The Ravenna Grand Ballroom was open, with guests mingling in every corner. Everyone looked for luxury and perfection, and the room was full of wealthy people. Their clothes, posture, and movements all showed elegance and confidence.
"And here we go," Ivory, a woman in her mid-twenties, whispered as she stood at the edge of the ballroom, sipping her wine and watching the announcer walk to the center.
"Attention, everyone," the Herald said in his formal suit, and the room grew quiet as all eyes turned to him.
"Let's welcome Lucas Melvin Brooks and his hidden bride-to-be," the Herald announced. The doors opened, and a man in his mid-twenties entered with a woman covered from head to toe. The crowd clapped and cheered.
"Pathetic," Ivory muttered, still sipping her wine.
"Are you sure?" came a voice behind her. She turned to see her friend, Sophia Patel.
"Where have you been?" Ivory asked.
"Doesn't matter. I need to mingle. Looks like someone's jealous; wishing you were next to him, right?" Sophia teased.
"I'd rather chew glass than stand beside him," Ivory replied, watching the couple.
"You know this is their engagement party. You should be happy for them," Sophia said, taking a glass from a passing waiter and sipping.
"I am happy. At least I'm not the one ending up with that pathetic CEO of Ravenna Couture," Ivory replied.
"Careful, the walls have ears," Sophia warned.
"Veritas, Anoris, Amare," Ivory said.
"What?" Sophia asked, confused.
"Truth, honor, and love. But all I see in those two are lies, dishonor, and hate," Ivory said, looking at Lucas and the woman.
"Your jealousy is obvious right now, why did you even break up with him? Did he cheat or something? You never told anyone and he never said anything as to what caused the breakup," Sophia said, sipping from her drink, trying to figure out the reason.
"Cheating isn't the only reason people break up. Everyone always says, 'He cheated on me with his ex, my sister, my best friend,' but that's just so cliché. If a man doesn't cheat, does that mean there aren't other reasons to leave? There are so many real reasons to be with or leave someone, but people always seem to forget those.
"You're not making sense right now," Sophia said, looking at her, trying to fathom the meaning of her words.
"Well, when I look at him, all I see is emptiness. He lacks vision, purpose, and goals; even as the new CEO of Ravenna Couture. He has no leadership skills, just living off the wealth. He can't even handle a proper board meeting, always leaving the work for others and wasting away. I tried, but he wasn't willing to do anything with his life. He can't survive on his own or even keep up with what's happening in his company. Honestly, some beggars are better off than him. That's enough reason to leave a man," Ivory said.
"You gotta be kidding me. Tell me you're joking," Sophia replied.
"Anyway, I'm done here. I have somewhere to be; these shenanigans aren't worth my time," Ivory said, dropping her drink on a passing tray and grabbing her floral blue dress and purse.
"Remember, your parents are here," Sophia said, nodding toward them.
"I don't care. See you later," Ivory replied, walking out of the ballroom and catching Lucas's eye on her way. She headed down the stairs, where her chauffeur opened the car door for her, and she got in.
"To Oakdale Memorial Cemetery," Ivory said quietly, pulling out her phone.
"Yes, ma'am," the chauffeur replied, driving off.
Ivory unlocked her Galaxy and scrolled through her photos, stopping at one that made her pause. As she tapped it, tears welled up in her eyes.
"Today makes it one year since you left me. I miss you so much," Ivory whispered, staring at the photo of her and her best friend; her ride or die, more like a sister. The pain from that tragic car accident still lingered, leaving Ivory broken.
She glanced at the time, already six in the evening; but she knew she had to visit in remembrance. The car stopped at the cemetery entrance.
"Ma'am, do you need me to come with you?" the chauffeur asked.
"I'll be fine. Just wait here and don't disturb me, I need some time alone," Ivory replied, stepping out of the car.
"Ma'am, do you need an umbrella?" the chauffeur asked, stepping out.
Ivory glanced at the sky and shook her head, then walked into the cemetery, holding her dress as she made her way to her friend's resting place. After a short walk, she stood before the grave.
She knelt at the headstone. "Emily, I miss you so much. Life hasn't been the same without you. You left a hole in my heart, and I don't know if I'll ever feel whole again. Rest well, my dear friend." Memories of their laughter and secrets rushed back, and Ivory buried her face in her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Ivory had no idea how long she'd been there. When she finally looked up, the sky was dark, and a raindrop hit her cheek. Before she could move, a strong wind whipped through the cemetery, and rain poured down in torrents.
"Shit!" she muttered, hurrying through the graves, heart pounding. Suddenly, something grabbed her leg - she froze, shaking with fear. With shaking hands, she pulled out her phone and switched on the light. To her horror, she saw a hand gripping her ankle, reaching out from a shallow grave.
Panic screamed at her to run, but thinking of Emily gave her courage. She knelt, digging frantically with her hands as rain soaked her, holding her phone in her mouth. Finally, the buried person sat up, grabbed her hand, and slipped a ring onto her finger. Terrified, Ivory screamed and bolted, desperate to get help; only to realize she was lost in the darkness.
Ivory wandered slowly, lost and shivering in the graveyard. Suddenly, she bumped into someone and let out a terrified scream.
"Ma'am, it's fine, it's me," her chauffeur's familiar voice soothed. "You're safe, let's get you out of here," he said, holding an umbrella over her. Ivory could only nod, still shaken, as he gently led her away. She couldn't help but look back.