The Gala of Revelations

Zara’s POV

The Elahi-Darzi Gala was a grand affair, with the ballroom transformed into a glittering sea of gold and white. Chandeliers sparkled above, casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests. This wasn’t just a family celebration; it was a public declaration of our merger—two powerful families coming together.

I adjusted my cufflinks, my reflection staring back at me from the gilded mirror in one of the mansion’s guest rooms. Tonight wasn’t just about business. It felt like a test—a test of how well Lina and I could balance the façade of this arrangement with the very real feelings simmering just beneath the surface.

When I stepped into the main ballroom, my eyes immediately sought her out. And there she was, across the room, radiant in a deep emerald gown that hugged her curves and brought out the sharp beauty of her features.

She was laughing politely at something one of her cousins said, but her eyes flicked to mine as if she felt my gaze. A jolt of electricity passed between us, and for a moment, the noise of the party faded away.

I made my way toward her, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease.

“Zara,” one of my father’s business partners called, stopping me in my tracks. “A word, if you will.”

I clenched my jaw but nodded, glancing back at Lina. She gave me a small, understanding smile before turning back to her conversation.

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Lina’s POV

The gala was supposed to be glamorous, but to me, it felt like a battlefield. Everyone was watching us—watching me. As the daughters tying these families together, Zara and I were under constant scrutiny.

I tried to focus on the chatter around me, but my mind kept drifting to her. Zara. The way her dark suit clung perfectly to her figure, the confidence in her stride, the way her eyes seemed to pierce through every barrier I tried to put up.

And then there was the kiss. Those kisses.

A warmth spread through me at the memory, but it was quickly replaced by anxiety. This was dangerous. If someone noticed the way we looked at each other…

“Lina,” my mother’s sharp voice cut through my thoughts.

“Yes?” I said, spinning around.

She smiled at me, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Come with me. We need to meet the Gohils. They’re important partners for this deal.”

I plastered on a polite smile and followed her, my heart sinking.

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Zara’s POV

By the time I escaped the conversation with my father’s business partner, Lina was gone. My eyes scanned the room until I found her near the stage, standing stiffly next to her mother as they greeted guests.

Something about the tightness in her shoulders set me on edge. Lina was usually composed, even when under pressure, but tonight there was a fragility to her that made me want to cross the room and pull her into my arms.

Instead, I moved to the opposite corner of the ballroom, where I could keep her in my line of sight without drawing attention.

“You’re watching her again.”

I turned to see Amara, Lina’s sister, smirking at me.

“What are you talking about?” I said smoothly, though my heart skipped a beat.

“Oh, come on,” she said, leaning against the wall next to me. “You and Lina. It’s obvious something’s going on.”

I froze, my mind racing. Had we been that careless?

“You’re imagining things,” I said, forcing a laugh.

Amara raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further. “If you say so. But just a heads-up—Mom’s starting to ask questions.”

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Lina’s POV

The night dragged on, a blur of handshakes, polite smiles, and endless conversations. By the time the official speeches started, I was ready to collapse.

I stood on the stage next to Zara as our fathers spoke about unity, strength, and the future of our families. My mother’s eyes flicked between us, her gaze sharp and assessing.

Zara leaned in slightly, her voice low enough that only I could hear. “You okay?”

I nodded, but the truth was, I felt like I was suffocating.

When the speeches ended, the music started, and the guests moved to the dance floor. Zara turned to me, holding out her hand.

“Dance with me?” she asked, her tone casual, but her eyes full of something deeper.

I hesitated, aware of everyone watching us. But then I remembered her words from the night before: We’ll figure it out. Together.

I placed my hand in hers, and she led me to the center of the dance floor.

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Zara’s POV

Dancing with Lina felt like stepping into another world. The noise of the gala faded away, and all I could focus on was the feel of her hand in mine, the way her body moved in perfect rhythm with mine.

We kept a respectable distance between us, aware of the eyes on us, but there was no hiding the way we looked at each other.

“You’re tense,” I murmured, my lips barely moving.

“Everyone’s staring,” she whispered back.

“Let them.”

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something in her expression—fear, excitement, maybe both.

“Zara…”

“Trust me,” I said softly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

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Lina’s POV

The dance ended too soon, and the spell between us was broken as the crowd applauded. But just as we were stepping off the dance floor, my mother approached, her face unreadable.

“Lina,” she said, her tone carefully neutral. “A word.”

I followed her to a quiet corner of the room, my heart pounding.

“What’s going on between you and Zara?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “We’re just… getting to know each other.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “This marriage is important, Lina. I hope you understand that.”

“I do,” I said, forcing myself to meet her gaze.

She studied me for a long moment before nodding. “Good.”

As she walked away, I let out a shaky breath.

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Zara’s POV

By the time the gala ended, Lina and I were both exhausted. We found ourselves in the garden, away from the noise and prying eyes.

“You were amazing tonight,” I said, breaking the silence.

She let out a bitter laugh. “I felt like I was walking on eggshells the entire time.”

I reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know.”

Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, the weight of the night seemed to lift.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

And as we stood there, under the stars, I realized that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I wasn’t going to let anything come between us.

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