The CEO's Entanglement

Chapter 3 - Tension

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Chloe

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Isa and I arrive at my father’s place and by the number of cars in the driveway, we can tell that everyone has arrived. We are greeted by my father’s staff and escorted toward the dining hall, where the dinner is to take place.

The low hum of conversation fills the air as we step inside, and Isa follows closely behind me as I scan the room for familiar faces on our way to the table. Just then, my aunt and uncle, who I haven’t seen in months, rise from their chairs with big grins on their faces. A surge of guilt washes over me for being fashionably late. They flew all the way from France, and here I am, keeping them waiting. But Aunt Gabby doesn’t seem to mind.

We lock into a tight hug, and within the embrace, I apologize for my tardiness; this is not how she raised me. Her response is a dismissive wave, her joy at seeing me overshadowing everything else. I have been meaning to visit them, but I haven’t had the time.

After hugging my aunt and uncle and exchanging pleasantries with my cousins, I turn to greet the rest of the gathering. Dad rises from his seat, and I rush into his embrace, mirroring the same apology for my delayed arrival. Like Aunt Gabby, he brushes it off with the familiar warm smile on his face and I return the smile, but it doesn’t last long as I note something unusual as we break away from the hug.

The seat with my name on it is not in its usual place right next to his, but one second from it. Confusion flits through my mind briefly, wondering about the change in arrangement before I shake off the thought, attributing it to a simple mistake in seating.

As I prepare to take my place, my gaze locks with Lane’s, and the world around me seems to fade as our eyes connect. A warm, familiar feeling spreads through my chest as the love of my life holds my gaze with a soft intensity that makes me wish I could freeze this moment forever. However, reality tugs at us, reminding us of the delicate situation we’re in. We can’t risk being discovered, especially in the middle of this important family gathering. Reluctantly, I tear my gaze away from Lane, a smile lingering on my lips.

Just then, the clink of Dad’s glass echoes through the dining hall, signaling for everyone’s attention. Conversations hush and all eyes pivot toward him while I murmur a quick thank you to the attentive staff member who refilled my flute with sparkling liquid before turning my focus to Dad.

He begins his speech by expressing gratitude for everyone’s presence on this special family occasion. His gaze shifts to me, and a warmth envelops his face as he acknowledges the significance of the moment. I reciprocate with a smile, feeling a swell of affection. However, the moment is fleeting as he announces the unexpected delay, apologizing for the tardiness of a yet-to-arrive guest. I exchange a glance with Lane, puzzlement clear in our shared look. Who could be so important to this occasion that Dad would halt the proceedings?

My thoughts are cut off, however, and my attention snaps back to Dad as he pauses mid-speech, his eyes lighting up. I follow his gaze, swiveling in my seat to face the entrance. Just then, the tapping of shoes against the polished tiles reaches my ears, and a sudden hitch in my breath accompanies the sight that unfolds before me. There enters the last person I expected.

“Fabrice.”

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Shiloh

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A knock on my bedroom door snaps my head towards it, and I’m greeted by my mother’s warm smile. Her eyes light up as she takes in the sight of me in my new dress and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. From the spa, Jacqueline took us shopping for outfits for tonight and I ended up with a stunning silver bodycon dress and matching blue heels. The party theme is silver, so the dress fits perfectly.

Jossie and Ollie also bought themselves silver dresses, along with all the other things we all bought. I thank my mom, and she let me know everyone is waiting for me to start the party. I ask if everyone includes my friends, and she assures me they’ve arrived. However, a frown creases her forehead, causing mine to do the same, wondering why her gaze suddenly turned scrutinizing. I don’t wonder for long, though, as she speaks before I can ask her what is wrong.

“What’s wrong, honey? Is it Kyler?” She asks, cupping my cheek, I nod, unable to even deny it, and she hugs me, offering reassurance that he would have come if he could. I tell her I called him, but he didn’t pick up and Mom repeats that she’s sorry and assures me he’ll make it up to me.

I know he will, but I’m still sad. I've tried to get over the fact that he isn't coming but I just can't. As we separate from the embrace, I assure my mother that I will be out presently. However, she only takes one step before turning around and calling my name. I hum in response, and her next words catch me off guard.

“Shiloh, are you in love with Kyler?” My eyes widen, shocked, before I shake my head, explaining that I love him as a friend and don’t see him that way. She knows me. Surely, she would know if I were in love. I add that and she nods, raising her hands in surrender, sensing my frustration. “Okay. See you in front,” she says with a smile before leaving.

I take a deep breath, taken aback by my reaction to her question. Yes, I wasn’t expecting that from her, but my reaction was unwarranted. Plus, frustration shouldn’t be my emotion right now; gratitude should, and so I push everything to the back of my mind. After one last glance in the mirror, I head out of the room.

