Beyond The Lie

Chapter 17: The Man at the Door

Eryx.

"One minute!" I said to Adeline over the phone.

"If you're busy, I can call later!" she replied quickly.

"No, stay on the line, Luna," I insisted, glancing at my friends.

Asher raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile spreading across his face. "Girlfriend, huh?"

I shot back, "Yeah. Why? Jealous you don't have one?"

Asher chuckled. "It's not like I won't get one. If I want, I can get more than one. I'm just not interested in love right now."

"Keep telling yourself that," I said, irritation creeping into my voice. "Now, if you'll shut up and leave, I can have some peaceful time."

Asher laughed. "Oh, peaceful time, I see!" He winked before turning serious. "I'm leaving. I won't disturb your cute romance."

As Asher walked away, I returned my focus to the call. "There?"

"Yes," Adeline replied.

I encouraged her, "Go on."

She sighed and began sharing about her day, detailing her orientation at Elite Fashion House. I listened intently, pushing aside thoughts about why she'd called me and how naturally she shared her experiences.

It's not a big thing. I told myself. Of course, it wasn't. I texted, and she answered. That's all.

***
Adeline.

As I lay on my bed, Liv suddenly burst in through the door. Her hand still grasped the doorknob. "Was that a date?" she asked point-blank.

"Dinner with collaborators," I replied.

"Okay!" she said, closing the door.

I gazed at my phone and sighed inwardly. Liar.

***

The next day, I woke up, got ready, and checked my phone. A text message from Ethan awaited me. I opened it to find numerous unread messages, but the latest one caught my attention:

Ethan: It was that guy, right? What's his deal?

My blood boiled. Ethan, the guy who cheated on me and broke my heart, was now questioning me?

Me: Don't you have anything better to do than spy on me, Ethan? Just leave me alone!

I replied, already frustrated, with my mood ruined for the day.

***

I stepped into my cluttered design studio, surrounded by swatches of silk, sketches, and half-finished garments. The Grand Showcase announcement still buzzed in my mind, but another exciting project beckoned – the "Blossom" event.

As I poured myself into refining my designs, Elena's feedback echoed in my thoughts. "Adeline, your pieces need to breathe." I nodded to myself, tweaking every detail.

May 19th and 20th blurred together in a whirlwind of creativity. I finalized my collection, each piece a reflection of my soul. Pressure mounted, but I thrived under it. My designs were my sanctuary.

But amidst the chaos, a nagging thought lingered – the "Blossom" event. On Wednesday, May 23rd, Creative Spark would host an intimate fashion soiree, showcasing my latest designs. I envisioned elegant models strutting down the catwalk, my designs shining under the spotlight.

I wondered if Eryx would be interested in attending. We'd exchanged occasional texts, our conversations flowing easily.

"Hey, how's design life?" he asked.

"Crazy, but good," I replied.

"Need any help?" he offered.

"Just a magic wand to make deadlines disappear"

His response made me smile, a brief respite from my hectic schedule.

But Ethan's silence unsettled me. After my stern response, he hadn't texted again. The quiet was unnerving, a sign he wasn't letting go.

On May 21st, I wrapped up prototype creation, exhausted but proud. Tomorrow was the final prep day before the "Blossom" event.

As I left the studio, the evening sun cast a warm glow over the city. May 22nd dawned bright and early, one day left until the event. Today would be a flurry of last-minute touches and rehearsals.

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the chaos ahead.

***

Wednesday, May 23rd, 6:00 pm

I stood in Creative Spark's boutique, my heart racing with anticipation. Tonight was the "Blossom" event, showcasing my designs to the fashion world. Soft jazz music floated through the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and the clinking of champagne glasses.

The boutique transformed into an elegant haven, with soft golden lighting and exquisite floral arrangements. Plush chairs and sleek tables were arranged around the catwalk, adorned with crisp white linens and sparkling crystal glasses.

I chatted with Emily, Olivia, and Sophia, trying to distract myself from the butterflies in my stomach. "I'm so nervous," I confessed, fidgeting with my dress.

Olivia smiled reassuringly. "You've got this, Addie. Your designs are stunning."

Sophia nodded, snapping a photo of me. "We're so proud of you."

Emily squeezed my hand. "You'll shine, sis."

As I laughed with my friends, I glanced around the room, taking in the familiar faces. Or so I told myself.

In reality, my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for... something. Someone. No, I wasn't doing that. I was just checking the guest list.

My gaze swept across the room, registering smiles and nods from industry professionals. Rachel, my mentor, caught my eye, her expression encouraging.

But my eyes kept moving, scanning faces, searching... stopping. No. Moving on.

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until Olivia broke the spell. "Addie, breathe! You're going to hyperventilate."

I laughed, forcing myself to relax. "Sorry, just nerves."

Sophia grinned. "You're going to rock this."

I smiled back, still scanning the room. Unaware. Unwilling. Unready.

Rachel approached, her eyes scanning the room. "Adeline, it's almost showtime. Are you ready?"

I took a deep breath, smoothing my dress. "I'm ready."

As Rachel's words faded, my gaze drifted toward the entrance. That's when I saw him.

My heart skipped a beat.

He stood in the doorway, piercing eyes locked onto mine.

Time froze.

The jazz music, champagne clinks, and chatter blurred into the background.

All I saw was him.

And then, he smiled.

Ever so slightly.

My breath caught in my throat.

"Addie?" Rachel's voice cut through the haze.

I nodded, my voice trapped.

"Yes," I whispered.

But my eyes never left his.