Chapter 98: The Gala II

Chapter 98: The Gala II As the last notes from the gala’s orchestra faded into the evening air, the mood shifted from the formalities of awards and speeches to the vibrant energy of mingling and celebration. The official part of the event was over, and now it was a time for congratulations, hugs, and handshakes. "Congratulations, Doctor!" came the chorus from attendees flocking around Athena, their voices a melodic blend of joy and admiration. A bright smile adorned her face as the accolades poured in—"Best Medical Service to Humanity" and "Most Influential Woman in The City." Her awards were sitting pretty with Gianna. Hence, she basked in the spotlight, the recognition that came after years of relentless dedication to her patients and her craft. "Thank you, thank you all!" She said, accepting heartfelt pats on the back and warm congratulations. In that moment, she felt a sense of pride swell within her. After the long nights and the days filled with challenges, it was rewarding to be seen and celebrated for her hard work. Meanwhile, Gianna and Sandro exchanged excited chatter, filling in the gaps in the crowd. Their laughter rippled through the air like music, drawing attention from those nearby. Zane, standing a few feet away with his arms crossed, watched them both, a mixture of irritation and unease flashing across his face. "It’s like a flirtation fest over there," he muttered under his breath. Although he tried to focus on welcoming guests and making small talk, his eyes betrayed him, sneaking glances toward Gianna and Sandro. When did they get so inseparable? Ewan too, stood at the edge of the crowd, doing his best to engage with other attendees, though his gaze continuously drifted back to Athena. Her warmth, her light—it was disarming. Ewan tried to remind himself to stay focused on Fiona, who stood by his side, a frown tugging at her lips as she noticed his wandering attention. As if reading his mind, Fiona leaned closer, her voice laced with annoyance. "Ewan, focus on the people who actually matter here," she said, a sharp edge to her tone. "We’re supposed to be networking, not ogling over Athena across the room." Ewan steeled, hating to be called to his bullshit. "I have no idea what you’re talking about, Fiona. Are you seeing things now?" Fiona’s frustration deepened. She ignored his question. "You said you wanted to get over her, remember?" Ewan said nothing to that. But he finally looked away from Athena. Meanwhile, Athena continued to be enveloped by greetings and small talk. The moment though started getting suffocating for her as time went on. She needed an escape from the attention, a breather from the swarm of people who seemed to want something from her in the form of favors or connections. As she scanned the room, she spotted Ethan by the entrance of the hall, standing nearby amidst a group of admiring fans. Oh good! The perfect escape! Ethan still had a knack for generating buzz. She thought, noticing the whispers surrounding him like stardust. But it was good for his play. She concluded. After all, according to the public here, he was the business guru, known for his innovative ideas and sharp insight, even at a young age. "Ethan!" she called out, relief flooding her voice as she made her way through the crowd toward him. As she approached, she noticed Chelsea beside him. A laughter of disbelief escaped her lips. What was her friend doing here? And was that Areso? Those sly cows! Chelsea was a well-respected international pediatrician, known for her compassion and dedication to children’s health. She was striking in her red lacy gown, her presence radiating warmth and charm. Next to her stood Areso, one of the most influential fashion designers in the world, renowned for her exceptional talent and signature style. With her well-groomed appearance and confident demeanor, Areso was equally popular and magnetic. Athena couldn’t believe her eyes. "Look who we have here!" She exclaimed as she arrived, her heart lightening visibly. Her two friends grinned mischievously. "Our surprises worked huh?" Athena laughed, and wrapped her arms around Chelsea first, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I’m so glad to see you!" "Athena, the feeling is mutual. I watched the awards presentation as Ethan drove us here. You deserve every bit of praise this evening! Congratulations dear friend!" Chelsea said, her voice filled with genuine excitement. Areso joined in the hug then, offering Athena a friendly squeeze. "Beautiful as always, Athena," Areso added, her charming French accent enhancing her words. "Only you could shine brighter than all the sequins in this room." "Thank you, Areso! You’re quite the flatterer," Athena said, giggling as the three shared a laugh. Gianna soon joined them, her eyes bright with joy. "This gathering is starting to feel like a reunion!" Gianna said, wrapping her arms around the trio in a circle of camaraderie. The atmosphere lightened, and for a moment, Athena forgot the heavy gaze of Ewan. However, the ease didn’t last long. Athena suddenly noticed Chelsea’s facial expression—a tense look weighing on her features. It was a shadow of displeasure that didn’t sit right with Athena. "What’s wrong, Chelsea?" she asked, her concern edging into the conversation. But before Chelsea could respond, Athena caught sight of Sandro at the distance, his eyes flickering between her and Chelsea. The look on his face was one of hurt and disappointment, amplifying the tension that was beginning to take hold of the room. What now? Why did everything seem to involve the same tangled web of relationships? "What’s with this dynamic?" she thought, her mind racing. "Is this a cruel twist of fate? First Zane, now Sandro?" Before she could dwell too long on her turmoil, Chelsea pulled away from their group, her footsteps sharp and filled with unresolved emotions. "Chelsea!" Athena called after her, a mix of alarm and unbelief in her tone. "Where are you going? We were just catching up!" "It’s nothing, Athena. I just... I need some air," Chelsea replied curtly, casting one last frustrated glance at Sandro before disappearing into the throng of guests. "Wait, this is not how it’s supposed to go!" Athena cried out in her mind. She felt the weight of the disruption hanging over the group, and with Chelsea gone, the happy bubble they had created began to deflate. "Let me handle this," Gianna said. "You two stay put." She started to follow Chelsea but paused for a moment. "You okay?" she asked Athena, who could only nod, though her heart fluttered uneasily. As Gianna walked off to find Chelsea, Athena talked with Areso, while Ewan and Zane flocked around Sandro. "You know the whiz doctor?" Zane started. But Sandro kept mute. Ewan was puzzled. Since knowing Sandro, he has never seen the latter intimate with a female. But the tension between him and Athena’s friend was palpable. What was going on? What’s with his friends having issues with Athena’s friends? Meanwhile, Athena sent Areso to check on Chelsea, when more people met her to congratulate her. Few minutes later, a waiter walked up to her with a tray of drinks and a smooth smile. He offered her a drink from his collections. "Here you go, ma’am. Congratulations on your awards." "Thank you!" she replied gratefully, accepting the glass. But as she lifted the cup to her lips, a sudden, unfamiliar scent wafted from the drink—a pungent, earthy aroma that immediately sent her instincts into overdrive. What is that smell? She thought, her heart racing as suspicion gripped her. Something was wrong with her drink. ______________ Happy new month, everyone! I know I’m a bit late, but I hope you’re all having an amazing start to the month. I also wanted to apologize for the unedited Chapters that went out earlier. I know how frustrating that must have been for you all. But please be assured that everything is now edited and ready to go! Last week was a bit crazy for me, as I was busy planning my wedding, which took place over the weekend. That’s why you only saw a daily update of one Chapter all week. I hope you can forgive me for that! But now that the wedding is over, I’m back to our regular schedule! Starting today, you can expect two Chapter updates from me. And speaking of the wedding... If you’d like to send a wedding gift across, I’d be happy to receive it in the form of gifts to this book, golden tickets, adding books to the library, or votes. You can leave a review too! Thank you all again for your understanding and support. Special thanks to Axn_Gal for the gifts and golden tickets! Special thanks to Natalie, hopze21,DaoistnW2WYW, too, for the golden tickets!