Braelyn’s POV
It was finally the night of the gala. My reflection stared back at from the mirror as my final outfit touches were done.
My phone was on a loudspeaker call as Juliette’s voice drifted over informing about the final preparations. "Everything is in place, Mrs Volkov. I have cross-checked. "Juliette’s voice drifted over..
The makeup artist was about to spray the setting spray on my makeup for the final touch. I raised my hand to stop her before replying to Juliette. "Thanks for your good work. This year-end bonuses will be good " I chid
"Thank you ma’am." Juliette chid, her voice was filled with so much glee I was certain she must be beaming as she spoke. I only chuckled lightly
"Later then.. " the call hung up.
"You can continue.." I beckoned the makeup artist. She nodded and continued working. I was nervous about tonight, not only was the end-of-year gala one of the biggest events for the company every year but this year I had been delegated to handle planning myself..
Normally Natalia handled it herself but this year she suddenly ntioned she wasn’t feeling too well and suggested I handle the planning committee. In her words, I knew about what the event needed better because I was a staff mber of Volkov Apex...
I knew it was all bullshit. She just wanted to fail. I had to organise such an event and plan the year end bonus during such a period when the company was going through a crisis.
"I am done, Mrs Volkov. "The makeup artist and stylist stood back giving full access to the mirror.
"You look beautiful ma’am." She chid and I just smiled of course. The corners of my lips curled up slightly.
"Thank you, " I chid, my gaze locked on the mirror. The makeup was flawless and there was only one way to describe my reflection. Perfection..
My smile grew, an end-of-year gala might not be much hype but earlier I was nervous because I would be attending with Raphael. The tension between us lately has been nerve-wracking but I think I can handle it.
"Madam, if you are ready, I will inform the Master. He is waiting. " a maid politely chid from the corner.
"I will be out in a few minutes.." I sent off the maid. She politely bowed and left the room followed by the stylist.
I slowly rose from the chair and faced the mirror one last ti, taking in the final image staring back at .
The dress flowed down in a seamless line of deep green silk, full-length and perfectly tailored to my body. It wasn’t flashy or overdesigned, yet it excluded the elegance I wanted.
Erald jewellery matching my eyes rested at my throat and ears, the dark stones catching the chandelier light whenever I shifted even slightly. On my feet, the black heels with their signature red bottoms completed the look, adding a subtle edge beneath the elegance.
For several seconds I simply watched my reflection, waiting until the strange feeling of looking at a stranger faded and I could accept that the composed woman in the mirror was truly .
Once the hesitation settled, I inhaled slowly, squared my shoulders, and turned toward the door. Tonight, no matter what happened, I refused to appear weak.
My heels struck the marble floor in a steady rhythm as I walked down the long corridor toward the foyer. The house was unusually quiet, with only distant staff voices echoing faintly sowhere behind the walls.
When I stepped outside, the late-autumn breeze wrapped around imdiately. The air was cold enough to sting, carrying that familiar sharpness, snow might fall any day from now. All the trees surrounding the compound are now shown in red and orange hues.
As I lifted my gaze toward the front, it landed instantly on Raphael. He stood beside the car in a perfectly fitted black tuxedo, holding his phone to his ear while speaking in a low, businesslike voice.
Raphael had always been the kind of man who looked good in anything, but formal black suited him in a way that made him appear especially commanding. His tall fra, sharp features, and effortless composure created the sort of presence that once made boardrooms fall silent and strangers stare twice.
For a brief mont, an old and unwelco thought crossed my mind that perhaps one of the reasons I had fallen for him so easily in the past was simply because he had always been painfully handso, the type of face that was hard to say no to.
The sound of my heels must have reached him, because Raphael turned mid-conversation. He stopped completely.
His words died in his throat, and the phone slowly lowered from his ear as his eyes locked onto with open shock. The caller’s voice continued faintly through the speaker for a few seconds before Raphael absent-mindedly ended the call without even looking at the screen.
He simply stared at as if he had forgotten how to function.
"You look breathtaking," he said at last, his voice quieter than usual and almost rough at the edges. "Honestly... even the version of you on our wedding day would be humbled tonight."
I rolled my eyes almost imdiately, folding my arms slightly as the complint failed to move the way it once might have.
"Oh really?" I replied coolly. "Did you complint Alia the sa way back then?"
The question cut cleanly through the air between us.
Raphael’s expression changed at once, the warmth draining from his face as though the mont had been abruptly extinguished. His lips parted slightly, but whatever response he might have given never ca out.
After a while, he found the words. "She was always loud but you look elegant..but no matter how bright she dresses she could never outshine you in my eyes." I waited for my heart to skip a beat or my face to burn up but it never ca.
I only gave him a polite smile walking down the steps. "Thank you.." I chid stopping at the car. The chauffeur opened the door. "You always look painfully handso Raphael.." It was the truth. He gave a soft smile and we got into the car...
The ride to the venue was silent. I didn’t bother striking up any conversations. Although Raphael wanted to talk, the endless calls on his end made it hard.
His gaze lingered on , it was a look I recognised. He was probably thinking what I look like under this dress but that was a privilege he lost.
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