Chapter 68
The Wills event was every bit as extravagant as I expected it to be. The grand ballroom of the Park Royal Hotel had been transformed into a haven of luxury, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the elegantly dressed guests.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, the lights glittering like a sea of diamonds.
Tables draped in ivory silk linens were adorned with towering floral centerpieces, their soft fragrance mingling with the faint scent of champagne in the air.
The evening was a charity gala, a signature Wills family affair, and the guests were dressed to impress.
The women shimmered in designer gowns, their laughter echoing off the marble floors, while the men were sharply dressed in tailored tuxedos.
A live orchestra played softly in the background, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to the already glamorous scene.
I stood near the entrance, my arm linked with Tyler's, feeling out of place despite the dazzling dress Bella had convinced me to wear.
A black, floor-length gown with a plunging neckline, it clung to my curves in all the right ways.
Tyler hadn't said much since we arrived, but I could feel his hand tightening slightly on mine, a subtle reassurance or maybe a warning.
"Smile," he whispered out of the corner of his mouth. "We're being watched."
I forced a smile, my cheeks burning under the weight of the curious stares.
The event was a well-oiled machine of old money and high society, and I was here playing a part.. a role I wasn't sure I wanted anymore.
The charity auction began with a series of heartwarming stories about the causes being supported, and for a moment, I almost forgot why I was here.
But then Tyler's grandfather, the patriarch of the Wills family, stepped onto the stage, his presence commanding the attention of the entire room.
He was an older man with a full head of silver hair, his posture impossibly straight for someone his age. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, he carried himself with an air of authority that made it clear why everyone in the family respected.. or perhaps feared.. him.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "It brings me great joy to see all of you here tonight, supporting such an important cause. But this evening is special for another reason as well. It's a chance for me to introduce two very dear people in my life. My grandson, Tyler, and his beautiful wife, Samantha."
My stomach dropped. Beautiful wife? My pulse quickened as a round of applause filled the room, the spotlight suddenly trained on us.
"Go," Tyler whispered, nudging me gently.
I shot him a sharp look, but his expression was unreadable as he led me toward the stage.
My heels clicked against the polished floor, each step feeling heavier than the last. By the time we reached the podium, my palms were clammy, and my heart was pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it.
Tyler took the microphone first, his voice steady and confident as he addressed the crowd.
He spoke about the importance of the evening, about the family's dedication to philanthropy, and about his gratitude for everyone's support.
I barely heard a word, my mind spinning with a mix of anxiety and... something else.
Being called his wife again.. standing here beside him like this.. felt strange. But it wasn't entirely unpleasant.
There was a bizarre sense of familiarity in it, like slipping into a pair of old shoes you thought you'd thrown away.
"And now," Tyler said, turning to me with a small smile, "I'd like to pass the microphone to my lovely wife, Samantha."
The crowd erupted into polite applause as he handed me the microphone. I stared at it like it was a ticking time bomb, but there was no escaping it now.
"Hi," I began, my voice trembling slightly. I cleared my throat and tried again, forcing a smile. "Thank you all for being here tonight. It's an honor to stand here and see so many people coming together for such a great cause."
I kept it short and sweet, eager to escape the spotlight. But as I spoke, my eyes drifted across the room, scanning the sea of faces. And that's when I saw him.
At first, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. But when I looked again, there was no mistaking it.
Caleb.
Standing at the back of the room, his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine.
My heart stopped. What is he doing here?
I stumbled over my words, barely managing to finish my sentence before handing the microphone back to Tyler.
My hands shook as we descended the stage together, the applause fading into the background.
"Are you okay?" Tyler asked under his breath, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Fine," I lied, my mind racing.
We returned to our table, where Tyler's grandfather was waiting to greet us.
The older man enveloped me in a warm embrace, his cologne a mix of leather and aged whiskey. "Samantha, my dear, you look radiant tonight," he said, his tone genuine.
"Thank you," I replied, my smile feeling strained.
Tyler played the role of doting husband perfectly, his arm resting lightly on my waist as we exchanged pleasantries with his grandfather.
But I couldn't focus. My thoughts kept drifting back to Caleb.
Eventually, Tyler was pulled away by a group of guests, leaving me alone at the table.
I picked up my glass of champagne, taking a small sip as I tried to steady my nerves.
And then I heard it.
"So he's the reason you've been ignoring my calls?"
The voice was low and familiar, sending a chill down my spine. I turned slowly, my breath catching in my throat.
Caleb stood there, his expression unreadable but his eyes blazing with intensity. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, looking every bit as commanding as I remembered.
My mouth went dry, and I struggled to find the words. "Caleb... what are you doing here?"
His gaze flicked toward the crowd, then back to me.