Chapter 76

Margaux hadn’t expected to see him tonight. Not like this, not at this event, with her parents’ high society circle surrounding her. But there he was, standing at the entrance of the ballroom like he owned the place, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit that made him look as if he’d stepped out of a high-fashion magazine. His sharp jawline, his eyes scanning the room with that familiar, confident glint—everything about him was just… William.

When their eyes met across the room, Margaux’s breath hitched. She hadn’t prepared herself for this, not for him being here. He hadn’t mentioned anything about attending, and she certainly didn’t expect him to stroll in so effortlessly, drawing everyone’s attention in a way that was entirely too natural for him.

Her cheeks flushed immediately, realizing she’d probably been staring at him for too long. William noticed, of course, and the corner of his mouth curled into that smirk that she both loved and hated in equal measure. Without hesitation, he started making his way toward her, a confident but casual stride that told her he was comfortable in every way—too comfortable, she thought.

By the time he reached her, Margaux felt her heart race. She had to remind herself to breathe. He didn’t seem to have that problem. His eyes softened as they met hers, though there was a hint of amusement there. “Well, well,” William said, his voice smooth as velvet. “If it isn’t the stunning Margaux Hawthorne.”

Her cheeks turned even redder. She wasn’t sure how to handle this. She had no idea he was going to be here. “You... you’re here?” she stammered, mentally kicking herself. Great job, Margaux.

William’s smile only widened as he tilted his head slightly. “You sound surprised. I thought you'd have expected to see me by now. Maybe you’ve been too busy impressing your parents.” He raised an eyebrow, clearly teasing.

Margaux quickly composed herself, rolling her eyes, though she couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, trust me, I’m not impressing anyone here,” she said with a wry grin. “Not when they’re too busy talking about my ‘flaws’.”

“Flaws?” William asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “The only flaw I see is how much you’re blushing right now.”

Margaux’s cheeks flared even more. She could feel the heat spread across her face. “I’m not blushing,” she protested weakly, though her smile betrayed her.

“Oh, you definitely are,” he teased, leaning in slightly. “I think you look rather cute when you blush, actually.”

She rolled her eyes again, trying to hide her smile as she crossed her arms, though it did little to mask the embarrassment creeping over her. “Cut it out, William. I’m not some—”

“You’re not some what?” he interrupted, stepping closer, clearly enjoying the playful tension. “You’re just a bit... flustered, aren’t you?”

Margaux huffed. “I’m not flustered,” she said firmly, even though she knew it was a losing battle. Her face was a clear indicator, and William wasn’t letting her forget it.

William chuckled, clearly finding her flustered state amusing. He straightened, surveying the room before his eyes flickered back to her. “I’m sure your parents will be thrilled when they see us together. They’re already talking about how stunning you look tonight. Your mother even agrees.”

Margaux groaned, her eyes narrowing at him. “Oh, please. My mother thinks I should’ve lost a few pounds before the event. Her compliments are just what I needed to hear.”

William raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement passing over his face. “Sounds like you’re getting the full Hawthorne treatment,” he teased, clearly enjoying the playful jab at her expense.

Margaux rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help but laugh. “You have no idea.” She glanced across the room, spotting her parents with their usual bright smiles, their gazes fixed on her and William. “They love seeing us together, don’t they?”

William smirked knowingly. “Oh, they’re practically glowing. I can see the wedding plans unfolding already.”

Margaux laughed loudly, her shoulders relaxing. “If they only knew I was just trying to survive the night without either of them trying to match me up with a future president.”

William leaned closer to her, his tone lowering with playful mockery. “I didn’t realize your family had such high expectations for you. But then again, I can see it now. Margaux Hawthorne, future leader of the free world.”

“Ha,” Margaux said, clearly enjoying the banter now. She hooked her arm through his as they started walking together, feeling more at ease than she had all night. “I think they’d settle for me being a quiet asset at some gala. The speech I’m giving tonight is the most I can handle.”

“Oh, a speech?” William asked, his eyebrows rising in surprise. “You? A speech? I can’t wait to hear how you charm them all with your... wisdom.”

Margaux laughed, the tension finally melting away. “I’m sure they’re all just here for the drama,” she said, giving him a knowing look. “I’m just the warm-up act.”

They strolled through the crowd, Margaux making sure to keep her arm linked with his as they walked. She could feel William’s steady presence beside her, his energy calm and collected while she was still trying to shake off the nerves. For a moment, they were just two people, navigating the swirl of high society with ease.

“So, are you planning to escape in the next hour?” William asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. “You know, you could be anywhere right now, Margaux. I imagine this is just... not your scene.”

Margaux looked up at him, the familiar teasing glint in his eyes making her grin. “Actually, I am giving a speech. I guess I’ll have to survive the night after all.”

He let out a dramatic sigh, clearly impressed. “A speech, huh? I’m almost sorry I won’t get to see the magic happen.”

“You should be,” she shot back. “It’s going to be legendary.”

As they continued to walk, their conversation light and playful, Margaux felt a strange sense of freedom. William had a way of pulling her into the moment, making the pretentiousness of the ball feel less suffocating. She wasn’t playing the perfect daughter tonight—she was just herself. And that, somehow, felt a little easier with him by her side.

“By the way,” William said, as if just now realizing something, “I’m surprised you didn’t bring a date tonight.”

Margaux raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “Oh, I was supposed to. I think he just forgot about me.”

William’s smirk deepened, clearly enjoying the teasing. “Forgot about you? Classic move. Was he afraid of the Hawthorne family?”

Margaux’s laugh was light and free, and for once, it didn’t matter that they were surrounded by the rich and powerful. In this moment, it was just the two of them, laughing together as the night unfolded.

“Well, he probably realized I was a bit too much to handle,” she joked, nudging him with her elbow.

“I can see why,” William said, leaning in closer with a mock-serious look on his face. “You’re definitely high-maintenance.”

Margaux winked at him, grinning. “High-maintenance? Please. I’m a dream to handle.”

William chuckled, and they continued walking, teasing and joking, feeling lighter with every step they took. For the first time in a long time, Margaux felt like she could actually enjoy the night.

And as the two of them walked side by side, laughing at the ridiculousness of it all, one thing was for sure—this evening was far from ordinary.