Chapter 3: The Gala

Jasmine sat stiffly in the plush chair of an expansive dressing suite, feeling completely out of place amidst the whirlwind of luxury. Three stylists fluttered around her, debating colours and fabrics, while a makeup artist meticulously worked on her face.

"Chin up," the woman instructed, tilting Jasmine's face to the light.

Jasmine complied, though her mind raced. How had her life gone from scraping together tips at the diner to this? The unusual transformation was almost laughable.

"Perfect," one of the stylists declared, stepping back to admire her work. "That gown will turn heads for sure.”

Jasmine glanced down at the emerald silk dress they’d chosen, its sleek design hugging her figure with just the right amount of elegance. The plunging neckline and slit up the leg were bold, but not garish. For a moment, she felt like someone else entirely—a stranger in her own skin.

Before she could dwell on it, the door opened, and Chad strode in.

The room seemed to chill instantly as his presence filled the space. He was dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, his usual cold confidence radiating from every angle. His eyes scanned her, lingering for the briefest moment before he spoke.

"Acceptable," he said flatly, his tone as neutral as ever.

Jasmine blinked. Acceptable? She was no egocentric, but even she knew she looked damn good. She straightened her posture and offered him a cheesy smile.

"Glad I meet your exacting standards," she quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Chad’s lips twitched into something resembling a smirk. "Don’t push it, Jasmine.”

“Oh, I don't intend to.” She shrugged, unbothered. She had signed a deal with the devil, after all, and expecting compliments wasn’t part of the bargain.

She stood up and followed him out as he headed towards the black sleek limousine packed outside.

Chad adjusted the cuffs of his tailored black tuxedo, the subtle sheen of the fabric catching the dim light of the car. He sat in brooding silence as the limousine glided through the city streets toward the gala. His jaw clenched at the thought of the night ahead—socialites with their pretentious chatter, the press sniffing around for gossip, In his eyes, they were time-wasting charades.

As much as he loathed social gatherings, this gala was non-negotiable. His grandfather’s insistence had sealed his fate. And then there was Ava Reeds—the one woman he once thought he couldn’t live without, the woman who had stomped on his heart and left without a backward glance.

Now, Ava was back. And if the rumors were true, she would be at this event tonight, radiating confidence and charm, basking in the attention she craved. Chad intended to show her what she had given up—a man who no longer pined for her manipulative games.

That’s why he’d made this plan. That’s why Jasmine Wither was sitting beside him now.

He glanced at her.

Chad studied her briefly, his piercing gaze lingering on her profile. She was beautiful tonight—breathtaking, actually. The team he’d hired had done an impeccable job transforming her, and though her beauty was undeniable, it wasn’t something he intended to voice out.

He broke the silence. “I believe you understand what’s expected of you tonight.”

Jasmine’s lips curled into a smirk as she turned to face him. “Yes, Mr. Blackstone. I’m supposed to pretend to be your fiancée, act all lovey-dovey, and make your ex jealous. Did I miss anything?”

Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and Chad’s brows furrowed. He wasn’t used to being spoken to like that, especially not by someone he’d hired.

“Watch your tone,” he said, his voice low and sharp.

Jasmine smirked. “Trust me, I’m not the one hung up on an ex. Let’s just get this over with.”

Chad shot Jasmine a sharp glance, but she ignored him, her focus entirely on the road.

“You’ll need to act convincingly, Jasmine. Ava is sharp. She’ll look for cracks in our story.”

Sharp? If she’s so sharp, how did she manage to lose someone as calculated as you? Jasmine thought, biting back the comment.

Instead, she nodded demurely. “I’ll do what’s necessary to make her believe.”

“You’d do well to focus on your role tonight, remember, your mother's treatment depends on this.”

“Yes, Mr. Blackstone,” she replied stiffly with polite indifference, though her inner thoughts were far less composed. Of course, I’m going to focus. You’re paying for my mother’s treatment. But you better believe I’m going to do this my way.

The car slowed to a stop in front of the grand ballroom. The massive, ornately decorated Christmas tree outside glittered with thousands of lights, drawing the attention of the gathering crowd.

The chauffeur opened the door. “Remember, stay close to me,” Chad instructed as the door opened. He stepped out first, his tailored black tuxedo fitting him like a second skin. His strong jawline, perfectly styled dark hair, and piercing gaze made him the very image of power and control.

The flashes of cameras erupted instantly.

When Jasmine stepped out, the crowd audibly gasped. The photographers scrambled to capture her image—a stunning woman in an emerald gown that shimmered with every step. Her makeup highlighted her striking features: sharp cheekbones, soft full lips painted a deep red, and eyes that sparkled with both allure and mischief.

“Isn’t that Chad Blackstone? He never brings anyone!”

“Who is she? Never seen her before”

“Is that his date? She’s stunning!”

“I thought he’d be here with Ava Reeds?”

Chad extended his arm, Jasmine looped her arm through Chad’s with practiced ease, tilting her head slightly to whisper, "I think you’ve caused a scene already.”

"Good," Chad muttered, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

“Mr. Blackstone! Over here!” reporters called, trying to catch his attention, it's rare sighting him in such occasions and none wants to loose their chances of a good story.

Chad ignored them, his focus sharp as he escorted Jasmine into the ballroom. The grand hall was dazzling—chandeliers dripping with crystals, a towering Christmas tree adorned with golden ornaments, and soft classical music weaving through the hum of conversations.

