Pieces Of Love

♡ Chapter 29 ♡

When they pulled in front of the three-story building Zaria suddenly felt more nervous than she already did. A red carpet had been laid out that led from the dropoff line to the entrance. The lights around the building illuminated it with a soft golden gue, and the hedges in the garden had all been neatly trimmed around the water fountains on either side of the path.

The chauffer from the car ahead of them got out and opened the back door. She watched as a man in a beautifully tailored suit stepped out and offered his hand, which was taken by that who she assumed was his wife or partner. She wrote a beautiful elegant gown with elbow-high gloves and diamonds around her neck, ears, and wrist.

Once the couple was heading down the carpet with their elbows closely locked Zaria realized they were moving again. Their driver did the same and opened the door for Aubreyanne who stepped out, straightened her dress, and offered her hand to Zaria with a smile.

"Let loose Regan. It'll be fine"

Zaria tried to let herself relax as she took Aubreyanne's hand and stepped out of the car. She jumped as the door slammed behind her, but let Aubrey lead her down the carpet and through the entrance as the next car came into line.

The inside was even more beautiful. A chandelier hung from the roof, classical music played from the live band in the corner, and some people ballroom danced while others stood around socializing.

Aubreyanne on the other hand simply scanned the room for the least crowded corner and automatically began heading there, but made sure Zaria stayed close to her. Their journey was interrupted a few times by people trying to talk to Aubrey who was uninterested while Zaria politely smiled and introduced herself then let them talk.

As she looked around the room she noticed Justin and was sure Aubreyanne did too, but neither one acknowledged each other even in a group.

"I can see why you hate these" Zaria chuckled as she picked up a glass of champagne and took a sip.

"Yea, but this one is more tolerable in my opinion," Aubreyanne said doing the same.

"Why's that?"

Because you're here. Aubreyanne wanted to say it, but her mouth and mind willed her not to. She'd already decided her feelings for Zaria weren't going to be acted on. It'd be pointless because Zaria would still be leaving in a matter of hours.

"I guess having someone you actually like around helps"

"Miss. Kaine"

Aubrey had to physically stop herself from letting out a sight at the sound of her name as she turned around, but once she did she smiled at the man who stood before them now. He looked about fifty or older and had grey strands among his golden ones, but still radiated lively energy.

"I'm glad you came, and I see you brought a plus one," He said with a smile.

Aubreyanne nodded. "Thank you for the invitation and yes this is Zaria Regan"

Zaria reached out her hand to meet his and shake it. "Christoph Alsen. I'm an old friend of Miss. Kanine's father"

"It's lovely to meet you," Zaria said then let her eyes wonder as she loosely followed the conversation between Christoph and Aubrey. She watched those dancing, studying how their feet swayed and they moved in sync like they were floating on air.

She loosely murmured a goodbye to Christoph as he went on to greet his other guests, and sipped her champagne as she watched a young man walk across the room in their direction.

"May I have this dance?" He asked with a polite half-bow, and the lady he asked smiled and nodded taking his hand and letting him lead her to the dance floor.