The grand ballroom was alive with the hum of laughter, the clink of champagne flutes, and the soft strains of a violin, but to Mia Collins, it all felt distant, like she was trapped in a bubble. She had been attending these kinds of events since she was a child, but tonight, it all felt different. The glimmer of diamonds, the sea of tailored suits, the weight of expectations—all of it made her feel like she was suffocating, even as she tried to smile and play the part of the perfect socialite.
She adjusted the hem of her sleek, midnight-blue gown and took another sip of her champagne. It was her favorite vintage, but the taste of it now only seemed to deepen the emptiness she felt. Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she moved gracefully through the crowd, her auburn curls cascading down her back, her dark eyes scanning the room. She could feel the eyes of others following her every movement, their smiles polite but scrutinizing. Her mission tonight was simple: maintain her composure, do her duty as a member of the Collins family, and leave before anyone could question why she wasn't with the right person, doing the right things.
But Mia wasn't sure if she cared anymore. She had been living her life for others—her family's expectations, society's rules, and the unspoken demand that she prove herself worthy of the fortune and privilege she was born into. At 21, she was already a successful entrepreneur, running one of the most sought-after design firms in the city. She had her own name, her own empire, and yet, here she was—playing the part of the dutiful daughter in a world that had long ceased to excite her.
Her mind wandered to her father, who was likely busy in the corner with a group of influential businessmen, discussing deals and connections that Mia had little interest in. Her mother was elsewhere, probably gushing over the latest charity event or making small talk with the socialites. Mia had learned long ago how to navigate this world of extravagance and expectation. But tonight, the weight of it all felt different.
Mia's thoughts were interrupted as she accidentally bumped into someone, her glass of champagne teetering dangerously in her hand. She managed to steady it just in time, though the person she had collided with turned toward her with a smile that was impossible to ignore.
His presence was immediate, like a sudden gust of wind that swept through the room and made everything feel more alive. Tall and commanding, he wore his tailored suit like it was crafted specifically for him, with a confidence that only someone of his status could possess. Dark hair, neatly styled but slightly tousled, framed a strong jaw and high cheekbones. But it was his eyes that caught her attention—piercing, dark, and unyielding. They were like two deep pools that seemed to draw her in, refusing to let her look away.
"Careful there," his voice was smooth, almost mocking in its tone, but there was a warmth to it that made Mia's heart skip. He seemed amused by the near mishap, his lips curling up into a playful smile as his gaze flickered over her.
Mia quickly straightened herself, trying to regain her composure. "Sorry," she replied, offering a small, polite smile. "I wasn't looking where I was going."
"Obviously," he quipped, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. "You must be Mia Collins."
Mia's brow furrowed slightly. She was used to being recognized, but the way he said her name, as if it was something more than just a mere recognition, made her uneasy. "And you are?"
He tilted his head, as though considering whether to reveal his identity. "Liam Bennett," he said finally, his smile never wavering. "I'm sure you've heard of me."
The name hit her like a freight train. Liam Bennett—one of the youngest and most influential billionaires in the city, heir to Bennett Enterprises, and a name that was practically synonymous with power, ambition, and luxury. Mia had heard of him, of course, though she hadn't expected to meet him under these circumstances.
"I've heard of you," she replied, her voice steady, though her heart had quickened at the sudden proximity. "You're quite the public figure."
Liam's eyes twinkled with a knowing glint. "I'm sure the public knows me more than they should. But I'm not here to talk about business or my reputation. I'm more interested in why someone as interesting as you is hiding in the corner of a room full of people."
Mia's lips parted slightly, caught off guard by his boldness. She wasn't one to be flustered easily, but something about the way he was looking at her, with no pretense or false politeness, made her feel like she was standing before a man who could see straight through her.
"I'm not hiding," she replied with a shrug, her playful tone masking the slight unease she felt. "Just… observing."
He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "Observing or avoiding?"
Her breath caught in her throat as he closed the distance between them, the air suddenly thick with tension. She knew exactly what he was implying, and for a brief moment, she considered stepping away. But something about his presence held her in place, like an invisible force compelling her to stay.
"I avoid nothing," Mia replied, the words slipping out before she could think twice. "I simply don't find these events as thrilling as others might."
Liam's smile grew, almost knowingly, as if he understood exactly what she meant. "Then perhaps you'd like to do something more exciting?"
Before she could respond, Liam motioned to a secluded corner of the ballroom, a spot away from the prying eyes of the guests. The offer was too tempting to resist, and before Mia could stop herself, she found herself following him, curiosity and the strange pull between them guiding her forward.
As they reached the quiet corner, Liam turned toward her, his eyes never leaving hers. "Tell me, Mia," he said, his voice low, "what do you really want out of life?"
The question was so direct, so personal, that Mia's breath caught. She hadn't expected to be asked something so intimate, especially not by a man she barely knew. And yet, the intensity in his gaze made her want to answer truthfully, to reveal the deeper parts of herself that she kept hidden behind layers of composure.
But before she could formulate a response, a voice broke through the tension, and the moment was lost.
"Liam, there you are," a woman's voice called, cutting through the moment like a knife. Mia's attention snapped toward the voice, and her stomach dropped as a woman appeared at Liam's side, her arm resting possessively on his. The woman was tall, blonde, and dressed in a designer gown, her smile directed at Liam with a familiarity that made Mia feel suddenly out of place.
Liam turned toward the woman, his smile faltering slightly as he addressed her. "Chloe," he said, his voice polite but distant. "I was just catching up with Mia here."
Mia forced a smile, though the fluttering in her chest was a mixture of confusion and disappointment. She quickly excused herself and turned to leave, but before she could take more than a few steps, Liam's voice called out to her.
"Mia, wait."
She stopped, her heart beating faster than she wanted it to. He walked toward her, his expression changing from one of casual amusement to something more serious.
"I didn't expect you to run off," he said softly, his tone earnest. "I hope I didn't offend you."
She met his gaze, her smile cool but guarded. "You didn't offend me, Liam. I just… I don't have time for games."
He raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into that teasing smile again. "I'm not sure you know what kind of game I'm playing, Mia."
She turned away, the words sticking in her throat as she walked off, feeling the weight of his eyes on her the entire time.
But something about that encounter stayed with her, gnawing at the edges of her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that Liam Bennett wasn't just another billionaire heir. No, he was different. And Mia couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before she found herself tangled in his game—whether she liked it or not.