ATONEMENT || 𝟏𝟖+ [hiatus]

𝑥𝑖𝑖𝑖. 𝑑𝑜 𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛

──・・𖦁・・──

Once again, I stand corrected. Tristan's house is the perfect location for my launch party, just as it was for the original launch. There's no way we could have held it anywhere else. There's no place I would have wanted to hold it either. Tristan's house was built during the peak of old money in the United States, meaning that it's equipped with every staple of a rich man and his wife's wet dream, including a ballroom for the God's.

While most people would consider the room a basement based on its location in the house, the ballroom is anything but that. The room is milky white with gold accents decorating the black quartz tiles and lining the pillars along the walls. Several smaller, golden chandeliers gleam like rays of sunshine when the light hits them in the right spot above every table. The large, much more elegant chandelier is the true centerpiece of the ballroom. It's made of 100% organic gold, with crystals dripping from its arms and scattering light around the room like bits of starlight dancing across the dark floor. For the sake of the party, each table has a vase full of marigolds and little seating cards placed strategically so people in similar fields with similar interests are together. Not only do I want to promote MUSE, but I want people to remember that I helped them make unique and important connections. That way, if I need to call in a favor. The tables are in a circle on the outskirts of the ballroom, while the large, open space in the middle is reserved for dancing and mingling.

"Tristan," I murmur, one hand pressed against my rapidly beating heart. "It's beautiful..."

"Yes, I agree, but is it perfect for your launch party?" He asks as he gently pulls me to the side so the staff can finish decorating the room.

"It's more than perfect!" I exclaim, wrapping my arms around his neck. "It's like something straight out of a movie."

Tristan smiles down at me, before wrapping me up in an embrace. Much to my surprise, he lifts me off my feet and spins me around. I can't help but laugh like a small child. Everything feels right. Everything is finally clicking into place for me. "Well, I hope this is a movie with a happy ending."

"Of course it is, Tris," I reply, smirking subtly. "It's going to end with the two of us on top."

I savor every ounce of joy that radiates off his being. And the way he smiles at me...lord. Tristan Kennedy is a beautiful man with the world's most charming smile.

Did I...did I actually just think that?

Weird.

"By the way, I had Victor put your things inside of a room up in the west wing. You can change there."

I chuckle and raise an eyebrow. "Isn't your room in the west wing, Tristan?"

Tristan's face flushes, the blood rushing into his cheeks. "Yes, well—"

"Oh, Tris! I'm just messing!" I chuckle, shoving his shoulders playfully. "Lighten up. I'm the one who's supposed to be stressed, not you."

His throat bobs as the redness begins to drain from his face. "I just want everything to go well for you, that's all. I know how much this means to you and...you deserve it."