Lila's POV
Lila had never seen so many dresses hanging in one room.
She stood in front of her wardrobe, staring at the emerald-green gown Elise had carefully hung there three days ago. It looked elegant, timeless... and completely out of place in her tiny apartment.
"You still have time to run away," she whispered to herself.
A knock came at the door.
Three quick knocks.
Then one dramatic one.
"Lila!" Elise called. "If you're hiding under your bed, I'm coming in."
Lila laughed despite herself and opened the door.
Elise stepped inside carrying two garment bags and a small makeup case.
"I brought reinforcements."
"I thought we already picked a dress."
"We did."
"So why the second garment bag?"
"In case you panic and refuse to wear the first one."
"I wouldn't—"
"You absolutely would."
Lila sighed.
"...You're right."
Elise grinned triumphantly.
"I know."
An hour later, Lila stood in front of the mirror.
Her long chestnut hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. The emerald gown hugged her figure gracefully without being overly revealing, and the delicate silver earrings Elise had chosen caught the afternoon light.
She barely recognized herself.
"I look..."
Elise waited.
"...different."
"You look like yourself."
Lila frowned.
"I've always looked like myself."
"No."
Elise smiled gently.
"You've always tried to make yourself invisible."
"Today..."
"You don't."
Lila's eyes softened.
She wasn't wearing heavy makeup.
She wasn't trying to become someone else.
For the first time...
She simply looked like the woman she'd always been.
A sleek black car waited outside the apartment building.
Lila stopped walking.
"...Elise."
"What?"
"You didn't."
"I did."
"You hired a car?"
"I refused to let my best friend arrive at one of the biggest nights of her life on a crowded bus."
"You spend too much money."
"I invest in memories."
Mrs. Holloway stepped out onto her balcony just as they were leaving.
She clasped both hands dramatically.
"Oh..."
"My..."
"Lila."
Everyone looked up.
The older woman wiped away an imaginary tear.
"Look at you."
Lila blushed.
"I'm just wearing a dress."
"My dear..."
Mrs. Holloway smiled proudly.
"Tonight..."
"You're wearing confidence."
Those words followed Lila all the way to the car.
Across the city...
The entrance to the Blackwood Grand Gallery glowed beneath hundreds of crystal lights.
Luxury cars arrived one after another.
Photographers called out to celebrities, politicians, collectors, and artists.
Inside, the gallery buzzed with quiet conversations and the soft notes of a live string quartet.
Everything had been prepared perfectly.
Damon adjusted the cuff of his charcoal suit as Victor walked beside him.
"The board members have already arrived."
"What about the artists?"
"Most of them are here."
Victor glanced at his tablet.
"The featured artist, Miss Lila Hart, hasn't checked in yet."
Damon nodded once.
"She'll come."
Victor wasn't sure why his employer sounded so certain.
Back in the car, Lila watched the city pass by through the window.
Her palms were damp.
"What if no one likes me?"
"They already like your art."
"What if they expect me to be amazing?"
"You are."
"What if I say something embarrassing?"
Elise smiled.
"You probably will."
Lila stared at her.
"...That's not helping."
"It'll make you human."
Lila laughed.
"I hate that you're right."
When the car stopped, Lila looked up.
The gallery was breathtaking.
Its glass walls reflected the golden lights of the city, making it seem as though the building itself was glowing.
Guests climbed the wide marble steps while photographers snapped pictures.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
"I can't do this."
Elise gently took her hand.
"Look at me."
Lila did.
"You've spent years pouring your heart into your art."
"Tonight..."
"The world finally gets to see it."
Lila took a slow, shaky breath.
Together, they climbed the steps.
A staff member greeted them warmly.
"Good evening."
"May I have your invitation?"
Lila handed it over with trembling fingers.
The woman smiled after checking the guest list.
"Welcome, Miss Hart."
"We've been looking forward to meeting you."
Those simple words sent another wave of nerves through her.
She wasn't just another guest.
She belonged here.
At least...
Everyone else seemed to think so.
Inside, the gallery was even more beautiful.
Paintings lined pristine white walls, each illuminated by soft lights.
Elegant sculptures stood on polished platforms.
The air smelled faintly of fresh flowers and expensive perfume.
People spoke in hushed voices as they admired the artwork.
Lila felt completely out of place.
"I don't know where to stand."
Elise leaned closer.
"Anywhere."
"This isn't school."
"No one's grading you."
A waiter approached carrying a tray of sparkling drinks.
"Champagne?"
Lila shook her head quickly.
"Orange juice?"
His smile widened.
"Of course."
Elise laughed quietly.
"I don't think you're the first nervous artist he's met."
Across the room...
Damon entered through a private entrance reserved for the foundation's board members.
Conversations softened almost immediately.
Some guests greeted him.
Others simply watched.
He acknowledged them politely before his gaze drifted across the gallery.
He wasn't looking for investors.
Or politicians.
Or celebrities.
He was searching for one person.
The anonymous artist whose sketch had stayed in his thoughts for weeks.
Victor stepped beside him.
"Your grandfather is speaking with the exhibition committee."
"I'll join him in a moment."
But Damon didn't move.
His eyes wandered through the crowd.
Without realizing it...
Lila had entered the gallery less than thirty seconds earlier.
They were only one room apart.
Separated by a single wall.
Neither knew the other was so close.
And in just a few minutes...
Their lives would change forever.