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The paparazzi keep hovering around us, but by this time, while they are still annoying, I consider them part of the scenery.
Carefully, Parker loads me into his sports car and sets off for my hotel.
"It was supposed to be a surprise," he confesses to me on the way. "But tonight, there's a big pre-fashion week event that only the most important investors and prestigious designers will be attending, and I want you to go with me."
"Are you serious?" I ask excitedly as Parker nods.
"I know some very important people who I've been telling about your work. I think we can get them to invest in your designs, Penny."
"That's great!" I cried, full of renewed excitement. Parker's smile is brilliant.
"What, you're over your sudden illness now?"
Surprisingly, I’m still feeling a little fatigued and dizzy, but I’m guessing maybe it is from overworking myself, on top of everything else.
"Maybe," I say, trying to play coy. Parker bursts out laughing.
"Well, I hope so. We have a lot to do for tonight, Mrs. Hamilton."
His words make me feel, if anything, more excited.
"I'll be ready, Mr. Hamilton."
At that moment, Parker gives me the loveliest of smiles. As I look at him, I know immediately that the reason why I ache at the thought of him being with Brittany is so obvious that I almost curse myself for ignoring it.
Somewhere along the line, probably from the beginning, I have fallen madly in love with Parker Hamilton all over again. I wish he is mine for real, no lies in between, no other women, no other stories.
I wanted him to be mine, as I’m his, and there is nothing I can do to stop that desire.
Chapter twenty-three
Parker
Pennyisnervouslyadjustingthe straps of her dress as she walks beside me. Her eyes remain fixed on the elegant building where the prestigious party, one night before the start of fashion week, is taking place.
"You have to relax," I tell her as I take her hand and look straight ahead, trying to keep calm myself. “You look beautiful, and I promise you everything will be fine."
She nods, not very convinced, but trying to play along. The grand entrance to the luxurious hotel where the party is being held is lined with all kinds of celebrities and important stars who would be participating in New York Fashion Week, either as attendees, special guests, or as designers. But luckily, even though Penny is in awe, she doesn't lose her characteristic charm that I’m so proud of.
She is definitely not like other girls, who would have lost their minds at the sight of her favorite singer arriving. She instead remains as composed as her nerves would allow as we enter the hotel.
As I look at her, taking in her slender figure and sophisticated beauty, I can’t help but think once again about what I’m discovering regarding my feelings for Penny.
The anger I feel at seeing Brittany mistreat her is unlike anything I have ever felt before, which only makes me think that I’m in fact, falling in love with her.
As we enter the ballroom, Penny's eyes widen at the opulence of the decor. Crystal chandeliers sparkle overhead, and the room is filled with guests dressed in designer gowns.
"It's this way," I tell her, as I lead her to the front of the room, where a stage is set up, on which a few pieces from previous fashion shows are displayed.
"This is all so impressive," Penny whispers in amazement.
She is wearing an elegant dress of her own design, which is undoubtedly stealing all the looks of those present. I can feel the eyes of the investors and buyers on her, observing the intricate details of the dress and the way it fits her body. It fills me with pride, knowing that somehow, I can help her and boost up her undeniable talent.
"Parker, how nice to see you," we are greeted by a major investor, owner of some of the most prestigious fashion brands around the world. "And you must be Penelope Gould, Parker's new acquisition.”
Smiling tensely but politely at the crude joke, Penny holds out her hand to introduce herself.
"It's nice to meet you," she says, in the most cordial way possible.