I can hear the ballroom buzzing with lively chatter as I make my way down the staircase, catching snippets of conversations and laughter, and as soon as I step inside, the room erupts into cheers.

“Happy birthday, Shiloh!” A big grin stretches across my face as I take in the collective greeting, coming to a halt. Ollie and Jossie, standing in the front row, radiate dazzling energy, also in their new outfits and it is at this moment that I finally let it sink in that it’s my birthday and that it’s a happy day.

As the cheers fade, the familiar melody of “Happy Birthday” rises, and the entire room joins in, their voices blending in a harmonious chorus. I stand in the center, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of affection surrounding me and tears pool in my eyes, a familiar response to the swell of gratitude that washes over me.

The singing reaches its peak, and the room bursts into applause while I continue to stand there, feeling like the luckiest person in the world. Mom catches my eye, mouthing “I love you” as she holds Jacqueline’s arm, and I respond with a grateful nod.

I’m gently led towards a beautifully decorated table—the centerpiece a magnificent birthday cake, adorned with silver frosting and all other mouth-watering decorations. It’s a work of art as usual, and the room quiets as I approach the table—the singing replaced by eager smiles and expectant gazes.

I take a deep breath, making a silent wish before blowing out the candles and applause erupts once more. I turn to hug my mother and then Jacqueline, but just as I lean in, a movement by the entrance catches the corner of my eye. I look up and my eyes widen while my heart skips a beat at the sight of the person who almost made me lock myself in my bedroom on my birthday. A scream tears through my throat over the now-playing music as our eyes meet and without a second thought, I bolt towards him.

“You’re here!” I exclaim, throwing myself into his embrace while he holds a gift bag and a beautiful bouquet. He chuckles, returning the hug, and whispers, “Happy birthday.” We linger in the embrace, everyone's voices fading into the background, and when I finally pull back, he presents me with the flowers and the gift bag, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Thank you,” I express gratitude, genuinely touched, but playfully hit his arm and ask why he said he wasn’t coming. He grins, teasingly admitting that he wanted to surprise me this time, adding that my parties always lacked the dramatic element his unexpected arrival now provides.

We share a laugh before embracing again, and together we proceed into the room. As we enter, his mother walks up to him with a smile on her face, and they share a hug. Meanwhile, I hug my mother, the surprise and joy of the moment lingering in the air, and I ask her if she knew he was coming, seeing how she doesn’t look surprised.

Her smile broadens, and she says he asked them not to say anything. Just then, Jacqueline stops next to us and I turn to her and hug her too, expressing my gratitude for everything. She tells me I’m welcome, her eyes reflecting the joy of making this day special for me.

We all head toward the beautifully adorned table where the feast awaits and laughter and conversation fill the air as we take our seats while I reach for my best friend’s hand, both of us exchanging smiles. We sit next to each other, and the feast begins, the room alive with the clinking of glasses and the sounds of shared delight while delicious aromas waft from the plates. I steal glances at my best friend, still unable to believe he’s here.

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………...

Chloe

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“Fabrice,” my brother’s name, escapes my lips, barely audible, as Dad rises to embrace him while a wave of shock washes over me, rendering me momentarily speechless. My gaze drops to the table in the hand that finds mine beneath its surface and Lane’s eyes meet mine in a reassuring gaze as he whispers, “It’s alright.”

I try to steady myself, my mouth agape, grappling with a swirl of emotions in my stomach and I tear my gaze away from Lane to lock it with Aunt Gabby, who offers the same reassuring smile. But despite their assurances, the room blurs as Dad and Fabrice break away from their embrace.

Fabrice turns towards me, and I rise to my feet, anxiety bubbling within me as we share a hug. His whispered “Hello, sis” is barely audible over the ambient noise. I manage a strained reply with a parched throat, the surreal nature of the moment sinking in.

As we part, he murmurs, “It’s good to see you.” And I echo the sentiment. He makes his way to the seat Dad indicates next to him, and the room comes alive with voices exchanging pleasantries. However, they fade into the background as I sink back into my chair, a numbness enveloping my entire being. As I look at Dad and Fabrice sitting side by side, it suddenly dawns on me with a heavy blow: the seat next to Dad, the one I thought was accidentally empty, was actually reserved for him.

Dread settles in my stomach and I take deep breaths, struggling to comprehend the implications of this unexpected turn of events. He hasn't been home in years; he hasn’t even called; and for the past two years, there’s been no talk of him. Why is he here now?

