I slipped into a breathtaking black gown, the fabric molding to me like a second skin. The neckline was my favorite detail, accentuating my collarbones, with the right hint of allure.
Alejandro arrived right on time. Inaya had been my first choice, but she had prior plans.
“Nina, you look breathtaking,” he greeted me with a warm smile. “I like the neckline.”
“Thanks, Alejandro,” I said, returning his smile. His black tux exuded effortless sophistication, but once again, my mind drifted to Ronan. Every damn time.
Together, we arrived at the venue where a grand ballroom transformed into a spectacle of haute couture and opulence. The room buzzed with excitement as designers, models, and socialites mingled, their conversations a melodic hum against the backdrop of lively music.
I exchanged pleasantries with fellow designers and acquaintances.
“Nina, darling, your latest collection is divine,” complimented Isabella, a prominent fashion critic from Harper’s Bazaar, whose approval carried serious weight in the industry.
“Thank you, Isabella,” I replied graciously.
Alejandro and I navigated through the crowd, stopping to admire the exquisite garments and accessories sparkling under the spotlights.
“Nina, have you considered expanding your line to include more eveningwear?” asked Dominik, a junior Russian designerwhose avant-garde creations always intrigued me.
“It’s something I’ve been exploring,” I admitted, intrigued by his suggestion. “Perhaps we could collaborate on a project in the future.”
“Most definitely,” he agreed and slipped me his business card. “Keep in touch.”
With my social battery finally sputtering out, I slipped away from the crowd, seeking some space to breathe. As I made my way to an empty seat, I stumbled directly into someone I wished I hadn’t.
“Isn’t that—”
“Lucio,” I cut him off, pasting on a polite smile. “It’s been a while. How are you?”
Lucio stood before me, looking every inch like a replica of Ronan, his jaw as sharply cut, his expression not as intense. They were identical, but I could always tell them apart. Only now, he had a striking woman on his arm, her elegant smile laced with the same intrigue glimmering in his eyes. I could feel my pulse spike as I met Lucio’s gaze.
“Nina,” he replied smoothly, his gaze flickering from me to Alejandro standing at my side. His eyes narrowed, clearly piecing together the delicate web I was tangled in. “Ithasbeen a long time. And you are…?”
Heat crept up my neck at the thought of Ronan finding out. He was dramatic enough as it was, and the last thing I needed was him showing up. But Lucio and his brother were as thick as thieves—there was no doubt in my mind that the moment Lucio walked away, Ronan would know everything.
“Her date,” Alejandro said without missing a beat, slipping his hand protectively around my waist.
“My friend,” I corrected quickly, feeling Alejandro tense beside me, his face unreadable.
Lucio’s smile remained fixed, but the glint in his eyes hinted heknew exactly the ripple effect he’d set in motion.
“Interessante,22” he murmured, his tone loaded with hidden implications.
Alejandro shot me a puzzled look, mirroring my own confusion. Whether it was Lucio’s uncanny resemblance to Ronan or the chaos I knew this would cause, I couldn’t shake the feeling.
Ronan and I were over.Long gone.I repeated it to myself, hoping it would stick.
But as Lucio’s gaze lingered on mine, a flicker of unease crept in.
Why did it matter if he saw me with Alejandro?
I owed Ronan nothing. No amount of loyalty. No love. Nothing.
“We should go.” Alejandro’s calm voice broke through the tension, his perceptive nature catching my unspoken unease.
“Of course.” Lucio’s gaze never wavered as he replied, his words a subtle promise. “I’ll let my brother know I saw you.” With that, he turned and walked away, leaving a faint chill in his wake.
Sensing my distraction, Alejandro guided me to a softly lit alcove where a photographer waited. With a steadying smile, he murmured, “Nina, let’s capture this moment.”
