Liliana-

Angry. Pissed off. Murderous.

These were just a few of the words that perfectly described just how I felt at this moment. And while majority of my anger was pointed that the rich handsome bastard I called a boss, the other was personally directed at me.

I mean how dare he? How dare he say these things and expected me to be okay with them? I mean he wasn't entirely wrong, but still that was uncalled for. There's a reason why they said to never mix business with pleasure.

How the other hand, how could I be so foolish? I already knew that nothing good was going to come of me going to his suite, and if anything based on his actions, I can only imagine that it was his plan all along, and I played right into it. Now I had to call Carlos back and tell him that I won't be in the states for our date. Talk about awkward.

I knew that it was the truth, however I wasn't sure how Carlos would receive it. What if he didn't believe me? That would be even worse.

By the time I made it to my room, I still hadn't figure out how I was going to tell Carlos that I wouldn't be able to make it to our date. At some point I figured that it might be best to not say anything to him at all, but standing someone up was a lot worse than just telling them that you weren't going to make it. So after taking a deep breath to calm myself, I picked up the phone to dial Carlos's number, when a soft knock came from the door.

Suspicious due to recent encounters with my boss, I calmly called out "who is it?" Except I received no response.

Curious, but slightly apprehensive I remained quiet just to see if the person would knock again, and a few moments later, they did.

Shrugging and preparing myself for a another face off with the man I loathed at this moment, I unlocked the door and opened it with a "What?" But was super shocked when the driver's wide eyes met mine.

I sighed, embarrassed.

Of course... of course I would choose to be rude to the one person I thought was Mr. Cavalier. Sighing with flushed cheeks I began to move my lips in hopes that an apology would come out eventually.

"Hi, I am so sorry for my rude greeting." I finally managed to get out, though by then the awkward silence was ready to swallow my flimsy apology.

The driver smiled softly and simply nodded, then he spoke with a very heavy European accent "Signora, Signore Cavalier has requested that you prepare for a charity ball this evening. He is to attend and has requested that you accompany him."

"What? A ball? He never told me anything about a ball. A-and I don't even have a dress." I stated confused, and completely caught off guard. What was Mr. Cavalier up to?

"Yes, the Signore already has a team arriving in ten minutes to help you prepare. Good evening." Then with that, the driver turned and left without another word, leaving me and my gaping mouth at the door.

A ball? At what extent was Mr. Cavalier planning to go just to get in my pants? This seemed extreme.

Shaking my head while closing the door and blowing some air from my puffed cheeks, I plopped down on the sofa in the sitting area, and closed my eyes for a moment. It seems I couldn't get away from this man, not that I wanted to... but of course I couldn't seem to excited to be spending the evening with my boss.

Holy cow.

I was spending the evening with my boss! Oh this was definitely going to be the next topic of the day back in the office, I already felt it. But before I could imagine just how the gossip was going to go, another set of knocks erupted from the door. Those knocks were a bit more excited if not urgent.

Making sure to not repeat my earlier outburst, I swung the door open to reveal a short woman with a hairdo similar to Edna from the Incredibles, and a man which reminding me of Jay Manuel with his ice blond hair and brown eyes.

"Are you Liliana Chavez?" The woman asked, as she chewed a piece of gum in a very vigorous manner.

"Yes I am." I replied, and next thing I knew, they made their way into the suite, and I couldn't help but mutter a stale "please come in" under my breath, as they both shoved past me.

The Edna lookalike carried a huge black bag which covered several dresses due to the amount of hangers I noticed. And Jay Manuel's twin carried a huge bag over his shoulder, and from what he carried in that bag, the living room in the suite was quickly transformed into the perfect makeover studio.

Once Edna and Jay were set up, she turned to me and opened her arms as she said "darling, come, let's see, give me a little twirl so we can see what we're working with here." Her instructions were so friendly, I almost forgot her actions at the door.

After I performed a few twirls, Edna already had an inspiration.

