The Bennet Scandal

Whispers Among the Stars

Sophia Bennet's friend called out from her left, "Sophia, this way!" She gestured toward the venue, her voice barely rising above the hum of conversation.

"Thank you, dear," Sophia responded with a soft smile, gliding toward the entrance of the hall.

Inside, the Jefferson Hotel's grand ballroom unfolded in all its splendor. Glistening chandeliers hung like jewels, casting a golden glow across the marble floors that seemed to gleam under her feet. Sophia's eyes flicked upward, admiring the opulence. "It's stunning," she murmured to herself, a hint of awe in her voice.

The gala had a certain buzz—this was the event of the season, hosted by none other than Elaine Thornton, a social powerhouse and mother of her close friend Linda. Washington D.C.'s elite milled about in gowns and suits, their laughter and whispered gossip filling the air. Sophia felt the thrill of the night pulse through her as she stepped deeper into the room, her emerald green gown catching the light with every move. Her grey eyes scanned the room, sharp and observant, while the elegant cut of her dress hugged her toned frame, drawing more than a few admiring glances.

"Sophia!" Linda's voice rang out above the crowd, bright and warm. She floated toward her, the lavender fabric of her dress swirling around her legs like a soft breeze. "Look at you, you're breathtaking!"

Sophia's smile deepened. "Thanks, Linda. This place... it's incredible." Her eyes wandered across the room, taking in the lavish décor, the crystal glasses filled with champagne, and the clusters of guests laughing quietly under the dim lights. The air felt alive with possibility, secrets hidden just behind polite smiles.

"Come on, let's get drinks!" Linda grabbed Sophia's hand and tugged her toward the bar, weaving them through the sea of perfectly groomed guests. Everywhere she turned, Sophia was greeted with warm smiles, the kind that held a little too much curiosity, a touch of envy.

"Sophia! Look who it is—the princess of D.C.!" a voice called out from across the bar. Jake, one of her closest friends, grinned as he raised his glass in a mock salute. "I'm surprised you didn't arrive in a carriage!"

Sophia laughed, the sound light and effortless. "No carriage, just my trusty car, but thanks for the royal welcome!" Her tone was playful, but her affection for her friends was genuine.

Jake took a long sip from his glass, turning to Linda. "Who's performing tonight, anyway?"

Linda looked at him, feigning disbelief. "Seriously, Jake? You don't know?"

He shrugged, unbothered. "No clue."

Sophia leaned in, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "It's Justin Bieber, you fool."

Jake nearly choked on his drink. "No way."

Sophia nodded, her eyes already shifting toward the stage. "And I think he's here."

Sure enough, the room quieted as a familiar figure took the stage. The soft hum of excitement spread like wildfire through the crowd.

"Let's get closer," Jake said, grabbing Sophia's hand before she could protest, pulling her toward the front of the stage as the opening notes filled the room.

The night was just beginning.

Sophia twirled on the dance floor, her emerald gown shimmering like a thousand stars under the cascading lights. Laughter bubbled from her as Justin Bieber's latest hit pulsed through the room, her heart syncing with the rhythm. The night was electric, alive with the hum of excitement, but all of that suddenly faded when her eyes landed on HIM.

Her feet stopped as if someone had anchored them to the polished marble floor. The music that had once filled her veins now faded into a distant echo. Her gaze locked on the figure standing at the edge of the dance floor—tall, dark-haired, and impossibly striking in his tailored suit that hugged his broad shoulders.