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“I feel queasy.”
My words are barely more than a whisper, but don’t go unheard by Max. He steps out of the cab and offers me a hand, like the gentleman he is.
“Of course, you do,” he says. “I would be worried if you didn’t.”
He helps me out of the car and I straighten my dress while he fixes his suit jacket. As always, Max exudes an air of effortless elegance. Tonight, he's dressed in a way that perfectly embodies his personality—a blend of extravagance and class that only Max can pull off. His tailored tuxedo fits him like a glove, the deep black fabric offset by a crisp white shirt and a bold red bow tie, that—not surprisingly—matches the color of my dress. His dark hair is artfully styled, a sophisticated contrast against his pale complexion. I found it odd that he’s not wearing make-up tonight, but when I asked him about it, he insisted that it was because “eyeshadow and tuxedos simply don’t mix,” accompanied by a playfully condescending eye-roll.
He offers me his arm and I tuck mine into his, once again glad that I brought him here tonight.
“You’re not a well-functioning robot, Madison. As much as you’d like to be,” he elaborates, throwing me a warm smile while placing his hand on mine. “It’s only human to be nervous about having to go up on stage. Being honored for personal awesomeness can be rather daunting.”
He winks at me, and I can’t help but chuckle at his words. Max always knows how to calm me down, which is why I’m glad that I brought him along tonight.
The grand entrance of the gala venue looms before us, a gilded archway leading into a world of opulence. We step into the hall, a symphony of shimmering chandeliers, cascading drapes, and gold accents that seem to dance with the light. People dressed in their finest evening gowns and tuxedos mingle, their laughter and hushed conversations creating a backdrop of sophistication, accompanied by the gentle sound of a string quartet that plays at the far back of the hall—right next to the stage that I will have to step on in a few minutes.
The grandeur of the hall momentarily takes my breath away. Maybe this occasion and the honor that comes with it is a little bigger than I anticipated.
As we move further into the hall, I notice familiar faces among the crowd. I nod in acknowledgment to a few of my colleagues and industry contacts, exchanging polite smiles and pleasantries. It’s strange to see them all in such a glamorous setting, far removed from the hustle and bustle of our professional lives.
Max nudges me playfully with his elbow, a knowing grin on his face. “Enjoying the spotlight?” he asks in a whisper. “Everybody is looking at us! It’s like you’re a freaking star.”
His eyes are wide like that of a child in a candy store, and he squeezes my arm in excitement. Max is the kind of person who effortlessly commands attention with his presence. Not just because of his striking looks, but because of the genuine charisma he exudes. Unlike me, he relishes being the center of attention.
“I think you’re enjoying this a little more than I am,” I admit, still dizzy with nerves.
Max giggles and nods in response. “Maybe I am, yeah.”
I force a nervous smile, my gaze flickering around the room. It’s true that many eyes are on me, whispers and sidelong glances following my path. But even as I’m surrounded by the trappings of success, I can’t shake the feeling of unease that’s been lingering in the back of my mind.
Max’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “You deserve every bit of this attention, you know. Enjoy it.”
I meet his gaze, gratitude warming my heart. Max has always been my biggest cheerleader, my voice of reason when self-doubt starts to creep in. I offer him a small smile, appreciating his words even if I can’t fully embrace them at the moment.
“I’m trying, Max,” I reply, my tone soft. “It’s just… a lot.”
He chuckles, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Well, let’s embrace ‘a lot.’ You’ve earned it. And who knows, maybe you’ll actually have some fun tonight.”
He looks around, ostentatiously craning his neck, then he asks, “So, where’s that champagne you promised?”
I release a genuine laugh, the sound carrying a hint of relief. Max has a way of making everything feel a little lighter, a little more manageable. As we continue to navigate through the crowd, I can’t help but steal glances at the people around me, their glittering gowns and confident smiles a stark contrast to the turmoil that’s been brewing within me.
As we pass by a group of elegantly dressed women, their heads turn to watch us, their murmurs growing louder. I hear snippets of conversation—“Madison Hailey,” “knack for innovations,” “honoree tonight.” The attention is flattering, but it’s also a reminder of the weight on my shoulders. I may be honored for my achievements, but the reality is that my confidence feels fragile, especially in the face of the ongoing struggle with my uncle. The lavish surroundings may mask the turmoil, but they can’t erase it entirely.
How am I supposed to live up to this hype, if I can’t even keep the company under my family’s name? It feels more and more like my father wouldn’t be the only person I let down if this sellout really happens.
But it won’t. I have to make sure that it won’t.
“Oh, there we go!” Max exclaims, and when my gaze follows his, I spot a waiter balancing a silver tray filled with sparkling champagne flutes at the other end of the hall.
“You stay here, I’ll be right back,” Max announces, before he hurries toward the waiter.
I manage a cautious smile as I watch him meander through the crowd, smiling and nodding at people as if he knew them. With him by my side, this evening might actually turn out to be fun, despite my strained nerves. A sigh that tastes of relief leaves my lips, and I can feel the tension leave my neck for the first time since we got into the cab.
But this moment of ease is short-lived, and my body stiffens when I hear a familiar voice behind my back. “Well, if it isn’t Madison Hailey, the star of the evening.”
No, God. No!
This can’t be true.
