Christmas with My Grumpy Ex (Feuding Hearts Christmas #1)

13. Gala of Ghosts

13

GALA OF GHOSTS

MAX

I stand at the edge of the grand ballroom, my heart swelling with pride as I take in the scene before me. The Wellington Christmas Charity Gala is in full swing, and it's nothing short of magical. Twinkling lights cascade from the ceiling like a starry sky, reflecting off the crystal chandeliers and casting a warm glow over the room. Garlands of evergreen and shimmering silver adorn every surface, filling the air with the crisp scent of pine.

Ellie's vision has come to life in spectacular fashion. The ballroom has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with ice sculptures glittering at strategic points and tables draped in pristine white linens that sparkle under the soft lighting. It's breathtaking, and I can't help but feel a surge of admiration for the woman who made it all happen.

My eyes find her across the room, a vision in a deep emerald gown that hugs her curves and makes her brown skin glow. She's in her element, moving effortlessly through the crowd, charming guests and ensuring everything runs smoothly. The sight of her takes my breath away, memories of our night together flooding my mind.

I make my way towards her, nodding and exchanging pleasantries with guests as I go. The room is filled with New York's elite, all dressed in their finest, sipping champagne and nibbling on exquisite hors d'oeuvres. The soft strains of a string quartet provide the perfect backdrop to the gentle hum of conversation.

"Max!" My mother's voice cuts through the crowd. She approaches, beaming with pride. "This is absolutely wonderful. Ellie has outdone herself."

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest. "She certainly has. The gala's a huge success."

"And how are things between you two?" There's a knowing glint in her eye that makes me wonder just how much she's picked up on.

"They're... good," I say, unable to keep the smile from my face. "Really good, actually."

My mother's smile widens. "I'm so happy for you, darling. It's about time you allowed yourself some happiness."

Her words hit home, and I feel a pang of guilt. I push it aside, determined not to let my past cloud this perfect evening. "Thanks, Mom. I'm working on it."

As she moves on to greet other guests, I continue my path towards Ellie. She's just finished speaking with a group of donors when our eyes meet across the room. The smile that lights up her face sends a jolt through me, and I quicken my pace.

"Mr. Wellington," she says as I approach, her tone playful and professional all at once. "I trust you're enjoying the evening?"

I lean in close, my hand finding the small of her back. "It's perfect," I murmur, my lips close to her ear. "You're perfect."

A blush creeps up her cheeks, and she ducks her head slightly. "Careful, Mr. Wellington. People might start to think you're biased."

"Let them," I say, surprising myself with my boldness. "I'm proud to be seen with you, Ellie. You've done an incredible job here."

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with a mix of pride and something deeper, something that makes my heart race. "Thank you, Max. That means a lot coming from you."

For a moment, we're lost in our own world, the gala fading into the background. I want to tell her how I feel, how last night changed everything for me. The words are on the tip of my tongue when a voice cuts through our bubble.

"Maxim Wellington."

I freeze, my blood turning to ice in my veins. I know that voice, and it's the last one I want to hear tonight. Slowly, I turn, coming face to face with James and Barbara Campbell—Laura's parents.

"James, Barbara," I manage, my voice tight. "I... I didn't know you were coming."

Barbara's eyes are cold as they flick between Ellie and me. "Clearly," she says, her tone sharp. "We wouldn't want to interrupt your... socializing."

I feel Ellie stiffen beside me, and I instinctively step slightly in front of her, as if to shield her from their judgment. "It's good to see you both," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "How have you been?"

James ignores my question, his gaze fixed on Ellie. "And who might this be?" he asks, though his tone suggests he already knows the answer.

I open my mouth to introduce Ellie, but Barbara cuts me off. "Let me guess," she says, her voice dripping with disdain. "This must be the new woman in your life. The one you've replaced our daughter with."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. I feel the weight of their accusation, the implication that I've somehow betrayed Laura's memory. Guilt crashes over me in waves, threatening to drown me.

"I... that's not..." I stammer, struggling to find the right words.

"It's barely been four years, Max," James says, his voice low and dangerous. "Laura's body is barely cold in the ground, and you're already parading around with someone new?"

I feel like I can't breathe. The festive atmosphere of the gala suddenly feels suffocating. "It's not like that," I manage to say, but even to my own ears, the words sound weak.

