Aurora’s POV
The drive back to the suite was quiet, but my mind was anything but. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that someone had been watching me earlier. Maybe I was just overthinking it. Still, a part of me remained on edge.
Even with that strange feeling lingering, I found myself smiling as I thought about the dress I had chosen. It was perfect, more than perfect. I couldn’t wait to try it on, and even more, I couldn’t wait for Ryan to see me in it.
I didn’t even notice when we reached the hotel. As always, Ryan’s voice brought me back to the present.
“Aurora,” he called softly.
“Yes?” I replied, startled.
“We’re here,” he said, his calm gaze locking with mine.
“Oh,” I muttered, feeling a little embarrassed.
He gave me a small smile, one that could melt the coldest heart, and stepped out of the car. I followed him quickly, smoothing my dress as I climbed out.
When we entered the suite, I stopped in my tracks. Three women were standing inside, all smiling warmly at me.
For a moment, I was startled, and I glanced at Ryan, trying to gauge his reaction. He didn’t seem bothered at all.
“Come, come,” the oldest-looking woman said, walking toward me and taking my wrist gently. She looked like she was in her late twenties.
I glanced back at Ryan, confused. He remained calm, as if this was all part of his plan.
“They’ll help you get ready for the evening,” he said casually. “Anything you need, just let them know.”
“Wow,” I murmured, still processing.
“I booked the suite opposite this one, so you’ll have plenty of time. We’ll meet when it’s time to leave,” he added. His gaze shifted to the women. “Looks like you all have a lot of work to do.”
“You know this process so well,” one of the women said, teasing him lightly.
The youngest of the group, who looked around my age, gave me an admiring glance. “Your boyfriend treats you so well. You’re really lucky.”
My cheeks flushed, and I opened my mouth to correct her, but the older woman interrupted.
“Sit down. Let’s get to work,” she said, steering me toward a chair.
I looked back at Ryan one more time. “Call me if you need anything,” he said before stepping out of the room.
When the door closed, the three women turned to me with friendly smiles.
“I’m Olivia,” said the oldest.
“I’m Chloe,” said the one who had teased Ryan earlier.
“And I’m Lily,” said the youngest, her voice light and cheerful.
“I’m Aurora,” I said, feeling a little shy under their warm gazes.
“We know,” they said in unison, making me laugh.
They explained the plan-hair, makeup, manicure, pedicure, everything to make me look “absolutely stunning,” as Olivia put it.
****
It took hours, with small breaks in between, but by the end of it, I had to admit that I needed this makeover. They worked magic.
The conversations we shared made the process enjoyable. They were funny, kind, and easy to talk to, and for a while, I forgot all my worries.
When they were finally done, I turned to the mirror, and my breath caught.
I looked gorgeous. No, beyond gorgeous. I felt like a completely different person. My hair was styled in soft waves that cascaded down my back. My makeup was subtle yet elegant, enhancing my features without overpowering them.
And then there was the dress.
It was a black silk dress that hugged my figure perfectly, flowing down to the floor with a high slit that revealed just enough of my leg to feel bold but not over the top. The neckline was delicately draped, with thin straps that added an air of sophistication. The fabric shimmered faintly under the light, making it look luxurious and effortless at the same time.
“Gosh,” Lily whispered, her eyes wide. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said, smiling so much that my cheeks started to hurt.
I glanced down at the heels they had paired with the dress, sleek black stilettos that fit perfectly. I had no idea when Ryan bought them or how he even knew my size, but they completed the look flawlessly.
Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Ryan.
“How’s it going?” he asked, his voice casual but warm.
“I’m ready,” I said, unable to hide the excitement in my voice. “What about you?”
“I’ve been ready for hours. I was just waiting for you,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.
I laughed, maybe a little too hard, and then he said, “I’m coming to get you.”
Before I could respond, he ended the call.
As I stood there, the three women stepped back, admiring their work.
“You’re going to knock him off his feet,” Chloe said with a wink.
I bit my lip, smiling to myself. Tonight was going to be unforgettable.
*****
When Ryan rang the doorbell, Lily practically sprinted to answer it, her enthusiasm making me smile.
And there he was.
Ryan walked in, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow down. He looked breathtakingly handsome in his black suit, tailored to perfection. The sharp cut of the jacket emphasized his broad shoulders, and the crisp white shirt beneath made his tan skin glow. A black tie completed the look, elegant yet commanding. His hair was styled effortlessly, every strand in place, but with just enough disarray to give him that untouchable charm.
He stood in the doorway, his piercing gaze locked on me, and the room fell silent.
“Wow,” he finally said, his voice deep and filled with awe.
I fidgeted slightly, my heart racing. “How do I look?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Aurora, you look… beautiful. No, you are beautiful,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Thank you,” I replied, my cheeks burning as I felt his words settle deep inside me.
Ryan stepped forward, his movements deliberate, and his hands found their way to my waist. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through me, and the room erupted in cheers from the women behind us.
“You look perfect,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear. “I can’t take my eyes off you.”
I smiled, my voice soft as I replied, “You’re not looking too bad yourself.”
He chuckled at that, his lips twitching into a grin before he turned to the ladies. “You did an amazing job. Thank you. You’ll receive your payment as you leave. Just send your details to the number I sent earlier.”
The women nodded, smiling at his generosity. They hugged me one by one, offering words of encouragement, and Lily slipped me a piece of paper with her number on it.
“We should catch up soon,” she said, giving me a playful wink.
“I’d like that,” I replied sincerely, tucking the paper into my purse.
When they finally left, it was just the two of us in the suite. Ryan hadn’t stopped looking at me, his expression softer than I’d ever seen it.
“If it weren’t for that lipstick, I’d kiss you right now,” he said, his voice teasing but laced with something deeper.
“Hey!” I laughed, giving him a light shove. But the moment I did, I panicked. “I’m sorry,” I blurted, worried I’d overstepped.
Ryan just laughed, shaking his head. “You’re fine, Aurora. Shall we go?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
We walked out together, his hand lightly brushing against mine. As usual, the driver was waiting for us at the entrance. I realized I didn’t even know his name, but Ryan never seemed to use it either.
The drive was short, and soon we arrived at the venue.
The hall was grand, filled with round tables covered in pristine white linens. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the room. Women dressed in elegant gowns moved gracefully, their jewels catching the light.
But the moment Ryan and I stepped inside, everything seemed to pause. Heads turned, and all eyes were on us. I could feel their gazes, some curious, others admiring. My hand tightened slightly around Ryan’s arm, but his steady presence kept me grounded.
Within seconds, people began approaching Ryan, eager to greet him. He was clearly well-known here, and his commanding presence only added to his aura.
“You look stunning,” a familiar voice said. It was Clyde from the board meeting, his tone genuine as he addressed me.
“Thank you,” I replied politely, giving him a small smile.
“Mind if I steal Ryan for five minutes? I promise to bring him back to you,” Clyde asked, his eyes darting between us.
Ryan looked at me, his expression reassuring. “I’ll be back in no time. Make yourself comfortable,” he said softly.
I nodded, watching as they walked away.
Left alone, I began to take in my surroundings. The room was buzzing with conversation, laughter, and the soft clink of glasses. It was overwhelming, but I tried to steady myself.
Just then, a woman approached me, her smile warm and inviting.
“Hi,” she said, her tone friendly.
“Hello,” I replied, my voice soft.
“I’m Karen.”