TRUTH IN THE ASHES

Tannie breathed in deeply and stepped out of the elevator into the hall after the security officer granted her access. The automated door slid open.

"Welcome, Miss," said the officer at the entrance.

"Thank you," Tannie replied.

"Wow," she muttered, her eyes blinking against the intensity of the lights. The party was alive with shimmering brilliance and curious whispers. Chandeliers sparkled above like fallen stars. Glasses clattered, cheers and joy rose across the hall. Deep laughter blended with the sweet scent of champagne and an overwhelming mix of designer colognes.

She paused, slightly confused, letting her pupils adjust.

"Feeling okay, Miss?" a deep voice asked.

The heels she wore weren't helping-each step a careful negotiation. She placed a hand on the wall for balance, hoping the moment would pass.

"Is everything alright?" the voice asked again, this time closer.

Damn, that voice... she thought.

"Yes I'm fine. She answered "thank you," she said without raising her gaze.

Before she gathered the courage to look up at him, he had already walked away. She reached for a glass of champagne from a passing attendant as she sighed, swirling it slowly in her hand she focused on walking steadily, determined on not to triple.

"Ouch, my ankles are really killing me," she complained, scanning the crowd for an empty seat. She wasn't ready for conversation or company.

Finally spotting a quiet corner to sit and catch her breath, Tonight is going to be a long, boring night. She thought

What on earth was I thinking, promising Becky I'd attend this party? She complained inwardly. How will I ever fit in with these people-a society I know nothing about, and honestly don't even care to belong to?

The room sparkled with luxury. Every woman seemed to be in competition, embellished in glittering designer gowns. The men wore sharp suits, commanding attention with an effortless kind of charm.

Such gentlemen are rare to find, she mused.

This wasn't just a party-it was a gathering of business elites. A special get-together for the powerful and associates. The decorations were magnificent-balloons and ribbons, splendid colors, perfectly matched tables, and meticulous lighting that made everything feel dreamlike.

Becky, of course, was in her segment-laughing, toasting, and intermingling like a seasoned hostess. It seemed she had forgotten the real reason Tannie had agreed to come in the first place.

But just then, Becky caught her eye and signaled for her to meet in the ladies' room.

Oh, now you remember me, Tannie thought, standing up. She planned to give Becky an earful-ask why she dragged her to a place she didn't belong only to leave her alone. She was going to leave, no second thoughts.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

Bump!

"Ouch, that really hurt..."

She collided with a hard chest, the impact spilling her drink. The crowd shifted around them, but her world had narrowed down to the man before her. Her hands instinctively pressed against his chest to steady herself.

Oh no. My drink...

Champagne stained his suit.

"Are you hurt?" he asked.

God, why? She howled inwardly. Shaking her head. She replied quickly, "No."

"Damn it," she muttered under her breath afraid of looking at him. She was trembling

"I'm sorry, Please forgive me sir." Fishing for a tissue from her purse and dabbing at the soaked fabric in a panic "I should have watched where I was going," she said.

"Don't worry," with a teasing smirk, he said. "You know, There is a way you can make it up to me." He leaned in, deep low voice, fingers casually loosening his tie.

"My apologies," Tannie murmured, her cheeks burning red from embarrassment.

"No need," he replied smoothly leaning in, his voice barely audible over the music. "I'd rather have you bump into me ten times than anyone else."

Is he serious? She wondered, stunned.

His gaze lingered. She should have walked away... but instead, she stayed. Something about the way he glanced at her with a warm smile-like he could see straight through her-left her both breathless and curious.

A big grin spreading across his face "Do you remember me?" he asked suddenly.

Oh my God... Her eyes widened in recognition. He's the man with the voice...

Before she could respond, Becky appeared beside her, arms folded and expression sharp.

One look said it all: Ten minutes in, and you've already caused trouble?

Tannie winced. She knew what that look meant-Becky was pissed. And once their mum heard about this, she'd be in for it too.

"Hello, I'm Becky Moreau-her sister. Please forgive her, she's still new to events like this," Becky said, forcing a polite smile. "Let me take your suit and have someone dry-clean it immediately."

She gave the man a quick handshake and began brushing off his coat like damage control was second nature.

Meanwhile, Tannie, dumbfounded like a timid schoolgirl caught red-handed, stood there-unable to tear her eyes away from him.

"No, don't worry. I'm okay," he said casually almost pleadingly.

"Besides, we're always prepared for anything at events like these, such are normal incidents," he added, stressing the word 'Anything' as he looked at Tannie with a mischievous grin.

"I'll have my driver take care of it immediately. Thank you-and by the way, it is a pleasure to meet you."

That was enough to make Becky dance with joy, but she kept calm. Instead, she replied politely, "Don't mention it. The pleasure is mine."

He said extending his hand toward Tannie, "I'm Alex Devereux," then she withdrew her hand quickly after she exchanged greetings with him, knowing that no one else would understand what was going on in her heart.

Leaning close to her right ear, he whispered, "You owe me a dance."

Tannie lifted her head and met his gaze again. For a moment she was speechless. Her heart pounding so loudly she could barely think.

"A dance?" she repeated, dazed. She couldn't hear anything except her own heartbeat mixed with anxiety.