Sophia's POV.
“Are you guys done?” Andrea barged inside the room.
Stephanie carefully gave the last stroke to my eyeliner and scrutinized my face before nodding at her.
“Yes, we're done.”
“Oh my God! You both look so pretty!” Andrea grinned. “Thank you.” We both chuckled at the same time.
“I'm so jealous, Sophia. That dress looks amazing.”
It was the beige A-line gown gifted to me by Mrs. Hayes. It hugged all my curves perfectly and the material was so soft and comfortable.
“What are you talking about?” I said laughing. “You look so pretty in red.” I nodded at her red evening gown. She was indeed a beauty.
“Thanks.” She chuckled. “Now, we should get going. My brother is getting impatient.”
For some reason, I was so excited about seeing Alex tonight. A feeling I haven't had in a while.
“Impatient for what?” Stephanie asked.
“To see his girl of course,” Andrea said with a goofy grin, eyeing me. She nudged my shoulders playfully.
I'd hate to disappoint them when they find out the truth! Stephanie let out a whistle.
“Shut up,” I muttered, feeling my cheeks heat up.
I took a final look in the mirror. My makeup was on fleek. I would give it to Stephanie; she was good at this. She had curled my hair and then ran a comb through it, giving it the perfect wavy texture.
The only not-so-comfortable thing was my heels. I had bought a pair of light peach stilettos which went perfectly with my dress but not so perfectly with my feet.
“Now come on, before he shows up here.” Andrea walked out of the room and we followed closely behind her.
My nerves spiraled the moment we got in the elevator and waited to reach the topmost floor.
“You look hot, Soph. Now smile.” Stephanie said as the elevator doors opened into a busy corridor with many people waiting in a queue, holding invites.
My eyes grew wide at the pool of paparazzi in the corner, flashing their cameras at the guests.
I forgot about the possibility of paparazzi being present here!
What if they recognize me? I sure as hell hope they don't!
I tried to hide my face as best as I could as we walked down.
I didn't think so many people were going to attend. I honestly thought it was just going to be a family affair. I guess I underestimated the grand celebration Mrs Hayes was talking about.
“Smile,” Stephanie whispered again as Andrea guided us past the queue and straight into the large hall through a VIP entrance.
The place was so elegant with expensive chandeliers all across the ceiling. Were the walls made of glass? I wasn't sure but it looked so beautiful and expensive.
Oh, and don't get me started on the caliber of people present.
All sorts of classy women walked around us, sipping wine and oozing confidence. I stood there with only one thought going through my head.
I don't belong here. I felt like an imposter.
“I'm freaking out, Steph,” I whispered once Andrea had left to go greet someone.
As a server passed by with a tray, I grabbed a shot of what seemed like vodka and downed its contents in one go.
“What the hell do you think you're doing?” Stephanie frowned while grabbing a glass of champagne for herself.
“It's for confidence. I won't be taking another, so relax.”
“Chill out, Soph.” I just know that if anyone here says anything to you, I'd be sure to handle them. Even if I don't, Alex wouldn't think twice before kicking them out, even if it wasn't his party.” I blinked at her.
Where's this coming from? Her newfound fondness for Alex was becoming creepy. Sometimes I think I liked it more when she disliked him.
“Sophia, Stephanie.” We both turned around at Mrs Hayes' voice.
Her lips stretched into a grin as she neared. I took the time to study her. She was wearing a beautiful halter-neck black gown. It was a simple gown that hugged her body like a second skin, making her look like a queen as she walked with her arms looped around her husband, Mr Hayes.
Man! There's no way these two are the parents of a thirty-year-old! I greeted them both politely.
“I hope you girls are enjoying the party.” Mr Hayes said.
“Yes. It's amazing.” Stephanie replied.
“Did you meet Alex yet?” Mrs Hayes asked as she looked around and with a playful glint in her eyes.
“Not yet,” I muttered.
“Then I guess we're right on time.” Mr Hayes said with a smirk.
“Stephanie, why don't you join us?” Mrs Hayes offered and the three of them were walking away before I could even process what was going on.
Confused, I turned around and spotted Alex talking to a bunch of people. I found myself shamelessly ogling him. He looked damn fine in a black tuxedo, way different from his everyday look at the office.
He was the most handsome man in the room in my opinion.
As if sensing my eyes on him, he looked up.
He looked at me intensely, his blue eyes roaming across my body and I found myself shifting from one foot to another.
I felt the familiar wetness down there. Something only he could ignite.
Sophia! No such thoughts!
I offered him a smile, which he returned and excused himself from the people he was talking to and walked in my direction.
“Hi, Sophia.” He said in a voice so deep, sometimes I feel it could touch my soul.
“Happy birthday.”
He chuckled. “Thank you. Today must be a good one because you've wished me that twice.”
I shrugged. “It's a special day for you.”
He nodded and both of us fell silent, gazing into each other's eyes. “You look beautiful.” He muttered.
“Thank you. You look beautiful too. Handsome, I mean. You look handsome yourself.” I said, mortified.
A suspicious smile formed on his face.
“You're oddly chatty today.” He pointed out.
“I've always been like this, right? At least in my mind, I have.” I locked my lips, then realized I had lipstick on.
Stephanie is going to kill me if I've smudged it!
Something seemed to have dawned on him and he let out a laugh. “Did you drink something, Sophia?”
I laughed. “No?”
He furrowed his brow together as he grabbed my shoulders gently and guided me toward a table. “Sit down.”
“What for? I just told you that I'm not drunk.”
“Of course you're not.” He smiled. “It's me who's thirsty so would you have a glass of water with me?”
“Sure.” I nodded.
He nodded, motioning towards someone. After about a minute, a server placed two glasses of water on the table.
“This is your day. You're supposed to be enjoying it and not babysitting me.”
He frowned. “I'm not babysitting you. Like you said, it's my day so I get to choose who I spend my time with.”
I blushed.
A slow grin was spreading on his face too.
Then seriously, he whispered. “Always. I'll always choose you.”
I felt my insides turn in delight, and then hurt.
It can't happen. Not again. I can't give my heart out so easily this time. Not while another woman was carrying his child.
I focused on finishing my glass of water, pretending not to hear what he said. Once done, I set the glass down on the table and looked around.
“Would you like to dance?” He suddenly asked. “You wanna dance with me?” I asked in disbelief.
“Why wouldn't I want to dance with you? Oh right! I completely forgot! You suck at dancing. But have no fear. I am willing to teach you.” He shrugged with an amused expression on his face.
“Trust me,” I laughed. “It wouldn't work. Colin took Stephanie and me to a party and he asked me to dance. I kept stepping on his foot every few seconds. You needed to see the look on his face.” I burst out laughing.
It took me a second to notice that the smile and carefree look had vanished from Alex's face.
“Alex,” I cleared my throat. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to blab about him.” “No.” He shook his head. “Go on.” I blinked.
“What else did you do with Colin?” He spat his name bitterly.
Why did I have to bring up Colin? I must be drunker than I felt!
“Let's just forget about him. Can we please just dance? Even if I don't know how to.” I stood up from my seat and was making my way over to the dance floor before Alex could reply.
My heels clicked against the marble floor and I didn't realize there was a step ahead and I lost my balance.
Sophia.” I heard Alex's voice behind me even as I was plummeting to the ground.
Thankfully, I landed in warm arms and opened my eyes, expecting to see a pair of blue eyes but came across brown ones.
It took me a moment to recognize him.
“Oh, what are the odds?” He smirked.
“Blake?”
“Hello, my rose girl.”