My Response

My Response
It didn't take Paulina long to bitterly regret her decision. During the following week, in the morning, they continued with the same routine. They had breakfast and went to the gym. He continued to treat her kindly in front of others, making an effort not to touch or kiss her. At night, the difference was more pronounced. They had dinner, talked, but went in opposite directions when it came to sleeping, and he never tried to make her change her mind.
She wanted to say that she didn't need more time. She had made numerous attempts to give her answer, but Simon interrupted her and said they needed to wait for the week to be over. Even so, during Mirela's two visits, neither of them said that the wedding would not take place. Simon even seemed interested in the details of the ceremony, his attitude filling Paulina with hope.
When Friday arrived, she had a new opportunity to give her answer. Days before, Simon had been invited to a charity dinner and asked her to accompany him, even giving her a gorgeous lilac silk dress. It needed some adjustments, especially around the hips, the V-neck, and the length, but now it was perfect, accentuating her curves. Even the fear she had about the slit that cut through the pleated skirt below her right knee disappeared. It was a dream dress.
She pinned her hair in a low bun with twisted strands, adjusting her bangs and some loose strands on each side of her face. Her makeup was discreet, with emphasis on her eyes. She was putting on the small flower-shaped earrings when Simon knocked on the door. She allowed him to enter, watching his reaction through the mirror.
"You should see yourself in the closet mirror," he suggested, since what she was wearing only captured her from the waist up. "You look beautiful," he praised, admiring her from head to toe.
With a flushed face, Paulina smiled at Simon through the reflected image. He was sophisticated and tempting in a white dress shirt, black bow tie matching the pants and the single-button closed jacket, a complete custom-made tuxedo.
Focused on admiring him, she only noticed how close they were when Simon put his hand on her exposed back through the deep neckline, causing an electric shiver throughout her body.
"That reminds me of when I saw you exactly in front of that mirror dressed as a bride," he said, sliding his fingers slowly over her bare skin. Paulina sighed, her heart pounding and heat spreading from the man's hand. It felt good to feel his touch again. "I've never desired a woman as much as I did that day. I wanted to touch her, kiss her until she begged me to make her mine." He kissed the junction of her shoulder and neck, and Paulina let out a small moan of delight. "That desire never leaves me."
Paulina turned her body, facing Salvatore and standing on her tiptoes, reaching up to bury her fingers in his soft hair, pulling him towards her by the nape of his neck.
"I don't need more time to give my answer," she whispered, looking deeply into his eyes.
"Wait..." Simon tried to pull away the hands that held him, but Paulina held him firmly, tired of being interrupted.
"No! I'm absolutely sure I'll never regret my decision," she interrupted him with determination, smiling as she realized her attitude had surprised him. "I want to be your wife."
Simon's lips curved into a short smile, but something seemed to take over his thoughts, making his expression restrained.
"So, can I introduce you as my fiancée today?"
Paulina smiled sweetly, impressed to see Simon Salvatore demonstrate insecurity for the first time. She nodded slowly, savoring the corner smile that made her beloved's face even more beautiful.
"Until the day I become your wife," she joked, planting a soft kiss on his lips.
Simon raised his right hand and, with his eyes fixed on hers, briefly kissed the ring she wore.
"I'll count the minutes, my love."
~~
Arm in arm with Simon, Paulina crossed the large wooden doors that led to a spacious, luxurious room filled with elegant men and women. In the background, a woman sang a classical song with instrumental accompaniment. She would have felt out of place in that environment if she weren't with a proud fiancé by her side.
As they walked, they attracted all kinds of looks, from curiosity to envy, and Simon made a point of introducing her as his fiancée, which left her overflowing with smiles at every new wish of happiness.
An event employee dressed in black guided them to the table reserved for SaaTore, already occupied by his partner, Gabriel Saadi, the older sister of the redhead, Tamara, and a woman with long blonde hair who watched them approach with a mischievous smile, causing a blush of recognition in Perez.
"You look stunning, Paulina!" Tamara commented after greeting her, looking beautiful in a gray dress, her red lips highlighting her fair skin, and her blonde hair pulled up in a side bun.
"Thank you! You look amazing too," Paulina thanked her shyly, taking the chair that Simon pulled out for her next to Saadi.
She had never been close to Gabriel's older sister, sympathizing with the discreet designer, but also having some apprehension, partly because of what she was hiding about the incident with her ex-husband.
In a tuxedo with a vest and his normally unruly hair slicked to the side with gel, Gabriel was cordial and introduced the fiancée, the blonde in a deep red dress with a plunging neckline. However, Paulina knew her name; it would be impossible to forget Isabele Albuquerque.
"Pleasure to see you again, Paulina," the blonde gave a playful wink.
"Likewise, Isabele," Paulina replied, smiling shyly.
"Do you already know each other?" Gabriel asked with surprise.
"I helped her choose new clothes," the young woman explained without adding that it was at Mirela's request. Instead, she remembered, "You were feeling down about the end of a relationship." Her blue eyes moved to Salvatore. "I suppose the situation has improved."
Paulina nodded, and Simon took the opportunity to announce their engagement. Distracted by Tamara and Isabele's congratulations, the young woman didn't notice the exchange of glances between Salvatore and his partner.
"What wonderful news! So...have you used my little gift yet?" Isabele asked, causing Paulina's face and neck to turn red and almost choke on the water she had taken.
Simon took a moment to understand, surprising everyone by laughing loudly. So, it was Isabele who had given the illustrious pink duck-shaped vibrator.
"My fiancée thought it was too cute to use, but we found a way," he assured with an unabashed smile.
"Simon!" Paulina scolded, even more embarrassed.
Without inhibition, Salvatore leaned in, covering her mouth with his in a kiss. Soon, the connected lips moved into a smile.
"Fiancée?"