The Gala saga

OLIVIA'S POV

The morning after dinner felt heavier than it should have. I woke up with the memory of the kiss still fresh in my mind, my heart racing in a way I hadn't experienced in Years. Dawson had been nothing but considerate, but that kiss.... complicated things in ways I hadn't anticipated.

I shook my head, trying to shake off the lingering feeling. This was a business arrangement, I had to keep my head straight.

Lily's having her check-up today, the one that would determine when she could begin the blood Infusion. The doctor had been optimistic, but I could never shake the fear that sat heavy in my chest. What if something went wrong?

"Mommy, Can I wear the pink dress today!" Lily's voice broke through my thoughts, her bright blue eyes Peering up at me from the foot of the bed. Even with everything going on, she still had a sparkle in her eyes.

“Of course, Sweetheart," I said, brushing a stay curl away from her forehead. "You can wear whatever you like."

She beamed, racing off to her room to get dressed. I watched her go, my chest tightening With love and fear. How could one little person carry so much light, even amid darkness?

The hospital was bustling when we arrived. I checked us in While Lily sat quietly, her legs swinging as she hummed to herself. She seemed small in that waiting room, surrounded by the sterile smell of antiseptics and the quiet hum of machines.

Dr. Philips greeted us with a smile, as always, “Good morning, Olivia. Lily,” She said her eyes kind and steady. "Today, we'll run Some final tests to see when we can begin the blood infusions. How are You feeling, Lily?”

"Good!" Lily replied enthusiastically, her voice full of Energy "I'm ready to be all better”

Dr. Philips's smile grew as she led us back to the Exam room. The next hour was filled with tests and discussions about the procedure. Dr. Philips explained the process to me again, though I'd heard it all before. The blood infusion wound helps replenish Lily's damaged cells before we move on to the bone marrow transplant. It was a long road, but It worked…if everything went according to plan, Lily could have a full life ahead of her.

"we'll know more by tomorrow,” Dr. Philips said reassuringly. "But everything looks promising we'll likely begin the infusion next week.”

I nodded, my heart still racing despite the positive news "Thank you, Dr. Philips.”

When we left the hospital, I was filled with a strange mix of hope and dread. Hope because we were finally moving forward, and dread because nothing ever felt certain when it came to Lily's health.

That weekend, as I was trying to wind down, my phone buzzed with a message from Dawson.

Dawson: Be ready by 7 pm. The gala is tonight, we're expected to make an appearance.

I sighed. After the stressful days, I didn't have the energy for a gala but I had agreed to this.

By the time the evening rolled around, I had managed to pull myself together. I wore a Sleek black gown, understated but elegant, something that wouldn't draw too much attention. When Dawson arrived to pick me up, his expression was unreadable. He looked polished in his tailored suit, every inch the billionaire he was known to be.

“You Look stunning," he said, his voice calm, and his eyes lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary.

“Thank You,” I replied, feeling a warmth creep up my neck. This was all pretense; I reminded myself. A show for the world.

The gala was held in one of the most opulent hotels in the city. chandeliers sparkled above us, and the room buzzed with the hum of business elites and Celebrities mingling over champagne.

Dawson stayed close to me as we navigated the crowd, Introducing me to various people, his hand never straying far from the small of my back. We were a Perfect picture of a powerful couple, even though I could still feel the tension from the dinner night hanging between us.

Mr. Chen, the man of the evening, approached us not long after we arrived. He was an older gentle man who looked to be in his Kate 60's. Sharp and keen with an aura of authority that demanded respect.

"Dawson!" he called out, his smile wide as he extended a hand. "it's good to see you again”

“Mr. Chen,” Dawson replied, shaking his hand firmly. “It's always a pleasure.”

Mr. Chen's gaze turns to me, his smile softening, “and thus must be the fiancee; I've been eager to see you, Olivia, is it?”

“Yes,” I replied, shaking his hands politely. “It's a pleasure to meet you”

“Ah, Dawson, you do have good taste,” Mr. Chen said with a chuckle. “You two make a fine couple.”

The compliment stung, and even though I knew it was just part of a charade, I smiled, playing the part.

As the night wore on, Dawson and Mr. Chen discussed the details of the deal. But just as they were finalizing things, Mr. Chen dropped a bombshell.

“I've decided to put Ms. Vanessa Hastings in charge," he said casually as though he hadn't just thrown a grenade into the Conversation.

Dawson Froze, his expression darkening "Vanessa?" He repeated, his voice dangerously low.

"Yes,” Mr. Chen continued, oblivious to the tension brewing between us. "she's been a good business partner for years, and I believe she best person to handle my business”

My Stomach dropped. Vanessa. Dawson's ex-fiancee the woman who cheated on him, and now she was going to be in charge of one Of the most important deals in his career?

I've heard the gossip about Vanessa at the Office, how she cheated on him and left him shattered; it made me wonder if he ever stopped loving her.

I glanced up at Dawson, his Jaw clenched tightly as he stared at Mr. Chen; for a moment, I thought he might argue, might push back against the decision, but Instead, he simply nodded, his expression unreadable.

"of course," he said, though I could hear the Steel in his voice.

Mr. Chen smiled, clearly pleased. "I knew you'd see the wisdom in it; Vaness is very capable; she'll do an excellent job," She will fly in from New York tomorrow.”

I forced a smile, but my mind was spinning, Vanessa? This was far from over, and I had a sinking feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated.

As we left the gala that night, the weight of the evening hung between us; Dawson was silent, his jaw Still seeing the entire car ride. I didn't know what to say, didn't know how to break the tension that settled over us.

But one thing was clear, our arrangement had just gotten a lot messier.