Chapter 22
Alex arrived at work with a radiant smile on his face that lasted all day. He always treated everyone with warmth and professionalism—a wonderful boss—but today he seemed even more cheerful than usual.
I didn't ask why he was so happy, but I was glad to see him like this, and that positive energy lasted the entire week.
On Friday, the day of the cocktail party, I received a huge box and a bag, and Alex let me leave early, telling me to get ready at his place, where someone was already waiting for me.
When I arrived, a talented makeup artist was already waiting to get me ready for the cocktail party.
After a relaxing bath, I rushed to the guest room, where I found the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen.
It was carefully laid out on the bed—a true spectacle: delicate spaghetti straps, a bare back that would definitely turn heads, and a full skirt with a sensual slit that revealed my legs with each step.
The soft pink tone shimmered subtly under the light, giving it an air of elegance.
I couldn't wait to put on that enchanting piece and feel like a true queen at the party.
The shoes, however, were the final piece that completed the look perfectly.
They were stilettos, a bit higher than the ones he usually got me, in shiny black with a pink sole that matched the dress perfectly.
The strap wrapped around my leg, going up to the knee, adding a touch of sophistication and sensuality.
I imagined how stunning it would look when I walked, with the dress's dramatic slit revealing my legs and the shoe strap peeking out subtly, creating an irresistible contrast. I couldn't wait to see the complete effect when I was ready.
I lost myself in the beauty of the pieces arranged on the bed, and I couldn't help but smile as I imagined myself in them.
The elegance of the dress and the sophistication of the sandals made me dream about the night ahead.
But I was abruptly pulled from my daydreams when I noticed the people around me looking at me and smiling, eagerly waiting to transform me into a true queen for the evening.
The makeup artist and the other professionals were ready to work their magic, and I could feel the anticipation in the air.
With professionalism and care, they began getting me ready, and I felt more and more like a true star.
I'm a very beautiful woman, I won't deny it, and when Alex chooses a dress for me, I feel like a true princess.
He has a special gift for giving presents, always getting the style and refinement just right.
While I'm sitting in the chair being made up, wearing only a comfortable robe, I suddenly hear a soft knock on the door and tell them to come in.
Alex appears with a charming smile, poking his head through the doorway, his eyes shining with admiration as he watches me.
“How's everything going in here?” Alex asks, smiling.
“We're almost done, Alex,” I reply as the makeup artist continues his work. “Oh… Thank you for the dress—it's simply magnificent!”
“It suits its owner,” he says with a look of admiration that makes me blush.
He always compliments me in front of people, and despite everything, I still feel shy.
“I'm going to finish getting ready. I need to look presentable—at least try to, right?”
“You're beautiful, Chloe. You light up everything wherever you go, with that wonderful smile on your sweet, charming face.” I feel blessed by such a compliment—something he always gives.
Then Alex smiles at me and gives me an affectionate look. I return the smile before he steps out so I can finish getting ready.
Now it's time to put on the final pieces of my look.
With the staff's help, I slip into the beautiful dress and put on the sandals, feeling more and more confident and elegant.
When I finally look at myself in the mirror, I'm impressed by what I see: I look wonderful, radiant, and ready for the night ahead.
My hair is pulled back in a loose bun at the top of my head, with some loose strands falling softly around my face, framing it delicately.
The makeup is subtle and natural, enhancing my features without hiding them.
A light pink lipstick on my lips completes the look.
The result is perfect, thanks to Marcus and his team's skill—they made me feel like a true goddess.
“You're beautiful. You have a perfect face, so I kept the makeup as light as possible. After all, there's nothing to hide,” Marcus said, smiling at me through the mirror.
“I absolutely loved it,” I replied, smiling back. “I don't like heavy makeup—you did the right thing keeping it natural. Thank you for helping me today.”
“It was a pleasure, and whenever you need us, just give us a call.”
With a nod, we say goodbye. I check myself once, twice more in the mirror, and think that something is missing. At that moment, I hear a knock on the door again, but this time, Alex enters without waiting for permission, a mysterious smile on his face.
“You're beautiful, my girl,” Alex says, approaching with a look of admiration. He stops behind me, studying my reflection in the mirror, and smiles with satisfaction.
“Thank you, Alex. But I think something's still missing—what do you think?”
“Definitely. But we can fix that now.”
Then he takes a delicate necklace from his pocket, covered in small stones in a very soft pink tone.
Carefully, he approaches and fastens it around my neck.
As soon as the metal touches my skin, I feel a shiver; the contrast between the coldness of the piece and the warmth of his fingers sends a jolt through me.
Alex smiles when he notices my reaction, leans in gently, and places a kiss right where the necklace rests.
Now the necklace fits perfectly, enhancing the dress's beauty without stealing its shine.
I have to be careful not to lose it—it seems tailor-made for this night.
I take a deep breath, reflecting on everything I'm experiencing.
Every moment is more than perfect. And it's precisely this perfection that makes me fear it's all just a dream, something that could disappear at any moment, leaving me feeling like it was only an illusion.
“Come on, my princess—let's show the world all this beauty!”
“Let's go, my prince! You look handsome too—black suits you very well.” I wink at him, then smile.
He holds out his hand, and I take it immediately, feeling the warmth of his skin.
We walk out of the room, and soon we're standing in front of the car, which is waiting with the engine running.
Alex helps me get in and get settled, adjusting the dress so I'm comfortable.
Then he walks around to the driver's side and gets in, smiling at me before pulling away.
We head to the party, which I expected to be quiet, like all the others.
Our goal was to meet some clients and, of course, try to close a few contracts.
But despite expecting a routine evening, I had no idea what surprises lay ahead.