Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 41: The Premiere

Jade's POV

The December air in New York had that bite to it, the kind that wakes you up just enough to remind you where you are, but inside the warm car, I was trying to calm my racing thoughts. After six months on the road, this break for Christmas was supposed to be a reprieve, a month-long escape from the chaos. Yet tonight, despite the holiday lights twinkling outside, it felt like the pressure was still there. I wasn't the one on stage this time, but tonight was still a performance—Nick's movie premiere.

I adjusted the neckline of my black dress, feeling the way the fabric clung perfectly to my body. The dress was sleek, with long sleeves and an open back that exposed just enough skin to be provocative without being too revealing. It shimmered subtly under the soft lighting of the car, and my hair was swept up in a loose updo, with strands framing my face, which was highlighted by dramatic, smoky eyes and a soft nude lip. I had taken extra care to look perfect tonight—for Nick, for the cameras, and maybe even for myself.

But beneath the surface, my stomach twisted in knots. Nick hadn't meant to bring up Jenna so casually, but the thought of her being here, at the same premiere, had haunted me for days.

"I'm glad you're here with me," Nick said, pulling me out of my thoughts. His hand was warm as he reached over and took mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You look amazing, by the way."

I smiled softly, trying to ease the nerves that were creeping up on me. "You too. You're going to steal the show."

His eyes lingered on me, full of warmth and affection, but there was an edge of tension beneath them. He had told me earlier, with an apologetic tone, that Jenna would be here tonight. Jenna Carrson. The girl who had managed to wedge herself between Nick and me in the most painful way possible.

"I know I already mentioned it, but... I just want to be honest with you. We might run into Jenna tonight. She's here for the premiere too." Nick's voice was gentle, but the unease in my chest tightened.

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "I know. It's fine."

But it wasn't fine. The memory of that betrayal still stung, and tonight, I would have to see her—really see her for the first time since everything happened. The world would be watching, waiting for me to react, and I couldn't afford to let them see me falter.

The car pulled up in front of the theater, and the chaos hit us immediately. The lights, the flashing cameras, the shouting paparazzi—all of it collided in a dizzying storm as we stepped out onto the red carpet. Nick held my hand tightly, guiding me through the sea of photographers, his arm wrapped around my waist as we posed for photos.

I plastered on a smile, but my heart raced beneath the surface. The cameras loved us—Nick and I, the "it" couple, the perfect storybook romance that the world couldn't get enough of. But behind that mask, I was waiting—dreading—Jenna's arrival.

"Nick! Jade! Over here!" one photographer shouted, and we turned, posing for more photos. My hand rested lightly on Nick's chest, my eyes locking onto his, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only ones there. But that sense of calm was fleeting.

As we moved further down the carpet, stopping for quick interviews, the tension inside me grew. Nick answered questions with his usual charm, talking about the movie, his co-stars, and how proud he was to be here. I smiled, nodding along, but my mind was elsewhere.

And then, it happened.

The atmosphere shifted, and the cameras turned their attention away from us, the energy on the red carpet intensifying. I glanced toward the commotion, and there she was—Jenna Carrson.