Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter
I am Alia White, an ordinary woman who grew up in a middle-class family. My father passed away when I was eight, and my mother raised my younger brother and me on her own. She worked as a kindergarten teacher at a primary school, with a modest income, yet she provided us with a warm and loving home. After graduation, I became an interior designer with a decent salary. Though not wealthy, my life was stable. However, this evening’s banquet completely disrupted my ordinary routine.
As for how I ended up at such a high-class event, it all started with my friend Emily. She’s a professional socialite, known by countless wealthy and influential people. The host of this event was one of Emily’s friends, and she mentioned that many clients would be attending, making it a great opportunity to expand my network. So, I decided to accept the invitation, thinking that as an ordinary designer, having the chance to meet such people might lead to a valuable opportunity.
“Alia, you’re here!” Emily waved at me from the door of the banquet hall, her smile radiant, as if this were her own turf.
I nodded, trying to appear less nervous. The extravagant crystal chandeliers and marble floors caught my eye, and around me, people were dressed in luxurious clothes, all looking confident and vibrant. Compared to them, I felt like I had wandered into a palace for princes and princesses.
“I feel like I’ve come to the wrong place,” I whispered, looking at the men and women in expensive evening gowns, suddenly feeling a bit uneasy.
“Don’t worry, it’s just a regular party, only the guests are wealthier,” Emily reassured me as she adjusted my shoulder strap discreetly. “Relax, maybe you’ll have some good luck tonight!”
I gave a wry smile and followed her into the banquet hall. The music filled the air, and the champagne tower reflected sparkling lights. Everyone seemed so relaxed and confident. As for me, I just wanted to find a quiet corner, sit down, and leave as soon as possible.
“What would you like to drink?” **Emily asked.
“Just a glass of champagne, I guess.”** I smiled, trying to appear calm.
Just as I reached out to take the glass, someone brushed past me, lightly bumping my elbow. The champagne splashed out of the glass, wetting my hand.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, I…” **I started to apologize, but then I looked up and saw a stunning face—he had deep eyes, a chiseled jawline, and was impeccably dressed in a suit, exuding an elegant aura.
“No, I should be the one apologizing.” The man smiled, offering me a napkin, his voice low and soothing with a slight magnetic quality. “I wasn’t paying attention and spilled on you.”
I stood frozen for a moment, accepting the napkin and awkwardly laughing. “Thank you. I guess I’m not really suited for this kind of event.”
He chuckled lightly. “Actually, neither am I.”
His gaze held a touch of playfulness, and somehow, I felt at ease. Talking to him was surprisingly natural, with none of the distance I had expected. I studied his face, feeling like I should recognize him from somewhere, but couldn’t quite place where.
“So, did your friend drag you here too?” **I asked jokingly.
“Exactly.” He nodded, his expression calm and humorously candid. “I’m Daniel, Daniel Black.”
Daniel Black. I suddenly froze, remembering the name from the news. The heir of the Black family, the future head of a massive business empire. Oh my god, this was the legendary billionaire, and I had just bumped into him so easily?
“Alia, Alia White.” **I introduced myself, flustered, my voice a little nervous.
Daniel seemed to sense my unease, and he smiled softly. “Don’t worry, it’s just a regular party tonight.”
His smile was gentle yet confident, and I immediately felt a sense of relief, as if the noise of the entire banquet had faded away, leaving just the two of us.
Just as I was about to ask him more about himself, Emily suddenly appeared in front of us.
“Wow, Alia, looks like I brought you to a pretty good event!” Emily raised her eyebrows at me and Daniel, giving us a teasing smile.
I smiled awkwardly, about to explain, but Daniel answered first. “Alia’s friend, you certainly have an eye for things.”
His tone was calm and natural, but with a hint of unspoken admiration, which made my face turn slightly red.
Emily excitedly patted my shoulder, then, sensing the moment, said, “I won’t interrupt you two. Go say hi to others.”
She turned and walked away, and once again, I found myself alone with Daniel. The bustle of the crowd seemed to disappear, and it felt like I was in a world that belonged only to him and me.
“What do you usually enjoy doing?” **He asked.
“Design, I guess,” I said, trying to appear more natural. “I’m an interior designer. I like to observe the combinations of colors and spaces.”
“Interesting. What are you observing right now?” **He raised an eyebrow, seemingly waiting for my answer.
I smiled, glancing down at my hand, and quietly said, “Actually, I’m observing you.”
I didn’t know how the words slipped out of my mouth, perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe his gaze made me let my guard down. As soon as I said it, I regretted it, thinking he’d surely think I was being too forward.
However, to my surprise, he smiled slightly, his gaze soft and deep, as if he found my answer genuinely interesting.
“I hope I meet your design standards.” His voice carried a gentle teasing quality, but it wasn’t in the least bit frivolous, which made my face flush even more.
I quickly lowered my head, ready to find an excuse to leave, when suddenly someone walked up to him and whispered something in his ear. He furrowed his brows slightly, glanced at me with a touch of apology in his eyes.
“Sorry, Alia, I might have to step away for a moment.”
I nodded, trying to mask my disappointment. “Of course, work comes first.”
Daniel smiled, nodded at me, and turned to leave. I watched his figure disappear into the crowd, feeling a strange sense of wistfulness in my heart.
Just as I was about to leave the banquet, a handwritten note suddenly appeared in my bag—
“Looking forward to seeing you again, Daniel.”
My heart skipped a beat, and I smiled softly. But in the back of my mind, a question lingered—why would someone like Daniel be interested in an ordinary person like me?
