5. Fated Meeting?

Elizabeth stares in disbelief.

August Dereon heads to the stage with his fiancee, kisses her hand, and smiles. Elizabeth notices how beautiful Emily Gray looks. Black gown hugging her slim, athletic build, Louboutins on her feet and minimal make-up like Elizabeth, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Of course, August Dereon would be engaged to a stunner.

He then turns around and looks at the crowd. 

Just as she thought, it was the stranger from the balcony. As he scans the crowd, his eyes fall on Elizabeth. They make eye contact for a split second, and he looks away again and frowns slightly. 

The women in the crowd are definitely swooning, Elizabeth notes. "Typical." she thinks drily.

"I'm pleased to see such a wonderful turnout of our city's most powerful families. On September 22nd The Dereon and Grays will become one. My lovely fiancee and I will only have our families present at this intimate affair, with a reception afterward, held at Dereon Hall; to which all of you are invited. Thank you for joining us this evening." August finishes his speech and a round of applause followed. The couple leaves the stage and heads into the crowd to mingle.

Elizabeth sees this as an opportunity to leave. She calls her driver to bring the Maybach around and heads toward the door. Leaving the hall, she stands outside and waits for her driver. Why was she feeling so dejected? 

"Little Dragonfly," 

She hears a voice behind her and stops abruptly, heart in her throat. Knowing who would be standing there when she turns around, she exhales and slowly turns.