Chapter 22 CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 22
YAEL
The night of the Academic Gala came too fast.
The kind of night that looked like a dream — the kind where lights bled gold, music hummed low, and every single student pretended like life was a fairytale.
Except, fairytales didn’t usually involve me standing in front of a mirror for forty minutes trying to decide if I looked “too much.”
Maya twirled beside me in a silver gown that shimmered like liquid metal. “Okay,” she said, hands on her hips. “You look criminally hot. Stop staring at yourself.”
I turned. “You’ve said that five times.”
“Because it’s true!” she said, grinning. “That dress? Dangerous.”
It was.
Emerald green, off-shoulder, hugging in all the right places but still elegant. I had my hair in loose curls, makeup subtle but effective — the kind that made people double-take.
“You’re only saying that because you want me to hype you back,” I said, raising a brow.
She batted her lashes. “Maybe.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “You look stunning, Maya. Like… real-world stunning, not just gala stunning.”
She grinned. “Thank you. Now let’s go before Jordan kills us for being late.”
Jordan was already waiting downstairs — in a fitted black suit, tie undone slightly, short hair slicked back. Liam stood beside her, hands shoved in his pockets, his deep blue suit looking made for him.
Maya froze mid-step. “Jordan, you— holy crap, you’re hot.”
Jordan rolled her eyes. “Maya, it’s literally just a suit.”
“Yeah,” Liam muttered, “but you’re wearing it like that.”
I snorted. “You two are embarrassing.”
Jordan gave me a dry look. “Says the girl who looks like a Vogue model.”
I shrugged. “Can’t help it.”
We made our way to the hall, the sound of violins and chatter growing louder. The air smelled like champagne and perfume and way too much ego. The chandeliers sparkled above, the marble floors reflecting everyone’s shine.
It was… breathtaking.
Maya let out a low whistle. “Damn. Okay, this school is definitely overcompensating for something.”
Jordan laughed. “Probably the tuition fees.”
I chuckled and scanned the room — faculty, sponsors, students. And then my gaze stopped.
Knox.
He stood near the grand staircase, wearing a black tux that looked illegal on him. His tie was loose, his hand casually tucked into his pocket. And God— the man was art. Clean jawline, messy hair, and eyes that looked like they could strip someone’s thoughts bare.
My stomach did something stupid.
Maya noticed and grinned like a demon. “Oh my God. You’re staring.”
“I am not,” I said quickly, tearing my eyes away.
“You so are.”
Jordan leaned close. “You okay?”
“Fine,” I said, lying through my teeth. “Completely fine.”
But I wasn’t fine. Because the second he spotted me, he smiled. That slow, teasing curve that said he knew exactly what he was doing.
And my brain immediately supplied every filthy thought it shouldn’t.
What he’d look like without the tux.
What he’d sound like saying my name.
What his hand would feel like if—
“Earth to Yael,” Maya said, snapping her fingers. “You blanked out.”
I blinked. “What? No.”
She smirked. “Girl, I know a thirsty stare when I see one.”
I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter just to avoid her eyes. “Shut up.”
Jordan chuckled. “Let her have her crush in peace.”
“It’s not a crush,” I muttered.
Liam smiled knowingly. “Yeah, sure.”
The night moved on — clinking glasses, laughter, and dancing under warm lights. I danced with Maya once, then Jordan dragged Liam in, and suddenly we were a chaotic circle of half-drunk idiots spinning and laughing.
Knox joined in the background chaos, greeting professors, flashing smiles, whispering to sponsors. Every time I caught his eye, it was like a static charge. And every time, I looked away first.
After what felt like hours, I slipped outside for air. The night was cool, the courtyard almost empty. I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes. The music was muffled from here, distant. Peaceful.
Then I heard footsteps.
I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
“Running away from your own event?” I asked, eyes still closed.
“I could ask you the same thing,” Knox said, his voice lower than usual. Maybe it was the night air. Or maybe it was him.
“I needed air,” I said.
He came to stand beside me, hands in his pockets. “And here I thought you’d be too busy dancing.”
I opened one eye, glancing up at him. “Didn’t see you dancing.”
“I don’t dance.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t like people stepping on my feet,” he said simply, smirking.
I laughed softly. “You’re such a snob.”
He tilted his head. “And you’re wearing green.”
“Congratulations,” I said flatly. “You can see.”
He chuckled, leaning closer. “No, I mean… you look beautiful in it.”
I froze for half a second, caught off guard. “You’re drunk.”
“Maybe,” he said. “But that doesn’t make it untrue.”
My chest tightened a little. “You’re annoying.”
“You say that every time you don’t know how to respond.”
“I always know how to respond,” I said.
“Then do it,” he murmured, voice dipping lower.
I turned to him, meeting his eyes — dark, steady, unreadable. The night breeze lifted strands of my hair, and he reached out instinctively, brushing one back behind my ear. His fingers lingered.
My breath hitched.
His gaze dropped to my lips.
And that was it. That pause — that silent, unbearable space where we both knew.
“Knox…” I whispered, barely.
“Yeah?” he murmured, leaning in.
My pulse was going insane. Every nerve felt like it was on fire.
He was so close. Too close. If I just moved an inch, our lips would—
“YAEL!”
We both jumped apart like we’d been electrocuted. Maya was running toward us, waving frantically.
“Oh my God,” she gasped, panting. “Aaron’s coming! He’s looking for you everywhere!”
I blinked, still trying to remember how to breathe. “What?”
Knox straightened, clearing his throat. “Aaron?”
“Yes!” Maya hissed. “Your brother! He’s already in the hall — he said he wants to talk to you before the event ends.”
“Now?” I asked, flustered. “Why—?”
“I don’t know!” she said. “But if you want to live, move fast!”
Knox looked vaguely amused, like this was the best interruption he’d ever seen. “Run along, princess.”
I glared at him, cheeks heating. “Don’t call me that.”
He smiled, slow and wicked. “You like it though.”
“I don’t.”
“You do.”
Maya tugged my arm. “Yael. Move.”
I yanked my wrist from Knox’s reach and muttered, “We’re not done talking.”
He smirked. “Looking forward to it.”
I rolled my eyes and followed Maya back inside, heart still racing like an idiot’s.
Every step felt heavier. Maybe because my brain was still back there — still feeling his hand, still replaying the way he said beautiful.
When we reached the hall, I spotted Aaron by the entrance, scanning the crowd. He looked sharp, serious, out of place among the glittering chaos.
“Where were you?” he asked when I approached.
“Fresh air,” I said shortly.
He frowned. “You look flushed.”
“I was dancing,” I lied.
He nodded slowly, but his eyes softened. “You look… grown up.”
I blinked. “Thanks?”
He smiled faintly. “Dad would’ve said the same thing.”
That hurt. But I
smiled anyway.
“I’m proud of you,” he added quietly.
I froze. Aaron never said things like that — not without teasing. Not without sarcasm. Just… sincere.
“Thanks,” I whispered, my throat tight.