ʙᴜʀɴɪɴɢ ᴅᴇꜱɪʀᴇꜱ

Chapter 8

Amelia

I don't know if I really should have put on this dress and thus agreed to play by someone's rules, but here I am in front of the mirror, engrossed in my reflection. The dress fits my body perfectly and I can't remember the last time I felt this beautiful. My hair was slightly wavy supported by extra volume. My skin glistened with the excessive body butter I slathered on every inch of my skin, followed by its intoxicating scent of vanilla and argan oil.

I took my eyes off the mirror and glanced at the clock. It was a few minutes to seven. Just at that moment, my doorbell rang and that was the signal for me to get my purse and get ready to leave.

I opened the door and was greeted by the enchanting Gabriel. He wore a black suit, a white shirt and a red bowtie.

"Gab, we really matched the colors! Fantastic!''

I told him delightedly and he turned around and raised his hand showing his winning combination.

''What a coincidence. You look beautiful pumpkin. As always, red is your color.''

I gave him a short smile and slowly left the apartment, pushing the key into the lock.

"Oh, sorry. Wait  a second, I forgot something.''

I quickly went inside and neared the table. I took the red rose and joined Gabriel.

"We can go now."

The charity event was organized in the old town's ball house. The old architecture and history that the building radiated was the perfect place for an event of this type.

The red carpet bordered by pillars with golden rope stretched all the way to the entrance and massive wooden door, which under the pressure of time had already started to have cracks here and there.

The people inside the hall were already buzzing while quiet classical music was coming from the  the philharmonic where children without parental care were playing.

Artworks were displayed on the walls of the room and each of them had a special place and lighting. Everything exuded elegance.

Dozens of round tables were already filled mostly with the older population of the city's elite, but young people also mingled with the old guard.

The concierge escorted us to our table, which was already full. I settled down and noticed that one seat next to me remained empty.

I put the rose on the table and continued to observe the crowd around me.

"Gab, this is fucking amazing."

I stumbled, leaning towards him.

"Be nice Amy, a lot of these people could be our potential clients."

He said seriously and then burst out laughing.

"But yes, it is fucking amazing."

The waiter came with a tray full of different drinks, from which I chose champagne. I heard the chair next to me creak and turned to see who it was.

Of course, none other than Mr. Reese was seated next to me. Fate has strange ways of twisting our strings.

"Take it slow with that champagne. You may become wild and out of control.''

I gave him a sour smile. I thought about the last time I drank and what rash decisions I made and mentally confirmed his words.

"Maybe you should drink a couple of them to stop being such an asshole."