CHAPTER THREE : A night of terror

By 7:pm in the evening, their home had been elegantly transformed for the anniversary gala. Crystal chandeliers borrowed from Daniel’s company event inventory hung from temporary rigging in the large courtyard that had been transformed into a grand ballroom, 

A live string quartet played soft jazz in the corner, while waitstaff in crisp uniforms circulated with trays of champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and non-alcoholic sparkling elderflower for Lila.

The guest list was curated for about eighty people who were close friends from their high school days, a few trusted college acquaintances. 

Daniel’s key business partners, and Lila’s inner circle of girlfriends who had supported her through the difficult years of trying to conceive. Most of the guests were already seated, drinking and having light deserts.

A large banner reading Four Years of Forever hung above the dance floor, flanked by photos from their journey. It had their awkward high school prom picture, the rainy day they reconnected outside that little café, their wedding in Tuscany, and candid shots from trips and quiet nights in.

Up in their master suite, Lila and Daniel prepared for the gala together, the air in the room was already thick with the scent of her jasmine perfume and his cologne.

Lila watched Daniel button his shirt, his broad shoulders flexing under the fabric. Before he could reach for the old tuxedo hanging in the wardrobe, she stopped him with a gentle hand on his arm.

“Wait,” she said softly, a playful smile curving her lips. “I have something for you.” 

She crossed to the bed and lifted a large, elegant garment bag she’d hidden earlier. Unzipping it with care, she revealed a brand-new, custom-tailored black tuxedo. It was midnight black with subtle satin lapels, cut to perfection for his tall and powerful frame.

Daniel’s hazel eyes widened, then softened with surprise and love. “Lila… you didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.” 

She replied, echoing his words from that morning. “You’ve been working so hard. I thought my husband deserved to look as devastating as he makes me feel every single day.”

He pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply, his hands sliding over the silk of her robe. “You spoil me.” His voice dropped lower as he nipped at her lower lip. “I’m going to spoil you right back later.”

Lila helped him dress, her fingers lingering as she fastened each button of the white shirt across his muscled chest, smoothed the jacket over his broad shoulders, and adjusted the bow tie around his strong neck. The tuxedo fit him like a second skin.

His golden hair was styled neatly, though she loved the way one strand still rebelled, and the faint shadow of stubble along his jaw gave him that perfect balance of polished and dangerously handsome.

“You look incredible, Mr Coleman” she whispered, stepping back to admire him. The sight of him in the gift she’d chosen sent a fresh wave of heat through her.

Daniel’s gaze darkened as it roamed over her. “Not as incredible as you’re going to look in that gown.” He pulled her close again, hands settling on her hips. “But if you keep touching me like that, we’re never making it downstairs.”

She laughed softly and slipped away to finish dressing, stepping into her floor-length red gown with rhinestones. The fabric clung to her curves before flowing elegantly while the diamond pendant rested beautifully against her skin. 

Daniel zipped her up, pressing kisses along the nape of her neck as he did. They took one last look in the mirror together, him tall and striking in his new tuxedo and her radiant beside him.  

“We’re late,” Lila murmured with a soft laugh, glancing at the clock. “Fashionably late, I hope.”

Daniel grinned, offering her his arm. “Perfect timing, as always. Let’s go remind everyone why we’re still the couple they can’t stop talking about.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, right this way. You’re just in time. We were about to start the official welcome.” The coordinator guided them through a side entrance as they approached the courtyard. He bypassed the main foyer where the last few stragglers were chatting.

As they stepped into the grand ballroom, heads turned. Nyla was a sight to behold. 

A warm round of applause rippled through the room. Daniel kept his arm securely around Lila’s waist, his broad frame a steady presence beside her as they made their entrance.

His hazel eyes swept the room before settling back on her with unmistakable heat. Lila felt the familiar flutter low in her belly, desire mingling with the quiet ache she’d carried since morning.

She leaned into him, smiling graciously at their guests, old friends, family, and business associates all dressed in their finest.

The evening unfolded in a haze of joy: heartfelt toasts, laughter echoing off the walls, and several dances where Daniel held her close, his hand low on her back, bodies moving in perfect sync. 

Every so often he’d whisper promises against her ear, “Later, I’m peeling this dress off you inch by inch” making her cheeks flush and her resolve to trust him strengthen.

Then the main doors opened again.

A hush rippled through the room as a woman entered late, dramatic, and impossible to ignore. She wore a sleek, figure-hugging white dress that clung to her curves and prominently displayed the unmistakable swell of a pregnant belly.

Her blonde hair was swept up elegantly, diamonds at her ears, and her hand rested protectively over her rounded abdomen. Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire as guests recognized her.

It was Sophia, Drew’s wife. Daniel’s best friend, 

Drew’s wife. The same Sophia who had generously offered to be their surrogate after years of Lila’s unsuccessful attempts to conceive. 

The arrangement had been private, handled through lawyers and doctors, a beautiful act of friendship and hope for the future they all wanted.

Sophia walked straight toward the center of the room, her eyes locked on Daniel. The music faltered as the band sensed the shift in atmosphere.

“Oh Sofia!” Lila squealed, her voice bright with pure joy as she lifted the hem of her gown and ran toward her. The excitement was evident in her eyes, sparkling brighter than the diamond at her throat. She felt the surrogacy had actually worked.

It had been three months since they implanted their eggs and sperm into Sophia. After which Sophia said she was taking a little break to Colorado.

Lila had tried so hard to be patient, checking her phone obsessively for updates while giving their friend the space she needed. Seeing the unmistakable curve of Sophia’s belly now made tears spring to Lila’s eyes.

She reached Sophia and threw her arms around her gently, careful not to squeeze too hard. “You’re here! And you’re… oh my God, look at you!” Lila pulled back, her hands hovering over the rounded bump beneath the flowing white dress. “Is this real? Are you really…?”