Sarah
The night of the charity gala arrives, and I'm a vision in a shimring erald gown that clings to my curves like a second skin. My auburn hair falls in soft waves around my face, and my lips are painted a daring shade of red. I am not always 100 percent confident in how I look, but tonight, I feel great.
Daddy escorts into the ballroom, and I feel the crowd's eyes turn towards us.
But there's only one pair of eyes I care about tonight.
I scan the room, my heart racing in anticipation. And then, I see him.
Matthew is standing near the bar, his tall fra impeccably dressed in a tailored tuxedo. He's talking to a group of n, his expression serious, his posture commanding. Even from across the room, his presence is magnetic.
I take a deep breath, straightening my shoulders. It's showti.
I look at my father and smile. "Do you mind if I leave you to mingle?"
He smiles back at admiringly. "Of course I don't mind, sweetheart. You don't need your old dad following you around. Go ahead and have fun."
"Thank you," I say and give him a kiss on the cheek before making my way toward Matthew.
As I draw closer, I catch snippets of his conversation. He's discussing the company's latest financial projections.
Good. Let them see how brilliant he is. Let them see the man I've chosen.
I pause a few feet away, waiting for a break in the conversation. When it cos, I step forward, a dazzling smile on my lips.
"Matthew," I say, my voice a purr. "I'm so glad you could make it tonight."
Matthew turns, his dark eyes locking with mine. For a mont, I see a flicker of surprise in his gaze, quickly replaced by cool appraisal. His eyes sweep over , taking in my appearance, and I feel a thrill of triumph at the subtle appreciation I see there.
"Miss Wilson," he says, inclining his head. "You look lovely this evening."
"Thank you," I reply, my smile widening. "I was hoping I might steal you away for a mont? There's sothing I'd like to discuss."
The n around us exchange glances, a few of them smirking knowingly. I ignore them, keeping my eyes on Matthew.
He hesitates for a beat, then nods. "Of course. If you'll excuse , gentlen."
I lead him away from the group, towards a quieter corner of the ballroom. My heart pounds as I feel the heat of his presence behind , the subtle scent of his cologne teasing my senses.
When we're alone, I turn to face him, looking up at him through my lashes. "I wanted to thank you for taking the ti to et with the other day. I know you're very busy."
"It's no trouble," he says, his expression guarded. "Though I must admit, I'm still not entirely sure what you need to discuss with , Miss Wilson."
"Please call Sarah," I quickly remind him.
"That wouldn't be appropriate, Miss Wilson," he says curtly.
His formality stings, but I refuse to let it keep down. This was a mission.
I step closer, my eyes never leaving his. "I don't mind and I know my father won't mind either, Matthew. But I prefer us to be friends so I can learn from you. I want to be prepared for my role in the company."
"And you believe I'm the best person to teach you?" There's a challenge in his tone, an undercurrent of skepticism.
I lift my chin, eting his gaze squarely. "I do. Daddy said you were talented and reliable."
Sothing flickers in his eyes, gone too quickly for to understand. "I see," he says.
Gosh...what do I need to do to open him up more?
I take another step closer, so close that I can feel the heat radiating from his body. The scent of his cologne is intoxicating, making my head spin. I have to fight the urge to reach out and touch him.
"Matthew," I say softly, my voice almost a whisper. "I know we've only just t, but I feel like there's a connection between us. Don't you feel it too?"
His jaw clenches, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that makes my breath catch. For a mont, I think I see a flicker of sothing in his gaze - desire, perhaps? But it's gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by that cool, unreadable expression.
"Miss Wilson," he says, his voice low and controlled. "I think you may be misinterpreting the situation. I am your father's employee, nothing more."
His words are like a slap in the face, but I refuse to let them deter . I know what I want, and I always get what I want.
I reach out, placing my hand on his arm. The fabric of his tuxedo jacket is smooth beneath my fingers. "But it could be more," I murmur, looking up at him through my lashes. "We could be so good together, Matthew. Can't you see that?"
He stares down at my hand on his arm, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he reaches up and removes my hand, his fingers wrapping around my wrist. His touch sends a jolt of electricity through .
"I am seeing soone else," he says quietly.
I blink, his words hitting like a physical blow. "What?"
Matthew releases my wrist, stepping back. "I have a girlfriend, Miss Wilson. I'm not available for whatever it is you're proposing."
A hot flush of anger and humiliation rises in my cheeks. How dare he reject ? Doesn't he know who I am?
"Who is she?" I demand, my voice rising. "That blonde I saw you with at the office?"
His eyes narrow. "My personal life is none of your concern."
"It is if it interferes with what I want," I snap, my hands clenching into fists at my sides.
Matthew's expression hardens, his eyes turning to ice. "Let be very clear, Miss Wilson. There is no 'us'. There never will be. I suggest you focus your attention elsewhere."
With that, he turns on his heel and strides away, disappearing into the crowd.
I stand there, trembling with rage and embarrassnt.
No...I won't give up just yet, I decide. I will steal him from her if I have to.
Little did I know pursuing him like that would be the biggest mistake of my life.
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