Barbara's eyes narrow. "Oh? Then what is it like, Max? Are you telling us you haven't moved on? That this woman means nothing to you?"

I can feel Ellie's eyes on me, waiting for my response. The pressure is overwhelming. I know what I should say, what I want to say. But the words won't come. The guilt, the fear, it's all too much.

"She's... she's a friend," I hear myself say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not sure what's next for us."

The moment the words leave my mouth, I know I've made a terrible mistake. I hear a small gasp beside me and turn to see Ellie, her face a mask of hurt and betrayal. My heart sinks as I realize she heard every word.

"Ellie, I..." I start, but she's already backing away, shaking her head.

"Don't," she says, her voice thick with unshed tears. "Just... don't."

I watch, helpless, as she turns and disappears into the crowd. I want to go after her, to explain, to take back those stupid, cowardly words. But I'm rooted to the spot, trapped by my own guilt and the accusing stares of Laura's parents.

"Well," Barbara says, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "I suppose that answers our question."

I barely hear her. My mind is reeling, replaying the hurt in Ellie's eyes over and over. What have I done?

James and Barbara continue talking, their words a blur of accusations and thinly veiled insults. But I'm not really listening. All I can think about is Ellie, and how I've just pushed away the best thing that's happened to me in years.

Finally, mercifully, they move on, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the crowded ballroom. The gala continues around me, guests laughing and dancing, oblivious to the emotional devastation I've just experienced.

I feel hollow, empty. The guilt that's been my constant companion since Laura's death feels heavier than ever. But now it's joined by a new feeling - regret. Crushing, overwhelming regret for what I've just done to Ellie.

I scan the room, desperate for a glimpse of her emerald dress, but she's nowhere to be seen. Has she left? The thought sends a spike of panic through me. I have to find her, to explain, to beg for forgiveness if necessary.

But as I take a step towards the exit, I'm intercepted by a group of donors eager to discuss the charity's latest initiatives. I paste on a smile, going through the motions of small talk while my mind races. How can I fix this? How can I make Ellie understand that what I said to Laura's parents wasn't true?

The conversation seems to drag on forever. By the time I finally extricate myself, nearly an hour has passed. I make my way to the coat check, hoping against hope that Ellie's wrap is still there. But when I describe it to the attendant, she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, sir. That item was claimed about 45 minutes ago."

My heart sinks. She's gone. I've driven her away with my cowardice, my inability to stand up to Laura's parents and declare my feelings for her.

I stumble back into the ballroom, feeling lost and alone despite the hundreds of people around me. The winter wonderland that seemed so magical earlier now feels cold and artificial. The twinkling lights mock me, reminding me of the spark in Ellie's eyes that I've just extinguished.

As I stand there, surrounded by the fruits of Ellie's labor, the full weight of what I've done crashes over me. I've hurt the woman I love. I've let my guilt and fear control me, pushing away the one person who's made me feel alive again after years of going through the motions.

The rest of the evening passes in a blur. I go through the motions, making speeches, thanking donors, playing the part of the gracious host. But inside, I'm falling apart. Every time I close my eyes, I see Ellie's face, the hurt and betrayal etched into her features.

As the last guests finally trickle out and the staff begins the cleanup, I find myself alone in the middle of the ballroom. The silence is deafening after hours of music and chatter. I look around at the remnants of the gala - half-empty champagne glasses, wilting flower arrangements, the ice sculptures slowly melting.

It's all meaningless without Ellie.

I pull out my phone, my finger hovering over her name in my contacts. But what would I say? How can I possibly explain or excuse what I did? The words I should have said earlier now feel hollow and inadequate.

I've ruined everything. The perfect night we shared, the connection we've been building, the future I was starting to imagine for us - it's all gone, shattered by my moment of weakness.

As I finally leave the hotel, stepping out into the cold New York night, I'm hit with a crushing realization. I love Ellie. I love her with every fiber of my being. And I might have just lost her forever.

The weight of my guilt - both for Laura and now for Ellie - threatens to bring me to my knees. I've been so afraid of dishonoring Laura's memory that I've ended up hurting the woman who's brought light back into my life.

I close my eyes, fighting back tears. How did I let things go so wrong? And more importantly, how can I ever make it right?