A Choice To Make

Elena Carter stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of her apartment, gazing out at the city lights. The invitation to the gala sat on the marble coffee table behind her, untouched, as if opening it would force her to make a decision she wasn’t ready for.

A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, not turning around.

Her assistant, Sophie Bennett, stepped inside, holding a neatly organized planner against her chest. Always prepared, always composed—Sophie had been her rock through more than just business matters.

"I saw the invitation on your desk earlier," Sophie said, closing the door behind her. "Are you planning to go?"

Elena sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don’t know."

"You don’t know?" Sophie echoed, setting her planner down on the couch. "Or you don’t want to deal with a certain someone?"

Elena turned, giving her a pointed look. "I walked away from that life three years ago. I don’t owe anyone anything."

Sophie crossed her arms. "No, you don’t. But you also don’t have to pretend it didn’t matter."

Elena exhaled, dropping onto the couch. "I just don’t want to step into that room and feel like I’ve lost something."

Sophie sat beside her, her expression gentle. "Have you?"

Elena didn’t answer right away. Instead, she picked up the invitation and traced her fingers over the embossed lettering.

"It’s not that simple," she admitted.

"It never is," Sophie said. "But if you’re hesitating this much, it means part of you still cares. And that’s okay."

Elena let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "You’re supposed to tell me not to go, remind me I have better things to do with my time."

Sophie smirked. "I would, but I also know you. You’ll spend the night overthinking, checking your phone for updates, and regretting not going."

Elena groaned, leaning back. "And if I do go?"

"Then go on your terms. Wear something that makes you feel like you own the room. Hold your head high. If you want to say hello, do it. If not, enjoy the champagne and leave."

Elena pressed her lips together. "And if I just stay home?"

Sophie shrugged. "Then we open a bottle of wine, order sushi, and spend the night with Aria."

Elena’s expression softened at the mention of Aria. "That… actually sounds tempting."

Sophie smiled. "Either way, you win. But the choice is yours."

Elena sat in silence for a moment, staring at the invitation.

"I’ll think about it," she finally said.

Sophie stood, picking up her planner. "Just don’t think too long. The gala won’t wait for you."

As the door clicked shut behind her, Elena sighed, glancing toward Aria’s bedroom.

Maybe staying home wasn’t such a bad idea.

Maybe.

Before she could decide, her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.

You should come tonight. No expectations. Just a conversation.

Elena’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t need to ask who it was. She already knew.