Chapter Five

I am giving myself a final look in the mirror when Darcy runs inside to announce that the car is here. She'd been peeping through the window.

We are both surprised when we hear the doorbell. We didn't expect the driver to come up to the door. She goes to get the door and at the other side is none other than Damien.

I freeze immediately when I sight him. He looks like a cover model for GQ times…a million.

He is wearing a black tuxedo with his usually unruly hair styled back.

The tux accentuates his broad shoulders and narrow hips, it has to have been made for him. I can't believe he can get more handsome.

He is also surveying me and I don't need to be told he likes what he saw. Even I know I look nice. Darcy deserves a gift for how good she made me look.

"Good evening Damien," I say and I'm pleased that my voice is surprisingly not cracking like I thought it would be.

He clears his throat and just says, "the car's waiting, shall we?"

I guess he doesn't really think anything of my dressing. What was I even thinking, he has to have seen and gone out with better looking women.

I walk towards him as gracefully as I can and mutter my goodbye to Darcy as I pass by her.

"You have to tell me all about it," she whispers to me as she grabs my hand and gives me a reassuring squeeze.

I love that girl and I know she sees it on my face when she gives me an answering smile.

As we make our way to the waiting car, I remember I've not thanked him and I do just that.

"Thank you for the outfits, I really appreciate them" I say quietly.

"You're welcome" he says and if it was not so ridiculous, I could habe sworn I heard him say "it was definitely worth it."

I look up to see it's not actually a car like I thought it would be but a limousine.

Classy.

As the limousine pulls up to the event, the flashing lights and commotion outside grab my attention.

I don't think I can't do this.

"I thought we already agreed that you can?" Damien asks. It is the first thing he said since we got into the limousine.

"I thought so too but, not anymore", I say shaking my head.

"You go on without me, I'll wait here. I'm so sorry to be a disappointment," I say with my head bent in apology.

"Look at me," he says and it's more like a command, "you can do this and you definitely will do this," he says. I almost believe him.

"Mia come on," he coaxes me, the sound of my name from his mouth is heavenly.

"But_"

"No buts. I told you I've never been to any of these events with a date and trust me, I've been to hundreds of them and take this as me saying this as someone with experience, a lot of it," he says and he looks so serious I know he's not lying.

"I've never seen a lady who looks as beautiful as you do right now in any of them."

"It's the dress and all the makeup. I have you and Darcy to thank for that," I counter.

"I think you look better without makeup and the gown was made for you, no one can wear that gown better than you do."

The moment he says that, it's like the words are magical words that bring boldness because I feel the ease in my mind.

"Let's do this then."

"That's how we do it," he says jokingly and I giggle.

The driver opens the door for us and Damien extends his hand, helping me out of the car.

I'm a little nervous as I step out of the limousine and into the bright lights. I'm not used to being in the spotlight, but Damien's presence gives me comfort.

I take a deep breath as we make our way to the entrance. I can hear the sounds of music and laughter coming from inside the building, and I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest.

The organizers of the event greet us warmly and thank us for our support. I'm amazed by the grandeur of the venue. The chandeliers glitter overhead, and the room is filled with an array of colors and textures.

As we walk through the crowd, I feel the eyes of the other guests on us. My heart's beating so hard I'm afraid he'd hear it, but I feel confident in my stunning gown and with Damien's arm around me.

We make our way to our table, where we're served a delicious meal and fine wine. The event is in full swing, and the energy is electric. I'm thrilled to be a part of such a worthy cause, and I know I'll never forget this experience.

Just then, someone climbs the stage. "Good evening, everyone. On behalf of the hosts, I'd like to thank you for your presence here tonight. Without taking much of your time, I'd like to call on our guest speaker for tonight, Mr. Damien Black, the CEO and founder of D.B. group. He has been one of our major sponsors since we started this campaign. Please, welcome him with a round of applause," he says.