Rewind My Heart

Lauren adjusted the shimmering hem of her evening crimson dress, tailored to perfection. Her hair was swept up, her neck bare. She radiated elegance and danger,her fingers brushing over the fabric as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. The soft glow of the vanity lights bathed her face, but they couldn’t soften the sharp determination in her eyes.

The company gala was supposed to be a night of celebration....success, elegance, and unity. But for Lauren, it was so much more. It was her stage, her battleground, her chance to prove she was indispensable.

Lauren stood poised at the front of the grand ballroom, the spotlight casting a warm glow across her face. The presentation slides displayed behind her were crisp, dynamic, and meticulously curated...a stark contrast to Tiana’s previous failure. The room, once filled with the hum of conversation was now silent with all eyes fixed on her.

She began, her voice steady and confident, carrying the perfect blend of professionalism and charisma. Lauren had rehearsed every word, but as she spoke, it felt natural, like an extension of herself. Her delivery was flawless.
she connected with the audience not just through data and charts but through her ability to tell a compelling story, weaving the company’s goals into a vision they couldn’t ignore.

As Lauren moved seamlessly from one slide to the next, she could see the expressions on the clients’ faces change. Where there had been skepticism, there were now intrigue. Where there had been doubt, there was now trust. She spoke with authority, her tone measured yet inviting, drawing them in with every detail.

Connor, seated at the head of the table, watched her with an unreadable expression. Lauren didn’t care. This moment wasn’t about him...it was about her reclaiming her power, proving she was more than the CEO’s wife.

The presentation reached its crescendo, with Lauren outlining the final strategy in a way that left no room for hesitation. Her words lingered in the air and when she finished, the room erupted into applause. A few clients even rose from their seats, clapping with genuine enthusiasm.

Lauren nodded graciously, her lips curving into a slight smile. She had done it. She had not only salvaged the company’s reputation but had also shown everyone...Connor, Tiana, and every doubter that she was a force to be reckoned with.

As she stepped away from the podium, a few colleagues approached her, offering congratulations and praise. The big clients exchanged impressed remarks, discussing the strength of the pitch and the clarity of the strategy. Lauren soaked in the moment, her composed exterior hiding the rush of pride within her. This was her victory, her moment to shine.

.............

Lauren stood by the bar, swirling the champagne in her glass as though it held all the answers. The air shimmered with wealth, whispers, and carefully constructed lies.

Aiden Cross approached, slow and confident, his eyes never leaving her. He looked at her like she was more than just someone’s wife...like she was a puzzle he wanted to solve.

Aiden:
"You clean up well.But I get the feeling you're more dangerous than you look tonight."

Lauren (without turning):
"What gave me away? The dress… or the silence?"

Aiden (chuckling):
"The eyes. You’re watching the room like you own it and like you might burn it down if you don’t."

Lauren turned to face him fully now, lips curved slightly.

Lauren:
"Maybe I will. Some things only grow after the fire."

Across the room, Connor noticed the exchange.He excused himself under the guise of greeting an investor, but his gaze didn’t shift from the bar.