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The gala

Author: Red Flames
last update Last Updated: 2024-01-14 02:29:27

Tristan

The heavy weight of expectancy hung in the air as I adjusted my bowtie for the tenth time, struggling to get it straight. Bella gently nudged my fumbling fingers aside.

"Here, allow me," she said, deftly untying and retying the black silk into a neat, symmetrical bow. She smoothed the lapels of my tuxedo jacket and stepped back, surveying her work.

"There. Perfectly dashing."

I checked my reflection in the full length mirror. The handsome stranger staring back looked nothing like the shaggy misfit Vivian had discarded. Yet unease still churned within me.

"Sir, the car will be arriving in approximately seven minutes," Alex announced briskly, striding into the opulent bedroom suite. His usual unflappable aura seemed edged with tension tonight.

I drew a deep breath, bracing myself. "Very well. Let's get this over with."

Tonight marked my first public appearance since returning to the Sterling estate. More importantly, it presented a prime opportunity to make contact with the recl
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