Olivia sighed, her shoulders slumping in disappointment as her gaze swept through the crowd. She couldn’t see Aurelia anywhere.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have told her not to come without a date,” she said to her husband, her chest tightening with guilt.
The main ceremony had already concluded, and the reception party had just begun.
Kendall reached for her hands, eyeing the diamond ring on her finger before giving it a comforting squeeze. “Don’t worry my love, Aurelia wouldn’t miss our wedding for any reason.”
“But I think I went too far,” Olivia whined, causing Kendall’s brows to arch in question.
“What did you do?”
“Uhmm.” Olivia hesitated a bit before speaking, and Kendall narrowed his eyes at her in suspicion. “I may or may have not told security not to let her in without a date.”
Contrary to what she thought, Kendall burst into laughter, leaning back in his seat as his shoulders quaked with amusement.
“Hey!” Olivia slapped his shoulders, her cheeks puffing up in cute annoyance. “It’s not funny!”
“Oh hell nah.” Kendall fought to catch his breath, “That’s comedy gold.”
Irritated, Olivia rolled her eyes, crossing her hands against her chest as she faced forward. And as she did so, her eyes widened, spotting the familiar redhead who just arrived at the event.
“Looks like you were worried for no reason,” Kendall whispered in her ears, his hands brushing over hers.
“I told you she won’t miss it.”
Aurelia smiled as she caught sight of her friend, raising her hand to give a small wave at the newly wedded couple.
“Everyone is looking at you.”
Aurelia looked up at the man beside her, his amber eyes never leaving her face.
She then takes a cursory glance around the hall, noticing that all eyes were on them.
“Not me.” Aurelia shifts her gaze to his hand on her waist, ushering her to their designated seat. “They’re looking at you.”
Aurelia’s gaze lingered on Ezekiel’s tailored tuxedo, the black fabric accentuating his broad shoulders. His usually imposing presence was softened by the clear glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
He complimented her purple dress with a sleek tie of the same color, his silver hair taking cover under a stylish black hat. It was a good effort to hide his true identity, but she saw that his endearing presence followed him wherever he went.
It showed in the way he carried himself, the grace of a man who was well aware of his effect on others.
Ezekiel chuckled softly, the sound getting muffled under the face mask he wore. “I wonder why.” he mused, his hand shifting to hold hers as they moved through the crowd.
“Do I make a good significant other?”
Aurelia doesn’t pull away, knowing this was all an act. He was currently playing the role of her boyfriend, and he did it so well, gazing at her with keen interest.
Aurelia met his gaze, her eyes warming in gratitude. She still couldn’t believe he agreed to her request. She had asked in the spur of the moment, and he quickly came to her aid, posing as her date for her to gain entry into the hall.
Staying true to her role, she reached to caress his cheek.
“Thank you, Ezekiel.” She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Startled, Ezekiel flinched slightly, his shoulders stiffening and relaxing.
What was this fluttering feeling in his chest? Was it because she called him by his first name?
How could such a simple thing, make his heart race?
Aurelia faces forward, missing how his ears burned red. Ezekiel was grateful the mask hid his flustered expression. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure as they approached the couple.
Aurelia’s friend rushed to hug her, a wave of relief washing over her as she returned the hug.
“I’m so sorry,” Olivia whispered sincerely, her eyes glazing with unshed tears. “I was worried sick.”
“No need to apologize,” Aurelia replied, smiling. “I’m here now.”
Ezekiel’s grip on Aurelia’s hand tightened, his eyes locked onto Kendall’s amused gaze.
“Daniel,” he said, switching to a British accent as he extended his hand to Kendall. “Aurelia’s… companion for the evening.”
Aurelia’s lips parted in awe. She’d seen Ezekiel’s acting skills on skill, and now that she witnessed it live, she was more than impressed. He was on a different level.
Kendall’s grin widened, his brows raising as he took Ezekiel’s hand. “Welcome, Daniel. We’re glad you could join us.”
Olivia’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying Ezekiel’s face. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Daniel. You seem familiar, have we met before?”
Aurelia slightly panicked, wondering if Olivia recognized him. But then her worries faded as Ezekiel glanced at her, his soft gaze reassuring her.
“No, we haven’t.” He answered smoothly, “I met Aurelia while on a business trip to New York, and I haven’t been able to bring myself to leave.”
Aurelia flushed lightly, trying to remind herself that he was just saying that to convince her friends. Yes, that was right. It wasn’t anything serious.
Olivia’s curiosity got the better of her. “So, Daniel, how did you two meet?”
Aurelia stared at Ezekiel, expecting him to answer, and he played along.
“We met at a rooftop bar in New York,” he began, his voice low and deep with affection. “Aurelia accidentally spilled her drink on me, and I was immediately smitten.”
