The White Affair

The glimmer of chandeliers reflected off the polished marble floors as Ashley stepped into the grand ballroom.

Dressed in a stunning white gown that hugged her figure perfectly, she drew every eye in the room, including one pair of stormy gray ones.

Ethan, walking beside her in a crisp white suit, offered her his arm with a charming smile.

“You look radiant,” he said, leaning closer.

Ashley smiled politely. “Thank you, Ethan. You’re not so bad yourself.”

As they moved further into the room, a familiar figure caught Ashley’s eye.

Demitri. He stood near the bar, dressed in a tailored black suit that sharply contrasted with their whites. His intense gaze locked onto her, unmoving.

Ethan noticed and smirked. “Well, this just got interesting.”

Ashley glanced at him. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing,” Ethan smirked with mischief.

As the evening progressed, the music shifted to a slower tune. Ethan turned to Ashley with a playful bow. “May I have this dance?”

Ashley laughed softly. “Of course.”

They glided onto the dance floor, their movements elegant and synchronized. Ethan was light-hearted, cracking jokes that made her laugh despite herself.

“You’re surprisingly good at this,” Ashley teased.

“Don’t let the charm fool you,” Ethan replied with a wink. “I’ve had years of practice sweeping women off their feet.”

From the corner of her eye, Ashley noticed Demitri approaching. Ethan saw him too and leaned down to whisper, “Looks like someone’s about to cut in. Play nice.”

“Mind if I steal her for a dance?” Demitri asked when he reached them, his tone polite but firm.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Only if the lady agrees.”

Ashley hesitated for a moment before stepping into Demitri’s outstretched hand. “Just one dance,” she said coolly.

Ethan nodded, clearly amused. “Don’t keep her too long, Demitri.”

As Demitri led her onto the floor, the tension between them was palpable. He held her a little too close, his grip firm yet hesitant, as if afraid she might slip away.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the music.

Ashley raised an eyebrow. “Thank you.”

He ignored her tone and leaned in slightly. “I need to warn you about Ethan.”

She frowned. “Warn me?”

“He’s a playboy, Ashley. He has a reputation for charming women and leaving them. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Ashley let out a dry laugh. “And why would you care?”

Demitri’s jaw tightened. “Because I don’t want history repeating itself.”

“You mean the way someone hurt me a few months ago?” she asked, her tone laced with amusement.

He flinched but didn’t reply.

Ashley tilted her head, studying him. “Funny. I don’t recall you being concerned about me getting hurt back then.”

Demitri’s gaze darkened. “I’m trying to be honest with you.”

“And I’m trying to enjoy my evening,” she shot back.

They danced in silence for a moment, the tension thick between them. Finally, he broke it. “My parents found out about the divorce.”

Ashley’s expression didn’t change. “And?”

“They weren’t happy, obviously,” he admitted.

She smirked. “Good for them.”

Demitri sighed. “I was hoping you’d come to dinner sometime. With the family.”

Ashley stopped mid-step. “No.”

He blinked. “No?”

“That’s right. I don’t want to,” she said, her tone firm.

“Why not?” he pressed.

She rolled her eyes. “Because I don’t owe you or your family anything, Demitri. You made your choice.”

His grip on her waist tightened slightly. “Are you trying to make me jealous by spending all this time with Ethan?”

Ashley stopped dancing entirely and poked a finger against his chest. “You and Ethan are different. He’s my friend. You are my enemy. Understood?”

The words hit him like a punch to the gut. Before he could respond, she stepped back, breaking their contact. Without another word, Ashley turned and walked back to Ethan, who was waiting at the edge of the dance floor.

“Well, that was quick,” Ethan said, grinning as he held out his hand to her. “Shall we?”

Ashley took his hand, casting a final glance over her shoulder at Demitri. His expression was unreadable, but his clenched fists told her everything she needed to know.

As Ethan spun her back into the rhythm of the music, she couldn’t help but smile.