Contracted Hearts

Emily's heart raced as she surveyed the grand ballroom, filled with opulent decorations –shimmering lights, exquisite floral arrangements – and influential guests. But only one thought burned in her mind…

Revenge.

Her eyes darted across the room until they landed on the man who had single-handedly ruined her family—Wyatt McKinley, the billionaire heir of the McKinley Corporation. There he was, surrounded by a circle of power and wealth, his presence commanding attention. Violent emotions of rage and burning hatred invaded Emily’s chest as she stared at him from across the room. It was time for her to exact justice and restore her family’s name.

Determined to confront him, she swiftly navigated through the crowd, skillfully manoeuvering her way closer to him, the deep navy-blue fabric of her gown swishing around her ankles. Her steps were purposeful, her posture radiating confidence. The room buzzed with excitement, but Emily remained focused on her mission. She wasn’t going to let him slip away from her grasp.

Finally, she stood just a few feet away from Wyatt, her heart pounding in her chest.

This is it.

Taking a deep breath, she subtly adjusted her evening attire, ensuring she looked her best. It was time to make her move.

As if sensing her presence, Wyatt's gaze suddenly drifted towards her. He was donned in a tailored black tuxedo that hugged his broad shoulders and accentuated his tall and well-built physique. The jacket was expertly cut, with a slim silhouette that emphasized his confident stance. Wyatt was handsome.

Framed by thick eyebrows, a deep set of piercing, steel-blue eyes held hers, conveying to her a sense of depth and shrewdness, which reflected his astute business acumen. A square jawline added to his striking appearance, accentuating his strong-willed nature. Above it sat a straight, commanding nose and furrow-free forehead, adding to his air of authority. His meticulously groomed dark hair, which was neatly styled, added to his polished appearance.

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, Emily could see curiosity flickering in his deep, mesmerizing eyes. She knew she had caught his attention.

Sprouting a confident smile, Emily approached him, her charm on full display.

“Mr. McKinley,” she greeted him with a polite smile, her voice infused with a calculated blend of warmth and confidence. “A pleasure to finally meet you.”

Taking a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, she held it in silent toast to him, before lifting it to her lips and taking a small sip. Wyatt, taken aback by her approach, regarded her with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Standing at an average height, the beauty before him carried herself with an air of confidence, her posture upright and purposeful. The stunning floor-length gown she wore draped gracefully over her slender figure, its form-fitting bodice accentuating her curves while still maintaining a sense of tasteful modesty. Embellished with intricate beading and sequins, the dress had a classic and slightly plunging V-cut, adding a touch of allure without compromising her elegance.

Wyatt felt himself gulp. Framed by arched eyebrows, the intelligent eyes that regarded him held his attention spellbound with their vibrant shade of hazel. In them sparked an innate curiosity and a spark of unwavering determination, reflecting a sharp intellect and a keen perception of the world around her. A slender, straight nose sat above her well-defined lips, which held a subtle, enigmatic smile.

Her dark chestnut hair was styled in an intricate updo, allowing her graceful neck to be fully visible. A few loose tendrils framed her face, softening her features and adding a touch of natural beauty to her overall look. A pair of dazzling, diamond-studded earrings that caught the light and sparkled with each turn of her head adorned her ears. Her makeup was subtle yet radiant, accentuating her eyes and adding a natural glow to her flawless complexion.

A subtle arching of her brow, coupled with the mysterious smile that still played on her lips quickly brought him back to earth. Quickly recollecting himself, he took a small sip of the wine in his hand.