Chapter 31

ISABELLA

The boys hadn't told me where the gala would be held because they wanted to surprise me, but I had no idea they'd be holding it in the middle of the Botanical Gardens. A gigantic greenhouse serves as the reception hall, and I'm simply in awe of the scene unfolding before my eyes. Violinists play along the path leading to the greenhouse, the magnificent flowerbeds are highlighted with lighting effects, and elegant lanterns hang everywhere.

"It's simply magnificent. I have no words." I say to Knox, clasping his hand in mine. He hasn't let go of it since we got out of the car, not that I mind. "I didn't know we could have this kind of event here."

"Oh, we couldn't. We're the first ones to do it." He says proudly.

The guests who have already arrived stroll down the aisles, enjoying the view and the music. In the greenhouse, I can make out the silhouettes of Asher and Jax chatting with a few people.

"Hey Isa!" I turn around, recognizing Alex's voice. He hugs me and Knox excuses himself to find his brothers, after giving me a kiss. I think he's just trying to give us a moment alone. "I can't believe it. This is the coolest event I've ever been invited to."

"I know. It's amazing what they've been able to do with this place." I confirm, walking slowly toward the greenhouse.

"You're gorgeous. I'm this close to questioning my homosexuality." Our eyes meet and we burst out laughing. "When I see what they've done with this place... I tell myself they don't lack imagination. If you're going to the pot tonight..." He says, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Alex!" I whisper shout.

"What? Well, it's true. Oh please don't be such a prude when you're dating three guys at the same time." He tells me and heads turn in front of us. I blush with shame and hit his chest with my arm. "Hey, you're living a lot of people's dreams."

We slowly approach the huge greenhouse and a queue forms outside the entrance.

"Zaza?" I turn around, surprised to hear this nickname come out of Maggie's mouth. She's wearing a long, draped green dress with a single strap. She looks great tonight, but I wonder what she's doing here.

"Maggie?" I greet her and she kisses me on each of my cheeks. "This is Alex, my best friend."

"Nice to meet you, handsome." She tells him and takes him in her arms. Surprised, he raises his eyebrows at me and I shrug.

"I didn't know you'd be here tonight."

"Neither did I." She replies. "I had an invitation but I didn't know if I should use it. This kind of socializing really isn't my style. Oh, I see someone I know. I'll meet you inside." She heads off in the direction of a group of people who look about her age.

"Zaza?!" Alex asks, making a face.

"It's a long story." I tell him simply before entering the greenhouse.

Round tables are set up, perfectly set, they've left room for a dance floor and a podium. I feel a few eyes on me and look down, trying to see if I have a stain or if a piece of my dress is untucked.

"They are looking at you because you're hot... idiot." Alex says to me before taking two glasses of champagne from a waiter. "If I sneak off to make out with people, don't worry. I've heard there are quite a few art lovers at these kinds of parties, so if I can get myself known, that'd be cool."

" Sure." I reply before taking a sip of champagne. It's the best I've ever tasted.

ASHER

While I'm talking to one of our customers, my eye is drawn to someone on the right of the room. The hairs on my arm stand on end, and even from behind, without seeing her face, I know who it is. She's beautiful, a creature out of a dream. She turns around and I'm even more struck by her beauty. I clench my fists along my body as I notice the eyes of the other guests on her. I wish I were the only one who could look at her.

I excuse myself to go and join her, only to be intercepted by my mother. She pulls me close in a hug and kisses me on both cheeks.

"Haven't you lost weight?" She asks, pinching my cheeks.

"Good evening, Mom. How are you?" I answer and she rolls her eyes. "No, I haven't lost weight.

"You've worked well... well your team has. It's beautiful with all the lights and the flowers."

"Thank you. It was Knox's idea." I tell her just as my younger brother joins us with two glasses of champagne.

"Oh thank you baby." She tells him, pinching his cheek. He has a goofy grin on his face and I can't help but roll my eyes.

"I'm so glad you came. I'd missed you." He says, pouting.

"Well you can come and see me more often." She replies and I stifle a laugh. Touché. "I wanted to see my girlfriend Zaza tomorrow and was surprised to see her here."

"Oh yes, she's here?" He asks her genuinely curious.

"Yes, she's with a friend." She says before sipping champagne.

"Well they must be important if they're here. You can introduce us to her later if you like." I reply. I just want to put an end to this conversation and get back to my mate.

"You can't miss her. She looks beautiful tonight."

"Yeah." I reply, absently. I don't think this woman can hold a candle to Isabella. "I've got people to say hello to. So if you don't mind..."

"Ah well, looks like Jax knows Zaza." She cuts me off.

I follow her gaze and see Jax chatting with our mate and Alex.

"Zaza?!" Knox and I ask in one voice. My brother's eyes are about to pop out of their sockets.