SEVEN - The Man From That Night

ON THE OTHER HAND, AURORA was trapped in a painfully long conversation with another D-list television celebrity who clearly hated her.

The television celebrity nodded at all the wrong moments, her eyes kept drifting past Aurora’s shoulder every few seconds as if searching for someone more important. She responded with vague smiles , obviously clearly uninterested and already bored.

So when the sharp clink of glass echoed across the hall. Aurora almost sighed in relief.

She used the distraction to step aside quietly, slipping out of the conversation before the celebrity even noticed she was gone.

“Attention, attention, esteemed guests,” a man’s voice rang out over the speakers “Yes, I know asking actors to stop talking is a dangerous request. But please, may I have a moment of your time.”

Soft laughter echoed through the hall. People shuffled and conversations faded. Aurora paused. The voice sounded… familiar.

She frowned slightly, trying to place it, but from the D-list section, she couldn’t see the stage clearly. Tall glass partitions and the long distance blocked her view.

Then,She brushed the thought aside. It didn’t matter.

“Welcome, everyone, to the Hibiscus Media Gala,” the voice echoed clearly through the hall. “Tonight isn’t about glamour, prestige, or the shiny masks we wear on camera. It’s about the people the ones who dream, who take risks, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring stories to life. It’s about talent, determination, and passion. About those who deserve a stage, whether they stand in the spotlight or remain unseen, shaping this industry in ways no one always notices.”

Aurora listened absently, her thoughts were scattered. Then, without warning, in the D-list section large screens descended smoothly from above, lighting up across every section of the hall.

Her breath caught. The face that filled the screen was unmistakable.

And the name written below was Reuben Blackwood.

Her stomach twisted violently, the same sick wave of nausea she had felt that morning crashing through her all over again. Her fingers went cold. Her heart slammed painfully against her ribs.

Him.

The man from that night.

The man she had woken beside. The man whose face she had tried and failed to forget. He was the CEO of Blackwood Entertainment.

People around her whispered. Some glanced at the screen. Others glanced at her. Aurora barely noticed. She was frozen shock locking her in place.

Reuben continued speaking smoothly, unaware of the chaos inside her

“This year has been one of challenge and triumph, of risk and reward. At Blackwood Entertainment, we honor talent in all its forms those who dare to dream, who fight to rise, and who show courage in pursuit of their passions. We seek voices that need to be heard, stories that need to be told, and artists who deserve the opportunity to shine, no matter their background, no matter their past.”

Then suddenly, a woman stepped onto the stage beside him.She wore a soft ivory gown and she slipped her arm through Reuben’s with ease, as if she belonged there.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” the woman said warmly as she accepted the microphone. Her smile was gentle. “It truly means so much to us to share this evening with so many familiar faces and inspiring talents.”

Aurora recognized her instantly. Clara Whitmore.

The nation’s beloved actress. Famous for her innocent image, her soft smile, and the kind of roles that made audiences fall in love with her again and again. Every headline adored her.

Every critic praised her grace. And it was common knowledge , even reported everywhere that Clara Whitmore was betrothed to Reuben Blackwood.

Clara continued. “The entertainment industry can be challenging, but nights like this remind us why we do what we do. It’s about passion, creativity, and believing in new possibilities.”

She glanced fondly at Reuben before looking back at the crowd. “Together, we hope this evening becomes the start of new collaborations, new dreams, and brighter paths for everyone here.”

The hall filled with applause and Aurora couldn’t breathe.

Her thoughts tangled together, overlapping and crushing her chest. The man she had slept with. The man she had run from. That same man was standing beside his perfect fiancée, smiling as if nothing had ever happened.

Everything felt wrong. She felt uncomfortable. All she knew was that she had to leave. Now.

Aurora turned sharply, moving through the edge of the crowd. “Sorry!” she muttered as she nearly collided with a server carrying a tray.

Her voice sounded scared even to her own ears.

“Watch it!” the man snapped before she ducked past him.

Suddenly Aurora felt someone pull her back with force.

“Miss Valenmoor." She froze at the voice

Aurora slowly turned her head. The smile on his face made her stomach twist violently.The fat man from a month ago stood there holding onto her arm.

It seemed,Her nightmare hadn’t ended. It had followed her here.