Where my Heart Lies

Realization

"Ahm, um, is this yours, by any chance?"

Jessica turned around swiftly, her eyes still closed and barely kept her tone down.

"NO." 

The subtle hint of annoyance resigned itself to the person it was meant for, however, they ignored the hint.

Portia smiled and walked over towards them. She extended her hand and revealed in her palm a silver string that had likely fallen off of the Liam's chained cufflinks. 

"I am pretty sure this is yours; I just saw it fall down." The calm, composure and compassion that laced the voice could make any man swoon and fall head over heels.

If even if they did not fall, our femme fatale would make a lasting first impression on the target. 

This, as per Jessica, was applicable to all men in the world.

All men, but Liam.

Hopefully.

Liam looked down at the extended hand and open palm and swiftly picked the object up, ensuring to not touch as much as a dead skin cell.

"Thank you." Two words, stern and clear.

Then, he looked in Jessica eyes, and smiled, extending his arm for her to take. She took it with grace and the two of them turned around, ready to leave.

But that was not before Liam randomly tosses the thread like thing he had just received back, on the ground of the parking lot. Jessica was pretty sure a car had just run over it, crushing it to atomic pieces.

A certain observer gritted their teeth. Subtly. 

The night had truly, just begun.

***

Once inside the main building designated for the event, the woman Jessica did not want around truly mingled with the crowd. Yet Portia was always visible in the corner of her eyes, as she swayed her hips and confidently engaged in conversation with the elite guests, forming connections with everyone she deemed suitable. Some premonition never let Jessica relax; she knew the woman would not leave her alone.

That was how she used to be, at least, back in school.

The charity event was to be held in three. First was an auctioning event, followed by the ball and drink reception before the dinner is served. 

The auctioning was held in a side hall attached to the main ballroom, spacious and well decorated. Although the decorations faded away with the lighting arrangement that resembled the one in movie theatres. Men and women dressed in fancy, exquisite clothing soon started to fill the seats. The scent in the air was a mixture of alluring perfume smells from all over the world. Wonderous, yet Jessica found it made the place a bit congested. 

Liam and she took their seats in the third row, and waited for the auctioning to commence. He whispered something in Jessica's ears causing her to giggle. She too, responded with something that made Liam's eyes light up. However, their exchanges came to an end when another familiar voice sounded close by.

"Jessica!"

Jessica turned around, her straight, sleek hair moving in sync with her. 

"Ryan!?" An unprecedented smile crept up to her lips. 

He took the empty seat right next to Jessica before acknowledging Liam with a firm handshake and a nod. 

"So, are you with her?" Jessica asked bitterly. Thankfully, the bitterness did not reek from her.