The Red String Between Us Part II: Frayed Threads

第12章 Intended Arrival's

      The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, and Eden sipped her coffee, trying to steady her nerves. Today was the day of the Employee Excellence Gala. Her parents were buzzing around, unpacking, and fussing over details for the evening.

Meanwhile, across town, Kenji was already immersed in his own gala preparations. He stood in front of a large mirror, adjusting his tuxedo with meticulous care, his personal stylist making minor adjustments to the cuffs and lapels. Once satisfied, he pulled out his phone and ordered floral arrangements for the evening—one for Eden, one for Mia—each carefully selected: classic white lilies with delicate greenery for me, cheerful mixed blooms for Mia. Even from afar, he wanted to ensure his presence was noticed in thoughtful ways. Glancing at his phone, he checked for communication from Eden. He hadn't heard from her since she sent the text breaking things off. Nor had she responded to any of his text or missed calls. 

Eden 

My parents fussed over last-minute details: my father straightening my dress, my mother reminding me to bring a shawl in case the evening grew chilly. Dana put the finishing touches on my mom's and my hair. I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension as we piled into the car, the streets reflecting the late afternoon sun.

When we arrived at the venue, the first thing I did was sneak a peek at my phone. A flurry of notifications greeted me: photos were already being posted online. My breath caught. Among them was one of Kenji, arriving with his family—perfectly polished, confident, hand-in-hand with his mother. The way he smiled at the cameras, completely at ease in the spotlight, made my chest tighten.

I glanced at my parents, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Stay calm," I murmured under my breath. "It's just the gala. Just a professional event."

Harum's text buzzed again: "I'm outside. Shall we?"

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, feeling my pulse spike—not just at the grandeur of the gala hall, with its crystal chandeliers and polished marble floors—but at the delicate, tangled web of emotions awaiting me inside: the elegance, the accolades, and the undeniable presence of Kenji.