The drive was quiet. A comfortable silence, only interrupted by Caleb’s smooth voice when he occasionally complimented me. "You look... stunning," he had said, his words lingering in the air longer than I wanted them to. I could feel his gaze on me from time to time, but I kept my eyes trained ahead, focusing on the road, the city lights blurring by. My nerves, despite my efforts to remain calm, were starting to build. Tonight was huge. My designs were being showcased for the world to see. For *his* world to see.
Caleb pulled up to the venue, a grand hall befitting his status—*The Rinders Group*. The parking lot was filled with luxury cars, each one gleaming under the streetlights, their owners stepping out, dressed in clothes worth more than most people’s rent. The air was thick with elegance, success, and power.
“Here we are,” Caleb said, parking the car in a spot that seemed almost reserved for him. The entrance was buzzing with activity, people mingling, laughing, and greeting each other with easy familiarity. These were the people at the top of their game, the crème de la crème of the industry. And here I was, right in the middle of it.
I inhaled deeply, telling myself I had this. I was confident in my design, in everything I had worked for. Caleb stepped out of the car, walking over to my side before opening the door for me. “Ready?”
I nodded, swallowing the nerves, and stepped out. But just as I smoothed down my dress and gathered my thoughts, my eyes caught something—or rather, someone. A car, luxurious and polished to perfection, much like every other vehicle here. But this one… it looked like Tyler’s. I blinked, shaking my head with a small laugh. *As if it’s only Tyler who owns that kind of car,* I thought.
Brushing the thought aside, I linked arms with Caleb as we approached the entrance. The grandeur of the event washed over me—the music, the expensive cologne mingling in the air, the soft murmur of conversations all blending into one. The atmosphere was intoxicating, yet somehow overwhelming at the same time. My palms felt clammy, but I pushed down the nerves. I could do this.
“Samantha!”
I turned at the sound of my name and smiled when I saw Nelly weaving through the crowd toward me. She looked radiant, her outfit as stunning as her personality, always bright, always full of life. "You look beautiful!" she exclaimed.
"Thank you, Nelly. You look amazing too," I replied, and I meant it. She had that kind of effortless charm that made heads turn wherever she went.
Caleb gave me a small nod and excused himself politely, leaving me alone with Nelly, who wasted no time getting to the point. “So… did you come with him?”
My heart did a small flip. “With who?” I played dumb, glancing away, trying to hide the growing tension in my chest.
Nelly raised a perfectly arched brow, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Oh, don’t play coy. You arrived with Caleb, didn’t you?”
I forced a smile, shaking my head. “No… I came alone.”
“Alone, huh?” Nelly gave me a teasing look, clearly unconvinced but thankfully didn’t push the matter further. Today was too important for drama. This was my moment.
The event was kicking off, the buzz of conversation dying down as the host took the stage. The lights dimmed slightly, and the focus shifted to the reason we were all here—the unveiling of the new designs, *my* designs. My stomach flipped, not from nerves this time, but from excitement. This was it. All the hard work, the sleepless nights, the second-guessing... it was about to pay off.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the MC’s voice boomed through the room, commanding everyone’s attention. “We are honored tonight to present the future of fashion, a collaboration with one of the finest design companies in New York, *The Rinders Group*. And to introduce this extraordinary collection, please welcome the visionary behind it—Samantha Grey.”
The applause was deafening, and for a moment, I felt like I was floating. I walked up to the stage, my heart hammering in my chest. My mind raced with everything I wanted to say, but I had rehearsed this. I was ready.
Standing before the crowd, under the bright lights, I smiled, holding the mic tightly as I began. “Good evening, everyone. I am beyond grateful to be here tonight, standing before such esteemed guests. This collection represents not only my passion but also the hard work and dedication of an incredible team. Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s an expression of identity, of creativity, and I’m thrilled to share that with you tonight.”
The applause surged again, and I beamed, stepping back as the models took the stage, showcasing my work. Each piece flowed effortlessly, and I could see the approval in the faces of those watching. I couldn’t believe it—they loved it. I *did* it. The Rinders Group had just approved my designs.
I was dying of happiness, practically floating as I made my way off the stage, my heart soaring. As I handed the microphone back to the MC, he took it with a grin. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, we move to the auction portion of tonight’s event. Please prepare your paddles.”
I turned to leave the stage when I saw him.
At first, I thought I was imagining it. My breath caught in my throat as my eyes locked on his. Tyler. No, it couldn’t be...
But as I descended the steps, weaving through the crowd, my gaze found him again. Standing tall, looking just as stunned as I was. My heart pounded in my ears.
Tyler was here.
What the hell was he doing here?
In London? At a Rinders event of all places?
My mind spun, struggling to make sense of it.
For a moment, the entire room seemed to fall away.