Unexpected Encounters

Lisa’s POV

I had told myself I would not go since I tore the invitation and said I was done with Richard. But when the D- day came, curiosity crept in. 

I could not stay home, my mind would not let me rest. I needed to see what was happening with my own eyes. So I broke my own rule after few thoughts. 

I slipped into a simple dark blue dress and went to the charity gala. I stayed far from the main crowd, hiding near the quiet garden area because I just wanted to observe from a distance.

The night air was cool and peaceful. Soft music played from the hall, even the air smelled of riches. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my heart…then I heard sounds of moans and heavy breathing… the sound of bodies moving together.

I froze behind some tall plants. In a hidden corner, a man and a woman were fucking each other hard, I peeped which was a bad idea as memories of Richard and claire making out on my death bed flooded. I sighed feeling the weight of betrayal again. 

   The woman was pressed against the wall, her dress was pulled up high. The man thrust into her roughly, grunting with every move.

“Yes… harder,” the woman moaned loudly. “Fuck me like you mean it.”

The man laughed breathlessly. “You’re so wet tonight. Your husband doesn’t fuck you like this, does he?”

“No… never,” she gasped. “He’s too gentle. I need this. I need you to ruin me.”

They did not notice me, they kept going faster, skin slapping against skin. The woman cried out in pleasure as she came hard. The man groaned and finished inside her.

I felt irritated as my face burned with anger and disgust. They had no shame, no remorse. They just fixed their clothes and laughed softly before walking away like nothing happened.

“Disgusting,” I muttered to myself. “People like that never change.” I turned to leave the corner, still feeling annoyed. My heart was beating fast.. I just wanted to go home, but then I heard a familiar voice.

“Lisa? Is that you?”

It was Claire. She walked toward me with a bright smile, wearing a beautiful red dress. She looked perfect as always.

“Lisa! I can’t believe you came!” she said happily and pulled me into a hug. “You look so pretty. I was looking for you everywhere.”

I forced a smile. “Hello, Claire. I… I decided to come at the last minute.”

She linked her arm with mine and started walking back to the main hall. “Good choice. There are so many important people tonight. You should meet them.” Before I could answer, another voice joined us.

“Well, well. Look who finally showed up.”

Isabella Voss, the rival socialite, stepped closer. She wore a stunning silver gown and smiled with fake sweetness. “Lisa, darling. That dress is… brave. Very simple for an event like this.”

Claire laughed lightly. “Don’t be mean, Isabella. Lisa is just being herself.”

Isabella raised an eyebrow. “Of course. So modest. So innocent.”

I stayed quiet, their words did not hurt me like before. I was only interested in watching the drama unfold. 

Then I saw him, Richard Hale walked toward us. He looked handsome in his black suit. His eyes locked on mine with a warm, gentle look.

“ You must be Lisa,” he said softly when he reached us. His voice was kind. “I was hoping I would see you tonight. You look beautiful.”

For a moment, something fluttered in my chest, his smile seemed real. His eyes looked sincere. In my first life, this was the moment I fell for him. But now I knew better. Or did I?

Claire smiled between us. “You two should talk. I’ll leave you alone.”

Isabella gave a small laugh and followed Claire, but not before giving me one last sharp look.

Richard and I were left standing together, the music played softly around us. He looked at me with gentle eyes.

“I know we don’t know each other yet,” he said quietly. “But I feel like I’ve seen you in my dreams. Would you like to dance?” His hand reached out slowly, waiting for mine. His sweet words never changed, my heart raced. …Part of me wanted to say yes, part of me remembered the pain from my first life.

I took a small step back briefly. 

“Maybe next time,” I whispered, "But I could not deny the strange pull I felt.

This second life was already more complicated than I thought, and I couldn't afford to let him ruin my happiness.

But Richard didn’t accept my refusal.

A slow, determined smile curved his lips. “I’ll be right back.” He disappeared into the crowd. I turned to leave, heart pounding, when minutes later the garden area transformed.

Richard returned with an entourage of staff in tow. A string quartet followed, playing a soft, romantic melody just for us. Behind him, servers carried helium balloons in shades of deep blue and silver that matched my dress, floating gently in the night breeze. Another carried a small, elegant three-tiered cake adorned with fresh flowers and edible gold leaf. A final server held a bouquet of white roses so perfect they looked almost unreal.

Guests nearby stopped to stare, murmuring in surprise and delight. Whispers spread like wildfire.

Richard stopped in front of me, eyes never leaving mine. “You said maybe next time. I didn’t want to wait.” His voice was low, intimate, meant only for me. “I know this is sudden, and probably a little ridiculous… but the moment I saw you earlier, something told me I couldn’t let you slip away. One dance, Lisa. That’s all I’m asking.”

Butterflies erupted in my belly….wild, traitorous things. My cheeks heated despite myself. This was different from what I remembered. In my first life, his pursuit had been slower, more calculated. This grand, impulsive gesture felt… sincere. The sincerity in his eyes, the way he was willing to make a spectacle of himself in front of everyone just to spend a few minutes with me stirred something dangerous inside my chest.

This is how he traps you, I reminded myself harshly. This is how he makes you fall.

Yet my pulse refused to calm. My fingers itched to take his hand. The scent of the roses reached me, sweet and intoxicating, while the quartet played a melody that seemed to pull at my soul.

I swallowed hard, fighting the confusing mix of hatred, fear… and unwanted attraction.

What game was Fate playing with me now?

Richard took one step closer, his gaze intense and unwavering. “Please?”

The entire garden seemed to hold its breath, waiting for my answer…