The Gala

Lena's POV 

I couldn’t stop smiling. This was everything I’d ever dreamed of. The fancy gala, the people, the prestige. My parents were sitting proudly in the front row, watching me like I was the crown jewel. And tonight, I was. 

The Reynolds family, once modest and humble, was now a top-tier name, thanks to me, Lena Reynolds, soon to be Lena Wells. 

“Lena, the board is already discussing the upcoming mergers,” my father said, his voice filled with pride. “Grant has done wonders for the company, but now that you're engaged, we’re seeing even bigger deals come through.”

I nodded, trying to suppress my grin. “Everything’s falling into place, Dad. This is just the beginning.”

My mother, Barbara, chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She'd always been a party lover. “You’ve made us so proud, darling. And that ring,” she said, taking my hand, "it’s stunning.”

I smiled and touched the diamond ring on my finger. It sparkled under the lights. Everything was perfect. 

Until Verena appeared.

“Well, well, well, I hope I didn't break this little family chat” Verena’s voice was shrill, just like I'd always known her. She sauntered over to the circle, her lips curled into a mocking sneer. “If it isn’t the woman of the hour. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

Verena scoffed at my surprise. “Oh, come on, Lena, don't play dumb now. You must’ve known this wouldn’t stay hidden forever.”

“What are you talking about?” I’d always known Verena didn’t like me, but to confront me here, now, on my big night? That was low, even for her. 

My mum folded her arms. “Verena, don’t you have anything better to do than try to ruin your son’s happiness? Get a life.”

Verena snickered. “Oh, Barbara, sweet naive Barbara. You honestly think Grant’s going to marry her?” Then she leaned closer and whispered to my mother, “Never, just watch." 

Before I could respond, I saw him — Grant Wells. CEO of the Wells family and my husband to be. He’d just walked into the hall, tall and commanding, looking every bit the man I’d fallen in love with. 

Relief washed over me. I was about to greet him when his eyes locked onto mine. But instead of the warmth I expected, there was fury.

Grant didn’t stop. He didn’t smile. He didn’t even acknowledge me. He grabbed a folder from his personal assistant and then yanked me to the corner, his grip tight. 

“Grant, what are you—” I started, but the look in his eyes silenced me.

“Explain this, now.” he growled, throwing a stack of pictures at me.

I looked down, my heart racing. There I was, in one photo shaking hands with a rival company’s executive, and in another, sitting with one of Grant’s closest friends in a restaurant. Dressed in a low cut red dress, his hands on the small of my back. 

“Grant, no, this isn’t what it looks like! I swear”

Shut up,” he snapped, his voice ice-cold. “I should've known better,” he shook his head like I was a total disappointment. "I should have known you were a gold-digging snake, just like the rest. Was this your plan all along? Get close to me, use me to climb the social ladder, and then stab me in the back?”

Tears stung my eyes. “Grant, what are you talking about? They're people looking,” I tried to calm him as I saw the cameras begin to flash. 

“Don’t lie to me, Lena!” he barked, unfazed by the crowd. “I’m done with this charade. I’m done with you.”

He turned, marching toward the stage. My heart pounded in my chest as I rushed after him.

“Grant, please, don't do this!” I was lost, confused and nearly having a heart attack. 

But it was too late. He grabbed the microphone, silencing the crowd.

“Everyone, I have an announcement to make,” he said, his voice chillingly calm. “The engagement is off.”

The room went still. I froze, unable to breathe.

“I’m not marrying a liar and a cheat,” he continued. “Lena Reynolds is nothing but a gold digger, a fraud, and a whore.”

Gasps echoed around the room, cameras flashing. My heart shattered into a thousand pieces. 

“No,” I whispered, stepping forward, reaching out to him. “Grant, please, this isn’t true. Someone is trying to ruin us. Let me explain—”

“Explain?” He scoffed, “I've seen all I need to. I don't need any more of your lies, Lena.”

Grant tossed the microphone away and marched off, leaving me with the crowd, the flashing lights and the nosey journalists in my face. 

My worst nightmare was playing out. I couldn't believe my eyes. 

As if I hadn't had enough, Verena stepped in. “Take off the ring,” she hissed sharply. “You don’t deserve it.”

I stared at her, my vision blurry with unshed tears. “What?”

“The ring. Now.” Verena smirked, stretching her palms. “You heard my son, the wedding is off. There's no way I'm letting a leech like you keep the diamond ring.”

“Mother-in-law please, just let me explain! I didn’t do any of this. It’s a misunderstanding.”

“Don't you ever!" She snapped in my face, “Ever! Call me that again. The Reynolds family could never get tangled with the Wells. Did you really think you would weasel your way into his life while still being a whore and a bloody backstabber? Conniving with a rival company, how low of you!" 

I shook my head, the tears of trying so hard to hold finally falling freely. Streaking down my face. Ruining my makeup. 

"Take it off, Lena. Don't make me call the security.” 

My fingers trembled as I reached for the ring. My entire world was crashing down around me, and Grant was letting it happen.

My mother stepped in, trying to intervene. “Verena, please. My daughter would never do that.” 

“Stay out of it, Barbara,” Verena snapped. “After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

My parents, once so proud, now stood in shock and disappointment, their faces pale and horrified. 

Mom, dad, I didn’t… I didn’t do any of this. You have to believe me.”

But they didn’t respond. They just stood there, defeated. 

I pulled the ring off, my hands shaking, and placed it in Verena’s outstretched palm. She smiled cruelly, turning to the crowd.

The Wells family will never mix with charlatans,” she laughed. 

I staggered, grabbed my purse and fled the gala.