The night was alive with glittering chandeliers and laughter, the atmosphere electric as guests congratulated Lena and James. It was supposed to be the happiest night of her life, yet something felt off. Her eyes drifted nervously over the crowd, looking for something, or rather someone—Riley.
She had just accepted James's proposal with a smile that didn't quite reach her heart. It wasn't that she didn't love him—it was that James had a way of controlling every aspect of her life, a subtle but suffocating grip. She had agreed to marry him, but her thoughts kept returning to Ethan.
Why was he here?
James's arm tightened around her waist as they swirled across the dance floor, the guests watching them with smiles that felt more forced than genuine. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I'm so proud of you, Lena. This is just the beginning."
Lena nodded, smiling, though the words felt empty. She didn't want to think about the way James had practically paraded her engagement in front of everyone, like a trophy to show off. She glanced around, her heart picking up speed. Where is Riley?
The music shifted, but Lena couldn't focus. Her eyes locked on someone in the crowd—Ethan.
He stood at the edge of the dance floor, his eyes fixed on her. For a moment, their gazes locked, and a shiver ran down her spine. There was something about the way he looked at her—an intensity that felt too strong, too deep. She quickly turned her head, trying to shake off the unease. What's he doing here?
"Lena," James's voice broke through her thoughts, "let's step outside for a moment."
Without waiting for her response, he led her away from the dance floor and into a quieter part of the ballroom. He pulled her closer, his breath against her ear. "I saw him," James muttered, his tone dangerously low.
"Who?" Lena asked, her heart thumping in her chest.
"Ethan," he spat, his eyes scanning the room like a hawk. "What's he doing here?"
Lena's stomach dropped. Ethan? Of course, Ethan was here—he was a friend of Riley's. But why was James acting like this? There was something in his eyes, something dark and possessive.
"He's just a coursemate," Lena said quickly, trying to brush off the tension, but James wasn't having it.
"I don't care who he is, Lena. He has no place here. You're mine now." James's words sent a chill down her spine. He said it so calmly, but there was an edge to his voice that made Lena feel as though she had no choice but to obey.
Before she could respond, James grabbed her arm tightly and pulled her away, his pace quickening as he stormed through the crowd toward the back of the ballroom.
"Wait, James," Lena protested, but he ignored her, leading her out of the main party space.
They stepped into the dimly lit hallway. Lena's heart was pounding. What is going on with him?
As they rounded the corner, James's eyes locked onto something—or rather, someone—across the room. Ethan. He was near the exit, slipping out the door, seemingly unaware that James was watching him.
"What the hell is he doing here?" James muttered, his voice dripping with venom. He stepped forward, his expression wild.
Lena reached out, trying to stop him. "James, stop. He's just here for Riley—"
But before she could finish, James was gone, striding down the hallway with purpose. Lena stood frozen, a sick feeling settling in her gut. She didn't know what was going on, but she knew it was bad.
After a few moments, James returned, his face pale and tight with fury. He grabbed Lena by the wrist again, this time more forcefully than before. "I don't want to see that guy anywhere near you again, Lena. You hear me?"
Lena nodded, unsure of what to say. She wanted to tell him he was overreacting, but the intensity in his eyes made her swallow the words. She had never seen him this angry. And it scared her.
James wiped the tears that had started to form in her eyes with a quick, almost gentle motion, though his demeanor remained cold and furious. "Let's get back to the party," he said through gritted teeth. "Everything's fine now."
Lena let him lead her back into the ballroom, her mind racing. What was really happening here?
She scanned the room, but still, no sign of Riley. Anxiety twisted in her stomach. Where had she gone? She made her way through the crowd, hoping to spot her friend, but the longer she looked, the more distant Riley seemed. Where is she?
She returned to James's side, trying to push aside the unease gnawing at her. The moment she stood beside him, however, she felt a tug of panic—he was gone.
Where's James?
Her heart pounded. She looked around the party, her gaze skimming over the faces, feeling the weight of the moment. What was happening?
And then she saw him—Ethan, standing near the door again, his gaze locking onto hers. She felt an uncomfortable shiver run down her spine. What was he doing here? Was he waiting for her? No, that was ridiculous. He'd just been in the hallway, but his presence felt more like an intrusion now.
Lena hesitated before stepping toward him. Why am I even thinking about him? Her thoughts scattered, and she approached Ethan cautiously.
He met her halfway. "Hey," he said, his voice low, almost too casual. "I'm leaving. Riley invited me, but I don't want to cause any trouble. I'll see you around."
Lena frowned. "Wait, Ethan—what's going on? Why are you here? Why didn't you say anything to me?"
He shrugged, a flicker of something dark in his eyes. "You're a big girl. You don't need to know everything. But don't worry, I'm leaving now."
Something in his voice made Lena feel uneasy. As he turned to leave, she glanced around the room again—James was still nowhere to be found. She stepped back inside, her gaze searching for him. But then, just as she thought she might go mad with worry, she saw him—coming from the visitors' restroom, his face suddenly softening as he spotted her.
"There you are, my beautiful queen," James called, his arms wide open. Lena smiled, her heart hammering against her chest. But the questions in her mind wouldn't stop.
Where had he been?
Her confusion only deepened when she noticed Riley was nowhere in sight.
Lena forced a smile, stepping into James's arms. "I've been looking for you," she said, the words feeling hollow. Something was wrong—something she couldn't quite place.
But for now, she had to pretend. To smile and laugh, to play the part of the happy fiancée.