Chapter Ten; The Gala 1
Tonight was the night.
I looked over myself in the mirror, a proud grin spreading across my face as I mentally high-fived myself for a job well done. My dress was perfect in more ways than one, embodying true class and elegance. Its fabric, a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, caught the light with a subtle shimmer, hinting at the luxury woven into every thread. I had designed it with a playful yet sophisticated thigh-high slit that promised freedom of movement and a touch of daring.
The bodice hugged the curves of my body in the best way yet comfortably, allowing for a silhouette that was both flattering and forgiving. The low sweetheart cut of the upper bodice showed off my cleavage in a daring statement. It was adorned with delicate patterns, not too elaborate but with enough detail to draw the eye and spark curiosity.
The sleeves added a whimsical touch, slightly loose and flowing, tapering to a gentle close at the wrists. Around the neckline, a subtle play of lighter green, almost like the first tender leaves of spring, offered a contrast that was both striking and seamlessly integrated into the overall design.
As I twirled in front of the mirror, the dress seemed to come alive, the slit revealing a hint of leg in a dance of shadow and light, the fabric moving as if it were a part of me.
I had curled my hair, styling it into a low ponytail with two delicate strands that framed my face, a choice that lent an air of effortless grace and matched the fluidity of the dress. These vibrant curls of ginger caught the light, highlighting various shades of my hair, as if echoing the subtle shimmer of the dress fabric. A few strands were artfully pinned back on one side with a small, emerald-encrusted clip, adding a hint of color and elegance to the outfit.
For jewelry, I chose pieces that were delicate yet impactful. A pair of gold drop earrings, each adorned with a small, green gemstone that matched the deep emerald of my dress, dangled lightly from my ears. They were simple yet eye-catching, drawing attention without detracting from the overall look. Around my neck, a thin gold chain with a pendant that mirrored the green of the earrings and the clip in my hair rested just above the neckline, subtle enough to blend in yet distinct enough to be noticed.
Finally, my choice of footwear was a pair of simple, strappy heels in a neutral shade, designed to elongate the leg without stealing the spotlight from the dress. Their minimalistic style ensured that the focus remained on the outfit as a whole, particularly highlighting the daring slit of the dress as I moved.
I was ready to turn heads at the gala.
My doorbell caught my attention, and I quickly double-checked my makeup before grabbing my purse.
Chelsea was sleeping peacefully in her cat bed, and I crouched down to pet her lustrous fur before leaving.
“Wish me luck,” I whispered to her, straightening up as the bell rang once again. I hurried to the front door and took a deep breath, mentally cheering myself on as I tried my best to brush off the nervousness in my knees.
“You can do it, Aurelia,” I reassured myself, reaching out to open the door. Caspian stood on the other side, and my heart sped up when I met his gaze. His brown eyes shone with admiration as they trailed over my form, and I shyly smiled at him while his lips parted in awe.
“Dear lord,” he breathed out, his hands combing through his hair as he raised his gaze to meet mine. “I have no words.”
I giggled at his compliment, a huge contrast to the internal scream of victory that pulsed through me.
“Hmm, did I leave the charismatic Caspian speechless?” I teased him, and he nodded his head. Caspian let out a low whistle, and I burst into laughter as he used his fingers to make a makeshift camera.
I struck a sassy pose, and he hollered and cheered me on, pretending to be a photographer taking magazine cover photos.
“You’re going to need a bodyguard at this point,” he mused, and I caught my breath, a smile resting on my face as I gave him a good look.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
“You don’t look too bad yourself.”
Caspian looked even more handsome in that impeccably tailored charcoal gray suit, the fabric draping over his broad shoulders and trim waist with effortless sophistication. The crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath the jacket, perfectly complementing the sleekness of his ensemble. His tie, a deep shade of burgundy, added a subtle pop of color that accentuated his dashing demeanor.
As he stood there, a grin playing at the corners of his lips, I knew this night was definitely going to be one to remember.
“You’re too kind, my lady,” he said with a courteous bow of his head. “Shall we?” Caspian offered me his arm, and I gladly took it, happiness bubbling in my chest as we made our way to his SUV.
During the drive, Caspian played country music, and we both sang along, our voices syncing in perfect harmony as the evening breeze filled the car. We laughed whenever we missed the lyrics, but we continued still, occasionally throwing thoughtful glances at each other along the way. And I couldn’t help but wish this moment would last forever.
No, Caspian and I are not together yet, but that was going to change by the end of this night.
“You don’t have to answer me now,” Caspian pointed out. He took my hand in his, his ocean eyes softer than ever. “I’ll give you time to think about it, and I’ll be expecting your reply at this year’s gala.”
His words from that fateful evening at work echoed in my mind, a reminder of the promise of possibilities that awaited us.
And in the space of one week, my mind was made up.
I was going to say yes to Caspian.