grey eyes again. Is this what he meant by 'I'll see you soon'? If so, it certainly has been soon.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Blake. Skye couldn't stop talking about you," she says playfully, nudging me with her elbow. Blake sends a smile her way in response.

Blake's eyes lock with mine, his smile genuine and captivating. "We've actually met before," he reveals to my dad, only partially disclosing the truth.

Caught off guard, my dad interjects, his curiosity piqued. "You two have met?" he asks, genuinely surprised. I can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the coincidences unfolding before me. "Yes, we ran into each other at the supermarket," Blake answers, deliberately omitting the chaotic circumstances of our meeting.

Yes, we did encounter each other at the supermarket, but there was more to that encounter than a casual introduction. I'm tempted to delve into the details, but I realise it's not the appropriate time or place.

As the conversation continues, I notice a silent exchange between Blake and my dad. Their eyes meet, conveying a depth of understanding and unspoken words. I'm left perplexed, wondering what they could be communicating through their silent dialogue.

"Well, I'll leave you two to chat," my dad says, offering a knowing smile before stepping away, dragging an unwilling Nova with him. Blake gently takes hold of my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "I apologise for Nova's behaviour," I say sincerely, my voice filled with genuine regret.

Interrupting me,"I missed you," he suddenly confessed, his voice filled with longing. Blake's hand brushes against my cheek, and I lean into his touch, relishing the familiar comfort it brings.

"What was that exchange with my dad? What did it mean?" I inquire, unable to mask my curiosity.

His demeanour shifts, and he withdraws his hand abruptly. "I honestly don't know what you're talking about," he replies, his tone slightly guarded. Confusion washes over me. Was I reading too much into their silent conversation? Or was there truly something they weren't telling me? I struggle to make sense of his response, my mind racing with possibilities. Before I can press further, Blake changes the subject, redirecting our conversation.

"I just wanted to apologise for making you uncomfortable that night and thank you for helping me," he says, addressing our initial encounter. His voice carries a hint of regret, and I realise he's referring to the moment when he appeared bloodied and exhausted in the supermarket parking lot.

Confusion gives way to realisation, and a wave of relief washes over me. "You didn't make me uncomfortable, Blake. In fact, that night... it meant a lot to me," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. Memories of that fateful evening flood my mind—the shared vulnerability, the unexpected connection.

His eyes widened with surprise, his gaze searching mine for sincerity. "You mean it?" he asks, a mix of hope and disbelief in his voice. I nod, a soft smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Yes, I mean it," I reassure him, my heart swelling with affection.

Caught up in the intensity of the moment, our faces draw closer. We're on the verge of another tender exchange when suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere is shattered by growls and screams that reverberate through the ballroom. Panic ripples through the guests as chaos ensues.

"We're under attack!" someone shouts, their voice filled with alarm. Instinct kicks in, and the room erupts into a frenzy as people scramble for safety.