𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧- 𝐄.𝐌

43. A Gala Affair

The centerpiece of the ballroom was a magnificent crystal chandelier suspended from the high ceiling, twinkling and casting a dazzling reflection on the polished marble floor. The chandelier sparkled with a thousand tiny crystals, illuminating the room and creating an enchanting ambiance.

The ballroom had been transformed completely for the Gala in just one day. The floor, freshly washed and glistening under the golden light that flared off of the crystals of the Chandelier. Omegas remained by the door, and around the room, at a particular distance tending to the guests who had started arriving one after another.

Champagne flutes were set on the trays, held by gloved hands and were passed around for anyone who wished to enjoy a glass for themselves.

The dresses, women wore were tight around the waist sewn by the best of cloths ever found. Their hands were covered in elbow long gloves made from satin. Diamond embedded the necklaces, all a show to flaunt the riches of the men in their lives─those whom they accompanied. Because they said so, or as a way to attend one of the most prestigious events of the year.

By the large gate of the community, Paparazzi swarmed to take pictures of everyone who arrived for the 'invite-only' event. A man was asked to stand by the door to check the invite by the door of the mansion, to avoid letting in someone who needn't be at the party.

The mansion, the part of it farthest away from the ball was abuzz with frantic last minute preparations for the Gala. Dressed in adoring gowns, Amara and Maeve hastened around the room, going through the list of things done and needed to be done.

"I thought you were prepared!" yelled Maeve frantically while she helped Lolita put up the alcohol bottles in boxes which would be taken──discreetly into the ballroom for the bar table. Penelope and Ben skimmed through the invite list seeing who had already arrived and who were yet to come.

"Clearly I wasn't." Amara shouted back, on the verge of breaking something if not her relatively calm self.

Another half an hour of screaming, scolding and finally simmering down, Amara and Maeve decided it was alright for them to make way to the main event. Maeve walked through the long hallway and to the foyer part of the mansion. Her breath hitched first, before he heart sped up, rapidly beating against her chest. Blood rushed to her cheeks making her fiddle with her dress nervously.

Elijah stood in the foyer studying the painting that hung on the west wall, right next to the passageway that led to the ballroom. No matter how many times she had seen him dressed in a suit, he still somehow managed to take her breath away. He wore a black suit, custom tailored undoubtedly, with a white dress shirt. The grey suit just added more touch to his appearance.

Maeve sucked in a strong breath, releasing it through her mouth. Amara stepped closer to Maeve, placing her hands on Maeve's. "You picked a nice one." she whispered to Maeve.

"I did, didn't I?" Maeve smiled dreamily, her eyes never leaving Elijah.

Amara noticed the way her niece looked at Elijah. She smiled unconsciously, the gaze reminding him of the first time she met Gemma. The way her best friend looked at her brother, was exactly how Maeve watched Elijah. Perhaps that was why Amara knew something far more magical existed between the two.

Maeve was far too engrossed in staring at Elijah, who had now turned to catch her eyes to hear Amara tell her to come into the ballroom soon.

Maeve's gown was a vision of elegance and sophistication, accentuating her graceful figure. The bodice of the gown was crafted from rich black velvet, adorned with intricate lace detailing that delicately hugged her curves. It featured a sweetheart neckline, highlighting her décolletage and adding a touch of allure.