Chapter 9
**Chapter 9: The Gala p>
The Gala.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce tonight’s recipient of the prestigious Industry and Economic Excellence Leadership Award, Mr. Nathaniel Thorne, the esteemed CEO of NC Pharmacies and Kline BioSolutions p>
The room erupted in applause, a wave of appreciation that washed over the crowd. “At only twenty-seven years of age, Mr. Thorne has not only transformed NC Pharmacies from a modest one-billion-dollar valuation to an astonishing twenty billion, but he has also been the driving force behind initiatives that have generated thousands of jobs, broadened access to healthcare in rural areas, and made essential medications significantly more affordable throughout our state p>
“Under his visionary leadership, Kline BioSolutions has experienced a similar meteoric rise, pioneering innovations in biotechnology that are uplifting communities nationwide. Let us all extend a warm round of applause for Mr. Nathaniel Thorne p>
Serena’s gaze remained fixed on Nathaniel as he rose from his seat. There was an effortless elegance in his demeanor, a magnetic charisma that seemed to draw the eyes of everyone in the room without him even trying.
As he stepped onto the stage, his strikingly masculine features commanded immediate attention. His dark brown hair was meticulously styled, perfectly complementing the disciplined and composed aura he exuded.
These were the very qualities that had captivated Serena from the start, traits she had admired deeply. Even now, after their divorce, she found it impossible to deny the allure he possessed.
“He is just so handsome,” someone whispered nearby.
“His wife is so lucky,” another voice chimed in.
“But wait, I heard they’re separating. He only used her to get back at Victor Kline p>
“I heard he and Vanessa Holt are dating now,” someone else added, their tone laced with intrigue.
A flurry of gossip wafted through the back rows of the Velmon Regency’s Grand Ballroom, and as Serena listened to the murmurs, she instinctively stepped back behind a cluster of reporters.
In that moment, she felt small, almost invisible. She didn’t want to be seen, not now.
Tonight was the Velmon Chamber of Commerce Awards Night, a gala proudly sponsored by the Office of the Governor. This marked Nathaniel’s second consecutive year receiving this honor.
Last year, they had celebrated together in Paris, a city filled with romance and laughter. But now, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Nathaniel would be sharing this moment with Vanessa, the actress who had evidently captured his attention. As her thoughts drifted to Vanessa, she craned her neck, searching for familiar faces in the crowd. And there she was-Vanessa Holt, seated beside Bianca Thorne, both women beaming with pride and clapping enthusiastically for Nathaniel. Serena felt a familiar ache rise within her. She remembered the days when she had been the one sitting there, proudly cheering for Nathaniel, looking at him as if he were her whole world. But now, witnessing their joy, she found herself caught in a cycle of pain, wondering if perhaps enduring this hurt repeatedly would somehow hasten the fading of her love for him.
Other familiar faces filled the room-Nathaniel’s friends, Gavin, and many others who had always been a part of his life.
But she was the lone figure missing from that circle.
Replaced.
‘Perhaps this was a terrible idea,’ Serena thought, a wave of regret washing over her. ‘No, this was a foolish decision altogether p>
What could she possibly gain by confronting him about the way he had blacklisted her?
She watched one last time as Nathaniel delivered his speech, his voice steady and confident. And just as she turned to leave, she felt a sudden, intense gaze upon her. When she glanced back, their eyes met, an electric moment that seemed to freeze time. Even from across the room, she sensed Nathaniel had recognized her.
“Pardon me,” he said, his voice calm as he returned to his notes. “As I was saying, this year has brought both significant achievements and notable challenges p>
Feeling utterly defeated, Serena turned away, her heart heavy.
To make matters worse, her car refused to start!
She attempted to call Alice, but her friend was unavailable. Serena knew Alice was likely swamped at the hospital, working double shifts that day.
With no other options, she made her way back to the hotel lobby, hoping to catch a taxi.
Her stomach growled in protest, and her hands felt icy cold. She had been so consumed by her anger that she had completely forgotten to eat.
“Hungry? Let’s grab something to eat,” a voice interrupted her thoughts.
Serena turned, her heart sinking at the sight of Dennis Mercer, Nathaniel’s best friend.
“I’m not hungry,” she quickly replied, trying to dismiss him. “I was just leaving p>
But her stomach betrayed her, growling audibly enough to draw the attention of the
hotel staff, who glanced her way with curiosity.
“You look pale, Serena. Let’s just
grab a bite to eat. If the crowd is too
much for you, the main restaurant
häs private rooms we can use, Dennis suggested, his voice warm and inviting.
He had always been kind to her. Tall with blond hair and a clean-shaven face, Dennis was undeniably attractive in his own right.
“Come on, Serena. You look like you could really use a break,” he urged, concern etched on his face.
With her hands feeling so cold and her energy waning, Serena reluctantly agreed. She worried about fainting, especially considering her pregnancy.
She wrapped her coat tighter around herself, attempting to conceal the barely noticeable baby bump beneath her clothing. “Okay, I won’t take too much of your time,” she conceded.
The gala in the grand ballroom was still in full swing, that much she could tell.
The lobby was relatively quiet, and the hallways were free of the usual bustle. How had Dennis managed to find her?
‘Maybe it was just a coincidence,’ she mused, trying to shake off her unease.
Ine
Before long, they reached the main restaurant, where a supervisor escorted them to a private room. To Serena’s surprise, Dennis didn’t place an orders Instead, he said “The restaurant will prepare dishes from the gala menu, if that’s alright with you. They’re a bit understaffed due to the event p>
“Anything is fine,” she replied, not particularly picky at that moment.
Fifteen minutes later, their meal arrived.
There was freshly baked bread with butter, a warm pumpkin soup, and perfectly grilled chicken. Simple yet comforting dishes-her favorites. Memories flooded back of rainy days spent cooking these meals with Nathaniel, laughter filling their
kitchen.
At first, she frowned, questioning whether the gala had really served such simple
fare.
But hunger overtook her skepticism, and she began to eat.
As she indulged, a tear slipped down her cheek. She couldn’t care less about what Dennis thought of her in that moment; she needed to nourish herself and her baby.
“I need to… get something,” Dennis said suddenly, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. “I’ll be right back p>
Serena nodded, her focus returning to her meal.
Moments later, the door opened, and someone stepped inside… but it wasn’t Dennis.
“You came.” That familiar voice sent a shiver down her spine.