She gasped dramatically then turned to Jay as she said "I want elegance. I want her hair in a bun, I'm thinking dark around the eyes, red lips, and eye popping mascara. Let's accentuate her cheekbones, and making her so f*cking gorgeous that Frantz would lose his cool. Sexy but definitely elegant." At Edna's words I almost chocked on my saliva. I didn't want that. I didn't want Mr. Cavalier to lose his cool when he saw me. I didn't know how he would react if he lost his cool, but I sure did not want to witness it, however, I chose to keep my mouth shut.

The situation overall was as unexpected as it was overwhelming. One moment I was debating on calling and canceling a date, next I was being pampered from head to toe. Jay worked quickly, and the way he handled my long hair and massaged my scalp made me feel so relaxed and sleepy, that was until he started pulling and tugging at my long locks.

By the time he had managed to pin my thick hair in a beautifully complicated looking bun, my scalp was ready begging for mercy. And the torture didn't stop there.

I was not a makeup kind of girl. Yes I do like a little mascara, and you can't go wrong with a shade of red on your lips, but that was the extent of it. And now here I was, getting my face caked and beaten with products I barely knew existed. I felt like a drama queen, but I almost cried when he began applying the eyeliner. By the time Jay had unblocked my reflection in the mirror, I could barely recognize myself. It was me, but a much hotter, more sophisticated and mature looking version of me.

"Oh bless me darling you're looking like a meal." Edna complimented in her diva designer tone, and I did a little happy dance on the inside.

Edna held onto my hand and led me to the couch where a beautiful dark teal green gown was laid out. It was an A-line design and had the off shoulder sleeves, with a sweetheart neckline, and a split to expose my left leg all the way to my upper thigh. The flower lace pattern was embellished with a small amount of sequins around the waist, and that brought attention to the outline of my breasts and my stomach. Just looking at the dress, I was amazed.

I could only imagine just how much all this cost.

Edna and Jay helped me into the gown, as well as my teal heels, then they sprayed perfume and stood a few feet away just admiring their handiwork.

Edna had a bright smile on her face the entire time she studied me, and when she had enough, she sighed and said "alright my darling, you look gorgeous. You go out there tonight, and you stun that crowd." She pepped, then she performed two air kisses, each on each side of my face, then Jay did the same with a smile.

As soon as Jay pulled away, a knock came from the door. At the sound, my heart skipped a beat, and when I caught my reflection in the mirror, my heart skipped another beat. I was nervous, and I felt extremely anxious looking forward to Mr. Cavalier's reaction. I didn't know what he would.

"Look alive darling, your Prince charming awaits." Edna encouraged, then she headed towards the door and opened it to reveal the driver once again.

"Erm the Signore has asked that I escort you downstairs. Please," the driver invited as he held out his elbow, and I gladly looped my elbow with his, grateful that I had something to hold on to, so I didn't fear tripping on the high heels and possibly breaking my neck in the process.

When we entered the elevator, for every floor that we passed on the way down, my heart accelerated, and by the time we reached the lobby, I was beginning to forget how to breathe.

The driver offered his elbow once again, and this time I was glad to have it because of all the eyes that stared my way. Some children pointed, a few men did doubletakes, older women smiled kindly, but a few of the younger ones, including Delia, scowled.

I tried to not visibly gulp. I wasn't fazed by the reactions I received around me, but instead my brain just couldn't fathom what Mr. Cavalier's reaction was going to be.

When we made it outside, I thanked the heavens for allowing me to walk without tripping and breaking my neck. The driver had me stand alone for a moment, as he opened the door. The moment he did so, Mr. Cavalier stepped out in a beautiful black suit, white dress shirt, and teal tie to match my dress. His hair was combed and slicked back, and he appeared as handsome as the first time I laid eyes on him.

At first he seemed shocked at my transformation, but then he made a show in appreciate every detail about me, then he extended his hand, and ushered me towards the car. As I prepared to lower myself into the seat, he placed a hand on my back and whispered in my ear "you look beautiful."

