Chapter 243
Lilly is already in my room when I step out of the bathroom, steam still clinging to my skin.
She’s perched on the edge of my bed in a red silk dress, legs crossed, phone in one hand and a flute of champagne in the other, scrolling through emails like she isn’t about to attend one of the most exclusive charity galas in Paris.
“You took forever,” she says without looking up.
“I’m pregnant,” I reply dryly. “My bladder and I are no longer on speaking terms p>
She snorts, finally glancing up. “Excuses. You just like being dramatic p>
I roll my eyes and move toward the wardrobe. The dress hangs there, simple but elegant—deep emerald, fitted at the bust, flowing gently over my stomach. It’s not meant to hide the pregnancy, but it doesn’t scream it either.
I slip it on, smoothing the fabric over my hips.
Lilly’s gaze softens when she looks at me. “You look beautiful p>
“Don’t start, or I’ll cry and ruin my makeup.” I mutter, reaching for my heels.
She stands and comes over, fixing the strap of my dress with practiced ease. “You deserve to feel beautiful. Especially tonight… you’re going to leave Noah speechless p>
I meet her eyes in the mirror. “That’s not my plan p>
I know the chances of him not being there are small, but honestly, I’d be super grateful if he wasn’t p>
She grins. “It doesn’t matter because either way, you’ll leave Noah and every man there speechless p>
Before I can say anything, there is a knock at the door.
Lilly’s smile turns knowing. “Showtime p>
The gala is everything you’d expect. Opulent, polished, drowning in money and influence.
Crystal chandeliers hang like frozen stars above the room. Soft classical music plays beneath the hum of conversation. Everyone looks effortless in that curated way only the wealthy ever manage.
Champagne is pressed into our hands the moment we step inside.
I’ve never been one for these kinds of events. Even when Aunt Harper or our other Aunts invited us, I’d always find an excuse not to attend. Honestly, I’d rather have a barbeque get-together at one of their houses than attend one of these things.
Lilly moves effortlessly, though. Gliding through the room, introducing me to people whose names I’ll barely remember, and filling me in on who is who.
Eventually though, she’s intercepted by a group of men and women in tailored suits and designer gowns. People who want to talk business and make deals with her.
She squeezes my hand before letting go. “Don’t disappear. I’ll find you p>
“Don’t worry about me. Go do your thing. I’ll be okay,” I say.
She nods and is gone seconds later, already deep in conversation.
I stand there for a moment, suddenly aware of how alone I am. I’m not sure what to do at first, but then I move, because that’s better than standing in the middle of the room.
I drift through the room slowly, stopping at different displays. Paintings. Sculptures. Jewelry encased in glass, each piece more breathtaking than the last.
They are all stunning but none of them captures my eyes and heart like it.
The necklace rests on black velvet, deceptively simple. A delicate chain, white gold maybe, with a single teardrop diamond suspended at its center.
It’s not oversized. Not flashy… just perfect.
I stop without meaning to.
There’s something about it. It doesn’t demand attention, yet it holds it effortlessly. I’ve never thought of jewelry as beautiful, but this one is stunning.
I lean closer, reading the description, my fingers itching to touch the glass.
“Do you like it p>
The voice behind makes me jump. I was so focused on it that everything around me faded.
I straighten slowly to find Noah standing there, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a glass. He is dressed in a black jacket and crisp white shirt with a bow tie. He looks like he belongs here in a way I never will.
“I was just admiring it,” I say, keeping my tone light. “It’s beautiful p>
He studies the necklace, then me. “You should get it p>
I laugh softly. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard this week p>
“I’m serious p>
I shake my head. “Have you looked at the price? I can’t afford it p>
The necklace belonged to a princess and was given to her by her father for her coming-of-age ceremony. It is estimated to be around one million dollars.
He opens his mouth, like he wants to say something else, but I’m already stepping away.
“Enjoy the gala, Noah,” I tell him before walking off.
I don’t look back, but I can feel his eyes on me, but that doesn’t bother me. I said I’ll avoid him and that starts now.
My feet start protesting about an hour later.
I find an empty chair near the edge of the room and sink into it with a relieved sigh, slipping my heels off beneath the table.
I’d just started to relax when a shadow falls over me. I look up to find Juliett looking down at me.
She stands in front of me, expression cool and assessing. She’s dressed in ivory silk, her presence commanding without effort.
She looks like someone used to winning.
I smile politely. “Can I help you p>
Her eyes flick over me, lingering just a fraction longer. “You’re Sierra p>