Pissed
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, smoothing the fabric of the elegant gown I’d chosen for the evening. The deep navy dress hugged my curves perfectly, its off-shoulder design and intricate beading giving it an understated elegance. I adjusted the delicate bracelet on my wrist, mentally running through the night ahead.
Jo appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening when she saw me. “Wow,” she said, her voice full of admiration. “You look like a goddess.”
I rolled my eyes, picking up my earrings from the vanity. “Don’t overdo it, Jo.”
“I’m serious!” she insisted, stepping closer. “That dress, your hair, the way you’re standing—it’s like you’re ready to conquer the world.”
I sighed, slipping on the earrings. “It’s just an awards ceremony. Nothing more.”
“It’s not ‘just’ an awards ceremony,” Jo said, hands on her hips. “It’s the Medical Excellence Awards. This is huge, Remi. And you know it.”
I looked at her, trying to hide the nervous energy bubbling under my calm exterior. “It’s just recognition for the work. That’s all.”
Jo rolled her eyes. “Sure, keep telling yourself that. Anyway, I hope you’re ready to turn some heads tonight.”
“Jo—”
“Don’t argue with me,” she interrupted, grabbing my clutch and handing it to me. “Now go knock ’em dead.”
\---
The venue was breathtaking, all glittering chandeliers and polished marble floors. The hum of conversation filled the air as guests mingled, their laughter and clinking glasses creating a symphony of sophistication.
I walked in, my head held high, determined to focus on the evening ahead. Emerson, one of my colleagues and a fellow nominee, spotted me and waved me over.
“Remi!” he said warmly, his smile genuine. “You look amazing.”
“Thanks, Emerson,” I replied, returning his smile. “You clean up well yourself.”
He laughed, gesturing to his tailored suit. “Not bad for a lab rat, huh? Are you ready for tonight?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I said, glancing around the room.
“Well, if anyone deserves to win, it’s you,” Emerson said, his tone earnest. “Your work has been groundbreaking, Remi. Don’t downplay it.”
I smiled, grateful for his words. “Thanks, Emerson. That means a lot.”
He nodded, lifting his glass of champagne. “Here’s to a good night.”
“Cheers,” I said, clinking my glass against his.
\---
As the evening progressed, I found myself easing into the rhythm of the event. I chatted with colleagues, exchanged polite pleasantries with investors, and even managed to avoid thinking about Rowan or the flowers sitting on my desk.
But then I saw him.
Across the room, standing near the bar, was Lucian Stanton. My breath hitched, and for a moment, the room seemed to tilt.
Lucian. My ex.
He hadn’t changed much. Still tall, still impeccably dressed, still exuding that effortless charm that had once drawn me in. His dark hair was slicked back, and his smile—oh, that infuriating smile—was directed at a woman beside him.
I turned, hoping to make a quick escape, but his gaze caught mine. His smile faltered, then morphed into something more predatory. He excused himself from the woman and started walking toward me.
“Remi,” he said smoothly, his voice as familiar as it was unwelcome. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let him see how much his presence unsettled me. “Lucian.”
“You look... stunning,” he said, his eyes sweeping over me. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“I could say the same,” I replied coolly. “What are you doing here?”
He smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Networking. You know how it is.”
“I do,” I said, my tone clipped. “And now, if you’ll excuse me—”
“Wait,” he said, stepping into my path. “Can we talk? Just for a minute.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” I said, my voice firm.
“Come on, Remi,” he said, his tone softening. “I know things didn’t end well between us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be civil.”
I crossed my arms, glaring at him. “Civil? You cheated on me, Lucian. Repeatedly. Forgive me if I don’t feel like playing nice.”
He had the audacity to look sheepish. “I was stupid back then. I made mistakes. I’ve changed.”
I laughed bitterly. “Good for you. But I’m not interested in catching up.”
“Remi—”
“Dr. Laurent,” a voice interrupted.
I turned to see Emerson standing a few feet away, his expression polite but tense.
