When The Pieces Fall

"Isn't that ironic?" I was fiddling with the strap of my satin dress when Sophia's voice murmured in my ear. "This building's biggest event now features the girl who vowed she would never set foot inside."

I glared at her, but there was a little smirk peeking out from the corner of my lips. "It's not amusing."

"It's kind of funny." Leaning back, she examined me as if I were a valuable picture in her collection. "Eva, you seem like you belong here. as if you own the space.

If only it were the case. The cold glass grounded me as my fingers moved over the lip of the champagne flute in my hand. In the glitzy world of Calloway Industries, where everyone carried their money as effortlessly as their luxury clothing, I didn't belong. Yet here I was, a hesitant honored guest at a banquet honoring the debut of my most recent artwork.

the evening's focal point.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!" The faint murmur of talk was interrupted by a voice that roared through the tall atrium. My heartbeat accelerated.

I looked over to the stage, where a well-groomed emcee stood with a microphone. His wide grin, which begged for pricey dental treatment, was directed at the throng. We're here tonight to honor resiliency, innovation, and change. And how better to exemplify such attributes than with the breathtaking creations of Eva Monroe, our featured artist?

A round of applause echoed around the space. I managed a stiff grin and raised my glass in appreciation as Sophia pushed me ahead.

You see? "They cherish you," Sophia muttered.

My pulse thumping in my chest, I said, "They adore the art."

"And now, please join me in welcoming the man behind this evening's success, the CEO of Calloway Industries-Mr. Liam Calloway!" the emcee went on, his voice rising with excitement.

The cheers became louder and echoed off the atrium's glass walls. In an instant, my meticulously planned world began to tilt.

I was unwilling to look. I ought not to have seen it. However, I was deceived by my eyes, which suddenly snapped to the man stepping onto the stage.

Calloway, Liam.

His presence dominated the space, drawing me in from across the sea of glistening dresses and well-tailored clothes. His black hair was brushed back nicely, his physique was wider, and he was taller than I had imagined. His black suit exuded strength, but what really caught my attention was his face, particularly the severe cut of his jaw and those piercing blue eyes.

Then he looked into my eyes.

It took some time. Acting like the affable host, he looked around the gathering first. However, the atmosphere in the atrium appeared to change as his gaze fell upon me. The sounds around me subsided, leaving just my heart's thumping.

A little grin curled Liam's lips. Not the cocky grin I used to hate. This was softer, no. Regretful, almost.

I said to myself, "Don't," but I wasn't sure whether I was making the request for him or for myself.

"Eva?" I was brought back to reality by Sophia's voice, which broke through the fog.

I shoved the champagne glass into her hand and whispered, "I need air," before squeezing through the throng.

A balcony with a view of the city was accessible via the glass doors of the atrium. Grasping the chilly metal railing, I went outdoors into the sharp night air that scorched my face. My mind was still a jumbled mess, and my heart was still pounding.

Calloway, Liam. My blood was boiling at the mention of the word alone. My father's business was destroyed by his family's empire ten years ago, leaving us in ruins. And now, after all these years, he was celebrating my work with a gala.

Behind me, a familiar, low voice said, "What are the chances?"

I tensed up.

With a careful tone, Liam said, "I didn't mean to startle you."