Chapter 9 – The Party Invitation
The day went by faster than I expected, and soon, night had fallen. There's something deeply comforting about spending an entire day alone—no interruptions, no voices, just peace. Nothing beats the calmness of a beautiful day spent in silence. I stood by the window, gazing out at the city lights glittering like stars scattered on the ground. A soft smile curved on my lips as the cool glass met my fingertips.
Knock Knock.
A sudden knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned sharply, wondering who it could be. Maybe one of the hotel staff? I walked over and slowly opened the door.
My eyes widened slightly, lighting up at the sight of the man from earlier this morning—still as effortlessly charming as before. His presence was… magnetic.
"Hello, Miss Juliet," he said, flashing a polite smile.
"Hello," I replied softly, returning the smile.
"I hope I'm not disturbing your alone time."
"Of course not. You don't have to worry about that," I assured him.
He smiled gently. "My boss, Aiden, was wondering if you would join a party tonight."
"Aiden is your boss?" I asked, raising a brow, though not entirely surprised.
"Yes, Miss."
I hesitated. "Sorry, but I think I'm fine right here."
"But... Miss," he stepped slightly closer, "he really wants you to attend. I'll be taking you there myself."
I sighed, considering for a second. "Tell him I'm not feeling too well."
"What's the party about anyway?" I asked, tilting my head.
"It's being hosted by Mr. Aiden's friends. Many important guests attending the upcoming business event will be there," he explained smoothly.
"Really?" I said, arching a brow again.
"Yes, Miss," he said with a soft chuckle. His smile was doing things to me I didn't want to admit.
I found myself staring at him a moment too long. "Okay," I finally gave in, "I'll be with you soon."
"I'll be waiting," he replied, then turned and left.
I shut the door gently behind me, a rush of nerves and excitement filling my chest. I walked to the wardrobe and pulled out my red dress—the one Elana had practically forced me to pack. Thank God for that, I thought with a grin.
Heading into the bathroom, I took a quick shower and got ready. I slipped into the dress, feeling it mold perfectly to my curves, hugging all the right places like it was made for me. I touched up my makeup, added a soft glow to my cheekbones, and styled my hair until it framed my face like a dream.
Slipping into my heels, I stood under the hotel lights—my skin glowing, my confidence rising. I picked up my phone, snapped a quick picture, and sent it to Elana with a message: "Going to a party. Talk to you soon."
I looked in the mirror one last time, smirking and biting my lip. "Damn… I look drop-dead sexy."
With that, I left my room, walked into the elevator, and descended to the lobby.
As I stepped outside, he was there again—Maevor. Standing tall and graceful like a bodyguard straight out of a billionaire romance movie.
He smiled as he walked toward me. "You look breathtaking, Miss Juliet."
I let out a small laugh. "Oh well, thank you."
He opened the car door for me, and I slid in. The interior smelled like rich leather and faint cologne.
"What's your name?" I asked as he started driving.
"Maevor," he replied, his smile soft but confident.
"Maevor," I whispered under my breath, savoring how the name rolled off my tongue.
The drive didn't take long. Soon, we pulled up in front of a luxurious, modern mansion, surrounded by exotic cars that screamed wealth and power. Flashing lights lit up the entrance, casting a glamorous glow over the red carpet that stretched into the building. Music thumped from inside, loud enough to vibrate through the ground.
Maevor stepped out first and opened the door for me. I stepped out slowly, my heels clicking against the pavement. The lights caught the shimmer of my dress, and suddenly, all eyes turned.
He offered his arm, and I took it. We walked together down the red carpet, his deep blue eyes meeting mine occasionally. For a moment, we looked like the perfect couple. If he just held my waist… it would be perfect.
Camera flashes erupted. I instinctively lifted my hand to shield my face.
Inside, the party was wild. The air smelled of expensive perfume, champagne, and mischief. The dance floor was alive with couples grinding too close to remember they were in public. Laughter echoed off the high ceilings, and crystal chandeliers sparkled above us like stars.
I stepped further in, my skin glowing under the shifting lights. The music paused. The crowd froze. People stared—some in awe, others in envy.
I tried not to panic under their eyes and walked slowly to the bar, hoping to blend into the background.
"Jules…"
I froze. That voice. I knew it too well—and hated how much I remembered it.
I turned slowly, and there he was.
Aiden.
Smug and stunning in a black tailored suit, looking hotter than hell itself. His eyes practically undressed me on the spot.
"Hmm… Oh Juliet, you actually came to kill," he murmured, a slow smile forming as his eyes traced the curves of my body. "You look… unreal."
I took a step back, already knowing what this man was capable of.
He followed, inching closer.
"You're not going to run from me forever… baby."
"Don't come closer to me," I warned, voice firm.
He laughed. "You always say that, Juliet."
He leaned in, his voice dropping, "Just let me have you, okay? I'll handle you just right…"
Before I could respond, another man approached us, interrupting the moment.
"Aiden," he said, voice cool and unreadable, "what a pleasant surprise seeing you here."
I turned to look—and suddenly, my breath caught.
He didn't look real. Tall. Regal. Stunning. His bright green eyes were intense, as if he could see straight through my soul. His long, dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, brushing against the tattoo inked at his neck. He had piercings that sparkled under the lights, giving him the edge of danger wrapped in elegance.
I was staring. And I couldn't stop.
He was like walking art.
And I knew… everything was about to change.