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The Charity Gala

Author: Ella
last update Last Updated: 2025-11-05 14:51:50

The ballroom glittered beneath chandeliers that hung like frozen rain, every crystal reflecting the city’s wealth and power. The Blake Enterprises Annual Charity Gala—the event of the year—had drawn the city’s elite: CEOs, socialites, and a swarm of photographers stationed at the entrance, hungry for headlines.

Ethan Blake stepped from the sleek black car first, every inch the composed executive in his tailored tuxedo. But his eyes kept flicking toward the second door—waiting.

When Maya emerged, time seemed to slow.

Her dress was a deep emerald satin that caught the light with every movement, modest yet stunning, and and her hair was swept into an elegant twist. Gasps rippled through the crowd, flashes burst like fireworks, and for the first time since their stormy reunion, Ethan didn’t care what the world thought.

He extended a hand. “Ready?”

She hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her hand in his. “As I’ll ever be.”

Their fingers brushed—familiar, dangerous, electric
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