The party hall was alive with laughter, music, and the soft clinking of glasses. The chandeliers above sparkled, casting a warm glow on the elegant guests who milled about, some chatting, others enjoying the celebration. In the midst of it all, Esme and Kael stood on the dance floor, lost in their own world.
As the music played, Kael held Esme close, his hands steady on her waist, guiding her effortlessly through the dance. Every step, every turn, felt natural, as if they were in perfect harmony. Her dress swirled around her, its flowing fabric catching the light, accentuating her graceful movements. Esme's eyes locked with Kael's, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away.
He looked at her with an intensity she hadn't seen before, his gaze lingering on every curve of her body, every inch of her beauty.
"You're breathtaking," he whispered, his voice low, yet soft, carrying a weight that made her heart race.
Esme blushed, her cheeks warming under his gaze. For the first time, she wasn't sure how to react to the sweetness in his tone. It felt real. Too real. His touch felt gentle, his words sincere, and she was losing herself in the moment.
Kael's eyes softened, his thumb brushing over her skin as he held her closer. "I didn't realize just how stunning you were until now," he murmured, his lips almost grazing her ear.
Esme's breath caught in her throat. She wasn't used to this side of Kael. He'd always been distant, cold, almost indifferent. But now, he was looking at her as if she were the only person in the room. She felt her heart flutter, her breath shallow as she tried to compose herself.
But before she could respond, the atmosphere shifted.
The music stopped abruptly, and a voice echoed across the room.
"Kael."
Esme froze.
She turned to see her.
Sophia.
The woman who had been haunting Esme's mind for days. Standing at the edge of the dance floor, dressed in a tight-fitting white dress, which clung to her like a second skin. The dress was… provocative. She knew what she was doing. She knew exactly how she was stepping into Esme's world, into Kael's life, in that moment.
Kael's posture stiffened as all eyes turned to Sophia, the tension in the room palpable. He seemed momentarily caught off guard, but as soon as he locked eyes with Sophia, his expression softened.
Sophia smiled sweetly, her eyes twinkling with an almost mischievous glint. "May I have this dance?" she asked, her voice dripping with honey.
Esme felt a sharp sting in her chest, her heart plummeting as Kael hesitated.
What was going on? Was this some kind of game? Why was he accepting this invitation?
The worst part? He did accept.
Esme stepped back, retreating to the side of the room, her stomach twisting with unease. She wanted to scream, to yell at him. How could he just… let her dance with him? After everything?
She watched, her eyes stinging, as Kael took Sophia's hand, leading her to the center of the floor. The crowd watched with rapt attention, some exchanging whispers, while Esme stood there, alone, her chest tight with a suffocating feeling of humiliation.
She had convinced herself that the sweet words Kael had spoken to her were genuine. But now, standing there, watching him hold Sophia so closely, it was clear how foolish she had been.
Kael had already moved on.
And she had fallen for it.
A bitter laugh bubbled in Esme's throat, but she forced it down. She wasn't going to let herself fall apart in front of all these people. She straightened her posture, her hands clenched at her sides as she fought the tears that threatened to spill over.
Sophia giggled as she leaned closer to Kael, pressing herself against him, and Kael—he didn't pull away. He seemed to enjoy it, his hand resting on her waist, his eyes soft as they followed her movements.
Esme's stomach twisted into a knot. The music resumed, and the two of them danced, their bodies swaying in sync with the rhythm, while Esme stood on the sidelines, feeling like a stranger in her own life.
She fought to maintain her composure, to hide the deep sense of betrayal that twisted inside her. The party continued around her, but all she could do was watch. Watch as Kael danced with the woman from his past, the woman who wasn't supposed to be here, the woman who seemed to own a part of him that Esme could never reach.
As much as she hated herself for it, she couldn't stop herself from feeling the deep, searing jealousy rising in her chest.
****. ****. ****.