The Faded Rose

Chapter 5

#The media above is how I imagine her dress. The picture does not belong to me. The credit goes to the original owner. 

"What?" I ask, my voice filled with disbelief and a hint of indignation.

"Be my date for The Gala," he repeats, his tone firm.

I continue to stare at him, my mind struggling to process the audacity of his request. The shock of the situation renders me momentarily speechless, and I feel an internal battle between reason and intrigue. This is not what I had anticipated when I walked into his office, seeking his understanding and leniency.

The realization slowly sinks in that his original date couldn't make it, and now he is turning to me as a last-minute solution. I take a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. "You expect me to be your date on such short notice?" I ask, my voice laced with incredulity.

He nods, his gaze unwavering. He steps back, giving me the space I need to collect my thoughts. "Yes, I understand it's unconventional, but it's the only solution at this point. You have a natural elegance, and I believe you would be the perfect companion for the evening."

He reaches for his phone and swiftly dials a number, his fingers gliding across the screen with practiced ease. Placing it against his ear, he waits for the call to connect, his eyes never leaving mine. I stand there, unsure of what to expect, my mind racing with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Paul, I need you to come to my office immediately," he speaks into the phone, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "Take Ms. Preston to get her ready for The Gala. Make sure she looks impeccable."

I blink, taken aback by his command. "Wait! When did I agree to this?" I blurt out, unable to contain my surprise. I had been contemplating the idea, but I hadn't given him a definite answer. The audacity of his assumption stuns me.

A satisfied smirk curls on his lips as he straightens himself, the power dynamic established. "You will if you want to save your restaurant. Remember, it's your debt to repay."

Sensing my apprehension, he reaches out and gently touches my arm. "I assure you, Hayley, it's just one evening. A chance to experience something extraordinary. I promise to make it worth your while."

"Okay," I give in, feeling the weight of the situation and the potential consequences. Sometimes, it takes sacrifices to protect what we hold dear.

A gentle knock echoes through the room, prompting a response of "Come in." The door swings open, revealing a striking man in his mid-thirties. Clad in a sleek black suit, he showcases a sense of timeless style and sophistication.

"Be ready by 8:00 P.M.," Nicholas states with a commanding tone, his words leaving no room for negotiation. He turns away from me, resuming his seat behind the desk, as if our encounter had never taken place.

The man with the blonde hair nods in acknowledgement, his expression professional and composed. He quickly turns on his heel, exiting the room with an air of efficiency.

"This way, Ms. Preston," Paul guides me through the corridors of the hotel, leading me to a luxurious suite reserved for my preparations. I quickly dial Jade's number, informing her of the situation and entrusting her with the responsibility of managing everything in my absence.

As we enter the suite, I am greeted by grandeur that leaves me momentarily speechless. The room is spacious, exuding an air of opulence. The king-sized bed, adorned with pristine white, Egyptian cotton sheets, beckons with its promise of comfort. A large thirty-six-inch TV adorns one corner, while a sprawling leather sofa invites relaxation on the other side. Sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the room and offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding cityscape.