Chapter 3: The Dress

Ava had changed outfits three times already she stood in front of her bedroom mirror staring at herself then she sighed.

"No."

The navy-blue dress came off a few minutes later, another dress followed.

"No."

Then another still no her best friend Mia, sat cross-legged on the couch watching the entire disaster unfold "You know," Mia said, biting into a cookie, most people just wear clothes. Ava shot her a glare this is important you've said that six times in the last hour "Because it is."

Mia rolled her eyes dramatically you're going to a charity gala, not the Oscars Ava looked back at her reflection maybe Mia didn't understand for five years, Noah had rarely invited her into his professional world,  most of the time it was just the two of them movie nights coffee dates quiet weekends but tonight was different tonight felt important like a step forward like proof that Noah wasn't hiding her anymore.

A smile appeared on her face What if he's finally ready? Mia raised an eyebrow ready for what?Ava hesitated "To propose." The cookie nearly fell from Mia's hand.

"Oh."

Ava laughed nervously I know it sounds crazy No, it doesn't." Mia sat up straighter you've been together for five years exactly five years the number sounded enormous whenever she said it out loud Mia studied her carefully.

"Do you think that's what's happening?" Ava shrugged I don't know but secretly, she hoped it was more than hoped dreamed because lately, she'd started feeling like she was standing still while Noah kept moving forward.

Maybe tonight would finally reassure her maybe tonight would prove that she still had a place in his future across the city, Noah adjusted his tie for the third time his reflection stared back at him from the office mirror something felt off not with the event but with him the strange doubts that had appeared recently refused to disappear.

His phone buzzed Vanessa he almost ignored it.

"What?"

Her laugh echoed through the speaker I'm busy I  know a pause followed then Vanessa spoke casually are you really bringing Ava tonight? Noah's expression hardened why does everyone keep asking me that? because people are curious he said nothing Vanessa continued.

But just know that you are a very handsome man so know the kind of class of people you mingle with. What are you trying to say? "I'm saying reputation matters." Noah felt irritation rise in his chest Goodbye Vanessa, before she could answer he ended the call yet even after hanging up, her words lingered reputation matters.

Lately everyone seemed determined to remind him of that at seven o'clock sharp, a luxury car stopped outside Ava's apartment building she stepped outside wearing a simple black evening gown the dress wasn't designer It wasn't covered in diamonds but it suited her perfectly it was elegant and beautiful.

The driver opened the door you look amazing Ava turned Noah was standing beside the car for a moment, she forgot how to breathe he looked devastatingly handsome in a black tuxedo.

His blue eyes softened as they met hers you really think so? I know so a blush crept onto her cheeks no matter how many years passed, Noah could still make her heart race he offered her his arm and they hugged.

"Ready?" Ava slipped her hand through his for the first time all week, everything felt right the Blackwell Foundation Gala was even grander than Ava imagined, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling soft music drifted through the ballroom waiters moved between guests carrying trays of champagne everywhere she looked, there were wealthy and influential people.

Ava instinctively tightened her grip on Noah's arm he noticed immediately

"Nervous?"

"A little."

His hand briefly squeezed hers don't be the simple gesture calmed her at least until they entered the main ballroom conversations paused not completely but enough enough for Ava to notice enough to make her uncomfortable people weren't looking at Noah they were looking at her judging observing her outfit.

Ava forced herself to smile she was probably imagining things right then she heard a whisper "That's her?" Another whisper followed I thought he'd be dating someone else the women laughed quietly Ava's stomach dropped maybe she wasn't imagining anything after all Noah didn't seem to hear or maybe he chose not to.

Either way, he continued greeting investors and business partners Ava remained beside him, smiling politely trying not to let the comments affect her trying not to feel out of place trying not to wonder if everyone in the room saw her exactly the way Vanessa did like she didn't belong.

Later, while Noah was speaking with several executives, Ava excused herself and headed toward the balcony for fresh air the cool night breeze immediately eased the tension in her chest she closed her eyes just for a moment.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?" Ava turned a man stood near the railing tall well-dressed and smiling "It is," she admitted.

"I'm Ethan Brooks."

"Ava Bennett." His smile widened nice to meet you, Ava."

For the first time that evening, someone looked at her without judgment without curiosity without hidden criticism Just simple kindness and neither of them knew it yet, but that brief conversation would one day change everything.