REBIRTH : Chasing The Limelight-Chapter 60: There’s a little wine here...
As Elara walked into the grand hall with Ziva and Lioren, the first thing that reached her ears was the sound. The sounds of laughter and the clinking of glasses. And beneath all of it, the loud music that filled the air.
At the center of the hall, a girl group was performing rock music, drawing attention without even trying.
Elara’s eyes moved slowly across the room. The hall was very wide and filled with people. Not just ordinary guests, but people who carried presence with them. High society figures sat in groups, speaking with calm elegance and confidence. Famous singers and rising stars, business moguls, actors, and other influential figures were scattered across the hall.
Some faces felt familiar to her while others she did not recognize at all.
The moment they walked forward, some people noticed immediately as they entered, though not everyone. Many were too busy talking, drinking, or enjoying the music. But those who did look their way had their attention fixed first on Lioren curiously and respectfully, before slowly shifting to Elara and Ziva.
Then they started speaking quietly to one another. Some gave small waves or polite nods.
Lioren gave a brief nod toward Elara. "Let’s go have a seat," he said.
Elara paused for few seconds, then she nodded. But when she turned slightly to the back, she noticed that Ziva had not moved.
Ziva stood still, a faint look of annoyance on her face. Elara did not know what had caused it, but she did not ask. She simply reached out, caught Ziva’s hand, and gently pulled her along.
They had only taken a few steps toward a nearby table when a woman approached them.
She wore something that looked more like 5% clothing and 95% skin. In her hand was a glass of wine, and her steps were slow and confident.
Elara did not recognize her, but she looked like someone from the entertainment circle.
The woman’s eyes were fixed on Lioren.
When she reached them, she stopped right in front of him and smiled, waving her hand in greeting.
Lioren’s expression did not change as he looked at her.
Elara quickly understood that this was someone he knew. Not wanting to interrupt, she turned to step away. But before she could move, Lioren suddenly reached out and held her hand.
"Wait," he said.
Elara’s eyes widened for a long second. But she quickly controlled her expression, forcing a small, polite smile. Her gaze dropped to their hands, which were now intertwined. She felt a bit stiff, aware of the many eyes around them. People could easily misunderstand something like this.
But Lioren had already looked away, as if holding her hand was the most normal thing in the world.
The woman’s gaze followed the movement.
From Lioren’s face, her eyes dropped to their hands. Her smile faltered for a moment before she looked back at Elara, then at Lioren again. "I never knew you’d be here. It’s been a long while," she said.
Lioren gave a small nod in reply.
The woman then turned fully to Elara. "Serelaine," she said, introducing herself.
"Elara," Elara replied with a nod.
"Elara... how lovely," Serelaine said with a soft smile. "What do you do?"
"I sing," Elara answered calmly.
"She won the Rising Voice showcase," Lioren added before she could say anything more.
Serelaine paused for a moment, then smiled again. "That’s impressive." She turned to Lioren fully. "Well Lio, let’s meet and talk more after this party....you know–,"
"Sorry, I don’t think that’s necessary." Lioren replied.
Serelaine froze again, then she nodded, her smile returning. Without another word, she turned and walked away into the crowd.
Elara finally let out a quiet breath. Then realizing something. Her eyes lowered again.
The woman was already gone. But why was Lioren still holding her hand. Before she could say anything, Ziva suddenly coughed.
Lioren looked at her in confusion. Ziva lowered her gaze.
Lioren followed her line of sight, and when he saw their hands still joined, he quickly let go.
"I’m sorry," he said at once. "The hand... I shouldn’t have..."
Elara lifted the corner of her lips slightly. "You used me," she said in a teasing tone.
Lioren’s smile stiffened, then he cleared his throat, as if unsure how to respond.
"Next time, hold your own hand," she added.
"That would look strange," he replied.
Ziva shifted at the side, maybe uncomfortable with the attention around them. Without saying much, she reached out and held Elara’s arm, pulling her gently.
"Let’s go sit," she said sternly. Lioren nodded quickly but just as they were about to move, Elara’s eyes lifted to see Relanie standing with a group of ladies across the hall.
When Relanie’s eyes met hers, something unreadable passed through her gaze. Then, as if nothing had happened, she turned to the ladies she had been speaking with, said a few words, and excused herself. Her steps were calm and elegant as she walked toward them.
"Hi, Lioren, I’m so glad you came. When I sent the invitation, I wasn’t sure you would." she said warmly.
Lioren gave a small nod. "Happy birthday," he said. Relanie’s smile brightened slightly at his words before she turned to Ziva. "Ziva," she greeted while Ziva gave a polite bow in return.
Then Relanie’s attention shifted to Elara. "How did you manage to get in?" she asked, her tone filled with concern. "I’m so sorry, I forgot to put your name on the special guests list. I’m really sorry."
Elara nodded lightly, her face calm, though her thoughts paused for a moment. She wondered if it had truly been a mistake or something else. But she did not dwell on it. From everything she had seen, Relanie had never been openly hostile. At most, she only liked to remind people of her position.
"Lioren met us at the gate. He brought us in," Elara said simply.
"I’m glad," Relanie replied quickly.
Lioren added in a mild tone, "It was quite troublesome. She had been standing outside for some time."
Relanie’s smile stiffened for the smallest moment before it returned. She reached out and gently took Elara’s arm. "Come on, you must be tired. I’ve reserved a table for us." she said and then turn to Lioren and Ziva. "You should come too."
Elara had no choice but to follow. As they walked toward the seating area, Elara’s eyes moved ahead, and then stopped.
Adrian was already there. He sat at the round table, a glass of wine resting loosely in his hand, his posture relaxed but distant, like he existed outside the noise of the party.
When they reached the table, Relanie gestured to them. "Everyone, sit."
There were eight chairs arranged neatly around the table. Elara hesitated for a brief second, then chose a seat that was almost opposite Adrian, but not directly facing him.
Lioren took the seat on her right, and Ziva sat on her left. Relanie, without hesitation, sat beside Adrian.
Relanie signaled to a staff member nearby. "Wine, please."
Not long after, a server arrived carrying a bottle and several glasses. He poured the wine into each glass and then placed the bottle at the center of the table for refills.
Elara picked up her glass and took a small sip. When she lifted her head again, her eyes suddenly met with Adrian’s. She paused for a moment, then quickly looked away, her fingers tightening slightly around the glass.
Why is he looking at me like that?
She glanced back again. Their eyes met once more. This time, the look lasted a second longer.
Elara quickly turned her gaze aside again, wondering if there’s something on her face?
Before she could think further, Lioren, who had been quietly typing on his phone, finally looked up. His eyes moved naturally to Elara, and when he saw her, a small smile appeared on his lips.
"There’s a little wine here," he said gently, pointing near the corner of his own lips to show her.
Elara blinked in confusion for a moment, then she smiled in return. "Oh."
She reached for a handkerchief placed neatly on the table beside the cutlery. But before she could bring it to her face, Lioren had already leaned forward and took it from her hand.
"Let me," he said.
Elara’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, her body going still for a moment as his hand moved closer....
