Vice versa

The day started much like any other, the familiar scent of coffee lingering in the air as I navigated the halls of our family home. Our house, once filled with laughter and bustling activity, now held a solemn echo—a constant reminder of the absence that loomed since Mom passed away 12 years ago.Dressed in the gown passed down from generations, its intricate lace holding memories of happier times, I fastened the necklace Grandma bestowed  upon me, feeling her love encircle me like a protective embrace.

The gala tonight, a grand affair for a noble cause, was a stark contrast to the subdued routine of our everyday life. Arriving at the venue, the opulence overwhelmed me. The dazzling lights and tinkling of glasses mingled with polite laughter, a facade hiding whispered conversations and concealed agendas. Amidst the façade, I caught sight of him—Lucas—his presence commanding attention, an air of mystery shrouding him like a veil. Our eyes met, an unspoken understanding passing between us in an instant, a connection that transcended the elaborate setting. It felt as if ‘fate’ had orchestrated our encounter  Amidst the buzz of the gala, Isla found herself weaving through the crowd, the elegance of her gown failing to shield her from the chaos of the event. Lost in the sea of murmuring voices and swirling gowns, she collided with a waiter carrying a tray of champagne, the liquid cascading onto her dress in an unfortunate accident. Her heart sank as she surveyed the now-stained fabric. Panic threatened to surface, but she composed herself, offering a polite apology to the startled waiter, he too was apologizing. she hurried to find solace in the sanctuary of the ladies' room, a sense of frustration gnawed at her—until she collided with someone else. Before she could stumble back, strong arms caught her, preventing a fall that would have worsened the state of her dress. Her eyes met Lucas's, surprise flashing across both their faces at the unexpected collision. "I'm terribly sorry," Isla stammered, flustered by the encounter and the state of her gown. Lucas, composed and unruffled, offered a small smile. "No harm done." He said as he  let go of her so she could stand on her own 

Despite the urgency to rectify the situation, Isla hesitated, her gaze flickering to the ruined dress. "I need to find a way to clean this up. "the ladies room is this way” Lucas offered, gesturing to the hallway leading to the restrooms. “I’ll wait outside, take your time” He said 

as Isla disappeared into the ladies' room, Lucas lingered just outside, giving her the privacy she needed. a few minutes passed before she finally came out.

“All good?”Lucas asked 

“Yes thank you” Isla said softening her dress as she offered a small smile 

“You seem lost? Allow me to be your guide this evening” He said and offered his hand to her Isla’s eyes lit up as she held his hand “Yes I was a bit lost, I didn’t want to be here this evening you see” 

“Aha, pretty obvious actually”Lucas grinned as they returned to the party 

“It seems we missed something the dance is about to begin” Isla says 

“Well then may I have this dance?”

“You are already holding my hand so of course”She said courteously.

they glided across the dance floor, the strains of a gentle melody enveloped them in a cocoon of elegance and grace. Lucas led with practiced ease, guiding Isla in the refined dance steps. 

Breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them, Lucas arched an eyebrow playfully. "Tell me something interesting about yourself. A secret passion, perhaps?" Isla chuckled softly, the question catching her off guard. "Hmmm let me think of something… well you see I'm a bit of a sunset enthusiast, actually. There's something magical about watching the sky transform into a canvas of colors, each evening painting a unique masterpiece” she said Lucas stared down at her in awe seemingly impressed by her 

“And moon gazing too, I love that It's like finding solace in the tranquility of the night." Lucas's gaze held a glint of fascination as he continued to listen intently 

He finally spoke"Sunsets and moon gazing—sounds like a serene way to appreciate life's simple wonders." Their conversation continued to flow seamlessly, weaving between lighthearted anecdotes and shared interests. Amidst the ballroom's opulence, they found a sense of ease in each other's company, a rare comfort in their lives. As the dance came to an end, Isla found herself inexplicably drawn to the enigma that was Lucas—a man who seemed to appreciate the beauty in simplicity,his deep green eyes seemingly conveying something unknown to Isla and she was beyond amazed at the stark contrast to his facial structures , a slightly wavy dark brown hair and an athletic build. Little did she know that this was just the beginning of their shared moments. But for now the gala had ended and she had to go home. 

                  ~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

The sleek black limo glided to a stop in front of the imposing mansion, its headlights casting a soft glow against the ornate gates. As the security team hurried to open the car door, Isabella stepped out, her heels clicking against the pavement with purpose. Her gown, adorned with intricate lace and shimmering sequins, spoke of the elegance she exuded effortlessly.

Storming into the grand foyer, Isabella's expression was a mix of determination and annoyance. She bypassed the lavish surroundings, her gaze fixed on one destination: her brother Nathan's office. The flickering candlelight from the hallway sconces danced across her features, accentuating the resolve etched in her features.