Tonight was the night.

I looked over myself in the mirror, a proud grin spreading across my face as I mentally high-fived myself for a job well done. My dress was perfect in more ways than one, embodying true class and elegance. Its fabric, a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, caught the light with a subtle shimmer, hinting at the luxury woven into every thread. I had designed it with a playful yet sophisticated thigh-high slit that promised freedom of movement and a touch of daring.

The bodice hugged the curves of my body in the best way yet comfortably, allowing for a silhouette that was both flattering and forgiving. The low sweetheart cut of the upper bodice showed off my cleavage in a daring statement. It was adorned with delicate patterns, not too elaborate but with enough detail to draw the eye and spark curiosity.

The sleeves added a whimsical touch, slightly loose and flowing, tapering to a gentle close at the wrists. Around the neckline, a subtle play of lighter green, almost like the first tender leaves of spring, offered a contrast that was both striking and seamlessly integrated into the overall design.

As I twirled in front of the mirror, the dress seemed to come alive, the slit revealing a hint of leg in a dance of shadow and light, the fabric moving as if it were a part of me.

I had curled my hair, styling it into a low ponytail with two delicate strands that framed my face, a choice that lent an air of effortless grace and matched the fluidity of the dress. These vibrant curls of ginger caught the light, highlighting various shades of my hair, as if echoing the subtle shimmer of the dress fabric. A few strands were artfully pinned back on one side with a small, emerald-encrusted clip, adding a hint of color and elegance to the outfit.

For jewelry, I chose pieces that were delicate yet impactful. A pair of gold drop earrings, each adorned with a small, green gemstone that matched the deep emerald of my dress, dangled lightly from my ears. They were simple yet eye-catching, drawing attention without detracting from the overall look. Around my neck, a thin gold chain with a pendant that mirrored the green of the earrings and the clip in my hair rested just above the neckline, subtle enough to blend in yet distinct enough to be noticed.

Finally, my choice of footwear was a pair of simple, strappy heels in a neutral shade, designed to elongate the leg without stealing the spotlight from the dress. Their minimalistic style ensured that the focus remained on the outfit as a whole, particularly highlighting the daring slit of the dress as I moved.

I was ready to turn heads at the gala.

My doorbell caught my attention, and I quickly double-checked my makeup before grabbing my purse.

Chelsea was sleeping peacefully in her cat bed, and I crouched down to pet her lustrous fur before leaving.

“Wish me luck,” I whispered to her, straightening up as the bell rang once again. I hurried to the front door and took a deep breath, mentally cheering myself on as I tried my best to brush off the nervousness in my knees.

“You can do it, Aurelia,” I reassured myself, reaching out to open the door. Caspian stood on the other side, and my heart sped up when I met his gaze. His brown eyes shone with admiration as they trailed over my form, and I shyly smiled at him while his lips parted in awe.

“Dear lord,” he breathed out, his hands combing through his hair as he raised his gaze to meet mine. “I have no words.”

I giggled at his compliment, a huge contrast to the internal scream of victory that pulsed through me.

“Hmm, did I leave the charismatic Caspian speechless?” I teased him, and he nodded his head. Caspian let out a low whistle, and I burst into laughter as he used his fingers to make a makeshift camera.

I struck a sassy pose, and he hollered and cheered me on, pretending to be a photographer taking magazine cover photos.

“You’re going to need a bodyguard at this point,” he mused, and I caught my breath, a smile resting on my face as I gave him a good look.

“You don't look too bad yourself.”

Caspian looked even more handsome in that impeccably tailored charcoal gray suit, the fabric draping over his broad shoulders and trim waist with effortless sophistication. The crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath the jacket, perfectly complementing the sleekness of his ensemble. His tie, a deep shade of burgundy, added a subtle pop of color that accentuated his dashing demeanor.

As he stood there, a grin playing at the corners of his lips, I knew this night was definitely going to be one to remember.

“You're too kind, my lady,” he said with a courteous bow of his head. “Shall we?” Caspian offered me his arm, and I gladly took it, happiness bubbling in my chest as we made our way to his SUV.

During the drive, Caspian played country music, and we both sang along, our voices syncing in perfect harmony as the evening breeze filled the car. We laughed whenever we missed the lyrics, but we continued still, occasionally throwing thoughtful glances at each other along the way. And I couldn't help but wish this moment would last forever.

No, Caspian and I are not together yet, but that was going to change by the end of this night.

“You don't have to answer me now,” Caspian pointed out. He took my hand in his, his ocean eyes softer than ever. “I'll give you time to think about it, and I'll be expecting your reply at this year's gala.”

His words from that fateful evening at work echoed in my mind, a reminder of the promise of possibilities that awaited us.

And in the space of one week, my mind was made up.

I was going to say yes to Caspian.

Finally, we reached the venue of the event, and we were graciously welcomed by our colleagues.

The theme of this year’s fashion show was Renaissance, and the party was already in full swing, with various notable personalities and famous designers scattered across the exquisite hall of the venue.

