IRENE'S POV
I could feel her eyes pierce into me like I was some kind of trash.
Okay, can he just come out already and tell her I'm only his child's nanny? Maybe then she'd spare me this long, cold stare.
"She's my friend. I didn't know you would come. I thought you were on a movie set," he said.
I didn't see the "friend" part coming. It gave me a strange little boost, like I was wearing invisible shoulder pads. Still, I didn't react, just kept that awkward smile plastered on my face, the kind that didn't reach my soul.
"That's true. I was meant to be on set, but I spoke with your sister and decided I needed to be here. Maybe if you had picked up your phone, this wouldn't have happened."
She pointed at me as she said "this," but I wasn't bothered.
"I'm sorry. I just didn't want to be a burden. We'll be inside now, we'll see each other later," he told her.
He held out his arm, and I placed my hand in his the way I'd seen people do on TV. I could still feel her eyes burning into my skin like she wanted to tear me apart. If only she knew.
Inside, everything felt different. My nose was grateful for the mix of designer perfumes in the air. I caught whispers, some girls talking about me, but I didn't care. I'd been on a pole for years, entertaining hundreds. If nothing else, I'd developed thick skin.
"Are you good?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm good."
Someone waved at him. "You can go, I'll just look around a bit," I said.
"Are you sure? You can come with me."
"I'll be fine, Sir. Just go."
"It's Bright to you, not Sir," he teased with a smile before walking off to meet the man.
I decided to use the moment to myself, until I turned and saw her again. Bella. Still with that same look. I might as well start a conversation.
"Hi… you look beautiful," I said.
"Of course I do. I'm wearing Mandro's brand, and don't get me started on my diamond jewelry."
I couldn't help the scoff that escaped. What was it with celebrities and insecurity? It was written all over her face.
"Bright mentioned you're his friend, but I haven't seen you around. I don't think I've seen your face in the industry either."
"I haven't seen you either," I replied. "That makes two of us."
If she was trying to hide her disgust behind that smile, she was failing miserably. I could see straight through it.
"What are you wearing?" she pressed.
"Clothes. Ones that cover my body." My irritation was starting to show. I hoped she got the memo to back off. I didn't leave my bed to entertain someone's jealousy or celebrity crush.
Luckily for both of us, Bright returned.
"Hey, you two. Bella, I have to take her now. The event starts in a few minutes."
He took my hand and walked me to my seat. I won't even deny it, I loved the attention. For a moment, I felt like a princess.
The event flowed smoothly. The dancers were good, but I didn't feel the energy in the room. Still, it was a decent performance.
Then the auction began. I didn't pay attention to the first or second item. But when they unveiled the third, I couldn't look away.
A small piece of jewelry, unique and artistic, simple yet beautiful.
"One million dollars," I heard his voice say.
Wait. Did Mr. Bright just bid a million dollars? My mind couldn't help wandering to how far that money could go toward my daughter's surgery.
My eyes drifted to Bella. She was smiling like the piece was already hers. Maybe it was; she and Bright clearly had some history.
As expected, he won. The jewelry was placed in a box and handed to him. I wanted to take a closer look, maybe even touch it, but I didn't want to push my luck.
The event ended around 12:30 a.m. I didn't envy celebrities if this was their routine.
We headed to the reception, I assumed, to get our room cards and rest.
"What do you mean, I have one reservation?" he asked the receptionist.
So, the night wasn't over yet.
Bright pulled out his phone. "Sorry for waking you, Nelly, but this is important. How many rooms did you book? …You did what? You know what, ask your boyfriend to get you another job, because you're fired, dear sister."
I hid my chuckle. It was funny, though his expression said he wasn't amused.
Turning back to the receptionist, he asked, "Please, can you book an extra room?"
"I'm so sorry, sir. All rooms are booked for tonight," she replied politely.
"Okay."
He collected the card for room 101, and the elevator took us up.
If working with Mr. Bright meant getting used to this level of luxury, I wasn't complaining. The suite was stunning. He used a remote to open the curtains, revealing a night view that stole my breath.
He made a call, and minutes later, someone delivered a small shopping bag. He handed it to me.
"I know you must be tired. Everything you need is here, clothes. I figured you'd want something comfortable to change into."
Inside was a soft free gown, just perfect.
Then he pulled out the necklace. The same one from the auction.
"I saw the way you looked at it. I figured you liked it, so I got it for you. It'll look good on you."
I was stunned. "You didn't have to… I mean, it was expensive." For once, I stammered.
He didn't answer. Instead, he fastened it around my neck.
"See? It looks beautiful on you. It was meant for you."
He was right. Looking in the mirror, it did look like it was made for me.
"Thank you so much, Bright."
"It's fine. Get some sleep."
He was about to leave when I called after him. "You can sleep here. I overheard your conversation; the rooms are booked. It's late, and you're tired. The suite's big enough for both of us. Not like you'll bite me or something."
He smiled. "Are you sure? I don't bite… though I might be a vampire and your blood might be tasty."
He made a mock-scary face, which only made me laugh.
"Just stay."
"Okay. Thank you, Irene… for tonight."
***************
BRIGHT'S POV
The morning rays dazzled into my eyes as I woke. The first thing I saw was her.
Still asleep, makeup gone, yet still breathtaking.
It felt like she was the south pole of a magnet, and I was the north, always drawn closer.
I don't know when it started, but I've been having strange, unfamiliar feelings. I shook them off quickly.
It was 8:30 a.m. My body ached from sleeping on the couch. I ordered breakfast and ran a bath for her. My brain kept asking why I was doing this. Maybe I was just being nice, or maybe… it was something else.
Minutes later, she woke.
"Good morning," she said.
"Beautiful morning, Irene. I hope you slept well. Breakfast is ready; you must be hungry."
"I am. I'll just brush my teeth and be right there."
Breakfast was done quickly.
"Thank you so much, Irene. You can take the day off today. You need it after all that stress… please, don't argue," I said before she could respond.
******************
IRENE'S POV
The moment I stepped into my apartment, I knew Erica was there. I was right.
"Here comes the most talked-about celebrity of the moment."
"Erica, not today. I'm tired. I need rest."
"Have you checked the internet? You both look so good together, and the best part, people are asking for your designer's IG handle. Trust me, I tagged myself enough times, girl, you're going global!"
She was squealing, but I hadn't checked anything since last night. I wasn't the type.
I pulled out my phone and opened Instagram.
That headline couldn't be real:
MR. BRIGHT FINALLY REVEALS THE FACE OF THE LUCKY ONE
"Oh no… this is crazy."