Chapter 28: Chapter:28

**Taylor's POV**

Stepping out of the car with Dimitri's help, I tightly hold onto his hand to relieve some of the nerves. "You squeezing the life out of my hands doesn't reassure me that you're okay." He says with a small chuckle and I quickly loosen my hand. He laughs and grabs the wrapped book that I made him get earlier today, from the front seat aswell.

"I'm sorry, I just haven't been to one of these hugh profile events before. What if I make a fool of myself?" I ask as we get closer to the two men at the door. "You won't. Plus Claudia and James are some of the more down to earth rich people I know. You have met Claudia so you know how comfortabe she can make you feel." He says and I nod.

He has a point. She was an easy person to talk to when I met her, I just hope that is the case tonight aswell because we'll be around her high maintanced friends. "You're right. I'm just nervous for no reason." I tell him and he place a kiss on the hands that he is holding.

"Good evening, Mr. Alfonso and Ms, Bennet. Some complimentary champange and a photograph?" The butler sounding very posh. "Thank you." I say taking a glass of champange. Once I've handed the butler the book and we both have a drink in hand, we stand together and wait for the camera to click but it never comes.

I look at Dimitri and he's smiling at me before pulling me in closer. "You're standing so far away from me." He says and I blush as his husky voice does things to my nether regions. His hand on the small of the my back feels hot as it pushes me closer to him. Once we're flush against one another, the camera clicks. I look over at the photographer and he smiles. "This is perfect." He says and I smile.

The butler shows us the way and we walk through a very large foyer to get to what seems like a ballroom. There are high ceilings and large windows, both are covered by fairylights. The lights hang down from the ceiling in drape form and the lights by the windows hang over them like curtins. There are two crazy long tables place side by side right in the middle of the room and the arrangements look amazing. The gold and ivory theme of the table goes really well with all the fairy lights.

The table is so long the it could probably fit 20 people on the one side only.

I look around and people are mingling with one another all over the ballroom. "Claudia is on the way over here." Dimitri says and I turn around and make eye contact with her drawing an stunning smile from her.

"Thank goodness you guys made it. You both look stunning." She says pulling me in for a hug and I gladly hug her back. She gives Dimitri a kiss on the cheek before standing back and taking my hand in hers.

"Dimitrius, I'm going to need to steal your girl for a few moments. I want to introduce her to a few of my friends." She says and Dimitri nods with a small smile. "Ofcourse, just bring her back in one piece, please." He jokes and she waves him off.

"Oh, you look so good. Where did you get your dress from?" She asks scanning the dress. "Lydia Carson. She made it for me." I tell her and she smiles. "Ah yes, I've seen some of her work. She is extremely talented." Claudia praises Lydia and I can't stop the smile from spreading on my face. "She indeed is."

We walk over to a group of women who are talking amongst themselves. "Ladies, I would like you all to meet Taylor, Dimitrius' fiance." Claudia introduces me and I look at all the smiling faces. They are mostly older woman but they all have a radiant beauty to them.

"Dimitri is finally getting married?" A voice asks coming from outside the circle. A tall, thin blonde girl walks toward us and squeezes herself into the circle. She is definitely not dressed for a party like this. The sweatshirt and jeans that she's wearing looks old and worn out.

"Oh, Ana. What a surprise." Claudia says and I can see how hard she is trying to hide what seems to be a look of distaste. "Hi, Claudia. When is your son going to be here?" She asks and I look at the other ladies who have the same look of confusion on their faces.

"I don't rememeber inviting you, Ana." Claudia says sternly and this Ana girl gives a sarcastic laugh. "You didn't but I am here anyway. Where is Danny?" She asks becoming more and more aggitated.

"Ladies, please excuse us for a moment. I'll be right back." Claudia says with a forced smile and a red face before she grabs Ana by the arm and practically drags her away.

"Who was that?" I ask the lady next to me. "That was Claudia's would've been daughter-inlaw." She says and I can see the sad look on her face.

"Danny, the man of the hour's ex-fiance. Some stuff happened and she got hooked on drugs a few years before they split. She often comes to Claudia for money and Claudia doesn't have the heart to turn her away." The lady further explains. "That can't be easy. Seeing someone who you love like that." I say and the woman hums in agreement.

"I am Genevieve by the way." She says holding her hand out. I take her hand in mine and shake it with a smile. "Taylor." I say and she nods.

"So you and Dimitrius are getting married. Congratulations." She says with a small smile. "Thank you." I say and she holds her hand out. "Come, come. Let me see that rock." She says and a small giggle leaves me. I hold my left hand for her to see the ring and her face holds approval.

"Ah, the Marquise diamond. Excellent choice." She says looking at the ring. "We found it by luck. They didn't have it on display and the man was kind enough to let me have a look at the back." I say recalling the events of that day.

"Well you have excellent taste. Do you know the story behind this type of cut?" She asks and I shake my head 'no'.

"During eighteenth century France, King Luis XV had this diamond specially cut in the shape of his mistress', Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour's lips. She was the King's chief mistress and they remained together until she passed away. The ring itself symbolises a one-of-a-kind love, one that is deep and enternal. It's just beautiful and suits you perfecty." She says and I smile.

"I didn't even think to do research. I was so excited to wear this beautiful ring that I almost missed out on an amazing piece of history." I tell her and she chuckles.

Claudia walks back into the room and goes to the front of the room to where the mic is set up. "Hello everybody. I would like to thak you all for being here to celebrate my son's birthday with us. Danny will be here soon so if we could all please find our seats." She says and everybody moves towards the table.

I look around to find Dimitri and give up once I don't spot him. "Taylor, over here." Genevieve call and I walk over to her. She points to the seat next to her with my name on the plate.

Out of nowhere, Dimitri appears next to me I stare at him. "Where did you go?" I ask and he smiles at me. "I was speaking to James and he could possibly invest in my hotel. " He tells me all excited and his excitement is contagious.

"Well done." I say squezing his hand. Just then, the double doors open and a man with blonde hair walks in.

*Danny, I'm guessing.*

He stands next to Claudia and lifts his head up and my eyes must be deceiving me.

"Isn't that..." Dimitri starts and I nod. "Yeah."

The man smiles as he looks around the room before his eyes land on mine.

"That's Daniel."