𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝑰𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 13

Social events with the elite were... battles to simply put it. Standing face to face with your opponent, hoping to see who would come out victorious.

The grandeur of the Pérez Ball was a spectacle that never ceased to amaze. Every year, the elite of society gathered under the ornate chandeliers of the Pérez mansion, their laughter and clinking glasses a testament to the wealth and status that defined their lives. This year, I found myself once again at this dazzling event, though my place here felt as tenuous as ever.

"Relax, Sophia," Chloé whispered in my ear, her delicate hand giving mine a reassuring squeeze. "You're my plus one, remember? Or well Nicky's, I suppose. Nobody cares about who you are or where you come from. They just care that you're here with us."

Chloé's words were meant to be comforting, but they only served to highlight the invisible line that separated me from the rest of the attendees. She, with her effortless grace and old money charm, fit seamlessly into this world. I, on the other hand, was an outsider, a working woman whose connections to this realm of opulence were limited to her friendships and her relationship with the Vasilios.

"Nervous?" Nicolas's voice cut through my thoughts. He appeared at my side, his presence commanding as ever. In his tailored suit, he looked every inch the successful businessman, a fact that had always simultaneously impressed and intimidated me. His challenging energy grounded me in a way, motivating me to look past social class and own the fiery spirit in me.

That very effect highlighted, a little too often, the truth behind us. Nicolas was not just my boss; he was a man with whom I'd shared a secret romance, a relationship now buried under layers of professional decorum and personal heartache.

"I'm fine," I replied, forcing a smile. "Your General is collecting Intel, sir."

Nicolas's eyes lingered on mine a moment longer than necessary, a flicker of something unspoken passing between us. Then, he turned to Chloé, offering her a warm smile that barely touched his eyes. "Chloé there is someone I would like to meet."

"Oh yes. Your girlfriend.And where is the lovely Zaina? I'd love to catch up with her."

"She's over by the terrace, mingling with some old friends," he said, his gaze briefly drifting to where Zaina stood, radiant and confident as ever. The sight of her next to Nicolas always sparked a twinge of jealousy in me, and I hated that I still found a part of me to feel that way.

"I'll go say hi," Chloé said, giving me another reassuring look before she glided away, leaving me alone with Nicolas.

For a moment, we stood in awkward silence, the sounds of laughter and music filling the space between us. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation I knew we needed to have but had been avoiding.

"Nicolas, about the report -"

"Let's not talk about work tonight, Sophia," he interrupted gently. "We're here to enjoy ourselves. You deserve to have a good time. To battle?"
"Yes, sir."

I glanced around the ballroom, feeling out of place despite the luxurious gown Chloé had insisted I wear. Designed by hers truly. The gown was gorgeous, each detail carefully sewn to highlight the design.

"Well, if it isn't Nico, and who is this lovely lady?"
"Eldridge. Always a pleasure," Nicolas shook his hand. He took my hand, placing a brief kiss on my skin, the gesture sending tingles. "Eldridge. Leo Eldridge. And you are?"
"Diaz. Sophia Diaz," I replied with a modest smile.

We got lost in conversation as Nico stood beside me, brooding throughout our entire talk. After fake complimentary all night, talking to Leo felt like a breath of fresh air. "Well, it was lovely meeting you, darling. I look forward to next time. Nicolas." Leo left to attend to the other guests.