THE TRIANGLE

The beauty of the ballroom glowed. Pink roses, succulents, while crystal chandeliers brightened the polished wooden floors with a golden glow. As the guests clinked champagne glasses and laughed, the soothing notes of the string trio fit in well with their talks.

Zoey Ings, a symbol of elegance, stood close to the archway decorated with roses. Professional yet striking, her dress was made of navy soft satin and hugged her figure. She immediately looked at every detail in the room. The wedding was flawless, from the place cards that were precisely aligned to the delicate glow of the candles. She had planned every moment, so she knew it.

Though this was her masterpiece, she felt an endless feeling of anxiety rather than pride.

A noticeable voice said, "You ought to be out enjoying yourself."

Zoey turned to see Abigail, the bride and her best friend, wearing a satin white gown and smiling with joy, her brown eyes sparkled.

"Fun ?" Zoey smiled funny and repeated. "Tonight, I don't think that's part of my job description."

Abigail crossed her arms. "Zoe, you're more than just my event planner for tonight. You are also my maid of honor. That implies that you and I are meant to enjoy this occasion together.

"I am enjoying it," Zoey lied.

Knowingly, Abigail poked her head. "You're using your eyes to examine the room. Give up looking for errors.

Zoey looked at the dance floor and sighed. "Old habit."

"No," Abigail said quietly as she moved in closer. "All you're scared to do is relax." This has nothing to do with work, does it ?

Zoey was nervous, aware of the path this was taking. "Abigail, let's not do this."

Abigail insisted, "We're doing it," in a soft yet firm voice. "Zoe, two years have gone by. Mark is not allowed to keep you in this state.

The name cut like a cold wind through Zoey's spine. She still wasn't ready to face the scars Mark left in her, the man she had once believed she would marry and have a family with. Since he had taught her to connect love with control and manipulation, she pulled back into her career, hiding behind unbreakable walls.

"You and Darlington are the center of attention tonight," Zoey said, ignoring. "Let's concentrate on that."

With a sigh, Abigail gave in and smiled again. "All right. But promise to me that tonight you will have fun. even if you get to dance.

Even though they both knew it was unlikely to happen, Zoey said, "Maybe."

Zoey let her work ethic slip for a brief moment after Abigail went back to her groom's side. She held her fingers round her champagne glass.

"You seem to prefer being somewhere else."

It was a smooth, deep, unique voice. A tall man stood next to Zoey when she turned around. His eyes had a spark that made her heart race, and his dark suit was custom made.

She immediately adjusted herself up and said, "I'm fine".

He brought out his hand. "Felix Watkins." The groom's brother

After a brief thought, Zoey shook his hand. "Zoey Ings." wedding coordinator and maid of honor.

"Ah," he replied, "The brains behind this whole setup. Amazing.

"Thank you," she replied, softly, polite but guarded.

Felix looked at her for a moment. "You did this well. Keeping everything in check.

"I like it in order," she said simply.

He clicked his champagne glass against her's and left "Enjoy the party, my family calls for me".

"Hey, Zoe!"

She turned to see Williams Hart, Abigail's photographer, coming toward her while carrying a camera. His easy smile expressed confidence, and his dark curls were slightly messy.

"You've been hiding," he said in an amusing way.

Zoey raised an eyebrow in response, saying, "I am not hiding."

Williams replied, "Well, you're not exactly having a good time out there." "And it's a pity because you look great in this lighting."

Zoey rolled her eyes. "Williams, I'm the event planner not the bride for tonight."

"As well as the bride's maid," He raised his camera in response. "Come on. Just one shot.

"Williams", she called softly and tirelessly.

With his lens already adjusted, he insisted, "Just one." "I assure you there won't be any pain."

Zoey stood completely by a wall covered in falling roses.

Williams lowered his camera for a while and said, "Be calm." "You look like you're posing for a mug shot."

She was unable to control her laughter. "Maybe I am."

"Much better," Williams said while he took the picture. You see? This is who you truly are.

She paused at what he said. "The true me ?"

Williams replied, "Yes," and lowered the camera down. "You don't need to be perfect all the time."

Zoey looked at him, unsure of how to act nor say. Williams's charm and playful nature had a calming quality. If only for a second, he gave her the impression that it was okay to lower her guards down.

She switched her statement by saying, "You're good at what you do.".

