Clementine, a social media manager with fiery red hair and emerald green eyes, was a contradiction. Shy in person, her mind buzzed with fascinating trivia just waiting for the right listener.
Sebastian Montgomery as the tabloids dubbed him, was an...
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Clementine stepped into the grand mansion, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floors. The sound felt almost foreign in such a luxurious setting, but she couldn't help but admire the extravagance of the event. It was a rare opportunity to witness such wealth up close, and though she was used to the hum of the city and the hustle of the office, there was something almost intoxicating about the atmosphere here tonight.
Her colleagues were scattered throughout the large ballroom, the air rich with chatter, clinking glasses, and laughter. The high ceiling, adorned with glittering chandeliers, reflected the shimmering lights, casting a soft glow over the crowd. Women in elegant gowns and men in sharp suits moved gracefully among the long tables laden with appetizers and sparkling drinks. The mood was one of celebration, but there was an undercurrent of formality that only added to the event's grandeur.
Clementine made her way toward the bar, trying to shake off the nerves that were beginning to take hold of her. She'd been to several corporate events before, but none quite like this. It felt like a world away from the usual office mixers and happy hours. Here, everything was polished, pristine, and impeccably put together—much like the people who filled the room.
"Clementine!" Her boss, Ms. Ashton, caught her eye and waved her over. Ms. Ashton was a woman of grace and authority, always impeccably dressed in tailored suits that spoke of power and professionalism. Tonight, she wore a deep emerald dress that complemented her dark, glossy hair and flawless makeup.
"Enjoying yourself?" Ms. Patel asked, her eyes scanning the room briefly before locking onto Clementine's face.
Clementine nodded, her nerves dissipating a little under the reassuring gaze of her boss. "It's beautiful here. I've never been to something like this before."
"It's the Montgomerys," Ms. Patel said with a knowing smile as if that explained everything. "They know how to host a proper event. You're doing well, though. I'm glad you could join us tonight."
Before Clementine could respond, the unmistakable sound of children's laughter echoed through the room. It was followed by a sudden, exuberant shout. "Daddy! Daddy!" Clementine glanced in the direction of the noise, her eyes immediately drawn to the two little girls who had just run into the room, their laughter bubbling over the sounds of the party. They were dressed in adorable, frilly dresses, their faces lighting up at the sight of their father.
Clementine watched as Sebastian Montgomery, ever the picture of composure, stood by the grand entrance with a calm smile as his daughters ran toward him. He was an imposing figure, tall and effortlessly regal, his dark hair combed neatly, streaks of silver adding a distinguished touch to his otherwise immaculate appearance. He bent down to scoop his daughters into his arms, their voices loud and joyful as they clung to him. Clementine couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between his public persona and the brief, tender moment he shared with his daughters. It was a side of him she hadn't expected to see, and it left her feeling oddly disoriented.
