Anastasia
The ballroom glowed like a scene from a dream, chandeliers scattering light across polished marble and silken gowns. My entrance had already drawn too much attention, at least, that's what Talia kept whispering in my ear, nudging me every time she caught someone staring.
"The CEO keeps looking at you," she hissed, her grin both mischievous and triumphant. "Like, really looking."
I stiffened, refusing to turn. If Alexander Blackwell's gaze was truly on me, I wanted no part in feeding his ego. "You're imagining things," I muttered, pretending to adjust the hem of my dress.
Before Talia could press further, a familiar, overly confident voice swept into our circle.
"Ladies," Kyle drawled, his smile as bright as a thousand stars, "did you descend from heaven tonight? Because you look positively ethereal."
Talia snickered outright, failing to stifle her laugh behind her champagne flute. I sighed, keeping my expression neutral. "Hello to you, too, Kyle."
"Anastasia." He gave a dramatic bow before flashing Talia a grin that could blind an optimist. "And you must be the infamous Talia. I've heard…"
"You've heard nothing," she cut in, her voice sharp.
The two locked eyes, sparks flying instantly, not the good kind.
"Oh," Kyle's smile widened into a challenge. "So, you're a feisty one. Wildcat"
"And you must be the famous Playboy," Talia shot back.
I blinked at them, stunned. Talia, my sunshine friend who could win over the coldest boss and the iciest room, actually hated someone on sight. This was new. Their bickering carried on like two rivals who had known each other all their lives. Tom and Jerry, I thought with a suppressed laugh. Fate had just dropped me in the middle of a private battlefield.
But then, in the corner of my eye, I spotted something that knocked the air out of me.
Alexander.
Dancing.
With her. Or the witch-ling, what Talia called her.
The gold-haired witch-ling clung to his arm as she belonged there, her glittering gown shimmering each time she spun beneath his guiding hand. My chest tightened. I leaned closer to Talia, murmuring, "He's dancing with her."
Her laughter stilled. She followed my gaze and her mood soured instantly, lips pressing into a thin line. Whatever spark of amusement she had with Kyle vanished, replaced by sharp discontent.
Before I could process her reaction, Kyle turned back to me with that infuriating, smug charm of his. He extended his hand, dipping his head as if we were characters in a play. "May I have this dance, darling?"
I blinked, startled by the theatrics. "Darling?"
"Yes," he grinned unapologetically, "it suits you."
I rolled my eyes but placed my hand in his anyway. "Fine. One dance."
The orchestra shifted seamlessly into a softer melody, and he led me to the floor. He moved with unexpected grace, guiding me through the steps with practiced ease. His mouth, however, never seemed to stop moving.
"Did I ever tell you about my first investment pitch? It was a disaster. But look at me now. Resilience, that's the key. And that dress, stunning, truly stunning, I almost forgot my words."
I nodded, smiling politely at the right moments, but my mind was only half there. The other half was a storm of questions I couldn't silence.
Who is she? Why her? Is she close to the CEO? A business partner? A relative? Please let it be a relative. No, I don't want to know. Yes, I do. Damn it, I do.
"Anastasia?" Kyle's voice broke through. "Are you even listening?"
"Of course," I lied smoothly, offering a smile.
Thankfully, the music ended before my facade could crack further. We stepped back from each other, and just as I was about to retreat, the lights dimmed slightly. A voice echoed from the stage, announcing the moment everyone had been waiting for: promotions.
I held my breath.
Names were called one after another, applause filling the hall. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears.
"And the new Chief Data Analyst," the voice declared, "Anastasia Carter."
The room blurred for a moment. I blinked, stunned, barely able to process the words. My colleagues clapped, some cheering my name, and I felt my chest swell with pride.
Talia squealed, pulling me into a crushing hug. "You did it! Oh my God, Ana, you did it!" Her voice wavered with emotion, and I felt tears prick at my eyes.
I laughed, overwhelmed, hugging her back tightly. "I did it. All those sleepless nights… worth it."
Rachel's name was also announced, and we exchanged a glance filled with mutual congratulations.
And of course, Kyle couldn't resist. He appeared again, bowing dramatically as if we were still on the dance floor. "Congratulations, Chief Carter," he said, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. "A well-deserved victory."
I chuckled weakly, thanking him. But inside, I felt as if the air had grown thicker, pressing against my skin. Applause faded, chatter resumed, yet my chest remained heavy. Pride mixed with unease; joy tangled with tension.
I needed air.
Excusing myself quietly, I slipped out of the grand hall into the cooler, quieter night. The garden was dimly lit, the hush of leaves rustling in the breeze soothing my pounding heart. I wandered along the stone path, trying to steady my thoughts, to breathe without the weight of too many eyes and too many questions.
Lost in thought, I turned a corner…and collided headfirst into something solid.
I stumbled back, clutching my arm. "Ow!" I howled in pain. "What on earth…"
Then I looked up.
Not a wall. Not stone.
A man.
A shadow in the dim light, towering over me.
And when my eyes adjusted, my breath caught.