Stephanie was dressed in a stunning, figure-hugging lavender gown with a satin finish. With a one-shoulder design with intricate silver, floral embellishments on a sheer bodice, adding a touch of elegance. There was a drape detailing at the waist that flows seamlessly into a long, elegant skirt. She paired it with a Mach and Mach double bow crystal-embellished satin pumps, a diamond choker with lavender sapphires, and drop earrings. She had pinned up her with a jewelled comb abd keft a few loose tendrils flying around, and her glowing makeup featured a subtle pink lip. She completed the look with a jimmy choo rhinestone clutch and one of her signature floral perfume.
"How do I look?" she twirled around.
Liana grasped her chest and gawked, "Like you just stepped out of a magazine. Magnificent. Breathtaking."
Liana had come over to Stephanie's so they could prepare together. She was dressed in a one shoulder, long evening black gown with a thigh-high slit.
"Girls?" Fiona called out to them, "it's time to go, the limo is here."
"Coming Mama." Stephanie answered.
"Let's go rock this party, Lili dearest." She cheered as she pulled Liana along with her.
*****
Alexander Cade Thornton watched as she waltzed around the ballroom, greeting guests. A permanent smile etched on her face. He grimaced and wondered how she was able to do it. Since she stepped in and greeted her grandparents, she had had a smile on her face, it has been more than an hour, and she still had that smile on her face.
His gaze still tracked her as her dance partner pulled her to the dance floor.
"Hey, man." Jared, one of Alex's best friends and one of the grandsons of his hosts, greeted.
Alex grunted as he took a sip of champagne, his gaze still on the dance floor. His eyes narrowed when he saw the guy casually pull Stephanie in. His jaw clenched, and his lips pursed at the sight of the two of them dancing.
"Who is that?" He scowled.
"Who?" Jared asked, popping a few nuts into his mouth.
"The one dancing with your cousin, Stephanie." He pointed out.
"Ah. I believe that would be Michael Byrnes. Current CEO of Byrnes Estates. And the man my aunt is currently pushing Stephanie to date ." Jared smoothly took a glass of champagne off the tray of the waiter who was passing by.
"He is not good enough for her." Alex said through clenched teeth.
Jared paused mid sip, the glass hovering near his lips as he regarded his best friend with a raised eyebrow.
"Alexander Thornton, don't tell me you have a thing for little Miss Stephanie."
He physically recoiled as he glared at Jared, "What? No. She annoys me, remember."
"Well, that's good because she doesn't remember you."
At the words of his friend, Alex's hand tightened around the stem of his champagne glass. He had to mentally calm himself before he shattered the glass.
*****
Stephanie ambled her way to where Liana sat with their grandma, wincing with every step.
"Tired of your heels already?" Liana teased when Steph sat beside her.
Glaring at her, Stephanie snatched Liana's drink and tossed it down, "More like my heels are crying for mercy." She winced as she pulled her feet out of the heels to give them a little reprieve. Though Michael was charming, he was a bad dancer. Terrible. Horrendous even. He had stomped on her feet all throughout the song, and she had smiled her way through.
YOU ARE READING
Heels, Dreams & Blueprint
RomanceA fashion-obsessed architectural engineer from a wealthy family has one goal: to join her family's prestigious design committee. But there's a catch-her traditional father insists she must get married first! When she meets her best friend's brother'...
