The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第8章 Boundaries in the Spotlight

      The lively sounds of the gala faded for Eden as she spotted Mallory moving toward her across the ballroom, a glass of champagne in hand and an unreadable expression etched on her face. Every polite conversation, every handshake, suddenly felt like a prelude to something inevitable.

"Eden," Mallory began, her voice low but deliberate, drawing the CEO aside near a quieter corner of the room. The clink of glasses and distant laughter surrounded them, but in this bubble, it was just the two of them.

"You know," Mallory said, fixing her gaze on Eden, "I would have appreciated some honesty. When I told you about my anxiety and this event in the office, I thought... maybe you could have told me you and Kenji were... together."

Eden regarded her calmly, her hand still clutching her champagne flute. She didn't flinch. She had rehearsed this answer silently, the words ready even as her pulse beat faster.

"As a colleague," Eden said evenly, "and as CEO, I am not obligated to share the details of my personal life with anyone." She let the words settle, calm and deliberate. "Not explanations, not confessions, not justifications. My choices are my own, and this—" she gestured subtly toward Kenji, who remained nearby, composed and attentive "—is something I decide for myself, with or without anyone's approval. I say this sincerely, with respect, and without any intent to be rude."

Mallory's lips pressed together, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes before it hardened into something sharper, almost grudging respect. "I see," she said finally, her voice tight. "I suppose I underestimated that."

Eden's shoulders relaxed slightly, though her gaze remained firm. "Underestimating me is easy," she said quietly, "but it won't change what I choose or how I choose to live it."

Mallory gave a small, almost imperceptible nod and took a careful step back. "Then I'll leave you to your evening," she said, voice measured but carrying a lingering edge.

As Mallory melted back into the crowd, Eden exhaled and allowed herself the tiniest smile. The confrontation was brief, but it had done its work. She had drawn the line, not just for Mallory but for herself.

Kenji approached at that moment, sliding his hand into hers again. "Handled well," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You didn't let her corner you."

"I won't," Eden replied, letting her tension ease just enough to feel the strength beneath it. "Not in the office, not in public, not anywhere. That's my line, Kenji. And it doesn't move."

He nodded, eyes scanning the ballroom once more. "Good. Because tonight, and every night after, we step forward together. On our terms."

Eden glanced across the room, catching sight of Mallory again near a cluster of stakeholders. The look on her face was complex—part calculation, part acknowledgment, part lingering challenge. Eden didn't need to respond. She had already made her choice, and the threads of her life were woven tightly enough now that no one could unravel them without her consent.

With a subtle squeeze of Kenji's hand, Eden let the noise of the gala reclaim her, returning to the rhythm of speeches, applause, and the endless current of scrutiny. But inside, she was anchored. Boundaries established. Control asserted. And the red string she had chosen to follow was hers to guide.