A Night Of Elegance And Fate.

Photo by Yunus Tuğ:

The little ornate invitation lay there on the table, its extremities were delicately embossed with gold leaf. The words on the paper danced before her eyes, inviting her into a world of opulence and grandeur.

*"You are warmly invited to the first grand fundraiser event, tagged 'An Evening of Elegance.' at the city's ballroom. RSVP by May 5th."

Lillian grinned from cheek to cheek as she read the elegant calligraphy. At the same time, her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Attending such big events has never been her forte. In Fact the world of glittering gowns, sparkling chandeliers, influential people and never ending champagne intimidated her.

Yet this particular event was undeniable, it was for her company's growth. There are whispers of renowned philanthropists and of course influential personalities, and potential investors gracing the occasion.

The opulent chandeliers gleamed above, throwing a warm golden hue across the grand ballroom and upon her as she gracefully walked in with an aura of a lady who knows her worth. She had put in so much willpower to drag herself out of her house to the venue of the fundraiser.

Lillian was a woman of stunning beauty and elegance. Adorned in a full-length sapphire emerald gown that cascaded lavishly behind her. The upper fabric clung tightly to her curves, accentuating every of her elegance and grace. Her raven curls avalanche over her shoulders and gently caressed by the cool evening breeze with a red bow to hold in place. Her eyes, a vibrant shade of hazel, glittered with delight as she examined the room. Glistening with every step she took, looking every bit of graceful and true woman.

She had always been invited to lavish events, but as usual she always felt apprehensive. Social gatherings like this had always made her cringe, to worsen it all, navigating discussions and meeting new people were a minefield. Sometimes she wonders how she was able to build an empire with her personality.

The air in the room was heavy with anticipation and excitement. Symphony's of laughter and clinking wine glasses, mingled with the lovely notes of a string quartet at the side. Tonight was no ordinary evening, it was a private fundraiser event, hosted in the heart of her city. The room thronged with the excitement of philanthropy and the glamour of high society. The guests, like celestial beings, glided gracefully across the marble floors, conversations in different tones.

Across the room, Alexander, a man of stunning charm and charisma, made his entry. His well tailored tuxedo accentuated his broad shoulders, and his ebony hair was perfectly coiffed. He oozed confidence with a confident stride, drawing admiring glances from everyone around him.

Alexander, too, was no stranger to the uneasiness and nervousness that mingled with the thrill of attending such gatherings. He was a man that longed daily for quietness, far away from the thrills of opulent lifestyle.

As the night unfolded, Lillian found herself miraculously caught in the tide of conversations, expertly maneuvering the social dance. She exchanged pleasantries and engaged in witty banter. But something caught her attention and she couldn't keep her thoughts from drifting to the enigmatic stranger who had walked into the room.

Several times, her gaze locked with the stranger's. He had these emerald-blue eyes with a trace of mischief, and their glitter captured her in an instant. He was tall, with disheveled chestnut hair that brushed across his forehead, and a faint smile that could melt the iciest of hearts, she noticed.

Alexander, too, couldn't resist her beauty; his eyes repeatedly pierced the dainty woman in green. Their gazes occasionally met, and a romantic but magnetic pull seemed to gradually bridge the gap between them.

Unable to resist such allure, Alexander gracefully made his way towards Lillian. With each step, his heart beat with contemplation and a myriad of different emotions. Lillian, sensing his approach, stylishly turned to face him. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she beheld his radiant self in full glare. The world around them seemed to quickly fade into the background as he spoke.

"Hello," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm Alexander."
He extended a hand, to touch hers sending cold shivers down her spine.

"I'm Lilian. It's a pleasure to meet you, Alexander."

"Dance with me, please, " he asked politely.

And with that, they conversed effortlessly as they swirled to the strings of the quartet, their faces painted in blushful smiles. Their laughter mingled with the tender notes of the string quartet playing in the background. The chemistry between them, undeniable. Just as if they had known each other for a lifetime, but yet to discover the depths of their souls.

Basking in their own new world, they decided to escape the cacophony of the event. Their yearnings for a moment of solitude, away from the prying eyes and the ceaseless chatter was like a strong surge. Quietly, they slipped away unnoticed.

Photo by Meruyert Gonullu:

In a quaint little open café, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, tucked away from the glitz and glamor, away from the heart of the city, they found themselves sitting. The cool evening breeze flushed against faces and rustled through leaves of nearby trees. The dark heavens stretched above them, its canvas adorned with a blanket of stars, like a mass choir.

Moments later, Lilian glanced at her watch and it was late already. Of Course time has a way of disrupting beautiful moments and fate has a way of intertwining joy and tragedy.

They got in the car, the road stretched before them as they rode home. Gently drizzles of rain beat their windscreen. The promises of a happy and joyful night quickly turned into a cruel twist of fate.

Alexander couldn't control the steering anymore and their car skidded off the rain-soaked road. Lillian screams pierced the air, shattered glasses, twisted metals and repeated somersaults, finally time stood still. The night had swallowed their dreams, leaving only shattered remnants of what could have been a beautiful beginning.

In the cold stillness that followed, Lillian pulled herself from the wreckage, her lush skin battered and bruised. She called out Alexander's name, anguish and desperation filled her voice. But no response came from the huge body lying there. Only but the haunting echo of her cries in the night.

Soon sirens wailed in the distance and in a few minutes Alexander's body was wrapped in a body bag and put into an ambulance. Lilian couldn't believe her eyes. Was she dreaming? Few hours ago she was with a man that made her feel everything beautiful but now it was the opposite.

Months passed and Lilian still mourned like she had known him for years, always lost in grief. And on nights where the wind whispered through the trees and the stars shone their brightest, she raised her gaze to the heavens. Searching for answers, and maybe, a glimmer of Alexander's spirit hovering.

Although he was gone, she felt his presence lingering and woven into the fabric of her being.