Chapter 105. Annual Event /Part 2
Lilly Bradley
I looked at myself in the full-length mirror in my room. I had gone to the salon just a few blocks from the building and was amazed by the hairstyle. I turned to check that everything was perfect when I heard a knock on my door.
"Come in," I called without taking my eyes off my reflection.
"Are you ready?" asked Leah. When I turned to her, I was surprised.
"You look beautiful," I whispered. It was the first evening gown I had seen her wear. Like me, her hair was perfectly styled. She had it half-up and the rest in perfect waves. Her long dress was dark green, with thin straps and small gemstones adorning it like a belt. She looked truly elegant and stunning.
"Thank you, so do you," she said with a big smile. As we left, Jackson's driver was waiting for us. We got in and drove into the city traffic. Leah looked nervous, clutching her small matching purse tightly, her gaze lost out the window. I rested a hand on hers, and she turned to me.
"I'm nervous. What if Jacob found another date?" she asked, worried.
"Jackson confirmed he didn't bring anyone else. Relax," I reassured her. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"Who would have thought Leah Bradley would be like a teenager?"
"It's unbelievable," I joked.
"What if...?" I stopped her.
"No 'what ifs,' Leah. Don't start sabotaging yourself."
"I know."
Minutes later, we arrived at the hotel where the event was being held. There was a red carpet on the stairs, camera flashes, reporters, and security guards at the entrance. We avoided the cameras and reached the hotel's main door. Richard was waiting for us. I greeted him and introduced him to Leah, who was surprised and commented on our resemblance. The tall door to the hall opened before we reached it. Jacob appeared in an elegant tuxedo. When he saw us—more specifically, Leah—his eyes widened, and a smile slowly spread across his face.
"Go to him," I whispered to Leah. She nodded without taking her eyes off him.
"Oh my God, I don't want to ruin the night," Leah murmured as she walked toward Jacob. When they met, they started apologizing to each other, and then he took her hand to lead her into the hall. She waved her thumb in an "All good" gesture, and I felt excited to see her smiling, happy...
"Good evening, Miss Bradley," I heard Jackson's voice beside me. I hadn't noticed his presence. I looked to the other side, and Richard had already left. Jackson's eyes studied me intently as he stood in front of me.
"Good evening, Mr. Johnson," I smiled as I saw how he looked at me.
"You look beautiful, darling."
"You don't look too bad yourself," I winked. He leaned in to kiss me, but I instinctively stopped him. Jackson raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong?" he asked, confused.
"There are employees and..."
"And I'm greeting my girlfriend." He straightened up when he looked past me. "Vans," he whispered. I looked in the direction he was watching and stood beside him.
"Good evening, Jackson," said Georgina Vans, smiling excitedly, arm-in-arm with an older man.
"Good evening, Miss Vans," he nodded politely and then extended his hand to the older man. "Mr. Vans."
"Good evening, Jackson," Mr. Vans replied, shaking hands. I noticed tension in Jackson.
"I wasn't aware you were coming, Mr. Vans," Jackson seemed surprised.
"We have invitations," Georgina replied immediately. "I can show you." Jackson quickly shook his head.
"It's fine. Since this is an event for my company's employees, I wasn't aware my mother had extended invitations to our social circle."
"Your mother was kind enough to invite us. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course, I don't mind. I'm just surprised. But please, go ahead. The event is about to start..."
"Thank you..." Before moving forward, Mr. Vans looked in my direction. "Aren't you going to introduce your date?"
"She's Jackson's employee, father," Georgina said. I almost raised an eyebrow defiantly but held back, knowing her tone was meant to provoke me. Jackson was quick to act, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer.
"Let me introduce you to..."
"She's just another employee... no need to know more," Georgina interrupted, looking me up and down discreetly.
"Georgina," Jackson called, getting her attention. He smiled at both of them. "This is my girlfriend, Lilly Bradley."