But as I scanned through the crowd, my eyes subconsciously searched for one person.

“Looking for someone?” Olivia asked from beside me, noticing my wandering gaze. We all sat at a table in our designated section of the hall, each department grouped together, and each table was assigned to a production theme.

“Hmm?” I turned to her, blinking as if I didn't hear her.

“You've been acting weird lately, you know,” Olivia shared her observations as she poured herself a glass of wine. “And don't think I didn't notice what's been going on between you and Caspian,” she added with a teasing wiggle of her brow. Olivia raised her glass to her lips, gesturing towards Caspian who was busy engaging in a conversation with Kendall and Mathew. “You two finally make it past the friend zone?”

I blushed at her remark, and she chuckled at my expense. Olivia has always had a keen eye for detail, so there was no use hiding it from her. She always saw right through me.

“Maybe,” I replied with a casual shrug of my shoulders, matching her amusement with a hint of mischief. We both share a knowing look, stifling our laughter at the silent message in the exchange.

Mrs. Juniper didn't sit with us; she sat among the other head designers upfront, and as the lights in the hall grew dim, the stage came to life, and the first set of models took the runway.

Everyone focused their attention on the stage as the show began, but still, my eyes swept through the sea of people, searching for something, or rather, someone.

I couldn't catch sight of the CEO anywhere, neither could I fathom why I looked for him.

Each dress that had graced the stage was a masterpiece in its own right, echoing the Renaissance theme through intricate detailing, choice of fabric, and color palette that paid homage to an era defined by rebirth and beauty.

But I couldn't help the rush of emotions that washed over me when the model wearing my dress came to view.

As the model gracefully stepped onto the runway, the crowd was instantly captivated by the stunning design of the dress I had created, a piece that perfectly married the opulence of the Renaissance with the daring spirit of modern fashion. The bodice, meticulously crafted from rich, sapphire-blue velvet, hugged her form, accentuating the natural curves with a gentle, corseted embrace. Intricate golden thread embroidery danced across the fabric, weaving tales of myth and majesty reminiscent of tapestries from the era.

The sleeves, a masterpiece of their own, billowed in sheer silk, starting from a tightly fitted upper arm before erupting into an extravagant display of volume and elegance, ending in delicate cuffs that mirrored the intricate patterns of the bodice. The skirt was a spectacle, layers of the same sapphire silk cascading in a waterfall of fabric, each tier edged with golden lace, catching the light with every movement, creating a mesmerizing effect that seemed to blend past and present.

At her waist, a handcrafted leather belt, detailed with Renaissance-era motifs and studded with semi-precious stones, cinched the ensemble, adding an element of power and regality. The model's hair was styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with pearls and golden combs, a nod to the sophistication and grandeur of Renaissance nobility.

As she moved, the dress seemed to live, breathe, and tell a story of a time when beauty and artistry reigned supreme. The fusion of historical inspiration with contemporary flair made it clear that this wasn't just a dress; it was a statement, a piece of art that transcended time, leaving the audience in awe and me, its creator, overwhelmed with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The show ended with splendor, and the audience gave a standing ovation.

Now it was time to announce the award for the most remarkable design. The hall erupted in hushed whispers and murmurs, speculating and wondering who would take the platinum gold honor of recognition home. Some sat stiff in their seats with nervousness, while some boasted of their work with pride.

I stood somewhere between anxiousness and anxiety, silently praying that my design would be chosen.

The anticipation in the air was thick, almost as if you could reach out and touch it. My heart melted with warmth when I felt Caspian’s hand interlock with mine under the table. I glanced at him, and he flashed me a reassuring smile.

The host took the stage as the envelope was handed to them, a quiet settled over the crowd, a stark contrast to the vibrant display of creativity that had just unfolded on the runway.

“The award for the most innovative design goes to…”

Please. Please. Please.

My grip on Caspian’s hand tightened as I held my breath, each second that passed felt like a century as the host took a pause for dramatic effect.

“Aurelia Ravenwood!”

The applause was deafening as the spotlight shifted to our table, and my features lit with a mixture of shock and joy.

I won…

I won!

Olivia jumped to hug me, Mathew joined in applause, and Kendall chanted my name. Caspian pulled me from Olivia's hold and kissed me, earning an even more excited reaction from the audience.

And that was when I saw him.

Luke Graham.

He had mounted the stage, making his appearance known as he stood beside the host, holding the award in hand.

“Congratulations, Aurelia,” Caspian beamed, but the world faded around me as I met his piercing gaze.

In that moment, he was all I could see.

Time seemed to stand still when he smiled.

His smile came slow, almost taunting, but it didn't match the look in his eyes. Even from this distance, I could see it.

It was the same glint he had when I first met him, along with our encounter in the elevator.

I had thought of it too many times not to recognize the raging emotion in an instant.

Oh, he was pissed.

What had I done to anger the CEO now?

And why… did that make me feel excited?