Chapter 39 Kelly
The Empire Club was bathed in the hypnotic glow of neon lights, their flickering luminescence casting an enchanting spectrum across the night.
Brooklyn, nursing a leg injury, had chosen to wear silver pointed-toe flats. Her long black skirt concealed her ankles, flowing down to meet the floor.
Standing tall among the crowd, Brooklyn was a striking figure. Even without the aid of high heels, she towered above the other women. Typically eschewing makeup, she had chosen to adorn herself with a light touch of cosmetics that evening. Her long, smooth hair cascaded down her back, adding to her elegant and beautiful appearance.
The lobby of the Empire Club was teeming with beautiful women. As Brooklyn prepared to enter the main hall, her eyes fell upon Kelly.
Petite and adorned in a striking red cocktail dress, Kelly was a sight to behold. Her slender limbs contrasted with her ample chest, and her short hair was neatly trimmed. Her smoky makeup was captivating, and her demeanor was nothing short of elegant. Brooklyn, having not seen Kelly for a year, was taken aback by her increased charm.
Kelly's father was the CEO of a publicly listed company, Aucester, and she herself was a renowned fashion designer. Fresh off a victory in a design competition, she had invited her friends to celebrate her success.
While Kelly was not a billionaire, her circle of friends was affluent, promising an extravagant celebration.
As Brooklyn watched Kelly dance, a thought crossed her mind, "Is Kelly looking for a handsome man to settle down with? She's at the age to marry. Finding a partner is a serious matter."
Not wishing to interrupt Kelly's flirtations, Brooklyn found a quiet corner to sit. She sipped her red wine, finding the gathering dull. Social events were not her forte.
She was contemplating an early exit when her phone rang, Sebastian's name flashing across the screen. Her heart skipped a beat, and she found herself struggling to breathe.
Brooklyn bit her lip, clenched her fist, and took a deep breath. Gathering her courage, she answered the call.
"Where are you?"
Sebastian's curt question left Brooklyn stunned. She hadn't yet caught her breath.
Hearing the noisy background, Sebastian frowned, "Where did she go?"
"I..."
"Don't lie to me. Tell the truth. You can't afford the consequences of lying."
Sebastian's warning cut her off before she could fabricate an excuse. Fear gripped her, and she couldn't bring herself to lie.
Brooklyn bit her lip and confessed her location to Sebastian.
She waited for his response, but he abruptly ended the call.
Brooklyn stared at her phone, disappointment welling up within her. "Is that it?" she wondered. "This isn't Mr. Kingsley's style. He must be too preoccupied with Megan to care about me."
With that thought, she drained her glass of wine. She massaged her sore knee as the dance floor filled with revelers, their arms flailing to the rhythm of the music.
...
Sebastian arrived at Bayside Villas to find it deserted. Brooklyn was nowhere to be found.
He stood in the lobby, a faint scent of disinfectant lingering in the air, a reminder of Brooklyn's presence. But when he tried to discern it further, it had dissipated.
His gaze fell upon the remote control on the table. The television had been on; she must have seen the news about him and Megan.
Sebastian had expected to find Brooklyn at home that night, but it seemed she had found the mood to attend Kelly's party.
His contemplation was interrupted by his ringing phone. Seeing Megan's name on the screen, Sebastian's brows furrowed.
"Megan had assumed Sebastian would be quick to reach out upon hearing the news. She had waited, patiently at first, then with growing impatience. Despite Valery's counsel to the contrary, she had eventually taken the initiative to call him. His lack of reaction had left her flabbergasted.
Sebastian's brow furrowed as he responded, "I read it, so what?" His indifference stung her, causing her eyes to well up with unshed tears. "Sebastian," she began, her voice trembling with emotion, "I didn't anticipate the reporters would continue to publicize my pregnancy. I hadn't had the opportunity to tell you that I'm already four weeks along. We're expecting, Sebastian. Are you pleased?"
Sebastian was taken aback. "Are you certain?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of suspicion. Megan's claim of pregnancy was news to him. Had he forgotten something? Or was someone being dishonest? The thought crossed his mind, 'Pregnant? Is this some sort of prank? Isn't she concerned about me uncovering the truth?'
Megan put on a brave face, feigning joy while battling her fear of Sebastian detecting her unease. "I'm certain. I have medical confirmation from the hospital. I'm pregnant, Sebastian. There's no other man in my life. You don't doubt me, do you?" She had always feared Sebastian discovering the truth, but she felt cornered now, left with no other option.
Sebastian offered a noncommittal smile, choosing to remain silent. "I understand," was all he said. Megan, undeterred, pressed on, "Sebastian, when will you come to see me and our baby?"
"I'm tied up at the moment. I'll call you later," he replied, his tone dismissive.
Megan's voice was hopeful as she said, "Sebastian, I miss you..."
"I know," he responded, his voice as impassive as before.
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