It dips so low you can see the dimples above my ass, and there are thin straps criss-crossed from the bottom to the top, creating a delicate effect over my whole back.
I fall even more in love with it and turn to grin at Talia.
“This is the one!”
“This is the one!” she agrees. “Now stilettos. Can you walk in high heels?! And you need a long necklace with a very sparkly pendant of some sort.”
***
Walking into the gala with Talia feels like we are two princesses arriving at our own personal party. We drove here in a limousine and sipped champagne on the way.
The dress is gorgeous; my hair is done up in a golden clip with delicate gold leaves woven into it and soft curls hanging around my face. A long gold chain hangs low in my cleavage and also has a beautiful leaf pendant.
As soon as we walk through the doors, I notice people smiling at us.
The attention makes me a little nervous, but I push my shoulders back and smile confidently, determined to prove that I belong here as much as anyone else.
And determined to show Simon that I don’t need his permission!
The place looks incredible. It’s elite and somewhat fairytale-ish. Crystal and golden chandeliers and glittering fairy lights cover the high ceilings. The lighting is soft and warm, creating an intimate ambiance.
Everyonelooks beautiful.
I walk confidently in my high heels thanks to Talia, who helped me practice all afternoon. She leans close to me and asks, “Would you like a drink? Let’s get some champagne?”
“That sounds perfect,” I smile, letting her lead me deeper into the gala.
My eyes roam the sea of faces in search of Simon, but the place is busy, and I’m not even sure if he’s here yet.
With champagne in hand, we start mingling with the guests, and I begin to relax a little and enjoy myself. We meet lots of people, and I know I’ll never remember all of their names.
Talia waves at someone she knows, and he comes over to us.
“This is Blair. Blair, this is Antonio,” Talia says. “Antonio works with our family. He has for many years,” she explains.
“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” I smile as he takes my hand to shake it. He steps closer, cocking his head to the side. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you at any of these events before?” he asks, his eyes drifting over me.
From the corner of my eye, I notice Simon from across the room. My heart leaps in my chest, but I try to stay focused on Antonio so that I don’t seem impolite.
“This is my first event as a guest of the Popov family,” I smile at him.
“Well, I do hope to be seeing you at many more. Would you like to get a drink with me? I see your champagne is low,” he remarks.
“Blair, you look absolutely stunning,” Simon says, arriving next to me and slipping his arm around my waist to pull me close against his side. He doesn’t look impressed to see me, but there is an immediate positivity as he holds me, trying to claim me as his date.
Despite how good it feels to be against him, I make a point of stepping away from him, as though the embrace was just a quick greeting.
“You look good too,” I smile at him, leaving a space between us as I stare up at him with defiance behind my friendly smile.
His eyes narrow for a moment.
Antonio, who has been watching this exchange, holds his hand out to shake Simon’s. “Good to see you, man. How is business going?” he asks.
Simon replies, and they start discussing topics that don’t interest me, so I turn to Talia and say, “Shall we get a refill?”
She grins and nods.
“Wait,” Simon says, gently taking my arm. “I thought I might introduce you to some people?” he says, clearly reluctant to let me leave.
