As she entered the ballroom, Sophia's eyes scanned the room, her heart skipped a beat. The wolfish gazes of the guests made her uneasy. The room fell silent, chatter ceasing as all eyes turned to her. She stood frozen inexperienced in grand settings making her feel uncertain. The was oppressive punctuated only by the soft rustle of her gown.
Maya's voice broke the tension.
'mam' Mr Fredrick is upstairs '. Sophia took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and stepped into the room, her eyes fixed ahead. Guests' whispers and gossip followed her like a shadow, their words biting with jealousy. But she remained calm, her expression serene. Mr Fredrick's smile lit up as he saw her approach.
"Mrs William, if a prophecy had told me you'd honor my invitation I'd have called it a lie. But here you are, flesh and blood". Sophia nodded graciously, her eyes meeting his, a hint of a smile on her lips.
Sophia approached Mr Fredrick, exchanging pleasantries.
"I must say, you look stunning". He said smiling.
"Thank you". Sophia replied.
"So tell me, what brings the illustrious Dr. William to my ballroom?". Fredrick asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
"I accepted the invitation you forcefully placed on me". Sophia replied, her voice straightforward.
Mr Fredrick chuckled."is that all?".
"Yes". Sophia said her expression serene.
Mr Fredrick smile never wavered."I wonder what your story is but all story has an ending in my gala dear so welcome".
As the orchestra began to play a slow, melodious tune, Mr Frederick turned to Sophia.
"Would the great Dr. William honor me with a dance?".
Sophia hesitated, scanning the room. "I'm not much of a dancer. I should be going". She handed Mr. Fredrick a gift. " I suppose it's your birthday".
Mr Fredrick laughed, his eyes crinkling. "No... but I'll take it. Thank you". As he accepted the gift, he whispered, " kid, enjoy yourself. Be alive. Only you can do that, alright. Bye now".
Sophia watched Mr. Frederick disapear into the crowd, his words echoing in her mind.
Sophia scanned the room, her eyes tracing the clusters of people, their conversations, and laughter. She felt disconnected, a spectator observing a world she didn't fully understand. How did they know when to start and end their interactions? The crowd's dynamics bewildered her. Lost in the opulent walls of lanski, Sophia's heart slowed and the familiar ache resurfaced. The orchestra's melody swelled, and the guests scattered, moving in harmony. Like a well-rehearsed dance, they flowed through the room, their movements fluid, each knowing their place. Some exuded charisma, commanding attention while others seemed pretentious. Sophia sighed, her thoughts echoing in the silence." What a community".
"Eleanor, please inform the driver I'm ready to leave," Sophia whispered. Eleanor nodded and departed. Sophia surveyed the room, observing the cliques forming around wealth, beauty, and social standing. She noticed how one person in each group held away, while others sought acceptance. Once again the orchestra's melody swelled, and the groups dissolved into couples on the dance floor. Sophia sighed, feeling out of place. Mr Fredrick's words still lingered, but she wasn't alive like the rest. No matter what she did, she knew she would never be accepted. As she raised her head, a gaze caught her attention- unfamiliar, yet captivating. It has been there since she arrived, daring her look back. The footsteps, deep in the music, drew her in. Only those steps mattered. She held her breath. The presence loomed behind her, hot breath sending shivers down her spine. The stare made her stomach flutter, her heart racing with fear and curiosity.
"Hello". The voice sent tremors through her entire being. The soothing voice stirred a hidden smile within Sophia. She turned, her eyes locking onto his, and felt an inexplicable rush.
#####
A cluster of ladies congregated, their hushed whispers filling the air as they discussed the latest sensation in the hall. Their cheeks flushed with excitement, their eyes fixed longingly on him. He had gone to the balcony when he came in at first and they had all wished for him to come out again especially a striking young woman among them, her chestnut hair cascading down her back like a rich waterfall. Her full lower lip and perfect figure, she was indeed beauty and if anyone among them they felt was to be the one to catch the gentleman's attention it would be her. They all gossip and anticipated his return, and then he came down. He was handsome. They all were flushed as they waited for his approach but he walked around instead, his eyes looking at her: the woman in red. He walked towards her with each step he saw her clearly. Her hair cascading down her back and with her every movement she enticed him. On getting close to her he whispered " hello".
