Chapter 19

“Someone as lovely as you shouldn’t be sitting alone.” Before she had a chance to react, Colhane was already seated beside her.

He was studying her, but he didn’t utter a word.

“I needed some fresh air,” she replied.

“You don’t mind my company, do you? I could use a breather myself. It’s a bit too packed in there for my taste,” he said. “Is this not your kind of party?”

“It is. I just needed a little time out,” she answered, skillfully dodging his question.

“It’s refreshing to see someone who knows when to step back.” He glanced at her.

She decided to ask the question that had been nagging at her. “Why did you bring Charlize as your date? Isn’t she Valerian’s ex?”

Colhane seemed surprised by her directness, and he let out a small laugh. “She insisted on coming with me.

“She usually attends with Valerian, but this is the first time he didn’t invite her. And Valerian doesn’t seem to mind.”

“All I can say is ‘Oh’,” was her only response.

“So, Hailey, how did you end up as Valerian’s date?”

“It was more of a deal,” she answered, recalling the events that led to this evening.

The irony was that the very people she did this for now treated her like an outcast. They didn’t even bother to ask how she had convinced Valerian to let them bring their own dates.

Hailey didn’t even want to attend this dinner to begin with, but she had to, for their happiness, for their desires.

What was the point of regret now? Things had unfolded as they had.

“Are you okay?” Colhane’s question pulled her out of her thoughts.

“Yes,” she answered quickly.

She wasn’t in the mood to share her woes with Colhane. She knew this too would pass, and she would go back to minding her own business, as she always had.

Hailey longed for her life to return to normal, which meant sorting things out with Matt.

“There you are.”

Hailey and Colhane turned to see Valerian.

“I’ve been searching for you everywhere.”

~He must have been looking in all the wrong places~, she thought sarcastically.

“If you don’t mind, Colhane, I need to speak with Hailey.”

“Not at all. She is your date, after all,” Colhane replied.

Colhane stood up and looked at her. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she assured him.

She felt a chill as Valerian removed Colhane’s blazer from her shoulders.

“You left something behind,” Valerian handed the jacket back to him.

Colhane reluctantly took his jacket and left.

Then Valerian removed his own jacket. He hesitated for a moment at the sight of the red wine stain on her dress before draping the jacket over her shoulders.

Hailey felt warmth return. “Thank you,” she said.

“You’re welcome,” he replied calmly.

He tilted his head as he looked at her neck. She self-consciously pulled up the jacket collar.

“What happened in the bathroom?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she answered.

“Hailey, enough.”

“Enough of what?” she shot back.

“I saw Charlize wearing the necklace I gave you!”

She hesitated, unsure of what to say or how to explain why Charlize was wearing the necklace, but then she thought of something. “I gave it to her. It was too heavy for me. Besides, it didn’t go with my outfit.”

Valerian looked at her incredulously. “What happened to your dress?”

“I accidentally spilled wine on myself. I bumped into a waiter on my way to the restroom.”

“Why are you sitting out here?”

She gave him the same answer she had given Colhane. “I needed some fresh air.”

“Stop lying to me!” he roared. “Tell me what Charlize did to you.”

Hailey was growing angry at his raised voice. ~Who does he think he is?~

She turned and gave him a stern look.

“Look at what she’s done, Valerian! I don’t want to discuss it anymore. Just leave me alone.

“You may be my boss at work, but you don’t control my life. Understand that!”

She turned her back to him. He didn’t respond, just sighed. He pulled out his phone and she caught him dialing a number from the corner of her eye.

He must have connected with someone because she heard him respond a few times, then give their location.

She was curious about the call, but didn’t ask. She wasn’t in the mood for conversation.

“I’ll see you soon,” he said, ending the call.

They sat in silence. Her back was stiff with tension.

Thirteen minutes later, a man approached them. He held a pillow in one hand and a package in the other.

Valerian stood to greet him. He turned to her, “Hailey, come here.”

“Why?”

His stern look left no room for argument.

When he didn’t repeat himself, she approached him. He handed her the package. “Change into this.”

She took the package reluctantly. She knew she’d have to repay him, regardless of the cost.

In the restroom, she opened the package to find a stunning white gown, similar to the one she’d been wearing.

She changed into the gown and spun around. She felt a little better.

She wouldn’t let anyone ruin this dress.

When she returned, he smiled at her. “You look even more beautiful, Hailey.”

“Thank you for the dress, sir.”

“Think nothing of it,” he said, motioning her over.

To her surprise, the man from earlier was still there, and on the pillow was a diamond tiara.

It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. It sparkled and shone so brightly, she was captivated.

Valerian took the tiara and placed it on her head.

She felt like a princess.

He offered his arm to her. “Shall we, my queen?”

She laughed lightly.

“That’s what I like to see, Hailey. You look better when you smile.”

She linked her arm with his, and he gave her a mischievous smile.

He led her back into the room and, to her shock, onto the dance floor.

He held her close and led the dance. Every so often, he’d twirl her around, and she’d be met with glares.

Over Valerian’s shoulder, she saw a familiar, hostile gaze.

It was Charlize. She looked ready to kill Hailey. But Hailey wouldn’t let her ruin her second dress, or her evening.

She wanted to savor this princess-like feeling. She now understood how Cinderella must have felt. This was a moment she’d always remember.

“I hope this feels like a fairy tale,” he whispered.

“It does,” she replied softly.

His scent was intoxicating. It felt good to be held in his strong arms, but she didn’t feel obligated to him.

How many girls had he done this for? How many women had he been with? How many more would there be?

She pulled away from him, her thoughts bringing her back to reality. He looked puzzled. “I’m tired. Can we sit down?” she asked.

“Of course,” he said, leading her back to their seats. He pulled out her chair for her, and she thanked him.

“You look stunning again,” Colhane said.

“Thank you,” she replied, remembering that he had checked on her before Valerian even noticed she was gone.

She was a little upset that Valerian hadn’t realized she’d left, but why should she care? He was just doing what he does best—flirting with women.

Why should she be any different? He was used to making girls feel special because he could.

It seemed the only person who had truly touched his heart was Charlize. He always went back to her. She didn’t think he’d ever get over his first love.

“Are you holding up okay?” Valerian murmured into her ear.

“I’m good,” she assured him.

“You didn’t seem good a moment ago, Hailey. What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing, sir.” Her gaze was stern, a clear signal for him to let it go.

Thankfully, he did. He didn’t press her with more questions.

The rest of the evening flowed without a hitch, except for the frequent hostile glances from Charlize.

But Hailey didn’t let it bother her. If Charlize had an issue, it was hers to handle.

And this time, Hailey wouldn’t hand over the tiara Valerian had gifted her, which Charlize had been coveting.

~How can someone so stunning be so cruel?~

She pondered what Valerian had seen in Charlize. There must have been a compelling reason, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask him.

Hailey was lost in thought when Valerian stood up. Applause filled the room. She joined in, clapping enthusiastically.

He ascended the stage and began a speech about his journey as a successful entrepreneur.

Hailey found herself drifting in and out of focus. She tried her best to follow his words. “I want to express my gratitude to my date, Hailey Hartfield, for joining me tonight.”

All eyes turned to her. She felt a wave of discomfort wash over her.

Valerian concluded his speech and expressed his thanks to everyone.

As the crowd rose to their feet in applause, he descended from the stage. Back at their table, he planted a kiss on Hailey’s cheek before they both took their seats.