The party was already at full blast when Megyn, Benjamin, Cindy, and Evans arrived at the grand dining hall on the first floor of the Royal Sunset Hotel.
As they entered, hand in hand, the ambience of the room took their breath away. Waiters in crisp uniforms greeted them with silver trays laden with drinks, offering glasses of sparkling juice, wine, and exotic cocktails.
Megyn glanced around, momentarily distracted by the splendour. The entire space had been transformed into a scene straight out of a movie.
Dining tables were laid out in precise symmetry, each adorned with elaborate centrepieces—scarlet roses intertwined with black and gold ribbons that shimmered under the light.
The walls were decked with red and black balloons, and elegant paper buntings in matching colours framed the ceiling edges, creating a festive yet refined ambience.
Low-hanging crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, casting gentle glows over the polished floors and silk-covered chairs.
Classical music floated softly in the background, adding a serene tone to the evening. The tantalizing aroma of grilled meats, exotic spices, and freshly baked pastries filled the air, making Megyn's stomach flutter with anticipation.
They chose a table near the centre of the room, allowing a clear view of the stage and surrounding guests. The gala, unlike the usual formal gatherings, was relaxed—an evening of social mingling, casual dress-downs in red and black, and lavish feasting.
Plates clinked, laughter echoed, and cheerful banter filled the space as old friends reconnected and new acquaintances were made.
A long buffet stood along one side of the hall, boasting an impressive variety: roasted lamb, spiced chicken, seafood paella, aromatic vegetable stews, and a dessert section that looked like a dream.
Nearby, an equally impressive drinks station stood stocked with juices, sodas, wine, and spirits.
Among the crowd, Megyn and Benjamin noticed Doctor Jerry. He was seated across the room—with Terry practically draped over him, their physical closeness leaving little to the imagination.
Cindy, however, hadn't seen them. Her face was lit with an innocent hope that tugged at Megyn's heart.
When the men excused themselves to fetch food, Megyn turned to Cindy. The time had come to prepare her for the heartbreak looming ahead.
"Cindy," she said gently, folding her hands on the table, "what would you do if you found out that Jerry and Terry are in a serious relationship?"
Cindy's smile faltered. "I... I don't know, Megyn. I think I'd break down completely. I've invested so much in that relationship—emotionally, physically—everything."
Megyn's brow furrowed. "What do you mean by 'invested'?"
Cindy lowered her gaze and whispered, "I think I might be pregnant. I told him, but since then, he's been avoiding me like I've got a disease. I feel like he's already moved on to someone else."
Megyn's breath caught, but she kept her expression composed. The revelation struck her like a blow, but she leaned forward and reached for Cindy's hand.
"I didn't know, Cindy. I just thought you'd been low energy lately because things were finally stabilising between you two."
Cindy chuckled bitterly. "Stabilising? I feel like I'm the most unsettled girl in college right now. He barely talks to me anymore. In fact, I was planning to travel to Randi just to find out what's going on."
Megyn hesitated before speaking. "Cindy… you don't have to go to Randi. He's here. He just walked in—with Terry."
Cindy went rigid, her lips parting slightly in disbelief. "No... Are you sure?"
"I saw them with my own eyes. Just forget about him. He doesn't deserve you. Let it go."
But Cindy wasn't listening. Her voice trembled. "I need to see him. Just once, Megyn. Please. Take me to him."
At that moment, Benjamin and Evans returned, overhearing Cindy's desperate plea. Benjamin glanced at Evans with a subtle nod, signaling him to step in.
Evans gently placed a reassuring hand on Cindy's shoulder. "I'll take you to him, beautiful," he said softly. "You deserve the truth, even if it hurts."
With a quiet firmness, he helped her to her feet and led her through the crowd. When they approached Jerry's table, Terry's posture changed. She smirked and deliberately lifted a chicken wing from her plate, feeding it to Jerry. He grinned, took the bite, and licked her fingers provocatively.
Cindy's breathing quickened. She rushed forward and, without hesitation, slapped Jerry across the face with such force that the room seemed to freeze. Jerry reeled from the blow, nearly choking on the food in his mouth. The sound of the slap echoed like a thunderclap through the hall.
A moment later, Cindy's body went limp, collapsing into Evans's arms. He caught her just in time.
"So, still playing the heartbreaker, Jerry?" Evans said coolly, holding Cindy protectively. "One day, you'll learn that women aren't toys. And when that day comes, I'll be waiting."
Benjamin and Megyn hurried over. Together, the men carried Cindy out of the hall and into one of the nearby suites. Megyn followed closely, her heart pounding. They laid her on a plush couch and did everything they could to revive her. Within minutes, Cindy stirred. She was pale and shaken but conscious.
"She'll be alright," Evans said quietly. "But we should run a few tests. Just to be sure."
Jerry and Terry, sensing the scandal they had ignited, slipped out discreetly.
Half an hour passed. Cindy, now refreshed, rejoined the party. Her confidence hadn't fully returned, but she held herself with more grace than before. Evans handed her a glass of sparkling red wine.
"Just a sip," he whispered, smiling. "It'll help calm your nerves."
She took a small sip, then another, and before long, she was leaning into Evans's conversation, laughing gently, a flicker of her old spirit returning.
By now, the formal part of the evening had begun. Reports of the association's half-year activities were being shared. Benjamin and Evans, both holding leadership roles, moved to the front table to address the members.
While they were away, a striking woman approached their table and slid into an empty seat. Her presence was commanding, and her boldness, unsettling.
"Was that your man?" she asked Cindy with a knowing smile. "That was a mean slap, girl. You're tough. He deserved every bit of it."
She took a sip of her drink before continuing casually. "I had a thing with him once. He messed me up bad. I ended up having to... you know... terminate it."
Megyn and Cindy looked at her, stunned by her openness. Her beauty was undeniable, her tone confident, even charming.
But there was something unsettling about her calmness.
"I hope he didn't mess you up too," she added.
Before Cindy could respond, the woman kept talking, as if thinking aloud. "I swear, the only doctors I want now are Benjamin and Evans. Then maybe I'll be done with them all."
"Be careful what you say, Daisy," Megyn said quietly, her voice laced with steel. "Some memories don't fade so easily."
"Megyn," Cindy whispered urgently. "Is this her?"
Megyn nodded silently, her jaw tightening. It was Daisy—the very woman who had once tried to come between her and Benjamin, causing more pain than Megyn cared to remember.
Benjamin, now seated at the front, glanced toward them, his face tensing when he saw Daisy.
A moment later, a security officer approached their table. Without a word, he gestured for Daisy to follow him out.
"You're lucky today," Cindy said under her breath as Daisy rose. "Next time, you won't be. Door mat."
But Daisy only smiled sadly. "He used you just like he used me. We're both walking the same painful path."
As she was escorted away, Megyn's anger faded, replaced by a quiet sympathy. What had life done to Daisy to make her the person she had become? She shook the thought away. Tonight, she needed to be emotionally present for her friend—Cindy needed her more than ever.
And as she looked across the room at Benjamin, who watched her with concern, she realised that despite the pain, despite the drama, the people who truly cared were still there—holding each other up in the middle of life's chaos.