章節 4: AS FATE MAY HAVE IT

Richard

I stood there, my eyes locked on the girl in the blue cardigan. She seemed so familiar, but I couldn't quite place where I'd seen her before. There was something about the way she laughed. It was so genuine, and unrestrained that I found myself wishing I knew what had caused it.

The squabble near the entrance of the library caught my attention. She was part of it, surrounded by a mix of chaos and excitement. The security detail was trying to manage the crowd, their voices firm but controlled. I wanted to step closer, but I stayed rooted where I was.

"It's time to go in, son," my grandfather said, his voice steady and deliberate. "This is your first public appearance. Make it count."

I nodded, but my focus was still on her. The laughter and the way she moved made it seem like she brought a spark into the scene, and I couldn't look away.

My grandfather followed my gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to see what had captured my attention. "Those people out there don't know what you have," he said, his tone suddenly more solemn. "You're privileged to be on this side of the divide. Never forget that."

Before I could reply, the chief protocol officer stepped forward, gesturing for us to move. "This way, please."

I let out a small sigh and turned reluctantly to follow. My grandfather was already strolling into the walkway at the rear of the library, his steps deliberate and measured. I glanced back one more time, hoping to catch another glimpse of her but she was gone, lost in the sea of people and commotion.

As I stepped inside, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd ever see her again. That laughter, that spark it was something I didn't realize I'd been missing.

For a fleeting moment, I wished I could feel the same lightness she seemed to carry, even just for a moment.

*****

Selena

I stood there, frowning as Ella's grin widened with mischief. "You have to tell me what it is, or I won't be able to help you," I said, crossing my arms. My smile faded into confusion as she glanced around with a dramatic roll of her eyes.

"Have you even been listening to me at all?" Ella snapped, her voice rising with frustration.

"The only thing I've gathered is that you've got a crush on someone," I shot back, matching her tone. "And I'm not a matchmaker, Ella, so how exactly am I supposed to help you?"

"Do you have your library card on you?" she asked suddenly, ignoring my irritation.

"Of course," I said, shrugging as I turned my backpack to pull it out. "Why?"

"Thank you very much," she chirped, snatching the card out of my hand before I could react.

"Wait, what?" I stared at her, completely baffled, "Is that it? You just get to walk away?"

"Look, I need it to get into the event center, okay?" she said, already halfway down the path.

"How am I supposed to get it?" I started to protest.

"Why am I even your friend again? Moreover, I'm the one with a crush, remember?" she teased, tossing me a cheeky grin over her shoulder before disappearing into the crowd.

I stood there, stunned.

Ella had just played me. My fingers clenched as my eyes followed her retreating figure. Ella had a boyfriend, for heaven's sake. Why did she need to flirt with every wealthy-looking guy she came across? What kind of game was she playing this time?

Without my card, I didn't even have the option of going inside. All I could do was sigh and head back toward my car.

My mind wandered to the brief encounter I'd had with Stanley earlier. Maybe I could talk to him if I could even find him again. But what would I say? Did I even know anything about him? I shook the thought away. It wasn't the time.

"Thank goodness I found you!" a voice called from behind me, snapping me out of my thoughts. I didn't turn until I heard my name. "Selena! Please hold on!"

I turned to see Mrs. Baxter, one of the library's organizers, hurrying toward me with a frazzled expression.

"Hi, Mrs. Baxter," I said cautiously.

"No time for pleasantries," she said, grabbing my arm and dragging me toward the event center. "We have an emergency, Selena."

"What kind of emergency?" I asked, trying to keep up with her long strides.

"You know Chloe Sanders, right?" she asked, her voice sharp with urgency.

I nodded. Who didn't know Chloe? She was notorious for causing a scene every time she showed up at the library.

"Well, she's running late. Said it had something to do with car trouble," Mrs. Baxter said, her words spilling out rapidly. "We need someone to fill in for her, and you're the perfect choice."

"Me?" I stopped in my tracks. "You want me to fill in for Chloe?"

"Yes!" Mrs. Baxter said, tugging at my arm to keep me moving. "You're competent, eloquent, and... Oh dear! what are you wearing?!"

I looked down at my straight-leg jeans and cardigan. "What's wrong with my outfit?"

"Everything," she said with a frown. "Come with me. We'll find something better in the dressing room. I'll brief you while you change."

Before I could object, she whisked me away to a small room backstage. A flurry of activity surrounded me as I was handed over to a makeup artist and someone pulled out a sleek black gown.

In no time, I was dressed and adjusting the fit while Mrs. Baxter looked me over with approval.

"That's more like it," she said, handing me a small wreath. "Now, listen closely. You'll be representing the library today. No staff is allowed to mingle directly with the VIPs, so you'll present this on our behalf. Do you have any questions?"

I shook my head, though my heart was pounding.

"Good. Walk out as soon as their names are called. Smile, Selena. Confidence is everything." she said, "Please smile."

I barely had time to process her words before I heard the speaker's voice booming from the stage. The names were being announced.

"It's time," Mrs. Baxter said, giving me a gentle nudge, "Break a leg."

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward and pushed the door open.

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