“Everything okay here?” he asked, his gaze flicking to Lucian.
“Perfectly fine,” I said, grateful for the interruption.
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. “Well, I can see when I’m not wanted. Enjoy your evening, Remi.”
He walked away, leaving a trail of arrogance in his wake.
Emerson stepped closer, his brow furrowed. “Who was that?”
“No one important,” I said, exhaling slowly. “Thanks for the save.”
“Anytime,” Emerson said with a smile. “You good?”
“Yeah,” I replied, though my heart was still pounding. “I’m fine.”
But as I turned back to the crowd, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Lucian’s appearance wasn’t a coincidence. He had a knack for showing up at the worst times, like a storm cloud that wouldn’t leave.
\---
The ceremony hall was buzzing with energy, but beneath the surface, there was a current of whispers and low murmurs that seemed to follow me wherever I went. I felt the weight of the eyes on me, the glances that lingered just a bit too long.
I walked past a group of attendees clustered near the bar, their voices hushed but still loud enough to reach my ears.
“Dr. Laurent? I don’t know why she’s even nominated,” one man said, his tone dripping with disdain.
“She’s lucky, that’s all,” a woman chimed in. “No patient deaths? Please. That’s not skill—that’s sheer chance.”
Another voice, louder and more confident, added, “I’ve heard rumors. She’s more about making connections than making breakthroughs.”
I froze mid-step, my fists clenching at my sides.
“She doesn’t belong here,” the first man continued. “If I have any say, she’s not getting my vote.”
Their laughter rang in my ears, and for a moment, I felt like I was back in college, standing at the edge of the cafeteria while everyone whispered about me.
I forced myself to move forward, ignoring the tightness in my chest. I’d faced worse. I’d survived worse.
\---
I was scanning the room for Emerson when I heard his voice again—Lucian’s unmistakable drawl.
“Remi,” he called, his tone laced with mock warmth.
I turned slowly, my stomach sinking as he approached, a drink in hand and that smug smile plastered across his face.
“Enjoying the evening?” he asked, his eyes glinting with mischief.
“I was,” I said curtly.
“I couldn’t help but notice the buzz around you,” he said, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of those nearby. “Nominated for a Medical Excellence Award. Quite the achievement for someone with your... history.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What exactly are you implying?”
Lucian smirked, taking a sip of his drink. “Oh, nothing. Just that some people are willing to do... whatever it takes to climb the ladder.”
The insinuation hung in the air, drawing a few murmurs from the onlookers.
My blood boiled, but I kept my voice steady. “Funny coming from someone whose biggest accomplishment is riding his family’s coattails.”
The smirk faltered, but he recovered quickly. “At least I don’t have to rely on sheer luck to get where I am.”
“Luck?” I repeated, stepping closer. “Let me be clear, Lucian. Every achievement I’ve earned has been through hard work, not shortcuts. But I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand that.”
The crowd around us grew silent, their eyes darting between us.
Lucian chuckled, though it sounded forced. “Touchy, aren’t we? Maybe I hit a nerve.”
I smiled, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “No, Lucian. You didn’t hit a nerve. You just reminded me how grateful I am that I left you behind. Imagine being stuck with someone so insecure they have to tear others down to feel important.”
His face reddened, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words.
The silence was broken by a low voice from behind me.
“Is there a problem here?”
I turned to see Rowan, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. He was dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, his presence commanding immediate attention.
“Mr. Vaughn,” Lucian said, his voice faltering.
Rowan ignored him, his gaze fixed on me. “Dr. Laurent?”
“I’m fine,” I said, though my voice was tight.
Rowan’s eyes flicked to Lucian, and his expression darkened. “I suggest you move along.”
Lucian hesitated, his gaze darting between us, before finally retreating with a muttered excuse.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Rowan asked, his tone softer now.
“Yes,” I said, exhaling shakily. “Thank you.”
Rowan nod
ded, but his jaw was tight, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “Excuse me for a moment.”
I watched as he walked away, his stride purposeful and his expression unreadable.
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