Chapter 45.

Chapter 45.
Lexi's POV.

Time ticked slowly and night descended. I took out the box with a tag attached and opened it, revealing a stunning black dinner dress adorned with sparkling black diamonds that shimmered under the soft light. Nestled beside it was another box containing a full jewelry set and yet another containing a pair of sleek black heels.

I sauntered over to the bathroom for a quick bath before slipping into the dress. Standing in front of the mirror, I gasped at my reflection. The off-shoulder design of the dress accentuated my figure perfectly, its thigh-high split showcasing my creamy white leg. The fabric hugged my curves in all the right places, making me feel both beautiful and empowered.

With anticipation, I opened the jewelry box and carefully took out the elegant silver necklace, adorned with the same black diamonds that sparkled like stars in the night sky. As I placed it around my neck, a smile spread across my face at its elegance. Next, I adorned my ears with stunning diamond earrings that hung delicately, the black diamonds gleaming against my skin. I slipped on silver bracelets intricately designed with a blend of black and emerald stones, and finally, I slid the fashionable diamond ring onto my index finger, the black diamond glowing warmly.

I styled my long black waves into a side parting, letting it cascade over my right shoulder. Opening the last box, I slipped on the elegant black heels that completed my look. With a confident smile, I felt ready to conquer the night.

I appreciated Leo’s efforts in helping me get ready for this evening, though he had overlooked one important detail—makeup. But I was perfectly fine without it; I felt beautiful as I was.

Stepping out of the room, I carried myself with an air of elegance and self-assurance. As I made my way to the venue, I noticed heads turning in my direction, but my mind was preoccupied with something else.

After my earlier confrontation with Sam, I hadn’t returned to the lecture hall. Part of me believed that was the end between us, yet I hadn’t intended for it to conclude like that. Those words...they just slipped out before I could catch them, and now it lingered in my mind like an unanswered question.

Suddenly, I felt a firm grip on my wrist, and instinct kicked in; I balled my fists, ready to deliver a punch but thank God I looked first. It was Sam. 

"You shouldn't be so lost in thought while on the road," he said, gazing deep into my eyes.

I met his gaze, a pool of pure love that I couldn’t bring myself to accept or reciprocate.

"Sam, I..." I began, my voice trailing off.

"I'm sorry, Lexi," he cut me off, his tone earnest.

"I'm sorry about this morning. I shouldn't have pushed you too hard beyond your limits," he continued, his sincerity palpable.

"I let my jealousy, anger, and contempt for Leonardo cloud my judgment and make me say things I shouldn’t have," he added, his expression filled with regret.

"I'm also sorry. I shouldn't have lashed out at you like that," I replied, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Lexi, you can do anything with your life... anything but getting involved with Leonardo. That guy..." he trailed off, frustration evident in his voice.

"I won't judge if you choose to be with someone else, but just not him. He stands for everything we oppose," he urged.

I knew he was right, but Leo was too tempting to resist.

"But, Lexi... can't you give me a chance? We could work this out. I understand you and him are..." he began.

"No," I interrupted firmly. "Leo and I can never be together. I'm not falling for him... it will never happen."

"But you and me working out? In fact me and any other guy working out? I don't think it can ever be possible," I continued, my heart heavy with truth.

"I'm sorry," I added, feeling the weight of unspoken words.

His eyes reflected the hurt that flickered within, a telling glimpse of his heart breaking.

"You're looking gorgeous," he smiled, momentarily softening the tension as he admired my appearance.

I didn’t know how to respond; silence enveloped us.

"I won’t give up on you, Lexi... I’ll keep pursuing you until my last breath," he declared, determination emanating from him.

I was left speechless, my thoughts a chaotic whirl. All I could do was gaze at him, overwhelmed.

He took my hand, raising it to plant a soft kiss on my palm. He leaned in, aiming to close the distance between us, but I instinctively turned my head, just as his lips were about touching mine. I stepped backwards, my expression empathetic. "Do enjoy the party with your plus one," I said and with that I walked away.

I could feel my phone vibrate insistently from my purse, and I knew instantly that it was ringing. I pulled it out, and the name on the screen sent a jolt through me: Leo. With a swift slide of my finger, I answered the call.

"Where are you?" His deep voice resonated from the other end, a mix of concern and authority.

"At the party," I replied, my tone curt but attempting to mask the heaviness in my heart.

"What's wrong? You sound… off," he observed, and I could almost hear the frown in his voice.

A lot has happened, and the weight of it all had left me feeling a little drained. 

"I'm fine," I insisted, trying to inject some brightness into my tone.

"You’re not fine," he countered, his voice steady, underscoring my facade.

"Why did you call?" I deflected, eager to steer the conversation away from my emotions.

"Be careful at the party tonight," he warned, his tone shifting to serious. "They couldn’t reach you from afar, which means there’s a strong chance they’ll come close tonight."

"And don’t take them on alone like you did at the bar that day. Imagine what would have happened to you if I hadn’t arrived early," he continued, his concern palpable over the line.

"I can handle myself, Leo. I’m a CIA agent," I reminded him.

"I know," he conceded, but added, "Just as I’m not permitted to die, you’re not allowed to get hurt."

I didn't know why my heart raced slightly at that, his protectiveness wrapping around me like a warm blanket. 

"Where are you?" I queried, feeling a strange sense of vulnerability.

"You miss me?" he teased, and I could easily imagine that infuriating smirk of his and I hung up. 

As I walked into the grand hall, it screamed wealth and elegance. The people around me flaunted their status through their extravagant outfits, laughter and chatter swirling in a cacophony of opulence. 

I settled at a table in the corner, casually observing the lively activities surrounding me. After what felt like an eternity of boredom, the officials finally took the stage, and the party kicked off. They spoke animatedly, but my mind drifted, lost in the sea of my thoughts. Feeling presst, I decided to use the restroom.

As I made my way down the dimly lit hallway, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed. My instinct kicked in, and I turned cautiously, my heart pounding as I scanned the area behind me. There he was—a shadowy figure trailing closely in my footsteps. Trying to maintain my composure, I led him away from the bustling crowd into a more open space at the back of the party hall, where the booming music faded to a dull thrum.

Just as I sensed the moment was right, I pulled my gun from my purse, the cool metal a reassuring weight in my grip. With a swift turn I confronted the would-be assailant.

He lunged towards me, fists raised, ready to strike, but just in the nick of time, He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned, confusion flashing across his face, and before he could react, he was met with a powerful punch that sent him crashing to the ground.

I looked up, and relief washed over me as I was met with the familiar face of Leo. “Hey, baby,” he smiled, confidence radiating from him.