“Whoa,” Miki beamed. “Ivy, you look like an actual princess in that dress.”
Dan pursed his lips and whistled. “She’s right. You look beautiful.”
“A true vision, mademoiselle,” Maurice added. “But it takes an hour to drive there. Now, we must go.”
Is this actually happening? Karson’s going to be waiting for me! I don’t know how this is going to go—
“Hold on a sec,” Miki said, running toward the storeroom before reappearing with my bag. “Supplies!”
I took it from her outstretched hand, pulling out a tube of lip gloss from the bottom and applying a thin layer before pressing my lips together and adding another layer. Next, I grabbed the mascara and swiped it over my lashes.
With one final search through my bag, I retrieved my phone and my cinnamon-and-vanilla rollerball fragrance—perfect for the tiny clutch—and tucked them into the shimmering pouch.
Miki nodded approvingly. “Now you’re ready!” She beamed. “Go get him!”
“Thank you. All of you.” I clasped my hands together. “But I still can’t believe this is happening.”
“It’s a real-life fairy tale,” Dan said, smiling at me fondly. “Now go! Or you’ll be late.” He waved me toward the door.
Maurice and I hurried outside to the car. He opened the rear door, I slipped onto the plush seat as Miki and Dan waved from the doorway.
I pinched myself as we pulled out onto the road… but I didn’t wake up.Oh my goodness. This is for real.
“Your name is on the guest list, of course. Sit back and relax, I’ll have you at the VIP entrance in no time, mademoiselle,”Maurice said, catching my eye in the rearview mirror.
I smiled. “Thank you so much, Maurice.”
Wrapped in the embrace of the exquisite gown, my fingers sank into the soft fabric as I gazed wide-eyed out the window. My stomach fluttered.
Oh my god…
I’m actually going to see him!
29
MOONLIGHT GALA
KARSON
A handful of stars twinkled determinedly through a sliver in the stormy night sky. Looming rain clouds formed a canopy over the hundreds of guests laughing and dancing in their finery at the gala below.
But there was only one guest that I cared about. I scanned the crowd hungrily, searching, hoping she’d accepted my invitation. I drew a deep breath, but it did nothing to settle the ache in my chest.She might not come.But she might.
A thrill shot through me as I conjured up a thousand different scenarios for what might happen if she came.But my blood turned cold at the thought of losing her forever if she didn’t.
I studied the elegant crowd, draped in tuxedos and eye-catching gowns. We were all at the same party, but while they sipped champagne and laughed, I haunted the edges of the crowd like a human radar, desperate for even a glimpse of her.
I watched from the sidelines as guests twisted and turned across the dance. Beyond it, a fleet of butlers wove amongst the crowd, leaving a trail of delicacies and champagne in their wake. The fairy lights glowed overhead, I breathed in the smell of jasmine and hibiscus drifting through warm night air as the music played.
I moved among the guests, scanning every face for hers, until I discovered a pair of chunky black boots amid the forest of legs.My heart soared as my gaze traveled slowly up the boots, only to find a stranger. My heart plummeted.
Maybe I really have lost her—
“Distinguished guests,” Dyson said, his voice carrying over the microphone, “thank you for coming.”
A cheer rose from the crowd.
“You all look spectacular, and it’s an absolute pleasure to have you here. As you can see”—he gestured to the others onstage—“I have some special guests with me tonight. Please put your hands together and help me welcome our very first investors.” Dyson adjusted the microphone as the guests broke into applause.
