Velvet Lies and hidden dreams is centered around a rich man falling in love with his wife's best friend.
Richard Hartley stood at the edge of the grand ballroom, a glass of champagne cradled in his hand. The chandeliers above glittered like a thousand stars, casting a warm glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Laughter and chatter mingled with the soft strains of a string quartet, filling the air with the buzz of the annual Hartley Foundation Gala. As the host, Richard was expected to be the epitome of charm-confident, engaging, and in command. But tonight, his thoughts drifted far from the polished persona he wore so well.
Across the room, his wife, Emily, shone like a jewel. Her emerald green gown hugged her slender frame, and her auburn hair was swept up in an elegant chignon. She laughed at something a guest said, her eyes sparkling with a joy that had once drawn Richard in like a moth to a flame. But now, as he watched her, he felt a hollow ache. Their marriage, once vibrant and full of promise, had faded over their five years together. They were partners-successful in business and admired in society-but the passion that had once bound them had slipped away, leaving a quiet distance in its wake.
His gaze shifted to Sophia, Emily's best friend since their college days. She stood beside Emily, her dark hair cascading in loose waves down her back, her simple black dress a striking contrast to the opulence around her. Sophia was beautiful in an understated way, her warmth and intelligence radiating effortlessly. She had been a fixture in their lives for years, a trusted confidante to both Richard and Emily. Tonight, her smile was genuine as she chatted with Emily, and Richard couldn't help but notice the way it lit up her face.
As if sensing his stare, Sophia glanced up and met his eyes. She offered a small, knowing smile-nothing more than a friendly gesture-and yet, Richard's chest tightened. He quickly averted his gaze, sipping his champagne to mask the sudden rush of guilt. Sophia was off-limits, a line he couldn't cross. But the flutter in his heart betrayed a truth he wasn't ready to face.