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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
‘OH,MYGOODNESS...’ Leo stepped back and admired not so much Roula as his new creation.
The gown was almost white, but not quite, and of the softest velvet with a halter neck. Roula didn’t even recognise herself. The gown clung everywhere, and her hair was up so high that even her neck felt exposed, and as Leo and Deacon drove her to the offices in Kolonaki Square her teeth were chattering with nerves.
And she couldn’t even have a glass of champagne.
‘Roula!’ The doorman smiled and in she went. Everyone looked stunning. Nico in a tux, Dora in floor-length silver... This ball was far bigger than she had envisaged.
It would seem Galen really was a no-show. But everyone was beautiful, and there was such a buzz in the air that she didn’t even need Galen to feel excited for tonight.
She’d just prefer him to be there, that was all.
To think she’d nearly missed this, Roula thought as she stood with Dora and Nico and all the people who had been strangers to her just six weeks ago.
‘Champagne?’ Nico handed her a glass.
‘No, no.’ Roula smiled. ‘I’m sticking to water for now. Maybe later.’
She had tampons in her bag, but then she thought of the dress she was wearing and it was odd... In the moment she hoped shedidn’tget her period tonight. She actually wasn’t sure she wanted it after all. Or rather, she would be okay if it was nine months late.
Yes, she had a new job, and they wouldn’t be thrilled, but look at Kristina...
And she had always lived frugally and had money saved.
It was odd to stand there and return to the absence of fear that she had found in Galen’s arms.
To feel strong alone for the very first time.
To feel happy.
She smiled widely at Dora, who was chattering on.
‘I said, maybe she’s died!’
‘Oh, sorry...’ Roula wiped off her smile. ‘My mind was miles away.’
‘Well, the ball won’t be the same without him,’ Dora said. ‘For all he’s difficult, he’s the best boss.’
‘Yes...’
‘Galen was the first person I told that I wasn’t happy at home.’
Roula swallowed and thought about what Galen had said about Dora, how he’d suggested they pair up.
‘He helped me to leave.’ Dora sighed. ‘Anyway, I’m sure he’s where he needs to be tonight.’
Galen wasn’t.
He was all dressed up—well, for the most part—but Yaya would not let his hand go, and he did not know how to pull it away when finally they were speaking.
‘I saw thekandylakia,’ he told her. ‘Candles still lit.’
She smiled.
‘I put flowers there, and there were some other recent ones.’
‘Where’s Roula?’ Yaya asked, as she often did.
