Chapter 6 - The Ambush at the GalaOne month later.
The Chicago Fire Department held its annual Charity Gala at the Grand Ballroom of the Drake Hotel—ironically, the very place where Valerie had staged her setup.
Despite being on administrative leave, Alex attended. He wore his formal dress uniform, though he sat alone at a corner table near the back. He looked like a ghost of the hero he used to be.
The room was filled with city officials, reporters, high-ranking officers, and wealthy donors.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the main entrance swung open.
A hush fell over the room.
I walked into the ballroom.
I was seven months pregnant now, wearing an elegant, floor-length sapphire blue gown that highlighted my pregnancy bump. My hair was styled in soft waves, and my face was radiant. Beside me stood my lawyer, Marcus Vance, looking sharp in a tux.
Alex stood up so fast his chair almost knocked over. "Lucy...?"
The crowd began to whisper. Everyone recognized the pregnant woman from the news headlines.
Before Alex could walk toward me, another figure pushed her way through the crowd.
It was Valerie.
She was wearing a glittering red dress, holding a glass of champagne. She had sneaked into the event using a donor pass, determined to cement her place in the high-society spotlight.
When Valerie saw me, a smirk formed on her lips. She strutted right up to me, standing in the middle of the ballroom floor where everyone could see.
"Well, well, well," Valerie said loudly, her tone dripping with venom. "If it isn't the tragic victim. Shouldn't you be at home resting, Lucy? You look quite... exhausted."
"I'm feeling wonderful, Valerie," I replied smoothly, holding my head high. "In fact, I've never felt clearer in my life."
"Is that why you took Alex’s house and his money?" Valerie sneered, turning to face the crowd of reporters who were already raising their cameras. "You played the helpless pregnant wife on social media, destroying a good officer’s career just because he saved a life before yours!"
"Valerie, stop it!" Alex shouted, rushing over from the back of the room. "Shut your mouth!"
"No, Alex!" Valerie snapped back, looking dramatically at the cameras. "The public deserves to know the truth! You saved me because I was in danger! Lucy is just bitter because your heart belonged to me first!"
I laughed.
It wasn't a bitter laugh. It was a clear, ringing laugh that echoed through the silent ballroom.
"My heart?" I echoed. "Valerie, you really think this was about love?"
I pulled a small wireless remote from my evening clutch and pressed a button.
Behind the main stage, the massive projection screen—which was supposed to show a slideshow of the department’s annual achievements—suddenly flickered to life.
"What is that?" Chief Vance demanded, stepping forward from the head table.
The speakers in the ballroom boomed with clear, high-definition audio.
It wasn't just the text message.
It was a recording from the elevator’s internal security camera—a file that my lawyer had subpoenaed from the department store’s insurance company just two days prior.
The audio filled the room:
Valerie's voice (recorded inside the elevator at 5:30 p.m.): "You think you're so special, Lucy? Carrying his baby? Alex doesn't love you. He comes every time I call. I made him miss your ultrasound, and I'll make him leave you the second we get out of here."
Lucy's voice: "He's my husband, Valerie. And he's the father of my child."
Valerie's voice (laughing softly): "Not for long. Watch what happens when the doors open. I’ll make sure he steps right over you."
The entire ballroom gasped.
Cameras flashed like a thunderstorm. Reporters began frantically scribbling in their notebooks. City council members shook their heads in utter disgust.
Valerie’s face turned from pale white to bright red. The glass of champagne trembled in her hand.
"That... that's edited!" Valerie shrieked, backing away as people stared at her with repulsion. "That's fake!"
"It's the official security footage provided under court subpoena, Valerie," Marcus Vance announced loudly for the entire room to hear. "And tomorrow morning, the State’s Attorney will be filing formal charges against you for filing false emergency reports and extortion."
"No... no!" Valerie turned to Alex, reaching out for his arm. "Alex, tell them! Tell them she's lying!"
Alex looked at Valerie with cold, hollow eyes.
He didn't touch her. He didn't move to save her.
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"Don't touch me," Alex whispered.
Valerie stumbled back, tripping over her own high heels, splashing her champagne all over her expensive red dress before falling onto the polished wooden floor in front of two hundred people.