My heart fluttered, my stomach flipped, and the pleased heat enveloped my face as I smiled and said "thank you."

Once we were both settled in the car, the driver closed the door, and I instantly felt self conscious about being alone in the back seat with Mr. Cavalier.

He studied my look for a while before he looked away, and leaned against his door, with the signature finger resting against his lips.

My eyes snapped towards him quickly then I looked away. My throat was dry, my palms were sweaty, and I had to clutch the tiny purse that Edna provided me before I left, just to avoid my fingers shaking.

As the drive continued, I tried to lose myself in the scenery that we passed by. Rome was a beautiful city, I could see why Mr. Cavalier chose to come here every weekend.

"Ms. Chavez," Mr. Cavalier called out to me, and I instantly suffered near heart failure. What was going to happen now?

"Yes Mr. Cavalier." I responded, trying to keep my voice from wavering. Mr. Cavalier was so unpredictable, I never knew what he had up his sleeves, but I did not expect the next words to come out of his mouth, not in a million years.

"I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier today. After you left I realized that it was extremely unprofessional on my part, and I can assure you, it will not happen again." His words almost caused me to fall out of my seat.

First he gave me a compliment, and now he was apologizing? Something wasn't right here... but would I call him out on it? Of course not.

Unable to trust my voice, I smiled and nodded, then I looked away again, exhaling slowly through my nose, in hopes of appearing calm and collected. However when the silence became overbearing, I tried to create a conversation.

"So, a ball?" I said dumbly... really, that was all I could come up with.

I wanted to facepalm myself, but I knew if Jay found out that I screwed up my makeup before even making it to the ball, he would hunt me down and kill me.

"Yes, it's an annual Charity event. I usually just donate and hardly ever attend the event, however after my faulty actions earlier, I figured the best way to make it up to you was by attending with you as my guest." Mr. Cavalier explained, his voice calm, casual, a tone that I could listen to all day.

"What kind of Charity do you support?" I asked, my curiosity peaking, and slowly murdering the awkward nerves that initially paralyzed me.

"I try to support organizations that try to improve humanitarian crises around the world, especially in third world countries. My grandfather built this company out of nothing, and when he started excelling, he continued to thrive on the sole promise that he would give back, and supporting these charities was one of the ways he gave back. As I grew up I fell in love with his goal and principle, so any chance I get to support, I take it." Mr. Cavalier explained sincerely.

Struck to complete silence by awe, I simply smiled and nodded. His response almost brought tears to my eyes. I always loved the idea of giving back. And his response was so genuine, I could tell that he gave back with all his heart, rather than making it sound like an obligation. And while he spoke of falling in love with giving back, here I was sitting across from this gorgeous man, thinking that I was falling in love with him.

Wait.

No. Nope. No.

I almost shook my head at the absurd thought that entered my mind. There was no way I was falling in love with my boss. No way. I think the adrenaline from flying with him constantly, and our string of recent close encounters was taking a toll on my brain. Maybe I was high on cupid drugs and lots of females hormones or something, but I was sure not falling in love with Mr. Cavalier.

Before I could start arguing with myself internally, the driver pulled into a countryside estate. And by estate I mean a palace. It was a grand chateau, surrounded by beautiful tall palm trees. The desert sand colored stone walls, were the perfect canvas for the setting sun's orange glow. It was absolutely breathtaking.

The driver pulled up to a very long red carpet, swarming with paparazzi. When the driver opened the door, the cameras were already flashing. Mr. Cavalier seemed to be in his zone. He set his jaw and stepped out of the car as he buttoned his jacket. Then he turned around and extended his hand to me. I grabbed it as gracefully as I could, and I stepped out of the car while I kept chanting in my head: 'don't step on your dress, don't rip it, don't fall.'

He pulled me close allowing the driver to close the door, and in that moment he snaked his arms around my waist, and held me to his chest. He brought his lips to my ear as he whispered "just keep your eyes forward, and hold my hand." Then he pulled away and he smiled, and I smiled in return. And the paparazzi ate it up. And then they were pit for blood.

