Chapter 6

KEYLA

"It's a business party, Oakley not a date."

Oakley rolled her eyes at me, still bent on picking up the sexiest outfit for me. She said she wants to make sure I outshine any lady at the party and Chase wouldn't be able to take his eyes off me.

It's just going to be a boring party filled with a bunch of old people talking about business. Who cares what I'm wearing?

"Can you act a little bit excited? This is your first date with Chase. Do you know what this means?" She said, a smile on her face.

I raised my brows, surprised at what direction she was taking this too. It's anything but a date. This was a business proposal and I've told her more than once but yet, she refuses to acknowledge it.

"I'm not going on a date with him," I clarified. "This is a business party."

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at me. "Don't you want Chase? He's your mate, you can't just let him go just that easily."

I knew she was right about the part of wanting Chase. "But he doesn't want me, and besides, he's with Sullivan now. Why force something that's not worth it?"

She didn't respond and picked out a gorgeous red gown for me to wear. "This would look fabulous on you. I'm sure Chase would want to take it off and eat you up the moment his eyes landed on you."

Her words made me feel a certain type of way I didn't like. "He's with Sullivan and if anything, he hates my guts. Sullivan knows about my past and I'm sure she told him about it so it's best if I just stayed away from them."

I could tell that she was far from impressed but didn't say anything.

After a while, she was done with my make up. Staring at myself in the mirror, I couldn't deny that even I was awestruck by the image in front of me.

I knew I was gorgeous before but Oakley just took it to the next level. "OMG! I look so beautiful," I squealed.

Oakley laughed, and I could sense the pride in her tone."Of course, babe. I will do my best."

I laughed at her response and was about to say something when a knock was heard on my door. Oakley's mom peeked her head through the door.

"Honey, there's a man downstairs waiting for you," she informed me and my heart skipped a beat. It was just six thirty, did y expect him to arrive so early.

"Ugh, okay. I'd be there."

Oakley handed me pairs of gorgeous silver heels. I dashed downstairs, not wanting to keep Chase waiting. I shut the door gently and saw his driver instead.

"Good evening," I greeted. "Where's Chase?"

He opened the door for me. "He took another car. He'd meet you at the venue," he responded.

I don't know why but my heart sank at that. I didn't even know what I was expecting? It's not like he'd want to be in the same space as me. He literally hates my guts.

We arrived at the party, where Chase came out of a black Mercedes car up on noticing my car arriving.

"You're late," he said.

How could I be late? It wasn't even seven pm yet. But knowing Chase, I knew he wasn't a man to play with punctuality.

"There was a slight traffic, Sir," his driver covered for me, which I was grateful for.

I knew I didn't belong the second we stepped inside.

Everything was loud-too loud. The clinking of glasses, the soft jazz from the live band, the hum of a hundred conversations blending together. The ballroom sparkled like a magazine cover, full of glittering dresses and expensive smiles.

I clutched my clutch tighter, feeling eyes on me. Some curious. Some almost... sharp, like they were sizing me up.

Chase didn't notice. He just smiled for the cameras and steered me through the crowd like I was another part of his outfit.

The paparazzi were everywhere, shouting questions, snapping pictures. I didn't know where to look or how to stand. I probably looked stiff and awkward, but Chase didn't care. He just kept walking, tossing a few smiles over his shoulder, pulling me along without really seeing me.

When we got inside, he leaned in. "I have to speak with some people. I'll be right back, okay?"

Before I could even say anything, he was already halfway across the room, laughing and shaking hands with a group of men in suits.

I stood there like an idiot.

I tried to keep my face calm, but inside, I felt stupid. Stupid for thinking I'd have fun. Stupid for thinking Chase would actually choose me over his business deals tonight.

I found a quiet corner, grabbed a drink from a passing waiter, and tried not to look completely abandoned. The minutes dragged. I kept checking the room, hoping Chase would glance over. That he'd remember I was here.

But he didn't.

I was about two seconds from sneaking out when a voice cut through my thoughts.

"Did he really just leave you standing here alone?"

I blinked, turning.

Hunter.

He stood there, hands tucked casually into his pockets, looking way too good in a dark suit. His messy hair, that lazy smirk... It was all a little unfair.

For a second, I just stared at him. My brain, already foggy from nerves, short-circuited completely.

He raised an eyebrow, amused. "No clever comeback? I'm disappointed."

I laughed under my breath. "I'm just... surprised to see you here."

He shrugged, stepping a little closer. "I get around."

I could feel the heat rising in my face. I glanced over at Chase again-still deep in conversation, still not looking at me once.

Hunter followed my gaze and chuckled. It wasn't mean, but it still made something twist in my chest.

"You deserve better, you know," he said, his voice low. "Someone who doesn't forget they brought you here."

I should've walked away. I knew that. I should've reminded myself that I came with Chase. That I was supposed to be loyal, polite, invisible.

But instead, I stayed.

Because in a room full of people who barely noticed me, Hunter did.

And for the first time that night... I didn't feel invisible.