A Christmas Blaze
1154 Words
Evening settled over the gala as I stepped into the ballroom. The grand doors swung open, and the room seemed to pause for a moment. Gold and silver decorations glittered, and sparkling chandeliers cast dazzling patterns on the polished marble floors. A massive Christmas tree stood at the center, its crystal ornaments catching the light like stars. The scent of pine, spiced wine, and freshly baked pastries filled the air, blending with the soft hum of music and laughter.
I felt every eye in the room on me, their conversations trailing off as I moved deeper into the crowd. My red gown flowed like liquid fire, hugging my curves and trailing behind me. It was bold, daring even. For once, I wasn’t hiding. Heads turned in approval, and whispers fluttered in the air. I allowed myself a moment to savor the attention.
But then, I saw him. Connor. Standing by the bar with Sarah, his arm casually draped around her waist. She leaned into him, her sequined dress shimmering like shattered glass. His lips curved into a smirk when our eyes met, and I felt a knot of anger and humiliation tighten in my chest.
“Don’t let him win,” I muttered under my breath, taking a slow, steadying breath.
“Now that’s an entrance,” a voice drawled beside me.
I turned to see Zachary standing there, his tuxedo sharp, dark hair tousled just right. He looked like he’d walked straight out of a magazine. “Late, but worth the wait,” he added, amusement dancing in his eyes as they swept over me.
I shot him a look. “Stop gawking and keep your voice down.”
“Why?” His grin widened. “You’ve already stolen the show.” He held out his hand. “Shall we give them something else to talk about?”
Reluctantly, I took his hand, and he led me to the dance floor. The music slowed, couples swaying to the rhythm. Zachary moved effortlessly, his hand firm on my waist as he guided me.
“He’s watching, you know,” he murmured, his lips dangerously close to my ear.
“Good,” I said, glancing over his shoulder to see Connor’s jaw tighten.
But the moment was shattered. A loud voice cut through the music. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Connor stormed toward us, his face a storm of rage and jealousy. He was already staggering. “Is this your idea of revenge, Charlotte?” he spat, pointing at Zachary. “Parading around with him?”
Zachary stepped forward, unfazed. “I’d suggest you lower your voice. You’re making a scene.”
Connor sneered. “Oh, don’t act so high and mighty. You think no one knows who you are? Zachary Maxwell, the billionaire playboy. What, you think you can slum it on this cruise without anyone noticing?”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. My head snapped to Zachary, who stood completely composed.
“Billionaire?” I echoed, stunned.
“Not the time for explanations,” Zachary said coolly, his gaze never leaving Connor. “I’d focus on keeping your ex from embarrassing himself any further.”
Connor laughed bitterly. “You’re not untouchable, Maxwell. People like you always have skeletons in the closet. And when I find yours, you’ll regret crossing me.”
The tension was thick, the room silent except for the murmurs of the guests. Zachary stepped closer to Connor, his voice low but menacing. “You’re drunk and making threats you can’t back up. I suggest you leave before you embarrass yourself any more.”
Connor hesitated, his bravado crumbling. I knew him well enough to see the moment his pride took over. With a glare, he turned and stormed out.
I turned to Zachary, still reeling. “Is it true? You’re... that Zachary Maxwell? This ship, too?”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yes, it’s true. But does it really matter right now?”
“Does it matter?” I repeated, voice rising. “You own the ship, and you didn’t think it was worth mentioning?”
Zachary’s smirk faded, something softer flickering in his eyes. “Don’t raise your voice. Come here.” He pulled me closer, his voice low and calm as he guided me toward the exit.
I didn’t have time to process the looks we were getting as we left the ballroom. The warmth of the party disappeared as we stepped out into the cold night air. The sea stretched endlessly before us, glimmering in the moonlight. I yanked my hand free from his grip, taking a step back.
I should’ve known. How did I miss it? His name was everywhere on the ship. Oh my god, my boss.
“Let go,” I snapped, frustration boiling inside me. My breath came in sharp puffs, the cool air doing little to calm me.
Zachary didn’t flinch, his eyes steady as he watched me. “I already did,” he said quietly, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “But maybe you should let go too. Of whatever’s making you so angry right now.”
His words stung, and I scoffed. “You’ve been lying this whole time, and now you’re giving me advice?”
“Lying?” Zachary’s lips curled in amusement. “We agreed there’d be no strings attached.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, a piercing alarm cut through the air, followed by frantic shouting from inside.
“What’s happening?” I asked, my chest tightening as I turned toward the source of the noise.
Zachary’s face darkened, the charm fading into a hard intensity. “This isn’t part of the gala,” he said, his voice low.
Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed my hand again and pulled me toward the ballroom, moving quickly. As we reached the door, a man in a dark suit stepped into our path.
“Mr. Maxwell,” the man said, urgency in his voice. “We’ve got a situation.”
Zachary froze, his hand tightening around mine. “What kind of situation?”
“One of the rooms has been set on fire,” the man replied, his words striking me like a blow.
My heart skipped a beat. Panic surged.
“Whose room?” Zachary demanded, his expression darkening.
“Ms. Patterson’s,” the man said, his voice heavy with foreboding.
Before I could process it, my body moved on its own. I wrenched my hand free from Zachary’s and bolted down the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest. The air thickened with smoke, and a sickening dread crawled up my spine.
I could barely see through the haze, but I had to get there. I stumbled forward, my feet unsteady, but t
hen I saw a shadowy figure emerging from the smoke.
My breath caught. Who was that?
- Writer
