Chapter 47 - From chaos to celebration—Lisa’s well-earned moment

Lisa

When the hall was finally empty, I let out the breath I had been holding for weeks since I started managing this project. I thought this night would never come. The gala was finally over. And it was successful. No catastrophes. No mayhem. No meltdowns over napkins—well, maybe justone, but at least I kept it to myself mostly.

I freed my legs from my high-heeled shoes and massaged my aching toes, leaning against a table slightly. My first ever gala was a success. However, there was a sense of hollowness about the triumph.

"Lisa." With his hands in his pockets and a knowing expression on his face, Damon was standing a few steps away when I turned around. The kind that was both reassuring and frustrating since it made me feel…seen.

"Damon, I swear I'll throw this shoe at you if you're going to tell me I forgot something." I threatened.

His mouth quirked. "No, even though that would be entertaining." He moved in closer. "I have a surprise for you.."

My eyes narrowed. "I don't want it if another guest just realized they have a peanut allergy."

“Relax, Princess. This is a pleasant surprise. He held out his hand. "Come with me."

I paused. “Damon, I—”

"You don't believe me?" His tone was playful, but there was a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

I did. That was the issue. My curiosity took the front seat, and I let him hold my hand. It was dark outside but as Damon escorted me from the ballroom down the corridor, past the service entrance, and into the city, I felt safe. There was a black car parked by the curb.

I came to a sudden stop. "Are we heading out?"

Damon motioned for me to enter as he opened the door. "Princess, just get into the car."

I sighed and slipped inside, followed by Damon, who told the driver to go. It was a brief ride, and I blinked in astonishment when we arrived at our destination. The roof of a high-end hotel. A small but vibrant crowd gathered around a makeshift bar as string lights twinkled overhead. In sharp contrast to the grandeur of the gala, music played softly in the background. It was cozy and personal.

"Damon." Stunned, I turned to him. "What is this?"

"This is your after-party," he replied, pointing me in the right direction. You made sure everyone else had a great evening. I thought someone ought to organize something for you.”

I gaped at him. A small amount of the anxiety from the previous weeks and the night slipped away. "You did this?" I asked.

"Why do you look so shocked? Do you think so little of me?" Damon grinned. "I am capable of thoughtfulness."

I laughed, gasping for air. "I simply—I'm at a loss for words."

"Try saying, 'Thank you, Damon. You are the most amazing, charming man I have ever encountered.'"

I grinned despite rolling my eyes. "I'm grateful."

He smiled. "That's a good way to start."

I swirled the champagne glass in my hand as the crowd cheered. How did he manage to send out invites to so many workers and even the vendors who had put in many hours to make the gala a reality.

Damon's eyebrows fluttered. "You're impressed, admit it."

My chest felt warm, but I shook my head. "All right. Maybe I am but it’s just a teeny-weeny bit.

Leaning down, Damon spoke quietly. "I told you that I had you."

I looked him in the eye while my heart made a funny noise in my chest. Perhaps he saw me as more than just a project manager. Perhaps—

"Oh my God!" a voice exclaimed. "Who got a cake with the words "Lisa, Queen of Stress" on it?"

Damon became suddenly very interested in his drink, and Lisa turned to stare at him.

"Damon!"

The rest of the evening fun continued while Damon and I waltzed across the room in full host mode. Finally, we returned to our seats at the edge of the dinner table and Damon clicked his glass to command the attention of the room.

The room went silent.

Content with the silence and rapt attention of our guests, he proceeded, “We are all here tonight to celebrate the success of our very first fundraising gala in Paris, France. I appreciate every staff member seated here today for their commitment and dedication to this project. However, none of this would have been possible without my beautiful and most efficient project manager, Lisa Monroe.”

At that, everyone stood with a thundering ovation and my face was red with embarrassment.

“Thank you, my darling for the sleepless night and most of all, for bearing with me.”Damon said, eyes burning into mine.

Änd now, I’d like us to make a toast to the brainbox behind this project, none other that Lisa Monroe. Thank you for a memorable time in Paris. I love you.”He raised his glass, whispering the last part into my ear.

What? 

Did Damon, the heartless and merciless billionaire just say he loves me?