With a soft smile, Williams replied, "So are you." "But for once, maybe you should let someone else handle things for a while."

She was left feeling uneasy as Williams turned and vanished into the crowd before she could respond.

With her thoughts racing, Zoey went back to her seat by the stage. Williams's effortless charm and Felix's unshaken energy had both intrigued and worried her. She felt the subtle whispers of something she couldn't quite put her finger on for the first time in years, a desire, maybe, or a fear of what might occur if she let herself feel again.

As the evening went on, Zoey was caught between the urge to relax and her instinct to be careful. She wasn't sure which aspect of herself would dominate. But she had a feeling that tonight was just the start.

The vibe in the ballroom changed as the night grew darker. The evening's initial formality had given way to more lively conversations, dancing guests, laughter echoes throughout the hall, and more lively interactions. Like a watchdog, Zoey stood at the edge of the room, paying attention scanning across the room.

Although she secretly knew the truth, she told herself that it was her responsibility to ensure everything went without any problems. She was putting things off, keeping herself bound to the part she was so good at..... the untouchable, the perfectionist, the planner. Anything to keep vulnerability from being messy.

"Zoey!" Through the noise, Abigail's voice could be heard clearly.

Zoey turned just in time to see Darlington (The Groom), he appeared just as excited as Abigail, with his tie a little loose.

Abigail said, "You must come dance," in a tone that made no room for discussion.

Zoey raised her hands and shook her head. "Right now, I'm fine."

"No, you're not," Abigail replied. "You've spent the last hour standing in the same place. You're taking a break while I make a decision regarding my wedding.

Before Zoey could object, James smiled and said. Zoey, don't argue with her. I've learnt that following her instructions is better.

As Zoey let out a sigh, Abigail seized her hand and dragged her over to the dance floor.

The crowd moved aside to give the band space as they performed a lively song. Abigail turned her around and Zoey laughed.

"There it is," Abigail smiled looking at Zoey. "I knew you could smile."

Zoey rolled her eyes, but she kept getting worried. She gave herself the "OK" to relax for a while and focus on the present moment.

Then she noticed someone standing behind her. She turned around and saw Felix standing there.

With his eyes shining with confidence, he asked, "Do you mind dancing with me ?"

Abigail winked and stepped aside, smiling. "Be my guest."

Felix stretched out his hand, but Zoey hesitated. "Just one dance. Nothing more.

She reluctantly put her hand in his, and he led her into the song's rhythm. There was a sense of feeling despite his touch.

"You look uncomfortable," he said.

"I'm not much of a dancer," she admitted, though she knew she was lying.

"Then let me take the lead," he replied in a calm tone.

Zoey let him lead the way. She was surprised to find that the tension in her body started to ease off. She felt safe for the first time in years.

She suddenly broke the silence by asking, "Why are you here ?"

Felix's eyebrows went up. "It's my brother's wedding."

"You know what I mean," she replied . "You don't seem to be the type of man who enjoys large gatherings."

With a little smile on his lips, he admitted, "You're right." "But it feels different tonight."

Zoey starred. "Why ?"

For a moment, they both felt like they weren't in the room. Felix kept staring at hers. "Because of you."

She acted surprised, but the music ended before she could react, killing the beautiful moment . Felix stepped back, bowing, and let go of her hand.

With a playful tone, he said, "Thank you for the dance." "I hope you enjoyed it."

Zoey managed a small smile, "Yes I did."

She stood still, her mind wandering as Felix disappeared into the crowd. She was not sure of how she felt about him and what to think of him.

A voice called out, " Zoey."

When she turned around, she saw Williams leaning against a pillar with a soft smile on his face and his camera in his hand.

With a light tone, he said, "Quite the moment you and "Mr Bond" had there."

Zoey crossed her arms in response, saying, "It was just a dance."

Williams chuckled and replied, "Sure" "And my only purpose here is to take pictures."

Zoey frowned, he laughed and raised his hands in a sign of fake surrender.

"Calm down," he said. "My purpose is not to make you frown. I was just curious.

With a very careful voice, she asked, "About what ?"

With a simple smile, he said, "About you." "You seem like a puzzle that no one can solve. Always in charge, always spotless. Do you ever grow tired of it ?

His words touched her, and Zoey was unable to react. Williams watched her.

She stepped on her heel and finally said, "Goodnight, Williams."

She could feel his eyes on her as she turned away, the question still left unanswered.