I stepped out of the car and the cold night air immediately kissed my bare skin, sharp and biting. A shiver ran through me, starting at my shoulders and travelling down my spine. I turned to thank the man who had opened my door, and for a brief moment, I forgot where I was.
He was striking in a quiet, understated way. Dark blonde hair, neatly styled, a hint of stubble shadowing his sharp jawline—so sharp it looked sculpted. His eyes were a cool grey, edged with blue, the kind that seemed calm but observant. He offered me a warm, polite smile, professional yet charming.
Before I could return it, Alexander stepped decisively between us.
"Shall we?" Alexander said, his voice smooth but edged with something unmistakable as he shot the man a pointed look.
I snorted softly under my breath, unable to help myself. Jealousy radiated off Alexander in quiet, controlled waves, and the absurdity of it made my lips twitch.
When I finally lifted my gaze to the venue, my breath caught.
Lights shimmered across the grounds, reflecting off stone and glass, making everything glow like something out of a dream. We ascended a grand staircase that reminded me of Cinderella's escape—wide, elegant, dramatic. At the top, a long path stretched toward the entrance, bordered by manicured grass and vibrant blooms in soft creams, blush pinks, and deep greens. The air smelled faintly floral, grounding the grandeur with something natural and warm.
The building itself was a beautiful contradiction. Its grey brick exterior was uneven in places, aged with character, patches of moss clinging like secrets whispered through time. Medieval in spirit, almost castle-like. Yet the windows were tall and modern, framed in white, each pane etched with a delicate floral pattern that caught the light.
"You know," Alexander murmured beside me, snapping me from my awe, "if you want people to believe you're my wife, you need to stand closer."
Before I could respond, his hand slid to my hip, firm and possessive, pulling me into him. I stumbled slightly, instinctively bracing myself by placing my hand against his chest. His heart thudded beneath my palm—strong, steady, undeniably alive.
Our bodies aligned perfectly, as if they had always known how to fit together.
Heat bloomed in my chest, familiar and dangerous.
We entered the venue like that—connected, convincing, impossible to ignore.
Inside, my senses were immediately overwhelmed. Music hummed through the air, laughter rose and fell like waves, and the light—warm and golden—wrapped the room in elegance. White, gold, and cream dominated the space, creating an opulent harmony. The tiled floor formed diamond patterns, each centre adorned with a tiny silver gem that caught the light beneath our feet.
The walls were white, intricately detailed with gold designs, and halfway up, arrangements of white lilies nestled among dark green leaves. Soft lighting cast an amber glow, making everything feel intimate despite the grandeur.
People turned as we passed—women in stunning gowns, men in tailored suits. Wealth lingered in the air, not just seen but felt.
And suddenly, I felt very small.
An assistant among millionaires.
A waiter approached with champagne, and I accepted the glass gratefully. The first sip was light and crisp, citrus and cherry dancing across my tongue.
"So," I whispered to Alexander, scanning the room, "where's Mrs Bingham?"
"You'll know," he murmured back. "She's—"
YOU ARE READING
The Promotion
RomanceCOMPLETED Cover credit goes to @meha-k Banner credit goes to @sarcastic-mess *** Louisa who is a highly motivated, strong, career driven person, feels like she is crumbling as she tries to balanc...
