Chapter 92 Bella's POV
Chapter Ninety-two
Bella’s POV
By the next morning, everything from yesterday still sat heavily on my chest.
I barely slept but I had to show up at work early, I didn't want any query from Xander about lateness.
I was having a hard time concentrating on work when suddenly, I heard a knock on my door.
I didn’t even bother to look up at first.
“Come in,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.
The door opened, and my heart immediately jumped into my throat.
It was Xander.
He closed the door gently behind him.
“How are you doing today ?” he asked quietly.
I nodded. “I’m fine, thank you.”
He stepped closer into the office with his hands in his pockets.
“There’s something I need to remind you,” he said.
I nodded. “Okay… what is it?”
He paused, then cleared his throat. “The gala.”
I tilted my head. “The what?”
“The charity gala tonight,” he said, voice low. “The one you’re supposed to attend as part of the executive team.”
I’d completely forgotten about that.
And of course, Xander remembered.
I stared at him, horrified. “Xander, I can’t…”
“You can,” he cut in calmly. “And you will. It’s mandatory for all senior staff.”
“I’m not a senior staff.”
“You are for tonight.”
I frowned. “Xander…”
“I already told them you’d be attending,” he said simply. “You’re on the list.”
“You know how the last gala ended, what if…”
“You'll be fine, Bella.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I’m exhausted, Xander. I don’t think…”
“I know,” he said gently. “But it’s important that you join.”
I shook my head and said nothing.
He stepped closer.
“It’ll be quick. You show your face, you greet a few people, you leave. You don’t have to stay long.”
I exhaled shakily. “I just… it’s a lot.”
“I know, but you'll be fine,” he said again.
He hesitated but then he added, “I’ll be there the entire time. You won’t be alone.”
I cleared my throat. “Fine. I’ll go. Not like I had a choice, you were just telling me, weren't you?”
He smirked and did not answer.
I looked down at my files. “What time?”
“Seven,” he said. “I’ll send a car to pick you up.”
I stiffened. “No. I’ll drive myself.”
He raised a brow. “Bella.”
“I’m driving myself,” I repeated firmly.
His jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded. “Alright. Drive yourself.
He turned to leave but then he paused at the door.
“And Bella?”
I looked up.
“You look tired,” he murmured. “Try to rest before tonight.”
I swallowed. “I’ll try.”
He gave a small nod and walked out.
By 3 p.m., I had managed to finish a few reports and review accounting’s submissions.
My brain hurt, and my eyes were heavy with tiredness.
My phone buzzed again.
It was a text from Daniel.
“Don’t forget Noah’s follow-up appointment tomorrow. I can take him if you’re busy.”
I sighed. Daniel was so thoughtful.
“I’ll handle it. Thanks.”
I sent the message and dropped my phone face-down on the desk.
Then there was another knock on the door.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Grace peeked her head in.
She slipped inside, holding a small bag.
“Um… you didn’t eat lunch. So I brought you something.”
My eyes widened. “Oh.”
“It’s just pasta,” she added quickly. “You look… you know… like you need it.”
Tears welled up in my eyes.
“Thank you,” I said.
She smiled. “Also… Mr. Knight said you can leave a little early to get ready.”
My heart skipped.
“He said that?”
She nodded. “Yes. He told the entire executive team you’d be excused at five.”
“Okay. Thank you, Grace.”
She giggled. “No problem, Bella.”
Grace left, and I eyed the bag of pasta hungrily.
I ate quietly while blinking the tears away.
At exactly 5:00 p.m., I packed my files, grabbed my bag, and slipped out of my office, trying to avoid being seen.
But the moment I stepped into the hallway, Xander came out of his own office at the same time.
He froze when he saw me.
“Tired?” he asked.
“Yes,” I answered honestly.
He nodded once. “Go home. Rest. Don’t rush.”
I smiled. “I’ll see you at the venue.”
“I’ll be waiting,” he said quietly.
I turned and walked toward the elevator.
I chose a soft, shimmery blue dress and decided to go easy with my makeup even though it took an hour to achieve. My curls framed my face perfectly.
I checked my reflection one more time at the mirror and smoothed the fabric over my hips.
My hands were sweaty and my heartbeat was loud.
The driver texted that he was outside.
I grabbed my clutch, exhaled, and headed down.
The car ride was quiet but my mind was restless. I kept wondering how I'd survive tonight in front of so many people.
Thank goodness Noah's nanny agreed to watch him for the night.
When the car stopped in front of the building, the driver opened my door… and that’s when I saw him.
He was standing by the entrance, waiting for me.
He was mid-conversation with one of the organizers, but the second he saw me step out of the car, he froze.
His eyes widened and his gaze swept over me once, then again.
I swallowed nervously.
He took a step toward me. His grey eyes never left mine.
“Bella…” he breathed quietly.
“You look…” He stopped, exhaled, then said again, “You look incredible.”
I felt heat climbing up my neck and cheeks. I tried to play it cool but my sweaty palms gave it away.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He offered his arm like a gentleman.
I almost laughed at his attempt to treat me like a lady but I decided to play it cool and accepted his offer.
When I placed my hand on his arm, I felt electric currents run through my spine.
As we walked toward the entrance, heads turned to look at us but I ignored them.