JOAN’S POV
I sat in front of the vanity mirror. The bright lights made the room feel warmer than it actually was. The makeup artist’s hands moved expertly across my face, dabbing foundation, brushing my cheeks with blush, and carefully lining my eyes. I could see the reflection of the glam team bustling around me, working on my hair and choosing the perfect jewelry.
A strange knot of excitement formed in my stomach, tightening with each passing minute. I knew what was coming-tonight was a public event, and I’d be accompanying Derrick. Both of us would be attending a charity gala tonight. It would be the perfect soft launch for our relationship.
Derrick.
Just the thought of him made my heart race with a mix of butterflies and nerves that I could never quite shake. Every time I thought I understood him, he would do something to throw me off balance. But there was no denying the pull between us. Even now, as I sat in this chair, my thoughts kept wandering back to him.
The door creaked open, and David walked in with his tablet in hand. He gave me a quick, assessing look. He took a look at my appearance before he stepped closer.
“You look gorgeous” he said, clapping his hands “And they’re not even done”
I smiled “Thank you”
“Joan, remember, tonight is about image,” he waved his hand around “You’re going to be in the spotlight, so you need to smile for the cameras. Don’t engage with the paparazzi, no matter what they ask. Let Mr Stonewood handle any conversations. Just stand by him and look… well, like you do now. Perfect.”
I swallowed, nodding as I took in his words. Smile. Look perfect. Don’t speak unless necessary. It all felt like a script, one I had to follow if I wanted to survive the night. But beneath it all, the real challenge was Derrick. How he’d act around me tonight-whether he’d be cold, distant, or something else entirely-was what truly unnerved me.
“Got it,” I said quietly.
“Good.” David’s eyes softened a little. “You’ll do great. Just keep your cool.”
The team continued to work around me taking care of my hair, nails, make up and other things that needed attention. After what felt like hours, they finally stepped back, admiring their handiwork. I glanced at myself in the mirror, almost not recognizing the woman staring back at me.
My hair was curled up in an elegant style, and my makeup made my features stand out in a way that felt unfamiliar but… beautiful. They dressed me in a stunning blue dinner dress that hugged my figure perfectly.
“Wow,” I whispered to myself, smiling. For the first time in a while, I felt… confident.
David gave me a quick nod of approval before leading the team out of the room. “Mr Derrick’s waiting downstairs. Don’t keep him waiting too long.”
With a deep breath, I stood and smoothed down the front of my dress, making my way to the stairs. My heart pounded louder with each step I took, the knot in my stomach tightening as I neared the bottom. When I reached the top of the staircase, I paused, spotting Derrick standing at the foot of the stairs, his phone in hand.
He looked perfect. The way he wore his tailored suit so effortlessly was breathtaking. His posture was confident as usual. He always radiated a sense of power that I could never quite get used to. His dark hair was neatly styled, and even from where I stood, I could see the sharp line of his jaw as he stared at his phone, completely focused.
For a moment, I just stood there, admiring him. He always had this dangerous aura about him-something that drew me in even when I knew I should stay away. The tension between us was undeniable, and even though I couldn’t always read him, there were moments when I felt like we were connected in ways neither of us could explain.
I started descending the stairs, my hand trailing lightly along the railing. As if sensing my presence, Derrick glanced up, his eyes widening slightly when he saw me. It felt like time slowed down and the world around us faded as our gazes locked. His expression shifted-surprise, admiration, maybe even something softer flickered in his eyes, but just as quickly, it was gone.
When I reached the bottom, I stood in front of him, waiting for him to say something. My heart pounded, a small smile tugging at my lips as I waited for him to acknowledge me. I had seen that look in his eyes.
Surely, he was going to compliment me, right?
For a moment, neither of us said anything. We just stood there, the air between us heavy with unspoken words. I could feel the intensity, the tension, the way my skin prickled under his gaze. It was always like this with Derrick-charged, electric. His presence alone was enough to make my breath hitch.
He was gorgeous. His dark brown eyes twinkled under the chandelier lights. He looked dashing in his suit. And those lips… They drew me in. From where I stood, I could perceive his cologne. It took every self restraint in me not to hold him and breathe in his scent.
Why does he affect me this way? I couldn’t explain it. I’d always been drawn to him… Like a moth to a flame. There was just something about him. I couldn’t put my finger on it.
But then, just as I opened my mouth to speak, his expression hardened.
“You’re late,” he snapped in a cold tone.
The sharpness in his tone was a slap to the face, and I blinked in shock as the moment shattered around us.
“Meet me in the car. Don’t keep me waiting.” he said.
With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out, the front door slamming behind him before I could even respond.