As they entered, every head turned. Ava had commanded attention earlier in her red shimmering gown, but now all eyes were on Chad—and more importantly, on his companion.

“I feel like a prize show dog,” Jasmine muttered under her breath, keeping her smile intact.

“Enjoy it while it lasts.”

Whispers followed them as they made their way through the crowd, Jasmine's composure regal yet approachable. Together, they strode through the crowd, a picture-perfect couple.

And it wasn’t long before those whispers reached Ava Reeds.

She turned slowly, her red gown flowing around her like liquid fire. Her platinum blonde hair was styled in loose waves, and her perfectly painted lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. When her gaze landed on Chad, the smile faltered.

There he was, every bit as devastatingly handsome as she remembered. But the woman on his arm... Who was she? And why was she holding him like they belonged together?

Ava’s fingers tightened around her champagne glass as she watched Jasmine whisper something into Chad’s ear. When Jasmine excused herself to head to the restroom, Ava saw her chance. She set her drink down and made her move, her red dress shimmering as she glided toward Chad with the grace of a panther.

“Long time no see, Chad.”

Chad turned, and for a split second, his mask slipped. His heart clenched as he took her in—the same piercing green eyes, the same coy smile that had once undone him. Memories flooded back, unbidden and unwelcome.

Chad grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, draining it in one go before responding. "Ava." His tone was clipped, giving nothing away.

She glanced around. “Where's your date,She’s charming, though. Where did you find her? Just that she’s not exactly... your usual type.”

“What does it matter to you?” Chad replied, his eyes darting toward the direction Jasmine had gone.

Ava noticed. Her smile faltered for a brief moment before anger flashed in her eyes. Is he really that taken with her?

Jasmine reappeared just then, smoothing her dress as she approached. Her gaze swept over Chad and Ava, and her lips curled into a playful smile, her sharp eyes taking in the tension between them. So, this is the ex. Great. Time to earn my paycheck.

With a dazzling smile, she strode to Chad and slid her arm around his, pulling herself snugly against his side. The movement was seamless, natural, and impossible to ignore.

“What are you doing?” Chad hissed, his tone low and sharp.

“Playing the part,” Jasmine whispered back, patting his chest as if calming a restless dog. “Relax, Mr. Blackstone. You hired me for this, remember?”

Jasmine turned her attention to Ava, her smile turning just a shade sharper. “Hi, I’m Jasmine. Chad’s fiancée.”

Ava’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing. “Fiancée?” Her tone was skeptical, but her expression was sharp, like she was trying to see through the act.

Yes,” Jasmine said, leaning into Chad and placing a hand on his chest. “He’s been so busy lately with work, but I insisted he take a break tonight. You know how he gets.” She patted his chest affectionately, and Chad stiffened slightly under her touch.

Ava’s smile tightened. So that's why he came tonight, because she asked him to.

Her smile faltered, and she glanced at their linked arms. "How... sudden. Chad, you’ve always been so private. I’m surprised you didn’t mention her before.”

“Well, we like to keep things private,” Jasmine said, leaning slightly into Chad. Her hand brushed his chest, and she glanced up at him with a look that could melt ice. “Isn’t that right, darling?”

Chad stiffened under her touch, but he didn’t miss the way Ava’s jaw tightened. “Exactly,” he said, his tone clipped.

“Well,” Ava said, turning her attention back to him. “I suppose congratulations are in order. Though I can’t imagine you’ll find anyone who understands you better than I do, Chad.”

Jasmine’s nails dug into her palm, but her voice remained calm. “Understanding someone isn’t the same as being right for them.”

“And you?” Jasmine continued, her tone innocent but her eyes glinting with challenge. “I’m sure you’ve found someone wonderful as well. After all, a woman like you must have men lining up for a chance.”

Chad shot Jasmine a sharp glance, but she ignored him, her focus entirely on Ava.

Ava’s smile faltered, and for a moment, she looked genuinely flustered. “I’ve been focused on myself,” she said tightly.

“Of course….,” Jasmine said with a nod. “Self-love is important. But if you ever need advice, I’m happy to share some tips. Chad and I have such a wonderful relationship. Don’t we, darling?”

Before Chad could respond, Jasmine placed her hand on his chest again and stood on her toes, planting a kiss on his cheek. The contact was brief but intentional, leaving a faint trace of her lipstick on his skin.

Chad froze, his mind scrambling to process what had just happened. Ava’s expression was a mix of disbelief and barely concealed fury.

“Excuse me,” Ava said abruptly, her composure cracking as she turned and walked away.

“Of course” Jasmine responded, a triumphant smile on her face as she watched Ava's departing back or should she say fleeing?

As soon as she was out of earshot, Chad turned to Jasmine, his eyes narrowing. “What was that?”

“That?” Jasmine whispered back, her voice full of mock innocence. “That was me doing my job. You’re welcome.”

“Don’t push your luck,” Chad muttered, his tone a mix of irritation

“Oh, I’m just getting started,” Jasmine replied, her voice teasing.

Chad sighed, his eyes flicking back to where Ava stood, now seething. He couldn’t decide if Jasmine’s acting skills were a blessing or a curse.

Oh, What has he gotten himself into. For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t the one entirely in control—and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it.