Chapter 15 Chapter 15
Chapter 15
SELENE
We made our way through the lobby and into the grand ballroom, where the gala was being held. The space was breathtaking—crystal chandeliers casting warm light over tables draped in ivory linens, each centerpiece a work of art featuring white roses and flickering candles. A string quartet played softly in one corner, the music elegant and understated. Everything was perfect, polished, exactly what you'd expect from an event organized by Rosalie Sterling.
"Darling!" Rosalie's voice cut through the ambient noise, and I turned to see her approaching, resplendent in a silver gown that complemented her white hair beautifully. Her face was alight with joy as she took in the sight of Derek and me together.
"Grandmother," Derek said warmly, leaning down to kiss her cheek. The affection in his voice was real—Rosalie was perhaps the only person he genuinely loved without reservation.
She turned to me next, pulling me into a perfumed embrace. "Selene, you look absolutely stunning. That dress is perfection."
"Thank you, Rosalie. You look beautiful too."
"Come, come, I want to introduce you to some very important people." She linked her arm through mine, drawing me away from Derek with the confidence of someone who never doubted she'd be obeyed. "The Hendersons just arrived—they're considering a seven-figure donation to the foundation. And the Chens are here, you remember them from last year's benefit..."
I let her guide me through the growing crowd, smiling and shaking hands, making polite conversation with people whose names I'd forget the moment we moved on. Derek followed, his hand occasionally touching my elbow or shoulder, maintaining the appearance of an attentive husband.
"Mrs. Sterling, what a pleasure to see you again," Mrs. Henderson gushed, gripping my hand with both of hers. "You and your husband make such a lovely couple. And I hear congratulations may be in order soon?"
My smile froze for a fraction of a second. "I'm sorry?"
She leaned in conspiratorially. "A little bird told me you and Derek might be expecting some happy news soon."
I felt Derek tense beside me. Rosalie must have been dropping hints about grandchildren to everyone who would listen.
"We're very happy as we are," I said smoothly, deflecting. "But you never know what the future holds."
Mrs. Henderson winked, clearly convinced she'd uncovered some secret, and moved on to speculating about the auction items for later in the evening.
We continued making the rounds—donors, board members, society fixtures who attended every major event in the city. My face ached from smiling, my feet already protesting in the four-inch heels I'd chosen. But I played my part flawlessly, the devoted wife, the gracious hostess, the perfect complement to Derek Sterling.
Rosalie was in her element, beaming with pride as she introduced us. "My grandson and his wonderful wife," she'd say, her hand on Derek's arm or mine. "Aren't they just perfect together?"
Perfect. That word again. If only she knew how far from perfect we really were.
The ballroom was filling up now, the crowd growing larger and more animated as cocktails were served. I accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, knowing I couldn't actually drink it but needing something to hold, something to do with my hands.
And then I saw her.
Jasmine entered the ballroom like something out of a movie, stunning in a red dress that hugged every curve. The color should have been too bold, too attention-grabbing for a charity gala, but on her it was perfect. Her dark hair fell in waves over one shoulder, and she moved with the easy confidence of a woman who knew exactly how beautiful she was.
On her arm was Drake—tall, charming, impeccably dressed in his tuxedo. He was saying something that made Jasmine laugh, her hand resting lightly on his arm. They looked good together, like they belonged in the same frame.
But I noticed something else too. While Jasmine's attention was fixed on Derek, scanning the room until she found him, Drake's eyes kept drifting elsewhere. Specifically, to the young male bartender who was setting up one of the cocktail stations, athletic and handsome in his crisp white shirt.
I felt Derek stiffen beside me the moment Jasmine appeared. His hand on my elbow tightened fractionally, and when I glanced up at him, his expression had shifted. Still pleasant, still appropriate for public consumption, but there was something in his eyes—a hunger, a longing that made my chest ache.
"Derek, darling," Rosalie said, oblivious to the undercurrents. "Would you be a dear and help me sort out some confusion with the seating arrangements? The caterer seems to have mixed up two of the tables."
"Of course, Grandmother," Derek said, his attention reluctantly pulling away from Jasmine. He turned to me. "I'll be right back. Will you be alright?"
"I'll be fine," I assured him, and he disappeared with Rosalie, leaving me standing alone in the crowd.
I took a small sip of my champagne—just enough to wet my lips without actually drinking—and watched Derek and Jasmine across the room. They were far apart, separated by dozens of guests, but I saw the moment their eyes met. Saw the way Derek's expression softened, the way Jasmine's face lit up with a smile meant only for him.
This was my life. Standing in a beautiful ballroom, wearing a designer dress, playing the role of the perfect wife while watching my husband fall more in love with someone else with every passing glance.
"Selene!" A familiar voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. Sarah appeared at my elbow, elegant in a deep purple gown. "You look amazing! How are you holding up?"
I'd forgotten Sarah would be here—her PR firm had done work for the foundation, earning her a coveted invitation.
"I'm managing," I said, keeping my voice low. "It's going to be a long night."