Ashes Between Us

The Event

Chandeliers glowed above the massive hall, pouring golden light across the crowd. Laughter and chatter bounced off the walls. Men and women dressed in sharp suits and elegant gowns filled the room, their polished shoes tapping against the marble floor. The air reeked of wealth, pride, and ego. Glasses clinked as waiters moved through the crowd, serving drinks that sparkled under the lights. The scent of perfume and wine blended together, heavy and rich.

At the front stood a wide stage, draped in fine linen and flowers arranged with care. At its center was a tall glass pulpit, shining under the spotlights. Rose stood there, commanding attention. Her long black dress hugged her curves, the slit down the side showing just enough leg to draw eyes her way. A confident smile spread across her face. Moments ago, she had cracked one of her best jokes, and the room was still echoing with laughter. She looked at home here, as though the stage had been built for her alone.

Among the crowd sat Levi. His crisp white shirt and black tuxedo fit him perfectly, giving him the look of a man who belonged in this circle. He didn’t laugh out loud, but a small grin tugged at his lips as he listened. He raised a glass once, sipping lightly, though his mind was not entirely on the show. His eyes stayed sharp, scanning, calculating.

“Alright,” Rose’s voice boomed through the speakers, strong and steady. “We’ve had fun. We’ve laughed and joked. But now—it’s time to get back to business.”

The crowd hushed almost instantly. The hall lights dimmed until only a single spotlight shone on Rose. All eyes fixed on her.

“Today,” she continued, “we gather here as titans of our industries—both commercial and military—to give recognition to those who stand out. Those who have shaken the world with their work. This event, held at the halfway point of every year, was created for one purpose: to encourage the innovative minds of our city.”

Her words rolled off her tongue with practiced ease. Levi’s sharp eyes moved across the room, noting the approving nods from CEOs, investors, and decorated officers. They were eating up every word, men and women who controlled fortunes and power. To them, Rose was more than a host. She was the bridge between their pride and their reputation.

“This ceremony also acts as a chance for us to give back,” Rose went on. “Do not forget to place your donations. This year, all proceeds will go to the orphanages in our city—and our sister city. Show your generosity. Support those who need it most.”

The crowd shifted, a few people already reaching for their donation slips. Waiters moved between tables with small boxes ready to collect sealed envelopes. Rose paused, her smile returning, her posture relaxed but commanding.

“And now, let us begin.” She raised the first envelope with a flourish. “Our first award is for the best-selling product of the past six months.”

The room leaned in as she slid a manicured finger under the flap. Slowly, deliberately, she pulled the card from the envelope. Her smile widened just a little before she lifted her head.

“And the winner is EraVision. Made by Ero Technologies.”

The room erupted in applause. A wave of clapping and cheers swept the hall, as though everyone agreed this was the rightful choice. The CEO of the company stood up, bowing his head slightly before heading toward the stage. His steps were slow, measured, proud.

Levi joined in the applause, his gaze drifting slowly through the hall. He saw the fake smiles, the tight handshakes, the eyes that always searched for advantage. The world of wealth had never changed. He almost smirked at the performance.

Just then, the doors at the back of the hall opened. Audrey walked in. Her red dress instantly caught the light and every eye nearby. But Levi’s eyes found her first. His breath stalled. Her hair spilled down her shoulder, a little messy, but it only added to her charm. She glanced around quickly, scanning for a seat, unaware of how many people had already noticed her.

Levi froze. His hands, mid clap, stopped. His jaw dropped slightly as he found himself drawn in by her beauty once more. The sight of her here, in this hall, felt unreal.

A few seconds later, Barry entered. His arms tucked into his trouser pockets, shoulders loose, as though he owned the place. He walked straight to Audrey’s side, leaning in close as though it were natural. He gently grabbed her arm and steered her toward an empty seat.

Levi’s brow furrowed. His chest tightened. His hand slowly curled into a fist under the table. He watched them sit side by side, Audrey brushing her hair back, Barry leaning toward her to whisper something. Levi’s blood boiled.

Who the hell was this guy that dared touch his wi—

The thought cut off. Reality slammed back. His wife no longer.

He unclenched his fist slowly, forcing a breath through his nose. He reminded himself again where he was. This was not a night to cause trouble. This was Rose’s night. He could not ruin it. Still, the anger bubbled, threatening to spill.

Levi rose from his seat quietly. Nobody paid much attention as he slipped out of the hall, his steps calm though his heart raced. The hallway outside stretched long, the chatter fading behind him.

He walked until he found a door labeled Toilet. Pushing it open, he stepped into the male restroom. Bright white tiles, a row of sinks, and mirrors that stretched across the wall greeted him. The silence was heavy, broken only by the hum of a ceiling fan.

Levi went straight to the sink. His reflection stared back—eyes sharp, jaw clenched, fists trembling at his sides. Quickly he turned on the tap, letting cold water rush over his hands. He splashed his face again and again, the cool drops calming him just enough to breathe.

He leaned on the sink, gripping it tight, staring at himself in the mirror. His voice came out low, a whisper to no one but himself.

“Calm down, Levi. This isn’t the place or time. Just let it all be for now. Don’t jeopardize the mission.”

He repeated it twice, three times, until the words steadied his breath. His heartbeat slowed. He straightened his back, drying his face with a folded napkin from the dispenser.

Just then, the door swung open. Barry strolled in. A grin on his face, hands still in his pockets, whistling a light tune nonchalantly. He barely spared Levi a glance, moving past him toward the urinals.

The sound of splashing echoed through the room, loud and crude in the silence. Levi’s jaw tightened again. He stared at the mirror, watching Barry’s reflection, every nerve in his body tense.