Tonight was important.
One of my biggest clients, Mr. Hendrick, was celebrating his 60th birthday. He owned some of the largest shopping malls in the city. I was his wife's official designer so she invited me.
"Are you sure this is okay?" I ask Stacy adjusting my dress. The dress code was black and gold and I decide to go with both. The gown's main color was black with some gold designs and I paired it with gold heels.
"yes it is Julie" Stacy says.
"You look beautiful, Mom," Ben said.
My heart softened. "Thank you, baby."
"He's right," Stacy added. "You look stunning."
I laughed lightly. "Are you sure you guys will be okay?" I ask
"We will be fine. Go and enjoy yourself" Stacy replies
"Okay, okay. I'll see you both later."
"Bye!" they said together.
And just like that, I left.
I decided on the way there that I wasn't going to think about work or Justin.
Not tonight.
Tonight, I was just going to enjoy myself
When I got to the entrance of the hall, the security checked my invitation before letting me through. The hall was massive, glowing with black and gold decorations. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting soft golden light across the room.
And the cake…
It had to be at least eight feet tall, crowned with a bold golden "60."
Celebrities. Business moguls. Influential people.
Everyone looked perfect.
For a moment, I just stood there… taking it all in.
Then I spotted her.
Mrs. Hendrick.
She stood gracefully near the entrance, greeting guests with a warm smile.
I walked up to her.
"Good evening, Mrs. Hendrick."
She turned and smiled brightly. "How many times have I told you, Julie? Stop calling me that. Call me Evie."
I laughed softly. "Sorry, Evie."
"Much better," she said, pleased. "Where is Mr Hendrick" I ask
"I'm sure he is attending to some guests." She says and I nod.
Right on cue, Mr. Hendrick approached us.
"Happy birthday, sir," I said warmly.
"Ah, Juliana!" he beamed. "Thank you, dear."
I handed him my gift, and he passed it to one of the staff members who placed with other gifts.
After a few more pleasantries, he excused himself to greet other guests, leaving me alone with Evie.
She turned to me suddenly.
"Julie, dear… can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"I know this question might seem a bit weird but are you married" she asks and I became confused.
"No… why?"
"A boyfriend then?" she asks again
I shook my head. "No."
Her face lit up.
"Is anything the matter" I ask unsure where this conversation was headed.
"No. It's just that my son just returned from the States," she said. "And I want him to settle down because as you can see I am not getting younger but he refuses to settle down because he is still hung up on some girl he dated while in college."
I blinked again, slightly caught off guard.
"You want me to date your son?" I asked carefully.
She laughed. "Not exactly. Just meet him. If the Sparks fly then they fly if they don't then I guess I will just have to try something else."
"I… okay," I said, unsure.
"lovely!" She says excitedly and I smile nervously
"James!" she called.
A man who seems to be around his sixties walks up to us. Oh God I hope that is not her son. I think she must've noticed the look on my face because she bursts out laughing "Don't worry dear he is the butler" she says and I sigh in relief.
"Yes, ma'am." the butler answers
"Get Jay for me."
He nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
A few minutes later, he returned alone.
Evie frowned. "Where is he?"
James cleared his throat. "He said he's not interested in meeting anyone you choose for him.
that he has his eyes on someone else.
Evie sighed in frustration. "That boy…" and then the butler turns to me " and he said I should tell you not to bother as you are one of many failed attempts" he says and I scoff. Who does this guy think he is.
Evie sighs "you can go James" she says and the butler leaves
Then she turned to me apologetically. "I'm so sorry, dear. My son is well..."
"Rude," I continue
"Well yh but he wasn't always like this," she added. "After that girl broke his heart he hasn't been the same."
"It's okay," I said again. "I'll just go and join the other guests." she nods and she goes to joing her husband.
Then I decided to grab a drink.
Just as I turned—
I bumped into someone.
"Sorry, I—"
I froze.
Justin.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
He smirked slightly. "I could ask you the same thing princess" and there people goes my heart doing a big flip.
"You didn't answer my question."
"I was invited," he said casually. "Like everyone else."
I scoffed and walked past him.
I could feel him following me.
"Are you following me now?" I snapped.
"I'm getting a drink too," he replied smiling
I rolled my eyes moving to sit down at the drink area.
And of course…
He sat beside me.
"Don't you have somewhere else to be" I ask irritated even though I find his company oddly comforting and peaceful? I think I've had too much to drink.
"no I don't think so. I am right where I am supposed to be" he says and my heart skips a beat. He always had a way with words
"How are you" he aks
"I'm fine."
I could feel his gaze on me.
"Why are you staring?" I asked.
He didn't hesitate. "Because you look beautiful."
I let out a dry laugh. "Really? Because I remember you calling me an ugly whore." I said and his face fell instantly
"Juliana… I'm sorry," he said quietly. " Those things I said that night I didn't mean any of that. I was hurt and angry"
"It's fine," I said quickly. "I've forgotten about it."
"Really?" He asks
"Yes. It doesn't affect me anymore."
That was a lie. It still affected me a lot. After few minutes the music changed.
A slow song.
Justin stood and extended his hand.
"Dance with me."
"No."
"Please," he said softly. "Just this once."
I hesitated.
Then sighed.
"Fine." We moved to the dance floor.
His hands found my waist.
Mine rested on his shoulders.
We moved slowly to the rhythm, the space between us dangerously small.
Then he leaned in so close that I felt his breath on my ears and I could smell his perfume.
"You smell so good," he whispered. "And you look so beautiful. God the things I want to do to you right now."
My breath hitched. I didn't know someone could get so turned on by just mere words but I was.
He chuckled softly at my reaction.
I hated how my body still reacted to him.
The song ended, and I pulled away immediately.
"I need some air."
I turned to leave—
"Julie! Come!"
Evie's voice stopped me.
I turned.
She was waving excitedly.
"My son is here! I want you to meet him!"
My heart skipped for no reason.
I walked over slowly.
And then—
I saw him.
My eyes widened.
"You?"
He looked just as shocked.
"You?"