His Assistant

Chapter 35

Kiara’s POV

I stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the hem of my dress for what felt like the hundredth time. Isabella had done her usual magic—transforming me from my normal looks to something both elegant and just the right look for a family dinner. The deep emerald green dress clung to my curves in all the right places, and my hair was styled in soft waves that felt... well, me.



Kiara’s dress

“Okay, okay, I admit it,” Isabella said from the doorway, a teasing grin on her face. “You look stunning. I mean, it’s about time you let a man spoil you.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “I’m not looking for him to spoil me, Isa,” I said. “I’m still just… nervous.”

“You’re nervous?” she asked, raising a brow. “You’ve been working for the Williams family for five years. And Brandon’s practically your personal tour guide to the mansion. I swear, it’s like you’ve known them forever.”

“I’ve been to their house before, yes. But never like this,” I said, adjusting the strap of my heel. “I’m going as his girlfriend tonight, Isa. Not his assistant.”

Isabella winked at me. “Girlfriend? Well, you’ve earned that title, haven’t you? It’s about time, too. Now get your cute ass to that dinner before your man thinks you’re bailing on him.”

I took a deep breath and grabbed my clutch from the table. “I’ll be fine,” I muttered, but the butterflies in my stomach told me otherwise.

By the time Brandon’s driver pulled up to the grand, ivy-covered gates of the Williams mansion, my nerves had calmed down a little. There was something reassuring about being here, I wasn’t a stranger here. Skylar, Brandon’s younger sister, and I had spent many weekends in the library together, I tutored her on some hard subjects she encountered in college and we talked about everything from relationships to life after college. She’d even helped me pick out the dress I was wearing tonight, insisting it was the one Brandon would never forget.

As I stepped out of the car, the door opened by the driver, I looked up to see Brandon standing on the porch, his smile bright and knowing. He wasn’t just my boss anymore, though part of me still couldn’t fully shake the old dynamic. Tonight, though, there were no power games—just Brandon and me.

“Kiara,” he greeted me softly, walking over to pull me into a gentle hug. “You look beautiful.”

I smiled up at him. “Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.”

Brandon’s dark suit fit him perfectly, his dark hair swept back just enough to give him that effortless look. I felt my nerves settle as he led me inside.

Skylar was the first to greet us, bounding down the stairs with that same youthful energy I loved. She wrapped me in a tight hug. “Kiara, you look amazing! Seriously, this dress is everything. You need to let me borrow it sometime.”

“Not a chance, Sky,” I teased, laughing as she pulled away.

“It’s so good to see you! I’ve been hearing all about you and Brandon, and I’m so happy for you guys,” she added, her eyes twinkling.

“I’m happy too,” I said, though there was a slight edge of nervousness still bubbling in my chest.

As we moved into the grand dining room, the atmosphere felt warmer than I expected. I was used to the glitz of the Williams home—the polished floors, the sparkling chandeliers—but tonight, it felt like family. We sat at the long table where the smell of freshly prepared food surrounded us, a lavish spread of Italian dishes that Antonia had personally overseen.

Antonia, radiant as always, greeted me with open arms. “Kiara, sweetheart, I’m so happy you could join us tonight.”

“I’m happy to be here, Antonia. Thank you for having me.”

Her eyes softened as she took my hand. “I’ve asked the chef to prepare most of your favorite food my dear, I hope you like then." She led me to sit on the dining table.

"Uh mom, what of my favorite food?" Brandon pouted.
"Oh, get over yourself Brandon, today is all about Kiara, now sit if you want any food at all".
I giggled as he sat beside me with an exaggerated sad face. Skylar and Lucas sat down on the respective seats, and then dinner was served

The dinner conversation flowed effortlessly. Lucas was in high spirits, teasing Brandon about his usual “business acumen” while Skylar made fun of her brother for always crying whenever he watched sad movies. Antonia watched the banter with an indulgent smile, her eyes occasionally flicking between me and Brandon.

But then, just as the entrée was being served, Antonia set down her glass of wine and looked at Brandon with a piercing gaze. “So, Brandon,” she began, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity, “What are your plans for the future of this… relationship with Kiara?”

The table fell silent.

Brandon stiffened slightly, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

“Mom…” Brandon started, but Antonia held up a hand, stopping him.

“Don’t dodge this, darling. It’s been five years with Kiara by your side—running your company, keeping everything in line. It’s clear she means a lot to you now.”

I shifted uncomfortably, but Antonia’s eyes were soft, almost knowing.

Brandon took a breath and looked straight into
eyes, "If Kiara is willing, I want this relationship to last forever, and I promise to care for you with my whole heart. I truly want this to work out.”

My heart was beating like crazy. He really said that in front of his family.

I reached over and squeezed his hand, and he smiled at me, I also smiled shyly.

“Good,” Antonia said, her voice soft but satisfied. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Later, after dinner, we both retreated to the Williams’ garden for a walk. The cool night air felt good against my skin, and I leaned into Brandon as we strolled among the manicured hedges and twinkling lights.

“I never thought I’d see the day,” I said softly, looking up at him. “You and me, talking about the future with your family.”

Brandon’s smile was tender. “Neither did I. But I’m glad it’s with you, Kiara.”

I felt my heart swell as he gently cupped my face, pulling me into a kiss. This time, there was no hesitation. No games. Just us. When we pulled away, his eyes were soft and full of something deeper than I’d seen before.

“I don’t think I can go back to not being with you,” he whispered.

Before I could respond, Brandon’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and frowned at the screen.

“Everything okay?” I asked, concerned.

Brandon’s expression tightened. “It’s my house security. They’re reporting a problem. Cindy’s trying to force her way in.”

I froze, my breath catching. “Your ex?”

“Yeah,” he said, his jaw clenching. “I need to take care of this. I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Okay,” I whispered, stepping back as he headed toward the house.

The kiss still lingered on my lips, but now, a new feeling crept in—a sense of unease. I wasn’t sure what Cindy’s sudden reappearance meant for Brandon or for us.

But whatever happened, I knew we’d face it together.

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Hi my lovelies,  Cindy is back to cause some trouble.
Let hope our favorite couple will stand strong together.
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