~~~Violet~~~

It was a luxurious gala at an upscale venue, adorned with glittering chandeliers and ornate decorations. The air is filled with soft chatter, clinking glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. Guests, dressed in elegant evening gowns and sharp tuxedos, mingle gracefully around the room.

As soon as I walked in my eyes immediately. Started looking for Sydney. Cause I needed to be there for Branson's race. In 3 hours and I had a feeling his perfect streak was going to come to a halt. And I needed to witness it

Then I saw her in that........dress

I stomped towards Sydney like a freak train. On the train tracks.

The Dark, crimson streaks marred the fabric, seeping into the delicate threads like a cruel mockery of its former memory of my tragedy .

As I got closer the scene grew, more gruesome. The dress was draped over her figure, sprawled grotesquely around her.

"Why are you wearing .....That dress. "I demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of fury and disbelief

She started to rapidly blink her eyes. I could see she was holding back tears "I...I.. designed this dress for the ball..."

"You know I know you. How dare you even try to lie to me." I was like a gasket ready to blow. People started to look at us.

I know Sydney doesn't like public humiliation so I took a breath. To calm myself down.

"Look I had to wear it. I had no choice.....please don't be mad at me." My anger simmered down. When I saw solitary of sadness silently swimming in her eyes.

I bite my lip and nodded my head. I could see the relief in her eyes.

But her words still kept hitting me in my head.

I had to wear it.

CLINK CLINK

Both Sydney and I turned to the source. And it was the Mayor.

"Well thank you all for coming. But I want to give a special thank you to my princess for organizing the gala to announce the new owners of the state Aramoor hospital." He paused and the people applauded and mumbled among each other.

I turned to look at her she had a shy smile on her face. I smiled at her wondering what it's like to come from a warm family...

"Mr. Cornwall and his son . Please come forward. " The was an older white man and a younger man going up the stairs.

"Dwayne?" Sydney gasped next to me.

"Who is Dwayne?" I questioned her

"He is one of the doctors that helps Candy." She whispered, while clapping her hands

I looked back at him "isn't he around our age."

"He's a student." She clarified

I nodded my head "He's cute isn't he?"

She raised her brow " I wouldn't know. I only got eyes for Branson."

We both giggled "Speaking of Brandson where is he?" I asked her

"Oh he's not coming. He said we will link AFTER." She said with a disappointed smile

yeah he got that race...... I got to bounce soon too

The crowd started to cheer, and her Dad continued "I am thrilled to introduce you to the new partners of our government hospital, the Cornwall family. This esteemed organization is renowned for its innovation, quality, and dedication to patient care. Their commitment to healthcare excellence and community well-being aligns perfectly with our values." The grey man came forward. To the mic, and his son followed behind . "first of all I want to thank my wife and my son for supporting me." He turned to look at his son, and pointed towards a woman in the crowd. "We are incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead and are committed to investing in the hospital's future, enhancing services, and expanding access to quality healthcare for all. We look forward to working closely, with the talented staff here and with the community, to make this transition as smooth and beneficial as possible.

Thank you for your warm welcome. We are excited to be part of this community, and are committed to making a positive, lasting impact." the crowd cheered then the was at the mayor's speech.

"The floor is open to questions?" Sydney's dad stated

The press gathered in front of the stage.

"How do you plan to keep healthcare costs affordable for patients, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured?"

The Mayor had a smile and his composer, on his face as he answered the first question "We are committed, to making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone. We will explore various initiatives to support patients, such as expanding financial assistance programs and working with community organizations to address the need."

The was a guy with a camera around his neck.

"There are rumors that staff layoffs might be part of the transition. Can you confirm or deny this?"

The Mayor still had a smile and his composer on his face as he answered the second question "Our priority is to support and retain the talented staff here, as they are essential to the hospital's success."

"What assurances can you provide that this transition won't lead to a decrease in community-focused health programs?"

Her dad was a Pro. He calm and collected as these questions , were flying towards him. "We highly value the community-focused health programs that are already in place and plan to not only maintain, but also expand them. We believe that a healthy community is the foundation of our success and are dedicated to supporting and growing these vital programs."

I was getting bored. I needed to get going. I need to dash like a driver in a hit and run.

Ooh that was in poor taste considering...

"You just selling that hospital. Because this town going broke." I snapped my neck. At the source. So did everyone else.

