I was still watching Aditya disappear into the crowd when my attention shifted, drawn by a commotion near the corner of the ballroom. A man, clearly intoxicated, was leaning too close to a young woman who looked visibly uncomfortable. Her polite attempts to step away were met with his insistent grip on her wrist.
The scene ignited something in me-anger, disgust, and a refusal to stand by and watch. These events were supposed to be about power and influence, and yet here was someone using his to intimidate someone who couldn't push back.
I didn't think twice. Fury burned hot in my chest as I made my way across the room, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. People turned as I passed, their curiosity piqued by the look on my face.
"Let her go," I commanded, my voice cutting through the din like a blade. The man turned, his eyes narrowing as he saw me. "This isn't your concern," he slurred, tightening his grip on the woman's wrist. I stepped closer, my gaze sharp and unrelenting. "I said, let. her. go." For a moment, he hesitated, then smirked. "What are you going to do about it, sweetheart?"
Without hesitation, I raised my hand and slapped him across the face, the sound echoing through the ballroom like a crack of thunder. Gasps rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned to us. The man staggered slightly, one hand flying to his cheek, his expression a mixture of shock and humiliation.
"How dare you-" he began, but I cut him off. "Who do you think you are, putting your hands on someone who clearly doesn't want you near her? Try this again, and I'll do more than embarrass you in front of a crowd. I'll make sure you never step foot in a place like this again."
The man opened his mouth, but the look on my face stopped him. He turned and stumbled away, disappearing into the crowd.
I turned to the woman, who looked both relieved and stunned. "Are you alright?" I asked gently. She nodded quickly, her eyes wide.
Make sure she gets home safely," I said to Rhea before turning back to the woman. "Don't let anyone make you feel powerless." She nodded, and Rhea led her away.
As I turned back toward the ballroom, I realized the crowd hadn't quite recovered from the scene. Conversations had paused, eyes followed my every move, and I could hear murmurs.
And then I saw him . Again.
There he was, standing near the edge of the room, watching me with an expression I couldn't quite read.
Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, the noise around me dulled again. Then he raised his glass slightly in a silent acknowledgment, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.
I didn't react, turning away and walking back into the crowd. Let them talk. Let them wonder. I don't care.
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