Chapter 6 - THE GALA
The announcement of the Vale merger was scheduled for Friday.
It was the biggest event of the season.
Ethan had to attend.
He wanted Maya by his side.
“I don't belong there,”
she said,
looking at the invitation.
“You belong anywhere I am,”
he said.
He had a dress made for her.
A deep emerald silk that matched her eyes.
He had a necklace of diamonds that looked like stars.
When she stepped out of her room on Friday night,
Ethan’s breath caught.
She was stunning.
She looked like a queen,
elegant and poised.
“You look beautiful,”
he said.
“I feel like I’m wearing a costume,”
she admitted.
“You’re wearing your truth,”
he said.
“You are a masterpiece,
Maya.”
The gala was at the Metropolitan Museum.
The air was thick with the scent of lilies and perfume.
Flashes of cameras greeted them as they arrived.
The crowd whispered as Ethan led her through the hall.
“Who is she?”
“Where did he find her?”
Ethan ignored them.
He stayed close to her,
his hand on the small of her back.
He introduced her to senators and CEOs.
He watched with pride as she held her own.
She was smart,
articulate,
and charming.
She didn't need his protection,
but she had it.
In the middle of the evening,
his rival approached.
Marcus Thorne,
a man who hated Ethan with a passion.
“So,
this is the new investment,”
Thorne said,
looking Maya up and down.
“A bit fragile,
isn't she?”
Ethan’s eyes turned to ice.
“She is stronger than anyone in this room,
Marcus.”
“Careful,
Ethan,”
Thorne warned.
“Fragile things break easily.”
Ethan stepped forward,
his voice a low growl.
“If you speak to her again,
I’ll destroy your company by morning.”
Thorne laughed,
but he backed away.
Maya looked at Ethan,
her eyes wide.
“You didn't have to do that,”
she said.
“I did,”
he replied.
“No one insults you.”
He realized then that he wasn't just falling in love.
He was becoming protective.
He was becoming a man who would do anything for her.
They left the gala early.
The city lights were a blur as they drove home.
Maya leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I had a good time,”
she said.
“Despite Marcus.”
“I’m glad,”
he said.
When they reached the penthouse,
the atmosphere had changed.
The tension was higher,
the air charged with anticipation.
The gala had been a stage,
but this was real.
Ethan turned to her in the living room.
“Maya,”
he said.
She looked up at him,
the emerald dress shimmering in the moonlight.
May you like
“I’m ready,”
she whispered.
