I set down my paintbrush and opened the box curiously. Inside lay a deep blue evening gown, its silk fabric shimmering under the light. The neckline and sleeves were adorned with delicate diamonds. The dress was clearly expensive, crafted like a work of art.
"This is too much..." I started to refuse, feeling overwhelmed by such luxury.
Alexander came over and gently cupped my face. "You deserve the best. And as my date, you need to shine at these events."
His words made my heart race, but they also made me nervous. I'd never attended this kind of high-end social gathering.
The nerves lasted until evening.
With help from a professional makeup artist, I slipped into the gown. The fitted cut perfectly hugged my curves, and the deep blue made my skin look porcelain white. The artist applied flawless makeup, pinned up my hair, and added a diamond necklace.
Standing before the full-length mirror, I stared at my reflection in disbelief. Was this elegant, sophisticated woman really me? I looked like a model who'd stepped out of a fashion magazine.
That's when Alexander walked in. He wore a black suit that made him look even more imposing and mature, devastatingly handsome.
The moment he saw me, his breath caught.
I met his gaze in the mirror, blushing as I recognized that familiar fire in his eyes.
"Anna..." He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, whispering in my ear. "I want to hide you away so no one else can see you."
I watched his intense expression in the mirror, my cheeks burning. "Don't be so possessive. I'm not going anywhere."
I turned to adjust his tie, and he caught my hands in his, his palms warm and strong.
"Nervous?" he asked.
"A little," I admitted honestly. "I've never been to anything like this."
"Don't worry. I'm here." He kissed my forehead. "Just be yourself. That's enough."
The charity gala was held at a five-star hotel downtown. When we walked into the opulent ballroom, every eye turned toward us. Men were struck by my beauty, while women sized up this mysterious woman who'd suddenly appeared at Alexander's side.
Alexander possessively wrapped his arm around my waist as he introduced me to important business partners. I tried to maintain an elegant smile, shaking hands and making small talk with various VIPs, but my palms were sweating—the pressure was far more intense than I'd imagined.
Everyone was evaluating me, trying to figure out my identity and background. I could feel those scrutinizing gazes and the less-than-friendly looks from other women.
"This is my date, Anna," Alexander introduced me to a well-known media mogul. "A very talented journalist."
I knew he was building me up, giving me credibility in this circle.
But it only made me more nervous. I forced a smile—hoping it didn't look too strange—and nodded at the man I'd only seen in news reports before.
Just then, I felt Alexander's hand gently cover mine. His thumb brushed across my knuckles—a light, quick gesture that no one else would notice. That warm touch instantly steadied me, as if saying "I'm here, don't be afraid."
I stole a glance at him. He was focused on his conversation with the other men, but I could tell he was watching me peripherally, making sure I was okay. That subtle care helped ease my tension slightly.
About an hour later, while Alexander was deep in conversation with some business associates, I excused myself to the ladies' room, needing a moment to breathe and collect myself.
As soon as I pushed open the door, I saw a blonde woman standing at the mirror. She wore a blood-red evening gown that showed off her perfect figure, applying deep red lipstick. Every movement was elegant, like a performance, radiating aristocratic grace.
When she saw me enter, she glanced at me in the mirror. Her eyes lingered on me for a moment before her lips curved into a barely-there smile. She set down her lipstick and turned around, gracefully running her fingers through her golden hair with deliberate slowness, as if showcasing her perfection.
"First time at one of these events?" she asked with apparent concern. Her voice was beautiful, her tone friendly, but those ice-blue eyes held a hint of condescending assessment.
"Yes," I nodded, feeling uncomfortable.
"I can tell," she smiled warmly. "But don't be nervous. These events are actually quite simple. Just keep smiling and don't say too much. Most people just want to see what you look like anyway."
