Shadow Of The Past | ✔️

24| An Unexpected Encounter

NAOMI

Aubrey and I gasped in unison at the sight before us.

"Well, that is beautiful," Aubrey exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the deep black, silky floor-length dress that stood before us.

"What do you think?" Sofia asked eagerly, hope evident in her voice as she awaited our reaction.

I struggled for words, still stunned by the elegance of the dress. "It's... wow," I managed to say, my fingers gently tracing the exquisite material.

"It's stunning," Aubrey added, stepping closer. As her hand brushed against the fabric, her eyes widened in awe, and she couldn't help but gasp.

"Naomi, get your ass over here and feel this material," Aubrey called out excitedly, beckoning me over.

I approached the dress and ran my hand along the silky fabric. It felt luxurious, almost unreal in its smoothness and quality.

"This is just a draft. We wanted to make sure it's exactly what you want before we proceed with everything else," Sofia explained, drawing my attention.

"It's perfect. Really," I replied, smiling warmly at Sofia, filled with gratitude for her dedication to perfection.

ACE

I returned home, my body tense with lingering anger from a frustrating day. I avoided Amara's gaze as I passed the guards, my mind preoccupied with recent events.

As I walked through the house, I came across Tristian and Luca, two of Ace's loyal guards. "Protect her. Keep an eye on her. Do as she says and give her whatever she wants," I instructed firmly, my tone reflecting my resolve.

Just as I was about to continue to my office, a soft voice called out to me from below.

"Ace?" Amara's gentle voice reached me, breaking through my turbulent thoughts.

I knelt down to her level, masking my inner turmoil with calmness. "Yes, Amara?" I replied softly, using the endearment that always brought a smile to her face.

"Yes, I'm okay. Don't worry about me, okay?" I reassured her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She nodded in understanding, a small "okay" escaping her lips.

"I'll be in my office if you need me," I informed her, fighting the urge to cup her rosy cheeks and press a kiss to her forehead. However, I knew my boundaries; I wasn't her father, just someone she trusted.

As I began to rise, Amara surprised me by throwing her arms around my neck, burying her head against my shoulder. I melted into her embrace, my arms instinctively encircling her in a protective hold.

"Sorry for making you cry earlier," she whispered apologetically.

"No, no, no, I wasn't crying. It was just the onions in the room," I joked lightly, trying to lighten the mood. Her soft giggle was like music to my ears.

As I stood, I noticed Tristian and Luca watching us with awe. Their gazes held a mixture of respect and admiration, which I quickly silenced with a stern glance.

NAOMI

Later that day, after a long stretch at the office, I returned home to find Milo and Nala eagerly bounding towards me.