God of Strength (Light of Obsession #1)

Chapter 16

Alicia

     May 8th is in two days. The days leading up to it are almost as hard as the actual day. It's like a constant reminder.

     Look! It's almost the day you were a complete failure and became a disgusting littl- no, Alicia. Don't think that.

     I take a couple deep breaths, smoothing out the satin dress I'm wearing. It's corseted with ruby's at the top, falling down into a maroon mermaid cut.

      I place on the gold necklace and earrings, then pair it with gloves to match. I put on gold heels and a white purse. My hair is straightened, makeup done and clothes ready.

      I step out of my room, earning compliments from my friends.

      "Damn, girl! Are you looking to donate to charity or get a man?" Ava teases, Cecy rolls her eyes playfully at Avas' remark

      "What Ava meant to say so ele eloquently is that you look great." Cecy compliments. I smile at her words, saying a polite thank you.

       Annika shrieks at my outfit, demanding pictures with me as Glyn laughs at my predicament. Ava joins in on the selfie as well. With full glam makeup next to two girls dressed in pajamas, I look extremely out of place.

        I say goodbye to my friends and make my way down and get in my drivers car. I'm attending a charity gala tonight, one that would be more fun with my friends there but it's fine. I have a couple of actors and actresses I'm close to attending as well.

Pulling into the grand entrance, I take a moment to admire the string lights cascading down the front of the building and the elegant guests who float in and out, their laughter mingling with the soft music coming from inside. After parking, I make my way to the entrance, gripping the small white purse tightly. The gala is meant to benefit a local children's charity, and I remind myself of the joy that tonight is meant to bring.

     Inside, the atmosphere is electric. A buzz of conversations echoes around me, punctuated by champagne glasses clinking. I weave through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and smiles. Yet, despite the laughter and the glamour, something stirs deep in my chest—a nagging sense of unease that makes me glance over my shoulder more often than I'd like.

     After mingling for a while, I finally spot a few familiar faces—actors I've worked with before—and gravitate towards them. We chat about past projects and the significance of tonight's cause, sharing easy laughter and smiles, but I can't shake the feeling that someone is watching me.

     Then, I see him.

     Vaughn stands across the room, clad in a sharp black suit that only enhances his tall, athletic frame. His trademark smirk is plastered on his face, but the intensity of his gaze is focused solely on me. My heart skips a beat, a mix of excitement and panic surging through my veins. If anyone found out we were here together, it could lead to chaos.

    With a quick glance at the surrounding guests, I take a step back, my stomach twisting in a nervous knot. Vaughn doesn't move, his eyes never leaving mine. I send him a panicked text: What are you doing here?!

     Moments later, my phone vibrates with his reply: Couldn't miss watching you shine tonight. I'm right behind you.

      I whirl around, my breath catching as he appears beside me, his presence commanding and unyielding. "Kukolka," he says softly, almost possessively, "you look stunning."

      "Vaughn, we're supposed to keep this under wraps," I hiss back, trying to control the anxiety bubbling up inside me. "What if someone sees us together?"

    He leans closer, the warmth of his body radiating towards me, silencing my worries as he murmurs, "I'm not here to cause a scene. I just wanted to see you, to be close to you. For all they know, we're just acquaintances." His eyes soften, and I feel that familiar pull towards him, the charm that so easily captivated me in the first place.

    After a moment, I let out a resigned sigh. "Alright, but we need to be discreet. I can't let anyone know about—"

     "About us," he finishes for me, the corner of his mouth twitching up in a playful smile. "Understood."

      We navigate the evening with tension simmering just beneath the surface, exchanging secret glances and soft smiles while mingling with others. It's exhilarating yet terrifying, the secrecy adding an edge to our connection.

     Finally, I can't take it anymore—this night has been a whirlwind of carefully constructed facades and polite laughter. "I need some air," I say, and Vaughn nods, sensing the urgency in my voice.

     We slip through a door to the balcony, a brief escape from the gala's chaos. The cool night air envelops us, and I feel the tension in my shoulders ease as I lean against the railing. A few stars twinkle above us, distant and calming.

     Vaughn steps closer, his scent—woodsy and familiar—makes my heart race. "I'm glad I came tonight," he says, his voice low and sincere. "Even if it's a secret."

      "Me too," I admit softly, turning to face him. "But what if someone figures it out?"

     "Let them try." His confidence is intoxicating, and the way he looks at me sends my heart into a full flurry. "Right now, it's just you and me."

     In the shadowed privacy of the balcony, the world beyond fades. We share stories and laughter, each moment deepening the connection radiating between us. Underneath the stars, I can't help but forget about the chaos of inside, losing myself in the warmth of his gaze and the comfort of his presence.

    As the gala comes to an end, we both make our way out. I click on the elevator button, great its stick.

    "Hm, guess we'll have to walk." I say, turning to the stairwell. He grabs me and raises an eyebrow.

     "You're not going down those stairs in those heels." I look down at my heels.

      "What's wrong with them?"

       "Imagine those going down stairs? It's a fucking death trap." He affirms.

        "Oh, I've been in heels since I was like six, I can walk down stairs in them." I turn away from him and back to the stairwell.

       I feel his hands carry me bridal style, lifting me up and I yelp. "Vaughn!" I exclaim. "What are you doing?!"

      "I'm not letting you go down these stairs." He says again, making his point firmer.

       As he walks down the stairs, me protesting in his arms, I eventually give up. Slumping and allowing him to let me down.

       Putting me down, he leads me to my car. Opening the door and giving me a devouring kiss.

      "I'll see you tomorrow, Kukolka." He says, before disappearing into the shadows.

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A/N:
A wholesome, happy chapter! You're gonna need it for the next one ;))
Thank you for all the support!
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