An Unexpected Collision
Adrian casually mentioned as he adjusted his cufflinks, "I'll be attending a business gala tonight. Emily's firm is co-sponsoring."
Celeste looked up from her coffee cup, calm and composed. "I'm attending an event too. Lucas invited me. Said it's a good networking opportunity."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, pausing for a second. "Do you want me to drop you off?"
She shook her head, smooth as silk. "No need. I have company."
He didn't press her further, but his gaze lingered longer than usual—as if trying to read between the lines.
——
Celeste wasn't expecting Lucas to invite her to another event so soon, let alone for Adrian to finally meet him. But as fate would have it, their worlds collided in a way she hadn't foreseen.
As she stood outside her office building, waiting for Lucas, a familiar car pulled up to the curb.
Adrian stepped out, smoothing his blazer. "Thought I'd surprise you. Offer a ride to your event."
She blinked. "I thought you were heading to yours."
"I am. But figured we could go together. At least drop you off."
Before she could respond, a voice called out.
"Celeste!"
Lucas jogged up, slightly out of breath, glasses slipping down his nose. His nerdy charm was in full effect—slightly messy hair, a book bag slung over one shoulder, and a too-loose dress shirt tucked into slacks. He pushed his glasses up and smiled brightly. "Sorry I'm late."
Adrian looked him over, assessing him briefly. Lucas looked clumsy, friendly—harmless.
Celeste glanced between the two men. "Lucas, this is Adrian. Adrian—Lucas."
Lucas beamed and stuck his hand out. "Pleasure to finally meet you. Celeste talks about you."
Adrian shook his hand, eyes cool. "Likewise."
Lucas chuckled nervously. "We're actually heading to the same gala tonight. I offered Celeste a ride."
Adrian raised a brow, turning to her. "You're going with him?"
Celeste nodded calmly. "Yeah. We planned this earlier. You don't have to worry about me."
Adrian didn't argue. His jaw ticked slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "Alright. I'll see you at home, then."
——
The venue sparkled with opulence—chandeliers glinting overhead, champagne flutes in every hand, and conversations bubbling beneath soft classical music.
Adrian stood near the bar, Emily by his side, dressed to perfection in a deep burgundy gown that hugged her figure. She leaned in, laughing softly at something he said, her hand grazing his arm in a way that looked innocent—almost.
Then the doors opened.
Celeste entered with Lucas at her side, and Adrian's gaze instantly found her.
She was stunning.
And Lucas... damn him.
Gone was the nerdy image. Tonight, Lucas looked devastatingly handsome—his jet-black hair swept back with a subtle wave, his jawline clean-shaven and sharp, his tailored midnight-blue suit hugging his lean, athletic frame like it was made for him.
Even his usual glasses were gone, replaced with piercing dark eyes that exuded quiet confidence.
He looked polished, charismatic, and every bit like someone who belonged in a room full of millionaires.
Lucas leaned in, whispering something that made Celeste laugh softly.
Adrian felt his chest tighten.
He's harmless, he reminded himself. Just a friend. But still, the sight irked him.
He began walking over, Emily matching his stride.
Emily noticed the direction of his gaze and followed it. When she saw Celeste, her expression wavered. A flash of something bitter passed her features—but she quickly replaced it with a soft, sugary smile.
"Is that Lucas? The one you just mentioned?" she asked, voice light.
Adrian nodded shortly. "Yeah."
As they reached them, Adrian didn't hesitate. He greeted Lucas politely, but then placed a light, steady hand at the small of Celeste's back—a subtle move, quiet but unmistakable.
Emily's lips twitched, her smile faltering for a split second before recovering.
Celeste, meanwhile, felt her pulse quicken. She noticed Adrian's hand—and the easy way Emily still held onto his arm. Something twisted in her chest, but she said nothing, choosing to lift her chin with quiet grace.
"Celeste," Adrian said smoothly, "didn't expect to see you here."
Emily appeared at his side, all sugar and smugness. "Hi, Celeste. Lovely to see you."
Lucas, ever the gentleman, extended a hand to Emily. "Hi, I'm Lucas."
Emily smiled at him, but her eyes flicked back to Celeste a second too long.
Celeste blinked, keeping her voice calm. "You said you were attending a gala. You didn't say it was this one."
"I didn't realize either," Adrian replied, tone even.
Lucas added with a polite smile, "We ran into each other earlier. Small world."
Adrian nodded stiffly and then, without missing a beat, placed a gentle hand again at the small of Celeste's back. Subtle. Intentional. A quiet claim.
Lucas didn't seem to notice, but Emily certainly did.
Her expression didn't change—but her eyes narrowed, just slightly, as she glanced down at Adrian's hand on Celeste's back. The sweet smile she wore didn't quite reach her eyes anymore.
Celeste noticed too—and though she didn't say anything, something about the whole picture made her stomach twist. Still, she held her head high.
Adrian leaned in slightly, his voice low and velvet-smooth. "You look beautiful tonight."
Celeste gave a tight smile. "Thank you. So do you... both."
Emily's lashes fluttered. "We should mingle, Adrian. Lots of people waiting to talk to you."
Adrian didn't remove his hand from Celeste right away. Just a moment longer. Then he stepped back.
"Enjoy the evening," he said to both of them, his eyes lingering on Celeste a heartbeat too long.
As he walked off with Emily, Celeste glanced after him—her expression unreadable.
Lucas, however, smirked slightly. "I think someone's trying not to look jealous."
Celeste rolled her eyes. "Let's keep walking."