Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Five years later…
“Rumors have rocketed around about the corporate headquarters of the Gamma Oil Company, as people speculate over who could be the mysterious girlfriend of their Chief Executive Officer. Rumors said he already proposed to her. The question is, who is this person? Will we find out at the evening gala that is fast becoming an anticipated social event?”
The place was absolutely chaotic, it seemed like the whole room was in a rush, running around and shouting about.
I chose to remain stoic, lifting my chin with confidence in spite of the overwhelming atmosphere. I had been here before, many times, and knew exactly what I wanted.
I am surrounded by plenty of helping hands. From the hairdresser to the person who is assisting me in my evening attire for the upcoming event. I have someone available every step of the way. Every detail is taken care of, from my makeup to my accessories. It almost feels like a fairy-tale moment for me – being able to be pampered in such a luxurious fashion.
“Oh, you’re so beautiful Mrs. Ryder!”
I just smiled at them, accepting their compliments over the hours. I can’t really blame them for their kind words, when I look in the mirror, it almost as if I don’t even know who this person is.
I can hardly believe it’s been years – it feels as if it was only yesterday. I had such low self-esteem that looking in the mirror was difficult for me to do. But now? I am a completely different person.
Now I have the strength to take them on and fight back with everything I’ve got.
“It’s done!”
Everyone moved away from me, allowing me to spin around in circles and take a full look at myself in the mirror. The makeup artist who had worked so hard on this look let out an audible gasp of admiration when they saw the finished result. A few more claps of approval followed shortly afterwards, reassuring me that their work had paid off.
I was impressed with what I saw, the artistry and skill that had gone into my transformation was remarkable, making all those grueling hours spent into perfection.
The beautiful evening red gown was tailored to fit my b*dy perfectly, hugging my curves as I walked. The slit on the side revealed just enough of my long legs to be alluring and captivating, drawing the eye of those around me.
“She’s so beautiful…”
Someone suddenly and unexpectedly knocked on the door, and before we could even move to figure out who had opened it, their high pitched and loud voice filled the entire room.
“Mommy!”
Before I could respond, the two of them came crashing down upon me with laughter and hugs. Everyone around us simply stopped in their tracks, stunned by the sight of it. But I quickly reassured them that everything was fine and nothing had been ruined. My appearance seemed to remain unscathed despite the sudden chaos that had just ensued.
“Alex! Emily! What are you doing here?”
But instead of giving me an answer, the two of them just stared in shock with their big eyes. Oh, those innocent eyes that were so full of surprise and wonder.
“Mommy looks so pretty…” Emily whispered.
“You look like a goddess, Mommy…” Alex nodded.
“And I agree on that, kids.”
Everyone in the dressing room immediately bow their heads slightly when someone entered. I, however, looked up and my gaze meet those majestic and captivating eyes of him. They never failed to leave me spellbound by their surprise, even after all this time. Everyone around me was in awe of his presence, but all I could do was stare into those deep and beautiful depths that captivated my very soul.
He looks immaculate and formidable in his silver-colored suit. The fabric glimmers slightly in the light, giving off an air of refinement that cannot be matched. His presence is striking, forever commanding attention and respect wherever he may go. In this attire, it is impossible not to notice him – his sheer beauty radiating from with in and out.
“You look stunning, darling.”
He walked towards me and gave me a gentle k*ss on the l*ps. My twins gawked with shock, while the other stylists around us erupted in joy and excitement.
“Eww! Daddy! My eyes!” Emily whimpered.
“Yeah, Dad. Please, not in front of us.”
Dominic let out a hearty laugh as he encircled my waist with his arms. His b*dy felt warm and comforting against mine as we gazed down upon the children in front of us.
“Both of you are going to stay here with your nanny while your Mommy and I go out to attend an event. Does everyone understand?”
Both children gave a nod, though their glances were filled with hesitation and uncertainty.
“I want a delicious, juicy burger with all the fixings when you arrive home later!”
We both chuckled at Emily.
We were finally ready and we were all saying our farewells to the kids before heading out to the limousine. It felt a bit strange leaving them behind in the mansion as we drove away towards the gala, but we knew they would be in good hands.
“Are you sure you’re prepared to meet his family, especially him?”
He took my hand and ran his thumb over the soft skin, and instead of feeling anxious, I kept my chin up and gave him a knowing smile.
“This is what you prepared me for, Dominic” I confidently declared.
Dominic smiled warmly and gently brought my hand towards his l*ps, pressing a soft k*ss onto the back of it. Throughout this moment, I could feel my heart racing with anticipation. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the limousine came to a stop eventually.
I peered out the window of the limousine and saw just how many paparazzi had gathered outside, all waiting to catch a glimpse of Dominic Ryder, the Chief Executive of the Gamma Oil Company.
They are all anxiously waiting to see who he has brought along with him this evening, especially after the news had spread about him mentioning a woman. At this moment, I am unknown to the world as he has kept me a secret. But tonight, as all of high society- including the powerful Blackwood family- is in attendance, he is going to introduce me.
“There they are…”
My brows involuntarily arched as I saw the family I had been running from for years. I watched as they all stood, smiling willingly in front of the cameras. None of them didn’t changed, even after all these years…
However, the man standing in the middle was the one that drew my attention with his seemingly powerful and intimidating aura, however this time instead of feeling scared, I felt determined.
I was quickly brought back to reality as Dominic took a hold of my hand. When I looked into his eyes, they were twinkling with awe and excitement.
“Let’s go and show them who you are now, Serena…”