21. A Night of Revelations and Emotions

**Next Few Days**

It was Saturday, and everyone in the C Block building where they lived—Petro, Phil, Paul, Sarah, Ellen, and the other residents of the floor—had received an invitation to the wedding party of one of their fellow residents.

Ellen didn't want to go, but as usual, Sarah dragged her friend along. "Stop being silly, girlfriend. You're going, and it'll be fun. My Goruz won't be able to make it; that's a shame." Sarah made a sad face and looked at Ellen, who shrugged and said, "Too bad, friend, but you'll be sticking close to me. Now, I'm actually excited to go."

Sarah rolled her eyes at her friend, and together they prepared for the event. They helped each other with their hair, and Sarah, as usual, had chosen dresses for both of them. While they were getting ready, Petro was also preparing. He was certain he would attend the event. He tied his hair into a bun, wearing a gray blouse with various dark brown accessories. He opted for black pants and closed shoes, clearly disliking suits.

Adding a pair of glasses and adorning himself with necklaces and rings, he finished off his look with a touch of cologne. With a message to his brothers on his mobile phone, he informed them, "I'll be heading down to the party. I'll wait for you, okay? Our table is numbered." Message sent, he left the apartment.

Meanwhile, Phil completed his preparations, applying gel to his hair, slightly slicked to one side. He adjusted his tie and admired his appearance in the mirror, looking handsome in his dark blue suit. He exited the apartment, grabbing his cell phone as he walked down the corridor, replying to his brother: "I'm in. See you there." He sent the message and proceeded to the elevator.

Paul, on the other hand, was struggling with his outfit choices. He couldn't decide what to wear. He wondered why he felt so nervous. "Come on, Paul, just pick something!" he muttered to himself, growing increasingly irritated. Eventually, he settled on a pair of trendy ripped pants, a black long-sleeved shirt, and a jacket with multiple pockets.

He adorned himself with a silver necklace and a spritz of cologne, completing the look with sneakers. He then sent a hasty message, only glancing at it before closing the app and exiting the apartment. As he walked to the elevator, he held onto a positive hope of encountering Ellen at the event, longing for a moment to express his feelings to her—aware that his brother Phil also harbored intentions of confessing to Ellen.

As for Ellen and Sarah, they were fully prepared. Sarah appeared stunning in a light green dress that suited her well, drawing Ellen's admiration. "Wow, you look amazing, my friend. You're going to be the belle of the ball," Ellen exclaimed, watching as Sarah touched up her pink lipstick in front of the mirror. In the living room, Ellen impatiently waited for her friend, eager to depart for the party.

She caught a glimpse of herself—a perfect fit in her dark blue dress that highlighted her waist and bust. Taking a deep breath, she looked ahead with anticipation. Addressing her friend with urgency, she said, "Let's go, Sarah." As Sarah maneuvered in her high heels, Ellen grabbed her friend's hand and hastened them to the door. They stepped out, and Ellen locked the door behind them. "Enough dawdling. It's not about that. I just want to get to the party and return quickly," Ellen clarified.

The pair strolled down the hallway, passing by several well-dressed people, many of whom were also en route to the event. Numerous women, dressed in an array of colors, attracted their attention. Some wore chic, short dresses, while others opted for more elegant, longer gowns. One lady complimented the girls, saying, "You both look stunning, truly beautiful." Although Ellen gave a faint smile, she thanked the woman while Sarah did the same.

As they continued toward the elevator, anticipation for the party grew.

Upon reaching the ground floor, a bustling atmosphere awaited them. The venue was spacious enough to accommodate everyone from the building. Tables were arranged on the lawn and patio, while lights illuminated the dance floor. Couples were already twirling on the dance floor, while others took their places at tables.

Petro, Paul, and Phil sat at a table reserved for their family name. Beside Paul, a brunette woman was trying her best to coax him into dancing, but he declined, keeping his attention on Ellen. Despite fleeting thoughts of joining the brunette in a more private setting, Paul couldn't betray his heart's desires. He smiled at her, suggesting, "Let's dance later, alright? For now, let's just enjoy the atmosphere here."

The brunette pouted slightly, disappointment in her eyes. She held his hands lightly, capturing his attention. As she continued her efforts, Paul watched her, his mind still fixed on Ellen. Although the brunette's attempts were persistent and enticing, Paul remained committed to his true feelings.

Meanwhile, Phil observed Paul's interaction and turned away, clearing his throat and focusing his gaze on the table in front of him. Numerous women nearby were waving at Phil, to which he responded with friendly gestures. Petro glanced towards the girls' table, offering them a warm smile. Looking at his brother, Petro suggested, "Should we invite them to join us?" Phil shook his head slightly and whispered to Petro, "I'm not so inclined, but if you want their company, it's your call."

Phil locked eyes with his brother, and Petro nodded, resolute. "Alright then, I won't call them over. Let's leave it as it is for now. Seems like Paul is enjoying himself." Petro winked at Phil, and they both turned their attention back to Paul, who was becoming increasingly engrossed in the company of the unnamed brunette...

Closer by, Ellen and Sarah strolled together, taking in the festive atmosphere. The venue was elegantly decorated, meticulously organized, with tables adorned with the names of the guests. They exchanged greetings in Turkish with those they encountered, eliciting warm smiles in response. They continued on, spotting their designated table.

As Ellen glanced around, she noticed another table and its occupants. Her gaze landed on Petro, enjoying the festivities and looking dashing. She then shifted her focus to Phil, who appeared somewhat distant. However, her heart skipped a beat when she saw Paul—a feeling of jealousy surged within her. Paul was gazing intently at an elegant brunette seated beside him.

Their interaction was intimate, and the brunette's smiles seemed reserved for him alone. A mix of anger and jealousy flushed Ellen's cheeks as she turned her head away, struggling to contain her emotions.