Chapter 9: No Breathing Room

The next few weeks turned into a blur of endless lists and phone calls. Three major events on my plate at once. I had a solid team at Aurora, good people who knew their jobs. Sarah handled logistics like a pro. James was brilliant with lighting and stage setups. Lisa managed catering and vendors without missing a beat. But if I didn’t stay on top of everything, the events wouldn’t turn out the way I wanted. They were talented, sure, but they didn’t have my vision. So I always jump in, directing every detail.

I decided to tackle the charity gala first. It was the closest deadline. The Hale’s Corporation wanted something elegant but impactful. I spent hours in my office sketching layouts. We went with a classic black and gold theme. Crystal chandeliers, tall floral arrangements on every table, soft lighting that made the ballroom glow. I called suppliers myself to make sure the linens were exactly the right shade. James and I walked the venue twice, marking spots for the stage and silent auction area.

“Make sure the auction tables get extra lighting,” I told him. “People need to see what they’re bidding on.”

Sarah came in with vendor confirmations. “Catering is locked. Live band confirmed too.”

“Good. Double-check the guest list. No mistakes.”

I barely slept. Between meetings and site visits, I kept thinking about Mum’s party and the Senate job, but I pushed those thoughts aside. One event at a time.

The night of the gala finally arrived. The ballroom looked even better than I imagined. Gold drapes caught the light perfectly. Tables sparkled with fine china and fresh flowers. Waiters moved smoothly through the crowd in crisp uniforms. Guests arrived in elegant dresses and sharp suits. I stood near the entrance in a simple black gown, watching everything.

Mr. Hale spotted me and walked over with his son, Nathan. “Evelyn, this is incredible. Better than we expected.”

I smiled. “I’m glad you’re happy. Enjoy the night.”

People mingled, laughed, and placed big bids at the auction. The live band played soft jazz. Everything flowed without a hitch. The next day continued with daytime panels and networking sessions. By the end, the Hale’s Corporation was over the moon. They pulled me aside before we wrapped up.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Mr. Hale said, shaking my hand. “We’ll definitely work with Aurora again.”

The event lasted a day and half. News outlets picked it up fast. One headline read: “Hale’s Corporation Hosts One of the Country’s Biggest Galas Yet.” They praised the seamless organization, the stunning decor, and how every detail reflected class and purpose. Aurora’s name got mentioned several times. That kind of coverage brought even more calls to our office.

I felt proud but exhausted when it finally ended. My team and I rested for the rest of that day. Then the next day Mum’s engagement party preparations kicked off right away.

The venue was a grand hall on the edge of the city. High ceilings, marble floors, and huge windows that let in natural light. It was perfect for the guest list Mum wanted. A few billionaires, some of her close friends from charity work, and Mark’s family flying in from out of town. I wanted it warm but sophisticated. Soft ivory and blush tones, fairy lights strung across the ceiling, long tables with elegant centerpieces.

I spent days at the site with my team. “Lisa, confirm the menu with Mum one more time. James, the lighting needs to feel romantic, not too bright. Sarah, make sure security knows the final guest count.”

We were deep in setup mode the day before the party. I stood in the middle of the hall in jeans and a hoodie, clipboard in hand, giving directions.

“Sarah, move those tables two feet left. The dance floor needs more space. James, test the string lights again. Lisa, how are we doing on the flowers?”

The team moved quickly. “Sarah, make sure the centerpieces are even on every table,” I called out. “James, adjust those lights a bit softer near the entrance. Lisa, the flowers look good, but we need more greenery on the right side.”

Everyone nodded and got back to work. The grand hall buzzed with activity. I wiped my hands on my jeans and slipped away into one of the smaller side rooms to check the decorative mirrors and extra floral arrangements. It was quieter here. I needed a moment to breathe and make sure everything was perfect.

I ran my fingers over a vase of blush roses when the door clicked shut behind me.

I turned around fast.

Mark stood there, leaning against the closed door. He wore a casual shirt with the sleeves rolled up, looking far too relaxed for someone whose engagement party was tomorrow. A small smile played on his lips.

“What are you doing here?” I whispered. “You’re not supposed to see any of this before tomorrow.”

He shrugged. “I told your mum I wanted to help. Figured I’d come early and see how things are coming along.” His eyes moved slowly over me. “Looks like you’ve done an amazing job.”

My heart started beating faster. I took a step back. “Mark, we can’t do this. Not here. Not now. You’re getting engaged to my mother tomorrow. This… whatever this is between us, it has to stop.”

He didn’t listen. He walked toward me, slow and sure. I backed up until I hit the edge of a table. The sounds of my team working drifted in from the main hall, voices, footsteps, the clink of glasses being set out. Anyone could walk in at any moment.

“You say that,” he murmured, stopping just inches away, “but your body remembers the hotel. The way you moaned when I finally gave you what you needed.”

Heat rushed to my face. I hated how right he was. Deep down, I still thought about it. The way he took his time that night, the way he made me fall apart after I had called him pathetic. I wanted to feel that again, even though I knew it was wrong.

“Mark, please,” I said, my voice low. “You’re going to be my stepfather. This is messed up.”

He leaned in closer. His hand brushed my waist, pulling me gently toward him. “Doesn’t feel messed up when we’re alone, does it?” His breath was warm against my ear. “You’ve been thinking about me too. I can see it in your eyes.”

Before I could argue again, his lips were on mine. The kiss was hungry and demanding. My hands gripped his shirt even as my mind screamed at me to push him away. His fingers slid under my hoodie, touching my skin. The risk made everything more intense. My team was right outside. Mum could walk in any second.

I kissed him back harder, lost for a moment. His body pressed against mine, and I felt that familiar ache building fast.

Then Mum’s voice rang out from the main hall, bright and cheerful.

“Mark? Evie? Are you two in here somewhere?”

We froze. I shoved him back quickly, fixing my clothes with shaking hands. Mark stepped away, breathing hard, but that dangerous smirk returned to his face.

He leaned close one last time before heading to the door.

“Wouldn’t be so bad, you know,” he whispered, voice low and full of promise. “Enjoying both you and your mother. Different kinds of pleasure… but both mine.”

My stomach twisted as he slipped out of the room, leaving me standing there alone, heart pounding and face flushed.

What the hell is this feeling that is building up inside of me?