He'd watched her all night but it seemed she ignored his gaze, as if invisible. Her indifference ignited a fire within him, fueling the overwhelming urge to capture her attention.
Turning on the sound of his voice, her expressionless eyes met his, a hint of smile on her lips. Atticus frustration grew; he was accustomed to desire or admiration in women and men's eyes, but this woman remained a mystery.
"Hi". She replied, her melodious voice sending his heart racing. Without thinking, he asked,
"Can I have this dance?" The silence that followed was agonizing, but her gaze finally met his again and she smiled.
"Sure".
Atticus beamed with triumph, taking her hand. A spark of electricity ran through him as their skin touched. He led her to the dance floor, savoring her hand's warmth. As they glided across the dance floor, Atticus felt victorious, he'd made her notice him, and now, he determined to unravel the secrets behind her enigmatic eyes.
Atticus's eyes locked onto Sophia's, fueled by a burning desire for her admiration. But her smile and expressionless eyes left him unfazed.
"Do you dance tango?" He asked.
"Tango," Sophia murmured.
"Yes". Atticus replied.
"No, Why?" Sophia asked.
Atticus lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"When you dance, trust your partner". He whispered as he pulled her closer and tangoed, Sophia followed his rhythm, their world narrowing to each other. Her eyes changed, drawing him into an endless pit of mystery. Valentine pulled her closer, possessively, awaiting her reaction. But Sophia's smile, blush, and enigmatic eyes left him intrigued. He knew he blush and smile was all for the sake of being polite, she didn't desire him like the rest. And as he was lost hellbent on see her react to him he didn't know the music ended, and silence enveloped them as they starred into each other's eyes.
Atticus broke the silence, " wow, you're a natural. Ithought you said you didn't know how to dance?". Sophia smiled, glancing at the symbol on Atticus's chest. It seemed dangerous, radiating an otherworldly aura. Raising her head. Sophia smiled again.
"When you dance, trust your partner". She replied smiling. Atticus nodded.
"How about I interest you in the viewing of the balcony?" Atticus said smiling.
Sophia smiled. " Well thank you but am good". Sophia replied.
"Please, although I know it isn't as beautiful as you but it is still a sight". Atticus said smirking. He knew no woman could resist his charm and...
"Goodnight sir ". Sophia replied and walked away.
"How about your name". Atticus's voice trailed, shock and curiosity etched on his face as he watched her walk away. In shock he muttered, "Did I just get dumped in the alter?"
Thomas's laughter echoed from the balcony.
"Ouch! , Ha looks like someone's got his pride wounded".
Atticus's gaze snapped towards Thomas, a striking glance that commanded silence. Thomas smile faltered, and he quickly quieted.
Just then a lady with chestnut hair walked up to him, she had seen him dance with the lady in red, burning with jealousy.
"Good day gentleman, my name is lily Taylor of the Taylor enterprise so nice to meet you". She said her face flushed red.
Atticus starred at her and just walked away without saying a word as he disappeared into the crowd. Leaving the woman embarrassed and shocked.
Meanwhile, standing at the opposite end of the hall, stood a man in black. He had watched the couple dance and also when she left. His eyes were on them all night, watching them.
"What should we do now, my lord". A man standing next to him asked.
The man raised his head and smirked mischievously.
"Let the game begin".
#####
Sophia thought betrayed her, drifting back to the enigmatic stranger from the ballroom. Her mind refused to erase the memory of his chiseled features: piercing eyes, sharp jawline, and full lips curved into a captivating smile. His dark hair framed his face like a masterpiece. She sighed, resting her head on knees, her phone beeped, shattering the reverie. An anonymous message appeared, featuring the symbol from the handsome guy in the gala's chest, alongside a single word: korvin.
Who is korvin and how did he get her number?: no one but her secretary could cotact her. Sophia's heart skipped a beat.
She didn't know but the symbol scared her then and now, it sent shivers down her spine. Fearing for her life Sophia turned off her phone as beads of sweat came down her face. She couldn't shake the feeling that her life was on the cusp of transformation and she hated changes.