Scene: the gala
👑 TYLA 👑
The ballroom was beautiful, lit up by fancy chandeliers that made everything glow. Soft music played as couples danced across the shiny floor.
Waiters moved around with trays of champagne, looking as polished as the guests. Strings of tiny lights wrapped around the tall columns, and flowers and fancy snacks decorated the room.
I walked in, and most people turned to look. That was expected.
Ethan, my brother, walked beside me and tapped my arm. "Rose is by the entrance. Claudia is by the buffet."
He pointed. Rose stood with her arms crossed, looking like she didn't want to be there. Claudia was laughing with a plate full of food.
He looked annoyed.
"Your friends are weird. One's hiding, and the other's eating like she skipped breakfast," he said.
I shrugged. "That's why I like them."
He raised an eyebrow. "Try not to start a fight tonight. Also, get a man. It's getting sad."
"Says the guy who can't keep one for more than a week," I replied.
"Says the girl who got dumped after six years," he shot back.
I kicked him and walked away.
"Hey, love," I said as I walked up to Rose. "That necklace? It looks good. Where did you get it?"
She smiled slightly. "It's a custom piece from Paris. I'll have my assistant send you the details."
She was calm, as always. Rose didn't talk much in public, but she noticed everything.
"Hey babes," Claudia said, walking up with her usual confidence. Her plate was full.
"Tyla, who are you trying to impress with all this effort?" she asked.
"Your brother," I replied coldly .
She choked on a strawberry. "Okay, rude. But valid."
"Didn't you eat at home?" I asked.
"I did," she said. "But free food always tastes better. The Williams family knows how to choose catering."
As she made the comment, I noticed people stealing glances, watching us with quiet curiosity.
They were probably wondering how the three of us, so effortlessly stylish and in sync, ended up in the same circle.
Rose frowned and pulled at Claudia's straps. "Fix this. It is uneven."
She clicked her tongue as she fixed the clothes.
That is what I like about Rose. She is the quietest one among us, but she knows how to keep you in check.
"How long has my dress been like this?" Claudia asked, handing some food to one of the servers.
"Since you entered the gala," Rose replied.
I laughed.
Claudia rolled her eyes. "Great. A mistake. And I call myself a fashion girl."
We knew what she would say next.
"Call the fashion police. A fashionista made a mistake." We all said it in unison, laughing."
All eyes turned toward us for a moment before everyone went back to what they were doing.
"Claudia, calm down, it is not that bad," I said as Rose laughed.
"I need a drink. You want anything?"
"Champagne," Rose said.
"Red wine," Claudia added.
I told the server and waited
Five minutes later, our drinks arrived.
i handed them out, I took mine and turned around.
"Tyla, watch out!" Rose shouted, but it was too late.
I walked straight into someone.
Wine spilled all over a man in a deep navy suit and burgundy shirt.
I looked up and froze.
Shane Williams.
He stood there, rugged features twisted in annoyance.
I blinked, then said, "Watch where you stand next time."
He looked down at the stain, then back at me, pissed. "Are you serious? Are you always this careless, or just today?"
I smiled, unfazed. "Careless? No. I just wanted to see how you would react."
He crossed his arms. "This suit costs more than your entire wardrobe. You owe me."
I laughed, cold and sharp. "Owe you? Don't be dramatic. I don't pay for things like this."
His jaw tightened. "You think this is funny?"
"I think you being upset over a little wine is funny," I SAID, stepping past him like I hadn't just wrecked his overpriced outfit.
He followed. "Typical. Rich girl with no consequences. Always someone cleaning up after you."
I turned. "And you're what? The rich boy who thinks being rude makes him interesting? Please."
His eyes narrowed.
"I will send you the dry-cleaning bill," he said.
"Make it expensive." I smirked.
He didn't reply. Just clenched his jaw.
Rose and Claudia rushed over, concern in their eyes.
"Tyla, are you okay?" Rose asked.
I smiled. "I'm good. Just a minor collision."
"Minor collision?" Shane repeated, voice sharp.
Daniella walked up.
"Tyla, maybe try not to ruin someone's outfit next time," she said.
"Tell your brother to stay out of my way," I shot back.
Charles Earl strolled over with a drink. "I walk away for five minutes and it's already tense. What'd I miss?"
"Wine spill," I said.
"Of course. Expensive one, I'm guessing?" he said, eyeing Shane's shirt.
Shane said nothing. He just kept staring at me.
Everyone was staring. But that wasn't new. I was used to attention.
"You should apologize," he said.
His voice was calm, but there was steel underneath. That made it fun.
I sipped my drink and met his eyes. "Why? You still look expensive."
Gasps. Whispers. A few phones probably caught it.
Perfect.
Ethan stormed to my side.
"What the hell was that?" he whispered. "Do you know who you just drenched?"
"Obviously," I said.
"Mom and Dad are watching. So is half the damn city. Pull it together."
I looked up. My father wasn't even looking at me
My mother's expression was like stone. She hadn't looked at me like that since the media fallout last spring."
That stung more than it should've.
Still, I kept my face blank. No weakness. Never in public.
Claudia whispered, "you are trending already. Someone caught the spill on camera."
Rose swore under her breath.
I smiled.
Of course we were.
This gala wasn't just a party. It was a battlefield.
Rose quietly came up behind me. Her voice was soft, but serious.
"Everyone's staring. You should fix this."
"I don't fix things," i said.
He didn't flinch this time. "Fine. No apology. But we're not done."
He walked away, brushing past Charles.
Rose leaned in. "Girl, that man is either going to sue you... or kiss you."
Claudia added, "Or both."
"I'd bet on the suing," I replied.
Just then, A tall man in a sleek black suit approached.
He is my father's personal assistant.
"Miss Jackson," he said, his voice low. "Your parents would like a word. Privately. They have asked me to escort you."
I handed my glass to Claudia. Straightened my dress. And walked toward the lions.