7. The Gala Preparation

Elena's POV

I stared at myself in the full-length mirror and barely recognized the woman looking back.

The gown I had on was a midnight blue, custom-designed dress, hugging my curves before flowing to the floor like water. The fabric shone under the lights, like the surface of dark water.

The Gala day was finally here and I was so nervous. My hair was swept up in an elegant twist, diamonds glinting at my ears and throat. Real diamonds, not the cheap costume jewelry I'd worn as Damien's wife.

"You look like a queen," my stylist said, stepping back to admire her work.

"I feel like I'm going to throw up," I admitted.

The stylist smiled knowingly. "That's normal. Big night, big reveal. But trust me, you look absolutely perfect."

Perfect… When was the last time I felt perfect? When was the last time I even felt anything other than invisible?

Adrian knocked and entered without waiting. My brother stopped completely when he saw me through the mirror. For a long moment, he just stared.

"Elena." His voice cracked slightly. "You look beautiful."

I swallowed hard. “Adrian, I’m so freaking nervous.”

“Good. That means you’re not a robot yet. I was starting to worry.” He walked over and bumped my shoulder lightly. “You’ll be fine, Elena. Tonight, everyone will finally see what I’ve known since we were kids, you’re a force.”

"That's what scares me." I turned to face him fully, searching his eyes for reassurance. "What if seeing Damien hurts? What if I'm not as over this as I think?"

"Then you feel it and move on. But Elena?" Adrian's eyes were serious, intense. "Don't let him steal your moment. You've earned this reveal. Tonight is yours, not his, not theirs. But yours."

I nodded, trying to absorb his words, trying to believe them. Tonight was mine. I'd spent three years being nothing. Tonight I would be everything.

A text buzzed on my phone.

Caleb: On my way up. Ready to knock them dead?

Me: Ready to pass out.

Caleb: Deep breaths. I've got you.

Those three words. I've got you. They settled something nervous inside me. Caleb always had my back even when I'd made the stupid decision to marry Damien, when I'd disappeared into a marriage that swallowed me whole. Caleb had always been there. Waiting and supporting.

"He's a good man," Adrian said, reading over my shoulder.

"I know."

"You could do worse."

"I did do worse, remember?" I said with a bitter laugh. "I married worse."

Adrian's expression darkened. "Damien Blackwell is going to regret every single moment he didn't appreciate you. I'll make sure of it."

"You don't have to make sure of anything. I can handle myself."

"I know you can. But I'm your brother. Let me have the satisfaction of watching him suffer."

Five minutes later, my apartment door opened and Caleb walked in wearing a black tuxedo. He saw me and stopped, looking at me with amazement.

His eyes widened, his mouth opened slightly, and for several heartbeats he just stared.

"Wow," he finally breathed. "Elena, you're just… wow."

I felt my cheeks heat under his gaze. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Harding."

"I'm serious." He crossed the room slowly, like he was afraid I might disappear if he moved too fast.

He took my hands carefully, his touch warm and steady. "You're absolutely beautiful. Damien's going to lose his mind when he sees you."

"That's not why I'm doing this," I said, but my voice was softer than I intended.

"I know. But it'll be a nice bonus." Caleb smiled, that familiar playful smile that always made me feel lighter. Then his expression shifted, and became more serious, more vulnerable. "How are you really feeling?"

"Honestly? Like I might be sick in this very expensive dress."

"Want to bail? We can order pizza and watch bad movies instead. I'll call Adrian right now and tell him to cancel everything."

I loved that he meant it. That he'd walk away from this huge moment, this public declaration, if I asked. That's what made Caleb different. He'd give up anything for the people he loved.

"No. I need to do this." I squeezed his hands, drawing strength from his solid presence. "I need to face them, I need to show them that I'm not the woman they thought I was.

His expression softened as his thumbs brushed my knuckles. "Then let's go show them who Elena Sterling really is."

Adrian cleared his throat from the doorway. "Car's waiting downstairs. The security team is in position, everything's ready."

"Security team?" I asked.

"You're about to become the most talked about woman in the country," Adrian said seriously. "We're not taking chances."

The car ride to the gala was quiet. Caleb held my hand the entire way, his thumb rubbing slow, soothing circles on my palm. It was such a simple gesture, but it kept me grounded, breathing and also kept me from panicking.

I watched the city lights blur past the window. Somewhere out there, Damien was probably getting ready too, probably had no idea what was about to hit him, probably thought tonight would be just another networking opportunity.

He had no idea his entire world was about to change.

"Whatever happens tonight," Caleb said softly as we pulled up to the venue, "you're not alone. I'm right here beside you.”

The flash of cameras was blinding the second we stepped out of the car.

"Miss Sterling! Miss Sterling!"

"Caleb! Is this a date?"

"Elena, what's your relationship status?"

"Are you and Caleb Harding together?"

"Miss Sterling, where have you been?"

The questions came rapid fire, overlapping, deafening. I smiled and said nothing, letting Caleb guide me through the chaos with practiced ease.

Inside the hotel ballroom, the gala was already full with guests. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like frozen stars. Champagne flowed freely from silver fountains. The city's elite mingled in their finest designer clothes and expensive jewelry.

This was my world, the world I'd left behind to play housewife, the world I'd abandoned to be loved by a man who never loved me back.

"There are the Blackwells," Adrian murmured, appearing at my side like a shadow. "Front and center, just like you wanted."

I followed his gaze and there they were.

Damien in his best suit, looking uncomfortable and out of place among real money. Margaret dripping in jewelry that probably cost more than she could afford now, her financial troubles already beginning to show. Jessica pouting in a dress that tried too hard, that screamed desperation and insecurity.

And there she was. Victoria.

She was stunning in red, standing too close to Damien, with her hand on his arm.

Something twisted in my chest, not jealousy, but pity. Pity for the woman I used to be, for Damien, and for all of them. They had no idea what was coming. Pity filled my heart and I felt a sense of detachment.

"You okay?" Caleb asked quietly, his voice close to my ear.

"Yeah," I said, and meant it. Truly meant it. "I really am."

"Ladies and gentlemen," the MC's voice boomed through the speakers, echoing across the massive ballroom. "Please take your seats. We're about to begin…”

This was it…the moment everything changed. Caleb squeezed my hand firmly.

"You've got this.”

I took a deep breath and walked toward the stage. My heart pounded, but I kept my chin up and expression calm.

I was Elena Sterling. I was powerful. I was done being invisible.

"And now," the MC continued, his voice building with excitement, "please welcome to the stage the CEO of Sterling Global, the woman of the hour, Miss Elena Sterling!"

The spotlight hit me as I stepped onto the stage. And I watched Damien's entire world shatter.