FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 23

Shanelle's POV

I was having a conversation with one of my friends when she suddenly looked surprised and looked to the back.

"Oh my God, who is that?" She stopped talking to me and turned her attention toward someone else. I followed her gaze and instantly felt regret when I saw who she was looking at.

It was Vincent, accompanied by his fiancée Lina and his parents. They seemed very important and everyone was paying attention to them. Vincent looked incredibly handsome in a black suit and caught everyone's eye with his charm. I couldn't help but feel doubtful and insecure as memories of our past flooded back. I remembered how he made me feel, both happy and sad, and how he betrayed me. I felt my hand shaking as I held onto my glass of champagne.

The model next to me, Sara, noticed that I was upset and touched my arm, showing concern. 

"Shanelle are you feeling alright?"

Although I tried to hide it, I was struggling to keep myself together. I excused myself and quickly left, hoping that Vincent hadn't seen me.

I felt trapped in that room, overwhelmed by memories and emotions. I needed to find a quiet place to calm down and regain control. Leaving the event at that moment would only attract attention and questions, which I didn't want. But I knew I needed a moment alone to remind myself that Vincent and I are done and he shouldn't be making me feel this way just by seeing him.

I made my way through the crowd, searching for peace outside. As I stepped into the cool night air, the noise and commotion of the gala faded away. The moon illuminated the beautiful gardens, and I leaned against a stone railing, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths to calm down.

Memories of our past relationship flooded my mind, reminding me of the things that we did together. But all of that felt distant now, overshadowed by the pain of his betrayal. Vincent had broken my trust and left me with shattered hopes. However, I was determined to regain my strength and remember my worth.

After a few minutes alone, I felt a renewed sense of determination. I knew I couldn't hide forever, and it was time to face Vincent and the memories he represented. I straightened my posture, wiped away my tears, and decided to go back to the gala.

I was not the same person he had hurt. I had become stronger and more resilient, and I refused to allow myself to feel this way again. As I re-entered the grand hall, I had a confident smile on my face. It was time to show the world, and more importantly, myself, that I had moved past the pain and emerged as a stronger and happier version of myself.

OoO

I adjusted the strap of my clutch in my hand, taking a deep breath as I walked down the ornate hallway of the gala. The chandeliers above cast a warm, golden glow, adding an air of elegance to the event. My mind was focused on the evening ahead, unaware of the unexpected encounter that awaited me.

Lost in my thoughts, I rounded a corner and collided with someone. My clutch slipped from my grasp, landing on the floor with a soft thud. Startled, I quickly looked up and saw Vincent standing before me. 

"Sorry, I didn't see you," I apologized, instinctively moving to pick up my clutch.

Before I could even bend down, Vincent swiftly retrieved it and handed it back to me. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. His gaze traveled down my form, taking in my appearance, and a smile appeared on his face. 

"Wow. You look amazing," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

I forced a tight-lipped smile and nodded.