Chapter 3: The Gala of Lies
The annual Spring Gala was the highlight of the social season, and Vanessa was determined to make it her stage. I knew she would be there. I knew she would have a plan.
I wore a gown of midnight blue, matching the necklace Dave had given me. It was elegant, understated, and powerful. When we walked into the ballroom, the whispers started instantly. They weren't whispering about me, though; they were whispering about the confrontation at the jewelry store. Word traveled fast in this city.
Vanessa was near the buffet, holding a glass of champagne like a weapon. She was dressed in an ostentatious red gown that screamed for attention. When she saw us, her eyes locked onto the necklace around my throat.
She didn't approach us. Instead, she waited. She waited until the room was at its peak, until the charity auctioneer took the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Vanessa interrupted, her voice shrill, cutting off the auctioneer. "Before we continue, I have an announcement to make. Some of you have heard rumors about Dave Sterling and me. The truth is, we are engaged. And this impostor standing next to him is a thief."
The room gasped. I felt Dave’s hand tighten on my waist, his muscles coiled, ready to strike. But I placed a hand on his chest. Let me.
I stepped forward, into the spotlight. I didn't look at Vanessa. I looked at the crowd.
"Vanessa," I said, my voice projecting across the silent hall. "You’ve been telling everyone you’re engaged to Dave. If that’s true, why hasn't he ever taken you to a private dinner? Why hasn't he introduced you to his board of directors? Why, in fact, does he have a court order banning you from his property?"
Vanessa’s face turned from red to a deathly white. "That’s a lie! He loves me!"
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"Dave," I turned to him, "do you have anything to say?"
Dave stepped forward, his presence filling the room. He didn't shout. He didn't need to. "Vanessa. I have never asked you to marry me. I have never dated you. And frankly, I have never even had a conversation with you that lasted more than ten seconds. This ends tonight."
