WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Nine

Another two weeks have passed in relative quiet. There have been no more attacks on our warehouses or those of our allies. We still have no leads or information on Jonathan Grant, Heather Fitzgerald's whereabouts, or who is behind the attacks.

Luca has been scarce lately, avoiding Mal and me when he does appear. In his absence, Malik and I have grown much closer. My father decided it was best for Mal and Ryan to stay with us until we resolve the situation. Their father is managing things smoothly in Northern Ireland while waiting for their return.

Naomi and Ryan have been inseparable. They've been on dates almost daily, and Naomi has never looked happier. They had been talking for about six months before they finally met just over a month ago, when Ryan and Mal arrived.

Tonight is the pre-gala dinner party. It's a casual event, more about letting loose and catching up before the main charity gala tomorrow, which will be attended by the press and media.

My mother has been running around all week organizing tonight's event and tomorrow's gala. "There is so much to do!" she exclaimed, pacing up and down the main hall where the dinner will be held.

"We have time, dear. Don’t stress," my father said as he entered the hall. We had left around 10 a.m. and hadn’t seen them since.

At 4 p.m., Naomi finally returned from yet another date with Ryan. "C’mon, it’s time to get ready to party!" she exclaimed, bursting into my room with two bottles of shots.

"I already beat you to it!" Steph laughed, pouring Naomi her usual pink gin and lemonade. We spent the next three hours getting ready.

I chose a mid-length off-shoulder red dress and matching red heels. "I hate heels. I’m definitely going to end up snapping my ankle tonight," I groaned as I put on the shoes. "We’ll be right there with you," Naomi laughed, emerging from the bathroom in a white mid-length dress with sparkly spaghetti straps and matching white shoes.

Steph, after complaining about her dress and disappearing for an hour, finally reappeared in a lilac long-sleeved dress that stopped just below her knee, paired with lilac heels. "We look so hot!" she grinned, taking a photo of herself.

After taking a few group photos, we headed downstairs to get pictures with the guys before heading to the museum where the dinner party was held.

"Let’s go find me a girl," Cole chuckled as he jumped out of one of the cars. Mal walked around to my side, opening the door for me. I stepped out but wobbled on my heels.

"Take my arm, my love. I’ve got you," Mal whispered, offering his arm. "Thank you," I replied as we headed toward the entrance. We gave our names at the door and went inside.

As soon as we entered, I spotted Luca with his arm around Olivia’s waist, speaking to her father. "Let’s get a drink," I sighed, releasing Mal’s arm and heading toward the bar.

Naomi and Ryan went straight to the dance floor, with Cole trailing behind, playfully shooting air guns at different girls. Mal and Steph followed me to the bar. "I can’t believe Luca is Olivia’s date," Steph grumbled, picking up her drink. "Each to their own," I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink. Steph slammed her hand on the bar, drawing concerned looks from Mal and me.

"No, Callie. It’s not 'each to their own.' Olivia is worse than the devil," Steph continued, "When you were gone, she tried to make your life hell. Luca stood by until he finally realized what she was doing, and now he’s back where he was two and a half years ago."

*FLASHBACK*

"Luca doesn’t even like you. He just feels sorry for you," Olivia spat as I tidied away gym equipment. "Olivia, there’s no need to act so threatened. I’m not trying to take him away from you," I sighed, picking up my bag.