Sensing my distress, Lane seizes the moment of distraction to lean into my ear. “Fabrice is just here for formalities,” he reassures me, his warm breath against my skin. “His presence changes nothing.” He adds and I turn to look at him, tears pooling in my eyes, desperate to believe that and praying he’s right. I’ve worked tirelessly, striving to be my father’s successor. He wouldn’t just pull the rug beneath me. He wouldn’t.

Everyone eventually settles down and the dinner part of the evening begins. My aunt reassures me again and I nod, bringing my flute to my lips. They are right. He’s here to bear witness, that’s all.

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Shiloh

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It’s just before 10 p.m., and the party is still in full swing. The energy in the room is electric, with the adults having gracefully left, leaving the space for us. Kyler’s friends have also arrived, and they are catching up and enjoying the night. As for my friends and I, the champagne has added a pleasant buzz to our laughter and conversation.

“Thank you!” I raise my voice over the music as I express my gratitude to one of the staff members who’s gathering the last of the presents to take them to my room.

“Come, I want to dance,” Ollie declares, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the center of the stage, and Jossie, ever the accomplice, signals the DJ to crank up the music. The hall, with its soundproof walls, allows us to dance freely, disturbing no one outside. As the beats resonate in the room, Ollie and I dance, our laughter blending with the rhythm as we raise our hands in the air.

The atmosphere is infectious, and the joy of the moment washes over us. But as our dance progresses, I begin to feel the strain of my new heels. The dancing is too good to be interrupted, but I need a break.

Leaning into Ollie’s ear, I share my plan to grab my slippers from my room and she nods understandingly before I make a quick escape towards the exit, the music fading as I step into the quiet corridor.

Reaching my room, I quickly change into my slippers, savoring the newfound comfort. We have no plans to go to sleep. Satisfied, I head towards the door, ready to return to the party, when the sudden urge to pee interrupts my course. I turn around, heading towards the bathroom, and as I enter, the familiar creak of my bedroom door catches my attention. Ollie must have followed me.

After washing my hands, I take a moment in front of the mirror to give myself a few touch-ups and I head out, ready to ask Ollie if she wants to change her shoes too. But my words freeze in my mouth as I step into the room. It’s not Ollie sitting on my bed; it’s Kyler.

“Hey,” I say, my eyes instinctively trailing to what he has in his hands, and he jokes about me having spent all my energy already. I laugh and I assure him that’s not the case, sensing a subtle tension in the air.

“What’s this?” I quickly ask and he says it’s another gift for me, one he wanted to give when we’re alone, and my eyes widen with anticipation. “Oh,” I whisper as he steps closer, handing me a small bag. I take it, feeling the weight of a little square box inside as I shake it.

Opening it, I let out a gasp as I come across a diamond necklace inside the flat box. “Are these real diamonds?” I breathlessly ask, and Kyler chuckles, saying he hopes so as I look up at him before collapsing into his arms in awe of the exquisite piece of jewelry. “Thank you,” I whisper, and we linger in the hug while he replies with a warm, “You’re welcome.”

However, as I mention how beautiful the necklace is, he adds, “Just like you.” And the way he says it sends an unfamiliar shiver down my spine. There’s something different in his tone, something that resonates in a way his compliments never did before, causing me to scramble out of the hug. But we remain in a moment of silence, locked in each other’s eyes as the atmosphere shifts, unable to shake the lingering tension between us.

“May I?” he asks, gesturing towards the necklace and I nod, handing it over. “Please turn around for me,” he requests, and I giggle “Of course," trying to lighten the inexplicable tension. But as he gently sweeps my hair to one side, the cool touch of the diamond and the contract of his warm fingers brushing against my skin sends another shiver through me. What is happening to me?

“Beautiful,” he whispers next to my ear as he fixes my hair, his touch lingering after securing the piece of jewelry and I breathlessly mutter a thank you before slowly turning to face him. Our eyes lock again as I reach for the diamond, his filled with an emotion I can't decipher but has my breath coming out in shallow gasps and before we realize it, we lean into each other. My eyes flutter close, caught in the moment's intensity. But just as our lips are about to meet, a sudden knock on the door shatters the trance.

Startled, our eyes snap toward the door, and there stands my mom. The intensity in the air dissipates as quickly as it emerges, replaced by an awkward awareness. I clear my throat, attempting to dispel the tension, and my mom smiles.

“Am I interrupting something?” she teases, eyeing us playfully and I stammer out a no, exchanging a glance with Kyler, both of us caught in the crossfire of a moment we never saw coming.

My mom steps into the room, saying she came to check on me before going to bed, and begins to talk about the party, the guests, and the presents, unknowingly giving Kyler and I a chance to regain our composure. On that note, Kyler asks to be excused and bids my mother good night. Mom reciprocates and he leaves after saying he'll see me downstairs, leaving me standing there, asking myself what the hell just happened.