LOGINJoel My breath hitched painfully in my throat the exact moment the heavy double doors of the grand ballroom swung open. I was standing near the central champagne fountain, holding a glass of wine I couldn't even bring myself to drink, when Gabby walked into the room. For a full second, my heart completely stopped beating. She looked... unbelievable. She was draped in a fiery crimson silk gown that hugged every single inch of her full body before cascading to the floor like liquid fire. The rich fabric clung tightly to her broad hips, outlined the dip of her waist, and showed off the lush, gorgeous curves of her chest. I stared at her, my mind spinning into pure madness. God, those same full curves were the exact ones I used to curse at. When we were together, I had called her too big, told her she needed to lose weight, and made her feel ashamed of her body just to keep her small and insecure. I had convinced myself that her thickness was a flaw, forcing her to hide behind
GabbyMy face was burning so hot I felt like I was going to melt right there on the shiny wooden stage.Down near the front table, Khloe was grinning like a cat that had just stolen a thick slice of cheese. She was tapping her silver spoon against her crystal glass, making a loud, ringing sound that caught everyone's attention. She didn't care about all the rich people around her; she just kept cheering at the top of her lungs."Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Within seconds, the whole room joined in. Hundreds of rich businessmen, famous investors, and news reporters started clapping their hands and shouting the exact same thing. The noise was so loud it bounced off the high ceiling.I looked down at Khloe, waving my hands frantically near my stomach to tell her to stop. ‘Please, Khloe, stop it! I am dying of shame here!’ I begged her with my eyes. But she just gave me a naughty little wink, laughed, and cheered even louder.Every single pair of eyes in the hall was locked on me and Nathan.
NathanI could feel every eye in the grand ballroom burning into my back, but the only sight that mattered was the woman pressed against my side.Gabby was breathtaking. She moved with an effortless, regal beauty that completely commanded the room, her full curves draped in the crimson silk dress I had picked for her. She probably thought she was the lucky one—standing beside a powerful CEO whose name opened every door in the city. But the truth was entirely the opposite.I was the lucky one.I had built an empire out of numbers, corporate warfare, and steel, yet none of it compared to the quiet, brilliant strength of the woman holding my arm. The more I tried to pull back and play the reserved executive, the more intensely my feelings consumed me. She wasn't just a partner or a compliance lead; she was the only person who saw straight through my walls."Stay close to me," I murmured against her ear, feeling the soft tremble of her body as we moved through the elite crowd."Always," s
GabbyNathan slowly pulled back, his large hands lingering warm and firm against my waist for a long, breathless second before he finally composed himself. His usual cool, untouchable executive aura slipped completely, replaced by a raw, dark intensity that sent my heart racing against my ribs."I... I'm sorry about that, Gabby," Nathan murmured, his voice low and gravelly as he cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I just... I couldn't hold back."My stomach flipped wildly, a wave of breathless warmth washing through every inch of my body. My inner emotions were a chaotic storm—part of me was utterly shocked by his sudden display of public affection, but a deeper, sweeter part of me thrilled at the fact that I had made the powerful Nathan Vanny lose his grip yet again."It's... it's fine," I stammered softly, looking up at him through my lashes.Nathan’s dark eyes dragged slowly up my body, drinking in every single detail—from the glossy waves of my hair down to the wa
GabbyBy the time my taxi pulled up outside the glass doors of the most exclusive salon in the city, the afternoon sun was already starting to dip. The moment I stepped inside, the soft lighting and the calm scent of lavender, vanilla, and coffee wrapped around me.Madame Claire, the owner and master stylist, spotted me right away. Her eyes lit up with professional excitement as she walked over, smiling warmly and guiding me straight to a comfortable velvet chair in front of a big, bright mirror.“Ah, Ms. Eni,” Claire said, running a gentle hand through my thick dark hair. “Mr. Vanny called ahead earlier. He gave very clear instructions—he wants you looking like absolute royalty tonight. So, tell me, what kind of look are you hoping for?”“I want something elegant,” I replied, adjusting my handbag on my lap. “Classy, but striking enough to turn a few heads when I walk into the room.”Claire’s eyes sparkled with sudden inspiration. She smiled, patted my shoulder, and stepped away for a
GabbyThe sweet aroma of roasted garlic, rich gravies, and fresh pastries filled the morning air, making my stomach rumble the second I stepped inside my catering shop.I wasn't even supposed to be here. With the grand anniversary gala officially happening tonight, Nathan and Rose had both insisted I stay home and rest. But my restless mind wouldn't allow it. I was the head caterer for the biggest event of the year, and I needed to see things with my own eyes."I knew it!" a familiar, cheerful voice called out from the back prep station.Khloe walked out, wiping her hands on a clean white apron, a massive, knowing grin plastered across her face."I knew for a fact that you couldn't just sit at home and rest," Khloe teased, shaking her head as she rested her hands on her hips. "You just had to come and check up on the gala catering, didn't you?"I laughed softly, dropping my handbag onto a clean stool. "Can you blame me, Khloe? Tonight is the biggest night of our lives! I couldn't just







