Mr. Grey-Book I

20

Emilia

The grand hall of the Grey mansion was a sight to behold, transformed into a glittering wonderland for the evening's festivities. As I stood at the entrance, I couldn't help but feel a little out of place among the sea of elegant gowns and crisp tuxedos.

"You look beautiful," Lucas whispered, offering me a reassuring smile as he placed a gentle hand on the small of my back.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. "Thank you," I replied shyly, smoothing down the front of my borrowed dress. It was far more exquisite than anything I'd ever worn before, and I was terrified of spilling something on it or tearing a seam.

The room was filled with beautiful, famous people - the kind you'd expect to see gracing magazine covers or walking red carpets. The women sparkled in their fancy dresses, dripping with diamonds that adorned their wrists, necks, and ears. The men looked dashing in tuxedos that seemed tailored to perfection.

Lucas stayed by my side throughout the evening, a constant anchor in this unfamiliar world. Whenever someone approached to greet me, he would smoothly introduce me as his friend, his easy smile never faltering. To my surprise, all the guests were extremely friendly, never once making me feel inferior or out of place. For brief moments, I could almost believe I belonged in this glittering, high-society world.

As I scanned the room, a nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right began to grow. "Where's Damien?" I whispered to Lucas as he handed me a glass of champagne.

I politely declined the drink, mindful of my condition. Lucas took a sip of his own champagne before answering, his eyes darting around the room. "He can't be here," he said finally, his voice low.

His words both stunned and confused me. "Why?" I pressed, unable to hide my concern.

Lucas was silent for a moment, his gaze continuing to sweep the room as if searching for potential threats. When he turned back to me, his expression was grave. "Because anyone in this room might have wanted him dead," he answered, taking another sip of his wine.

The weight of his words settled over me like a heavy blanket. Before I could process this disturbing information, the sound of a glass clinking caught everyone's attention. All heads turned in unison towards the stage where Mrs. Grey stood, a satisfied smile gracing her perfectly made-up face.

"On behalf of my family and myself, we would like to thank you all for being here with us tonight," she began, her voice carrying easily through the hall.

As Mrs. Grey continued her speech, my mind wandered. I couldn't shake the unease that Lucas's words had stirred in me. How could Damien live like this, constantly surrounded by potential enemies? And more importantly, what did it mean for me and the child I was carrying?

Several minutes later, Mrs. Grey concluded her speech to enthusiastic applause. The rest of the evening passed in a whirlwind of pictures and small talk. Lucas and I posed for several photos together, his arm comfortably around my waist, playing the part of the perfect couple.

As the band struck up a lively tune, signaling the start of the dancing portion of the evening, I found myself silently praying that Lucas wouldn't ask me to dance. My coordination left much to be desired on a good day, let alone in these precarious heels.

To my relief, one of the guests pulled Lucas away to discuss business, leaving me momentarily alone. I was just considering sneaking off to find a quiet corner when a familiar voice spoke up behind me.