This was her first ti receiving this kind of attention, all because the host had called her up for the lucky draw.
Rowan caught the faint frown on her face the mont everyone’s eyes turned to her. She was just about to tug his sleeve for help when he spoke up.
"If you don’t want to do it, I’ll refuse on your behalf."
Lyra shook her head slightly and leaned closer to him.
"No, it wouldn’t be polite to refuse... Just walk to the stage. I’ll draw the number and co back down quickly."
He nodded, understanding that refusing without a good reason could backfire on her reputation.
He rose and offered his hand. As Lyra accepted it, he helped her up, keeping his other hand lightly at her waist. He escorted her toward the stage.
When they reached the foot of the stage, Rowan leaned in, and she tilted her head slightly, bringing their faces close as he spoke.
"I’ll wait down here."
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before she let go, fingers tightening around the fabric of her gown as she made her way toward the host waiting at the center of the stage.
By the table where she had been sitting and the way Rowan escorted her, the host already knew she was Mrs. Pierce.
The host gestured toward her.
"Please welco Mrs. Pierce to the stage..."
Lyra nodded and gave a small, polite wave.
He faced the audience and said, "Let’s give her a warm round of applause as she joins us for the draw!"
The hall filled with applause, and she stood rigid, her smile stiff as she waved back faintly.
This kind of atmosphere was still strange to her, yet she felt thrilled and proud, because everyone down there seed small and she stood tall on stage.
"Before we begin, I’d like to invite our biggest sponsor of the night to the stage. Let’s give a big round of applause for Mr. Cortez!"
The applause continued, this ti accompanied by cheers. Dante ca from behind the stage, raised his hand to acknowledge the audience, and stood beside Lyra.
Finally... he could see her up close.
The last ti they t, she had been clad in her work attire, but now she was radiant in an evening gown that hugged her curves, with earrings catching the light and a delicate chain draping over her pale neck.
He leaned in as if to whisper, but Lyra instinctively leaned back because he was too close, and a shiver ran up her spine as she took two steps away.
"Dr. Ashford, I didn’t expect you at tonight’s event."
He extended his hand for a handshake, and she accepted it with a polite smile.
"It was unplanned. My husband suddenly decided to co," she replied, keeping her tone courteous since they were on stage.
She only hoped Dante wouldn’t ruin the atmosphere.
If she ever caught him acting inappropriate on purpose in front of everyone, she wouldn’t hesitate to embarrass him right back.
Dante hadn’t had his chance, either. He had only tested her earlier, and the mont he realized she was being cautious around him, he knew he needed to earn her trust.
The host announced that the prize had been generously sponsored by Cortez, then signaled for Lyra to mix the entries and draw a winner.
She reached into the bowl, stirred the entries, and pulled out a slip.
When the winner was announced and stepped onto the stage, he couldn’t stop thanking her, repeating his gratitude for her lucky hand in picking his number.
Lyra waved at Rowan, who was waiting for her at the foot of the stage, after the host gestured for her to exit through the back.
Backstage, a staff mber was supposed to guide them to the exit, but Dante, following behind her, called to her.
"Dr. Ashford... may I speak with you for a mont?"
He signaled the staff to leave and spoke before Lyra could refuse.
"Director Carvin ntioned you’re the doctor assigned to the mother-and-child clinic."
"Yes, that’s right. Is there sothing you need?" she asked, glancing at the staff mber who had just left.
Fortunately, a few other staff mbers were around, which eased her a little.
"It’s about my wife. She’s pregnant, and her nausea has been terrible."
Because he brought up a work related topic, she motioned for him to follow her to a spot where they could talk without disturbing anyone, since they were currently standing in the walkway.
"I really need help... her nausea is so bad she can’t stand anyone’s scent. No one."
"That must be really hard for her," Lyra said softly.
"She can’t visit the clinic, and even with a doctor at ho, she still threw up badly. What worries the most is the baby. I don’t know how I can be sure the baby is safe."
Dante leaned against the wall, arms crossed, worry written across his face.
"Yeah, the first trister is tough. It’s normal for her to feel nauseous, but if it’s really severe, it can be dangerous. I can see why you’re worried. Is this your first child?"
"Yes, I don’t have any experience yet. I was hoping you could try. If possible, I’d like you to provide a ho visit."
Lyra understood perfectly that soone like Dante would want a doctor to co to his ho.
Considering how serious his wife’s condition was and the fact that it was their first child, cost was clearly not a concern for him.
"Um... I can give it a try, but only with the director’s approval."
"I’m glad to hear that. I’ll speak with him right away."
The director was completely in Dante’s pocket, and anything he requested would likely be approved since he was a major funder of the hospital.
As soon as their conversation ended, Rowan found her. He called from afar.
"Ah, my husband is here," Lyra said, smiling softly and waving at Rowan.
He strode toward his wife, and Dante imdiately offered a handshake.
"Nice to et you, Mr. Pierce. Sorry for keeping your wife."
"It’s fine," Rowan replied, his expression unreadable as he turned to Lyra.
"The event is almost over. Mother and Father are waiting for you."
Lyra instantly wrapped herself around his arm, clinging to him as she murmured an apology for making him wait.
She then turned back to Dante. "Mr. Cortez, we’ll excuse ourselves."
Rowan drew her closer and guided her toward the exit, the two of them walking away without once looking back.
Neither of them noticed the darkening gaze that followed them from behind.
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