Chapter 199: Chapter 199

Violet

The next few days passed in a blur until the big day was finally upon us. Today was the Lunar Gala and I could barely think straight.

The Lunar Gala was everything I'd imagined and more.

The venue was a massive exhibition hall with crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, shining upon the plush marble floors.

The space was divided into sections, each brand or designer given their own booth to showcase their work. White silk drapes created elegant barriers between displays, while strategically placed spotlights ensured every piece of jewelry sparkled with maximum impact.

I stood in our assigned booth, my hands trembling slightly as I adjusted the arrangement for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Violet, the emerald necklace is crooked again," Mirella's voice cut through my thoughts.

"How many times do I have to tell you? The centerpiece needs to be perfectly aligned or the whole display looks sloppy."

I bit back a sigh and moved to adjust the necklace in question, even though it looked perfectly straight to me.

"Is this better?" I asked, tilting the display stand fractionally.

Mirella examined it with narrowed eyes. "I suppose it will have to do. Though honestly, Violet, your attention to detail has been severely lacking lately. This is the most important event of our company and you seem barely present."

"I'm here," I said quietly. "Everything will be perfect."

"It better be," Mirella said, her tone softening fractionally. "This is our moment, Violet. If we impress the right people tonight, if we secure even one major commission, it could change everything for us."

I knew she was right. This event was massive, drawing elite clientele from across the region.

And Dane had paid a premium price for our booth, which was positioned in a prime location, right in front of the main entrance where everyone would see it first.

I looked at our display with critical eyes, trying to see it as the guests would.

The centerpiece was a necklace I'd designed myself. White gold worked into delicate filigree, set with diamonds and sapphires. It was beautiful, just like the majority of the collection designed by me if I could say so without sounding arrogant.

"Violet, the information cards," Mirella said, gesturing to the small placards I'd placed beside each piece. "Did you double-check the pricing? We can't afford any errors tonight."

"I checked them three times," I said, trying to keep the nervousness out of my voice. "They're correct."

"Check them again."

I was reaching for the cards when a familiar voice interrupted.

"Mirella, perhaps you should take a breath before you give yourself an aneurysm."

Dane appeared at the edge of our booth, looking impeccable in a navy blue suit. His hair was styled perfectly, his smile easy and relaxed despite the chaos of last-minute preparations happening all around us.

"Dane," Mirella said, and I noticed how her entire demeanor shifted. "I didn't expect to see you until the official opening."

"Thought I'd do a walkthrough, see how everyone's settling in," Dane said, his eyes scanning our booth before landing on me. "And make sure my favorite designers aren't driving themselves crazy with last-minute perfectionism."

"We're professionals," Mirella said with a slight smile. "We don't get crazy."

"Could have fooled me," Dane said, his eyes still on me. "Violet looks about ready to pass out from stress."

"I'm fine," I said automatically.

"You're pale as a ghost," Dane countered, moving closer. "When's the last time you ate something?"

I tried to remember and came up blank.

"That's what I thought," Dane said. "Mirella, I'm stealing Violet for five minutes. She needs to eat something before she faints in front of potential clients."

"We have work to do," Mirella protested, but Dane was already guiding me away from the booth with a gentle hand on my elbow.

"The booth is perfect," Dane said firmly. "Every piece is positioned beautifully, the lighting is ideal, and the information is accurate. You've both done incredible work. Now take a breath and trust that it's going to be fine."

He led me to a small lounge area set up for exhibitors, grabbed a bottle of water and a granola bar from the refreshment table, and handed them to me.

"Eat," he ordered. "Drink. Calm down."

I took a small bite of the granola bar, my stomach protesting at first before reluctantly accepting the food.

Dane watched me with those attentive eyes, the same ones that had been watching me more and more lately.

He'd stopped by my desk multiple times, always with some excuse about checking on the Gala preparations. He'd brought me coffee on rough days and stayed until late with me in the office.

He'd been kind and supportive despite my rejection, exactly what I needed without being pushy about it.

And I had no idea what to do with that.

"Better?" Dane asked as I finished the water.

"Better," I admitted. "Thank you."

"Good." He smiled, and there was something warm in it that made my stomach flutter in a way that felt both nice and deeply uncomfortable. "You've worked too hard on this collection to let nerves ruin your big moment."

"What if nobody likes it?" The fear slipped out before I could stop it. "What if we don't get any commissions? What if this whole thing is a disaster?"

"It won't be," Dane said with absolute certainty. "Your designs are incredible, Violet. The craftsmanship is flawless. People are going to love it."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know talent when I see it." His hand came up to gently squeeze my shoulder. "And you, Violet, are genuinely talented. This event is going to prove that to everyone else."

The conviction in his voice made something in my chest loosen slightly and made me think that maybe this would be okay.

"Thank you," I said quietly. "For believing in me and for being so patient with all my neurotic preparation anxiety."

"That's what friends are for," Dane said, though something in his expression suggested friendship wasn't quite what he had in mind.

Dane turned to face me fully, and there was something in his expression that made my breath catch. Something intense and focused and entirely directed at me.

"You're going to do great tonight," he said. "I know it."

Then he leaned forward, and before I could process what was happening, his lips brushed against my cheek.