Plus one

Chapter 48

🌹 Talia 🌹

It's been a few days, and today is the day of the gala. Nothing has changed between Leon and me. He's been acting almost the same, except for the occasional bouquet of peonies I find in my office. I won't lie—every time I see them, I can't help but smile.

Anyway, tonight is the event, and both Leon and I will be there. I need to ask Laura if she can help us with Malia, so I give her a quick call.

...Phone...

Me: "Hey Laura, how are you?"

Laura: "Hey, sunshine. I'm good. How are you?"

Me: "I'm good. I hope I'm not bothering you, but I could use a little help."

Laura: "Sure, tell me how I can help."

Me: "Well, tonight is the gala, and both Leon and I are going. Could you look after Malia for us?"

Laura: "I don't mind taking care of your little princess. I already know about the gala—Leon called me earlier, and Chris mentioned it too since he and Vanessa are going as well. It's a family sleepover tonight. Do you want me to pick up Malia from kindergarten?"

Me: "If you don't mind."

Laura: "Don't worry, I'll pick her up when I get Atlas."

Me: "Thank you so much. I don't know what I'd do without you, Laura."

Laura: "Oh, don't worry about it. Now go have fun. See you tomorrow for Leon's birthday dinner."

...End...

I need to buy something for Leon, and I don't have any idea what to buy. I shouldn't have left it until the last minute. What do you buy for someone who has everything? I hear the front door, so I guess my hairdressers are here. I open the door and lead them to my room. Then the makeup artist arrives. It's time to get ready. They start setting up their products on my dresser and begin with the skincare.

After a few hours of prep, I think I'm finally ready. As always, I went with a natural makeup look with a slight brownish smoky eye. For my hair, we decided on a blowout and added some curtain bangs. I look at myself in the mirror and feel good. I quickly pay and tip them before they leave. I'm alone at home now, wearing just my underwear and a silky robe. With this makeup, blowout, and robe, I feel like a Victoria's Secret angel.

I open the fridge and take out the salad I ordered earlier. I add the dressing and give it a good shake before someone knocks on the front door. I quickly tighten my robe and open the door.

"Hello, ma'am. I have a package for Mia Miller," the delivery person says.

Mia Miller is my old name, and the only person who still uses it is Leon.

"She's not here at the moment, but I can sign for her," I reply, always cautious. The delivery person hands me the paper, and I sign with my current name. Once the paperwork is complete, he hands me a large box.

Inside, I find a beautiful black gown with a white asymmetrical top. One shoulder is off the shoulder, and the other is normal. I take the dress out of the box and hold it up against my body, admiring myself in the mirror. It's an elegant yet sexy dress—perfect for tonight. It's even better than the dress I had in mind. I quickly run to my room, hang it up, and gaze at my reflection, squealing with excitement. I can't believe this is my life. I need to eat my salad before getting ready. Leon should also be on his way home to get ready.