A Collection of Stories

After

Context: It's been a week since the previous story

I adjusted my red slip dress as our car rode across the rocky plains of Idaho. My auburn hair hung down in its natural curls and a simple makeup look with a bold red lip was what I went for today. An effortless look. I would resemble a flame as I walked into the mansion. The mansion hosting the event was said to be massive and extravagant. I even heard that an ice structure costing a million dollars would also be put on display. As I looked out of the tinted windows, I watched as the peak of the mountains drew a jagged line across the sunset sky. Such beautiful scenery managed to quell my nervousness for the moment.

I had no control over what would happen tonight. An alliance still sounded dreadful in my mind but my mind was unsettled by the thought of seeing Conall again. Saving him made it so much more complicated and nerve-wracking for me. Would he be nicer and less obnoxious? Or would he go about as if nothing happened?

Judging the situation and his emotions would be the best option for now. I had a gun strapped to my thigh if anything went wrong. The mountains temporarily gave way to a large field. It would've been empty if not for the giant mansion seated right in the middle of it. A labyrinth of trees sprouted around the mansion as we drove closer to the mansion. It was just like what everyone said. It was grand. The shimmering lights were placed strategically around the enormous structure, successfully lighting up the marble walls till they shone like the sun. The roof was a convex structure to top the grandeur of the mansion.

It was a shame Nick and Vicky weren't here to witness the spectacular scenery of the setting sun, bathing the marble structure with an orange glow. Our limousine turned into the stone-paved driveway before stopping at the main entrance. Showtime. I slipped out of the limousine with my father after me. Hooking my arm around his, we entered the large archway, leading to the ballroom.

"You look beautiful tonight, darling." my father whispered.

He wore a velvet suit, a complement to my red dress.

I smiled happily, " You look great too. Mother would be proud to see us together like this."

Father squeezed my arm lovingly as we stepped into the ballroom. The ballroom was just as magnificent as the outside. A lovely crystal chandelier was hung on the ceiling. Each crystal shimmered with its own unique light. Food was laid out along the walls and people were already on the dance floor spinning around like blooming flowers. A steady stream of chatter flowed melodiously, accompanied by a live orchestra and tinkles of glasses. However, most magnificent of all was the ice tower fixed at the very end of the room. It was stunning as the ice-blue tower glittered under the lights. The design carved on it was intricate, no doubt meticulously done if viewed up close.

Walking down the steps, everyone turned to look at us. We made an image of unwavering flames. I kept my head held high as I took on the heavyweight of amazed stares. My heels clicked tantalizingly against the smooth marble. I swept my eyes around before they fell on a significant blond. I nearly stumbled. He looked gorgeous. The clothes he wore before did no justice to him as the black suit he wore highlighted his arresting figure. He was halfway across the room but I could see him just as clearly as if I was right beside him. He held his half-finished wine glass in his hand, with his broad shoulders facing me. As if he sensed my eyes on him, he turned around to face me. He looked magnificent. A beat passed as we maintained eye contact. His eyes scorched a path down my dress. I was proud of what I wore today. This dress shimmered under the light and successfully emphasised the curves of my body. Time stretched on as I neared the foot of the stairs, except Conall blinked and left the room.

My heart stopped.

What? Is that how he repays me for saving his fucking life? Did he simply not recognise me?