The people made sounds that echoed through the air like a tumultuous symphony.

"I saw it and soon, all you will see it too." It was a woman, with a camera around her neck.

The Mayor took a gulp and adjusted his tie. As security caried the lady out.

The Mayor cleared his throat "We recognize the uncertainty and anxiety our residents and businesses may feel about our town's financial future. Rest assured, we are implementing rigorous financial controls." the crowd clapped at his speech. "that's all for tonight. Let's dance."

There was a thick layer of tension around. And the worry in people's face.

"Hello there Sydney. " A dirty blond man stood next to her. He talked to Sydney with a deep velvety voice laced with honey.

She flashed him a bright smile " hello Leonardo." they started talking . He wore no emotion on his face, he just intensely stared at Sydney, like how corpse stare with their wide eyes open.

"Have you meant my friend Violet. " Sydney pointed towards me. Breaking my trance. This was the first time we locked eyes. He seemed to jump at the sight of my face

"You have interesting eyes. "He whispered while blinking "I'm sorry I didn't mean that. I am Leonardo. Nice to meet you Violet." he stretched his hand for me to shake it

I just kept eye contact. I put only my 4 fingers, in the palm of his hand. "Hello."

He just cleared his throat " Well it's nice to meet you..."

"Want to dance?" I turned to look at the source

Again Sydney was talking to another man. This time it was that Dwayne guy. She had the wide smile on her face.

Only got eyes for Branson....yeah right

"Soo.... you want to dance too." The Leonard offered his hand. I give it to him. And I followed him like how a butcher would lead a cow to get slaughtered.

He placed his hands gently on my waist. Sending gentle harsh flames to the lower part of my body. His eye contact held a steady grip, with mine. I held his gaze rock steady. My one hand, was on his shoulder.

He licked his bottom lip "hey, is that your real eye color?"

"I promise you, if you keep gazing into my eyes." I put my hands around the back of his neck. "you might get your answer."

He pulled me closer to him.

He tilted his head and coaxed "Do you have an IG?"

I lifted my brow and answered "I do. But it's mostly head and shoulder pictures. Like the shampoo bottle. "

He chuckled "you funny."

"So what brings you to Aramoor." I asked

"Well I'm one of the Junior detective, for the Candy case." my heart immediately sank at his words

"Oh! I thought it was just a hit and run?" I said trying to keep my voice neutral

"The sheriff requested more help. Because someone broke into the police station. To still critical evidence." I tried to break eye contact. After his words. I saw Sydney laid her head on Dwayne's shoulder. As they slow danced.

I looked at him again his eyes were fixed on me like a lion seeing his prey

Oh he knows

NO HE DOESN'T CALM DOWN

I took a breath to calm myself "why you telling me this?"

"I thought you wanted to know?" he gave me a eerie smile. "how long you, guys known each other?" he pointed towards Sydney

"We've known each other since 5th grade." I vomited the info out " She moved here from London." I couldn't stop

"I kind of picked it up. from my understanding a mom's from the Uk and her dad is from Aramoor."he licked his lips again " so you guys is best friends huh?"

"No that's my sister... my heart beat" I expressed

He titled his head "now why would she wear that dress considering what happened to you?"

I stop moving with him and stood still "how do you?... " the air started to feel sharp. "it's fashion she can wear what she wants."

Everyone turned to look at us. Leo started to look around but stepped closer "excuse me. I shouldn't have brought it up."

My breathing started to slow down. Then I saw Branson in the doorway. He was staring at Sydney with storms in his eyes. Before I could say a word he walked away

I need an excuse. To dip

My phone buzzed. But ignored it due to PTSD.

I heard gasps ring all through the room. Even Leo looked at his phone confused

I saw Sydney came towards me.

"Confidential Hospital Debt Exposed". She was frantic scrolling through the leaked documents, each line revealing the staggering financial burden now thrust into the public eye.

"I'm sorry.." I said confused cause I had no idea, what this means.

"I need to find my dad." She screeched. it's like she wasn't even listening to me

"Follow me Leo. So you can detect where these documents leaked from.." Sydney bombed

I guess this is my excuse.

-------------------------

A/n

Wasn't even sure If I would be able to post it on time. So I just pulled an all nighter. Since the story is only a hand full of episode away from the season finale

Why do you think Branson Didn't say hi to Sydney?