Not wanting to just stand and do nothing, she leaned into Ezekiel, her hand brushing against his bicep.
“It was a fateful accident.” She added, looking up at him with a sweet smile. “Right, love?”
Ezekiel’s eyes widened momentarily, his calm facade wavering for a bit. He whipped his head forward, unable to hold her gaze.
Why was he feeling this way?
“As I helped her clean up the mess, our hands touched, and I felt an undeniable spark.” He concluded, selling the story.
Olivia and Kendall exchanged a knowing glance, noticing the chemistry between Aurelia and Ezekiel.
“Wow, that’s romantic,” Olivia cooed. “Care to join us on the dance floor?”
Kendall nodded, grinning cheekily. “Yeah, show us your moves.”
Aurelia hesitated, but Ezekiel’s persuasive smile won her over.
“Shall we love?” He drawled, brows arched in question.
“Sure.”
They stepped into the dance floor, his hand on her waist, while hers hung around his neck.
“You’re quite the actor Aurelia.” Ezekiel teased, and Aurelia chuckled, her cheeks heating up.
“I’m nothing compared to you.”
Ezekiel was an amazing dancer, taking the lead he kept her firmly against him. She looked up at him, taking note of the specs of brown in his amber pupils.
“Thank you again.” She said softly, offering him a warm smile.
“You keep thanking me with mere words.” Ezekiel retorted, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Aurelia gasped as he suddenly spun her in his arms, his hands cradling the small of her back as he swept her up off her feet. “Even when you already know what I want.”
Aurelia gulped, recalling what he said in Luke’s office. Heat crawled up her skin, but she feigned ignorance.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Ezekiel pulled her up, and she crashed against his chest, her eyes wide and her lips slightly parted.
“Liar.” Ezekiel tauntingly whispered in her ear, his hot breath caressing her skin. “You’re a beautiful liar.”
As the music faded, Ezekiel’s hand lingered on Aurelia’s waist, his touch jolting her back to reality. “Shall we step outside for some fresh air?” he asked, his eyes sparkling.
Aurelia’s cheeks still flushed from the dance, and she replied with a shy nod. “Okay.”
On the balcony, they settled into a comfortable silence, watching the sunset over the horizon. The sky transformed into hues of pink and orange.
Ezekiel broke the silence, his voice low and smooth. “Since I helped you today, you can repay me in kind?”
Aurelia’s eyes widened, her face burning. “In… in kind? Like sex?” Her voice trembled, heart, thundering against her chest.
Ezekiel blinked once, then twice. For a moment he just stared at her, before bursting into bubbly laughter, comical tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. “Naughty Aurelia, that’s not what I meant,” he said mid-laughter, and Aurelia wished she could jump off the balcony and fall. Anything to save her from this humiliation.
Ezekiel caught his breath, enjoying her reaction. “But I’m not against the idea though.” He winked, teasing her further.
Aurelia puffed her cheeks, embarrassment written across her face. “You really enjoy teasing people, don’t you?” She huffed, her hands moving to smooth her dress.
Ezekiel’s smile came slow. “Only you.” He poked her full cheeks, playfulness dancing in his eyes.
Aurelia faced forward again, chewing on her bottom lip. The city lights began to twinkle below, bringing life to the quiet evening.
“What I wanted to say was,” Ezekiel began, his tone shifting to excitement. “I’m opening a new wine bar in the city.”
Aurelia turned to him, curiosity sparking. “Really?”
“Yes, and I’d love for you to attend the opening night.” Ezekiel’s gaze locked onto hers as he pulled his mask down.
Aurelia’s heart skipped a beat. “Me?”
Ezekiel nodded, leaning against the railing. “You. I think you’d enjoy it. Plus, I’d like your opinion on the ambiance.”
Aurelia hesitated, unsure of what to say.
“Say yes, Aurelia,” Ezekiel coaxed, his voice soft and persuasive. He reached for her hand but paused on spotting a familiar car parked below. He recognized it immediately but pretended not to see it. Ezekiel’s lips twitched slightly, a knowing smirk taking over his features.
Instead of taking her hand, he gently grasped her chin, bringing her hesitant gaze to him. Their eyes met, the city lights reflecting in Aurelia’s gaze.
Beautiful. He thought, tucking a loose strand of her curls behind her ear.
“Okay,” she whispered, falling for his charms.
Ezekiel’s grin widened, triumphant. “Excellent.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Aurelia wondered what she’d just gotten herself into.
Meanwhile……
Luke cursed under his breath, his chest tightening painfully as he watched Aurelia and Ezekiel from his car. His jaw was set, his knuckles turning white against the steering wheel.
“Aurelia…” he seethed, his gaze darkening with malice. “You said I could trust you.”
“Liar.”