Chapter 35: Spotlight And Shadows
Evie’s lips parted slightly as she looked up at Ezra, who towered over her. Her heart thudded in her chest, rapid and insistent, an unwelcome reaction that caught her off guard. She felt her breathing quicken. "W-what?" she stammered, unsure if she had heard him right. Had he really just answered ’you’ to her question? Did that mean she was what he wanted, or was she misinterpreting him? She needed clarity instead of him just staring at her, igniting her heart in an unexplainable way. His dark eyes scrutinized her, and she questioned his seriousness.
Ezra cleared his throat, snapping her out of her daze. "I want to talk to you," he corrected himself.
Her heart sank, and heat rose to her cheeks in embarrassment. Was that it? Just a conversation? Why had he said ’you’ and made her heart race? She balled her fists, realizing he had played her. "Make it quick," she said through gritted teeth, eager to escape the tension between them.
Ezra nodded subtly and straightened. "There’s a launch coming up—"
He hadn’t even finished before she scoffed, and he narrowed his eyes, wondering why she did that.
"I’m not going," Evie declared.
Of course, that was why he was talking to her. He wanted her to attend the launch as his fake girlfriend, not to address his earlier disrespectful behavior. He had treated her as if she were invisible, and she deserved an explanation—or maybe she was just being dramatic. She didn’t care.
"What do you mean?" Ezra asked, as if he hadn’t heard her.
Evie crossed her arms and met his gaze defiantly. "I said, I’m not going."
"You don’t have a choice," he retorted, his words sharp and deliberate. "Have you forgotten what this is all about? Public appearances whenever necessary? Do you not recall?"
"Well, you can’t just waltz in here and inform me about this launch after everything you’ve done," she shot back. She knew she had no option but to make a public appearance as his fake girlfriend. It was part of their arrangement. She was getting paid for this... But...
"What did I do?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Evie pushed off the wall, closing the gap between them. The cool night air surrounded her, but she was unfazed. "What didn’t you do? I came to see you the other day, and you brushed me off cruelly. Since then, you’ve avoided me like I’m contagious, and suddenly you show up wanting to talk? I have self-respect, Ezra! Respect is vital for all this to work between us. You don’t see me giving you unnecessary attitude, do you?"
Ezra watched her speak without interrupting her, and as she finished, a weight lifted off her shoulders. "What happened to you?" She softened her tone slightly.
"Are you reconsidering this? Is that why you’ve been avoiding me?"
"No," Ezra replied, his answer succinct and direct.
"Then what’s the problem?" she pressed, searching his gaze intently. She wanted to know what was troubling him—she would help if she could—but just then, his expression hardened.
"We’re not supposed to interfere with our personal lives, remember?" he countered.
Her throat tightened. She wanted to say she would help him if he needed it, but instead, she bit her tongue. "Of course," she replied, feigning indifference. "I’ll be at the launch," she said firmly, making up her mind before turning on her heels to leave him standing there.
Once she was out of sight, Ezra rubbed his eyes, tilting his head back in frustration. This wasn’t what he intended to do; this wasn’t the conversation he wanted to have...
Goddamn it... He had never felt this way before, and it was disorienting.
When the day of the launch finally arrived, Evie was set to leave. She wore a striking silk gown in deep plum that captured the light. The daring slit and elegant neckline commanded attention. Her hair was swept back, and her long, dangling earrings sparkled with every movement. Red lipstick accentuated her lips, and deep eyeshadow provided a bold contrast. She exuded sophistication with an air of undeniable allure.
Ezra stood as the epitome of luxury and authority, clad in a midnight-black Tom Ford tuxedo that embraced his tall frame with impeccable tailoring. The satin lapel shimmered, and his crisp white shirt, casually unbuttoned at the collar, hinted at an effortlessly rebellious spirit. No tie. No bow.
Adorning his wrist was one of his signature watches—a sleek, limited edition with a dark leather strap and an obsidian dial, perfectly matching the intensity of his gaze.