"Mr. Cavalier it has been a while since you attended this ball, what has brought about this appearance?"

"Mr. Cavalier is this your new partner?"

"Mr. Cavalier are the rumors of your scandalous break up between you and Christina true?"

"Mr. Cavalier is it true that you called off your engagement with Christina because you caught her in bed with another man?"

"Mr. Cavalier is this woman your girlfriend?"

"Mr. Cavalier over here! You usually date blondes, but have you had a change of heart and brunettes are the new 'it' for you?"

"Mr. Cavalier who are you wearing tonight?"

"Mr. Cavalier what is her name?"

Sheesh and jeez. The paparazzi were vicious. Had it not be for a few bodyguards, I don't think we would've made it inside. Throughout the entire time, I kept my hand in Mr. Cavalier's hand. His grip tightened with each question they asked, especially when they mentioned a Christina. Now I was more than intrigued.

When we finally made it to the grand hall where the ball was being held, I didn't think I had enough strength to be shocked, yet here I was, trying to control myself.

Beautiful, elegant women, and very rich and handsome looking men. I almost felt out of place.

Mr. Cavalier turned to me and smiled as he said "oh don't look so nervous. There is a pattern to these things. A little mingle with the guests, sit through a few speeches, dance a number or two on the dancefloor, then clap for everyone who donated, and we'll be done. I'll do most of the talking so don't worry."

"Why do you have to do all the talking?" I asked, my brow furrowed.

"Because I already know what they're going to ask." He pointed, and then I shrugged as I said "fair enough."

Frantz was surprised that I didn't argue, and I almost performed a happy dance when I proved to him that he didn't know everything about me. That and because while he spoke to me, I noticed a blonde across the room who seemed very focused on us the moment we walked into the room.

"Alright then, let's mingle." Frantz invited, as we looped our elbows together and he began leading me through the ballroom.

As we began making way to our table, we each grabbed a flask of champagne, and it came in handy, especially when we began getting stopped by every businessman we passed. They all seemed very eager to speak with Frantz, though he couldn't seem bothered by speaking with them. I did feel kind of bad when his responses weren't as warm and friendly. You could see the slight distraught grow on their faces when they realized the young billionaire was not interested in discussing possible future contracts. At times when all their efforts failed, they turned their attention to me. And it usually went like this, "and who is this fair beauty?"

And I took my chance to annoy Frantz, because, why not.

"Liliana Chavez, nice to meet you."

"Oh darling, the pleasure is all mine." Then after that reply, they would gladly grab my free arm, and kiss the back of my hand. I smiled sweetly, knowing very well that Mr. Cavalier's blood was boiling.

Almost every conversation we encountered had these similar exchanges, and at some point, Mr. Cavalier didn't even care, he all but dragged me to our table, where he sat down, and of course I had to sit with him.

He glared my way, and I smiled innocently as I asked "what?"

"Why do you insist on talking or replying to them?" He demanded, and I rolled my eyes as I said "Mr. Cavalier, I don't appreciate it when someone is rude towards me, so why would I be rude to others? They asked who I was and I simply responded."

"Yeah, okay." He nodded looking away.

"What is it? They all seemed interested in speaking with you, why did you have to be so rude?" I called him out before I could even stop myself.

"Because they're always after the same thing. A deal, a contract. They're bloodsuckers, each and every one of them." He pointed out, and I frowned as I said "well if you dislike these events so much, why did you come?"

"I told you, I wanted to make it up to you for my disrespect earlier." Frantz replied, but I couldn't help but feel like there was another reason. And soon that other reason was confirmed.

After a moment we fell silent, and as my eyes scanned the crowd, I noticed the same blonde from earlier, looking in our direction. For some reason the fact that she appeared so interested in looking our way had me on edge. Like what did she want?

Then, it was as if a puzzle clicked.

Was she Christina?

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