On Friday evening, after work, Chloe returned home feeling both excited and nervous. It was the night of the ball.
She walked into her room and paused, staring at the dress Lily had chosen for her during their shopping trip, a simple yet elegant black off-shoulder long gown. It hugged her frame gently and exuded understated grace.
It was her first time wearing something so expensive. The smooth fabric, the subtle shimmer, the delicate stitching, everything about it reminded her that if Ryan were truly going to be her life partner, her world would indeed be different.
This was more than a date. It was a step into his world.
Taking a deep breath, she brushed off her nerves and started getting ready.
Right on time, her doorbell rang. Chloe opened the door and froze.
Ryan stood there in a tuxedo, his hair perfectly styled, a single white rose in hand.
Her breath caught in her throat.
"Do I look weird?" she asked nervously. "I don't wear dresses like this often."
Ryan said nothing at first. Then, with eyes fixed on her, he leaned in and kissed her lips.
"You're absolutely stunning tonight," he whispered, still close.
Chloe blushed and looked away. "Thank you… if I embarrass you tonight, I apologize in advance."
"You won't," he replied, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "I'll take good care of you."
He took her hand, his fingers lacing with hers, and led her to the car.
*****
The venue was breathtaking. It was a grand ballroom glittering with crystal chandeliers and polished marble floors. The charity ball, hosted by the prestigious Yamato Group, attracted CEOs, celebrities, and elite families from across the country.
Chloe held onto Ryan's arm tightly, doing her best to smile politely as she greeted executives and guests.
Ryan was charming, graceful, and composed, clearly in his element.
Chloe watched him quietly, amazed. How had she never noticed just how composed and powerful he was?
While Ryan stepped aside to chat with several business partners, Chloe excused herself for a moment and only to suddenly spot a familiar pair of faces.
Leo and Linda.
Leo smirked as he walked over. "Chloe. Long time no see. Didn't expect to run into you here."
Chloe stiffened. "Leo."
He turned to Linda and added with a smug grin, "This is the girl I told you about. She admired me for eight years."
Linda eyed Chloe. "She's pretty. You sure you didn't like her?"
"She used to think I saved her during that accident on campus, but it wasn't me," Leo said casually. "I just never corrected her. Being admired isn't such a bad thing. And she was useful."
Chloe's eyes widened. "Why didn't you ever tell me the truth?"
Leo shrugged. "Why ruin a good thing?"
By the way I didn't expect your fiancé to be the famous second young master of the Sanada Group," Leo began, voice dripping with sarcasm. "No wonder you changed your mind so easily."
Chloe narrowed her eyes. "What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying," Leo leaned in, his voice lowering, "that you're just a shallow, materialistic woman. All those years you 'admired' me and it turns out, you just wanted someone with money and status."
Chloe's breath caught in her throat. Her hands clenched into fists. .
Leo smirked, enjoying her reaction.
"If Ryan finds out you're only after his wealth, what do you think he'll do?" he sneered. "You think he'll still look at you the same way?"
Chloe opened her mouth to speak with anger burning in her chest but before a single word escaped, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough."
Leo turned sharply to see Ryan standing behind Chloe, his expression unreadable, his posture calm but commanding.
"Ryan…" Chloe looked up, shocked.
Ryan stepped forward, placing a protective hand on her shoulder.
"I'm grateful you preserved such a wonderful woman for me," Ryan said, suddenly at Chloe's side. " If Chloe is 'materialistic,' then I'm proud to say I can give her everything she wants. Isn't that what a real man does?"
Leo's face turned red with embarrassment. Without a word, he turned and walked away, dragging Linda with him.
"You okay?" Ryan asked, gently placing a hand on Chloe's back.
Chloe nodded, trying to collect herself. "Thank you… for standing up for me."
"I'm just glad he didn't realize what a treasure he had," Ryan said, gazing at her softly. "Otherwise… we might never have met."
Chloe smiled. "I didn't know you cared so much about me."
"I only care about you," Ryan said, pinching her nose playfully.
Just then, an icy voice broke the moment.
"Ryan, this is your date?"
Sabrina stood there, arms folded, her expression unreadable.
"Yes," Ryan replied without hesitation. "Chloe, this is Sabrina. Sabrina, this is Chloe,my fiancée."
Sabrina's expression cracked. "You're… engaged?"
"Actually, the marriage was arranged since I was a child," Ryan said calmly. "I don't owe you an explanation. Excuse us."
He took Chloe's hand and led her away without looking back.
*****
After three long hours of small talk, networking, and tense moments, Ryan finally said, "Let's go."
Chloe nodded gratefully. She was drained.
Back at his place, Chloe kicked off her heels the moment they entered the living room. Ryan brought her a pair of slippers.
"Thank you for being with me tonight," he said, holding her hands. "I know it wasn't easy."
Chloe smiled up at him. "It was eye-opening. But I think I can slowly get used to it."
Ryan pulled her into his arms. Without another word, he kissed her deep and slow. Chloe responded with equal intensity, their lips moving together with a growing fire.
"This time, don't forget to breathe," he whispered teasingly.
Their kisses grew deeper, full of longing. Ryan held her gently but firmly, his fingers tracing her back, her arms, her cheek. He kissed her neck and her shoulders, and Chloe's heart pounded wildly. She felt his care, his restraint, and his desire all at once.
Her fingers clutched the lapels of his jacket, and her breath hitched as he kissed her again.
"I've been holding back all night," he murmured against her skin.
As they fell back onto the sofa, their kisses continued. Ryan's hand rested on her waist, guiding her closer. Chloe's breath quickened. She trembled under his touch but didn't pull away.
Her entire body tingled as Ryan kissed her jaw, her collarbone, her lips again. The world around them disappeared. It was only him, his scent, his warmth, his voice.
Just when the moment was about to go too far, Ryan suddenly stopped. He rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily.
"Ryan… do you know what I realized today?" she said softly.
He looked at her, brushing her hair back from her face. "What is it?"
"I admired Leo for so long because I thought he was the one who saved me during that accident eight years ago. But it turns out… he wasn't. I feel so foolish."
Ryan tilted his head. "So you're saying… there was another rival I should've known about?"
Chloe laughed lightly and swatted his chest. "That's not the point!"
"There it is," Ryan whispered, smiling. "That smile."
Chloe shook her head. "I later realized it wasn't love. It was gratitude. But I confused the two."
Ryan kissed her forehead and whispered, "Don't overthink it, okay?"
She nodded and closed her eyes and leaned into him.