His hair was meticulously styled: short on the sides while the top boasted soft, controlled waves. Every strand was in place, giving him a look that suggested he had effortlessly prepared himself.
He awaited her arrival at the door. When their eyes met, Evie walked towards him, but as he extended his arm for her to take, she confidently walked past him without a second glance.
Evie couldn’t help but notice the expensive scent he wore—rich notes of cedar, bergamot, and something darker that lingered in his wake.
Ezra tilted his head, intrigued, as she strode forward with indifference, before he followed suit.
***
The grand ballroom shimmered with gold and crystal. Massive chandeliers illuminated the high ceiling, casting reflections over sleek black floors and plush, velvet-draped walls. The atmosphere was electric—photographers snapped away, glasses clinked, and guests dressed to impress flowed through the space like pieces on a lavish chessboard.
Ezra’s watch launch was anything but understated. It was grand, sharp, and meticulously orchestrated—just like him.
Evie stepped in beside him, acutely aware of the gazes directed her way.
She felt his hand at her lower back, and her gaze shifted to his. "Let’s do this just like the other times," he said. She met his reminder with a cool, blank stare, the message clear: they needed to maintain a facade, to deliver an impeccable performance without revealing any underlying tensions.
Before she could respond, he was swept away by the press and greetings, instantly slipping into host mode—charming, commanding, untouchable.
"Hey, you came!" Evie exclaimed, spotting Ruby, her friend, who had taken her time to prepare for the occasion. Dressed in an ivory gown, Ruby’s short hair was styled back, with tendrils softly framing her face. She was radiant, and even Evie barely recognized her.
They embraced briefly. "You invited me," Ruby replied matter-of-factly as they pulled apart.
"This place is incredible," Ruby declared, her eyes scanning the opulence around them. "I’ve met a few guests and even chatted a bit," she whispered, a conspiratorial grin on her face. Evie chuckled, understanding perfectly what Ruby conveyed. The venue was extraordinary, with celebrities, influencers, and investors populating the space. Each time their eyes met with acquaintances, Evie raised her glass in acknowledgment; it was exhilarating to feel a part of this elite scene.
Her gaze wandered across the room until it landed on a familiar face. Shane stood out with his bright, inviting smile, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. He raised his champagne flute, and her eyes flickered to Ruby, who was also observing.
"So, have you found the time to connect with him?" Evie asked playfully, a teasing glimmer in her eye.
"I haven’t had the chance. He’s quite the popular one, you know, busy mingling with colleagues," Ruby replied.
Evie set her glass down firmly. "Make sure to seize the opportunity before time runs out," she advised.
Ruby rolled her eyes.
Then the speech came. Ezra stood tall at the podium, the spotlight casting a golden glow around him. He spoke about legacy, precision, and time—concepts that demanded patience. Then, with an air of casual confidence, he said:
"...and to the person who reminded me that not everything valuable has to be hidden behind glass—Evie, thank you."
In that moment, Evie’s heart began to race. He flashed her a bright smile—one she had never seen before. Typically, he was all smirks and indifference, but now he radiated warmth and sincerity. Evie’s pulse quickened, her grip tightening around the glass she held.
Gasps swept through the room. Whispers flitted about. Curious glances were cast in her direction. Just as she felt a rush of warmth, the reality of the situation began to sink in.
Later, Evie excused herself to the restroom to collect her thoughts. Standing before the mirror, she touched up her lips when a woman walked in—elegant, with a sharper gaze that seemed to slice through the air. She joined Evie at the sink, where Evie didn’t even notice her until the woman spoke up.
"You’re the new girlfriend?" the woman asked smoothly, her tone suggesting she already knew.
Evie nodded, maintaining her composure.
"Enjoy it while it lasts. We’ve all played our roles in Ezra’s world before. It’s always a matter of time before things change," she said, her voice dripping with condescension.
Evie’s forehead creased as she glanced at the woman. "And who exactly are you?"
The woman turned, locking eyes with Evie. Recognition dawned on Evie instantly. Dawn Blake.
Ezra’s ex.