Episode 6: A Night to Remember
469 Words
Lena spent the rest of the day avoiding Dominic as much as possible—not an easy feat when he was her boss. But no matter how much she tried to focus, her mind kept replaying their conversation. His rules. Her defiance. The way he looked at her.
By the time five o’clock rolled around, she was exhausted. Just as she was gathering her things to leave, a message popped up on her phone.
Dominic: Be ready at 8. I’m sending a car.
She frowned, her fingers hovering over the screen. For what?
A moment later, his reply came.
Dominic: A company event. You’re coming as my date.
Her stomach flipped. Date?
She was about to argue, but then she realized—he wasn’t asking.
Lena sighed, knowing she didn’t have a choice.
At exactly 8 p.m., a sleek black car pulled up in front of her apartment. She stepped inside, smoothing down her deep red dress—a bold choice, but if she was going to be on Dominic’s arm, she wasn’t about to blend into the background.
When she arrived at the event, she barely had time to take in the opulent ballroom before she felt his presence behind her.
"You clean up nicely, Ms. Carter," Dominic murmured in her ear.
Lena turned, her breath catching. He was in a black tuxedo, looking dangerously good.
"You’re late," he added, his smirk returning.
She lifted a brow. "Traffic."
He chuckled, low and deep. "Clever."
Before she could say anything else, he placed a hand on the small of her back and guided her inside.
The night passed in a blur of introductions, champagne, and stolen glances. But it wasn’t until they were on the dance floor that the air between them shifted.
His hand was firm on her waist, his touch burning through the fabric of her dress.
"You’re doing well," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to her ear.
Lena swallowed. "Was there ever any doubt?"
His gray eyes darkened. "Never."
For a moment, the world faded away—the music, the people, the expectations. It was just them.
But then, a familiar voice cut through the haze.
"Dominic."
Lena stiffened. Victoria.
She stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching them with a knowing smirk.
"Mind if I cut in?"
Dominic’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Lena stepped back, forcing a polite smile.
"Of course," she said, even though it felt like every part of her protested.
Dominic’s eyes flickered with something unreadable as she turned and walked away.
But before she was out of earshot, she heard Victoria’s voice—low and smug.
"Careful, darling. You’re playing a dangerous game."
Lena didn’t turn back. But deep down, she knew—Victoria was right.
And it was already too late to walk away.
- Writer
