His Lovable Klutz (Completed)

Segment Thirty-six.

♥ Oh My! ♥

      The evening sky was painted in hues of deep purples and soft pinks, with the last traces of daylight fading into the horizon. As the stars began to emerge, Stefan and Coby arrived at Mr. Jabari's mansion, an opulent estate that sprawled across acres of meticulously manicured land. The driveway leading up to the mansion was lined with sculpted hedges and dotted with elegant lanterns that cast a warm, golden glow. A grand water fountain, its tiers flowing with crystalline water, stood as the centerpiece of the vast compound, surrounded by trimmed grasses and flowerbeds that seemed to bloom in perfect synchronization.

      Expensive cars, sleek and shining under the ambient lights, were pulling up to the mansion's entrance. Attendees, dressed in their finest evening wear, stepped out of their vehicles with an air of luxury, some accompanied by equally well-dressed companions. They made their way toward the grand entrance, a pair of towering doors framed by intricate stonework, leading into the heart of the mansion where the night's event awaited.

      Inside the car, Stefan turned to Coby, his expression serious as he laid down the ground rules. "Listen, Coby," he began, his tone firm, "this is an important event. I don't need you doing anything that'll draw unwanted attention. Don't drink too much, don't say anything that could put me on the spot, and for God's sake, try not to embarrass me. This is a professional gathering, not one of your cooking shows."

      Coby, seated beside him, looked more bored than attentive. She nodded her head in response, but her mind was already wandering. Stefan's words blurred together as she stared out the window, watching the other guests make their way inside. She acknowledged his instructions with an occasional uh-huh, but it was clear she wasn't entirely listening.

      Satisfied, or at least resigned, Stefan exited the car, walking around to Coby's side. Inside, Coby waited, a small smile playing on her lips as she expected him to open the door for her like a gentleman. But when Stefan stopped short of actually opening it and instead said, "Come on, step out," without so much as a gesture to help, her expression quickly shifted. She gave him a funny face of disappointment and mild annoyance, before she reached for the door handle herself.

      Coby awkwardly climbed out of the car, her movements slightly clumsy in the unfamiliar heels. The slit of her dress caught on the car's frame for a moment, causing her to stumble as she straightened up. Stefan shook his head at the sight, his exasperation evident, before he turned and started walking toward the mansion's entrance.

      "Wait up!" Coby called after him, struggling to keep pace in the high heels that felt more like torture devices than footwear. "Mr. Reynolds, slow down! I'm not used to wearing these!"

      But Stefan either didn't hear her or chose to ignore her pleas. He continued ahead at his brisk pace, forcing Coby to quicken her steps. Just as she managed to catch up to him, her foot caught on the hem of her dress, and she tripped, falling ungracefully to the ground.

      "Miss, are you alright?" A deep, velvety voice reached her ears, carrying with it a refined British accent that was smooth and seductive.

      Coby looked up, dazed, to see a hand extended toward her. She took it, feeling the firm yet gentle grip as the man helped her to her feet.

      "Thank you," she began, but her words trailed off as her eyes locked onto the man who had come to her aid.

      He was breathtakingly handsome, in a way that almost seemed unreal. His hair was a shade of blonde so pure it shimmered under the evening light, styled perfectly to frame his features. His eyes were a vivid, almost startling green, like polished emeralds set against the fairness of his skin. His lips, a soft shade of pink, curved into a polite, yet undeniably charming smile. Standing at probably 6'2, he towered over Coby, his presence both commanding and comforting.