The Billionaire Betrayed Heiress

Every other evening had been the same but this evening was different. It was the day of the "Elite Reunion Event" which was one of the most talked about events in the city. The evening sky itself was adorned with stars that seemed to shine brighter than other nights and a moon that looked well crafted in half than usual.

The event centre where the "Elite Reunion Event" was being held was nothing short of a grand spectacle. The building was a testament to the wealth of the influential people in the society. The entrance of the building was floored with red carpets as reporters and other people working with the press stood by the sideline of the red carpet.

The sound of flashy cars could be heard coming from a distance. Each car was a testament of wealth held by those in the helm of affairs. As each cars came and the figures inside would walk out on the red carpet into the large expansive building, the sound of camera clicking was inevitably loud announcing their presence denoting their high status in the society.

The women were clothed in designer gowns, shining under the soft glow of the evening lights enhanced by the surroundings light of the venue, while the men were dressed in sharp tuxedos with every outfit different from the preceding one, it was a sight to behold. The atmosphere was electrified with murmurs of admiration and anticipation as the who's who of high society made their appearances.

The atmosphere shifted as three different vehicles approached the events. It was the vehicle that contained the most influential family in the city. The Kingsley family, owners of the Kingsley Conglomerate Group.

The first car was a black limousine, its sleekness exuding power and status. The driver promptly stepped out, opening the door to reveal Mr. Dr. Thomas Kingsley, the patriarch of the Kingsley Conglomerate Group. A commanding presence in a perfectly tailored suit, his every step onto the carpet commanded respect. The crowd erupted in applause, cameras snapping feverishly as he gave a courteous nod and proceeded toward the venue where the event was being held.

Next came a royal blue SUV, extravagantly detailed with a well polished silver-plated metal. Out stepped Celeste, Aria's stepmother, in a glimmering emerald dress that signified wealth. Beside her were Charles and Amelia, Aria's step-siblings. Charles adjusted his silk tie with an egotistical grin, while Amelia struck an effortless pose that sent cameras into a frenzy. The family was a vision of calculated elegance, shining in their moment of attention before heading inside.

Then a third car came. A simple black sedan quite different from any other cars that had driven here today. Its plain exterior fell out of place, a striking contrast to the well decorated and polished cars as seen earlier. The excitement in the crowd seems to reduce as murmurs could be heard from every corner.

The chauffeur quickly came down from the car and walked toward the door, opening it for Aria-Aria Kingsley. She stepped out in a modest, unembellished gown that accentuated her natural beauty, though far removed from the glamour of her family. The lack of sparkle made her invisible to the onlookers who mistook her for just another guest. The camera shutters slowed, the crowd's focus quickly shifting back to the next arriving elite.

Aria's heart sank, but she held her head high, walking the carpet unnoticed. Ever since her mother's death she had never allowed anything to bother her. This was her stepmother Celeste's doing-a deliberate move to dim her light and Aria knew it.

Inside the venue

The sophistication of the venue didn't end in the exterior.The grand hall was a masterpiece of modern architecture-crystal chandeliers, gold-accented marble floors, and a sweeping staircase that led to the upper terrace where the most influential mingled and dined as people of power were seen holding glasses of wine as they laughed and spoke elegantly. A soft symphony played in the background, enhancing the sophistication of the affair.

Mr. Dr. Thomas Kingsley and his newly wedded wife and children had made a majestic entrance with all eyes on them. Their presence commanded respect as they dressed in outfits that seemed to outshine the rest. For a moment the hall was filled with a momentarily silence.

The silence was replaced by the usual symphony a few minutes after the Kingsleys entrance. Aria had walked in unnoticed as she was dressed in her simple outfit that made her stand out from the crowd-not in a better way. Aria decided to walk around with her family as they went from one family to another for greetings and introduction but Celeste has different plans for her.

Celeste leaned close to Aria, her voice a venomous whisper. "Do not embarrass us by tagging along like a lost puppy. Stay out of the way."

Aria flinched but nodded, swallowing her pride. She strayed from the family, blending into the background of the lavish event. While walking, her thoughts drifted to the past-her mother's laughter, the warmth of her father's embrace, the happiness that had once been the center of her life. She remembered that there was once a moment in her life when she felt loved and accepted. Now, those memories felt like a joke. Her father, once her protector, was now a shadow of himself under Celeste's manipulations.

Lost in thought, Aria failed to notice a pair of waiters maneuvering a towering tray of champagne glasses that was meant for the guest. She was seconds from colliding with them when, out of nowhere, a strong arm pulled her back.

She stumbled slightly, gasping as the tray of drinks toppled over, drenching her savior instead of her. A collective gasp filled the room with all eyes turning to the source of the commotion-Aria. The room was filled with silence and the only sound heard after was the shattering of glasses on the floor.

The man, dressed impeccably in a dark suit now soaked with wine, shielded Aria in his embrace. His broad shoulders and calm demeanor belied the chaos around them. For a moment, time seemed to pause-their closeness, the sharp contrast between his drenched figure and her untouched state, drew every gaze in the hall. The hall was immediately filled with murmurs and questions left unanswered.

The tension was palpable, whispers spreading like wildfire. Who was this man? What would happen next?

Aria slowly looked up, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and awe. The man's chiseled features, framed by dampened dark hair, exuded an air of authority and mystery that had captivated her at one glance. And just like that, the room held its breath, anticipation hanging heavy in the air as the scene lingered in frozen suspense.