Louboutins & Aprons

Chapter 15:Valentina

Mark looked amazing.

That was the first thing I thought when I saw him.

Not handsome.

Amazing.

There was a difference.

Handsome was what I called Mark almost every day.

I told him he was handsome when he brought me food.

I told him he was handsome when he was cooking.

I told him he was handsome when he was annoyed with me.

I told him he was handsome when he told me to stop calling him handsome.

But tonight—

Tonight, Mark looked amazing.

He had arrived at my house exactly on time.

Not one minute early.

Not one minute late.

And when I opened the front door, I forgot how to speak.

He was wearing a perfectly fitted black suit.

The suit was simple.

Elegant.

Nothing too flashy.

A crisp white shirt was underneath, and his dark tie rested neatly against his chest.

His hair had been styled.

His beard was neatly trimmed.

And he smelled—

Good.

Very good.

I stood inside the doorway and stared at him.

Mark looked at me.

Then he frowned.

“What?”

I continued staring.

“What?” he asked again.

“You look nice.”

His expression changed.

“Thank you.”

“You look very nice.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“You already said that.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you saying it again?”

“Because I’m still looking at you.”

He sighed.

“You’re staring.”

“Yes.”

“Stop.”

“No.”

“Valentina.”

“Mark.”

“Stop looking at me.”

“I can’t.”

“You can.”

“No.”

He looked down at his suit.

“Is something wrong with it?”

“No.”

“Then why are you staring?”

“Because you look amazing.”

His face became slightly uncomfortable.

Not embarrassed.

Mark didn’t get embarrassed.

But something close to it.

“You said nice,” he replied.

“I changed my mind.”

“Why?”

“Because nice isn’t enough.”

“Valentina.”

“You look amazing.”

“Stop.”

“No.”

“You’ve been complimenting me for five minutes.”

“It has only been two.”

“Still.”

“You should let people compliment you.”

“I don’t need compliments.”

“Everyone needs compliments.”

“I don’t.”

“You do.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Can we go?”

I smiled.

“You’re handsome when you’re annoyed.”

Mark closed his eyes.

Then sighed.

“Get your bag.”

I laughed.

He was so cute.

I wasn’t going to tell him that.

He would leave.

⸻

I had chosen a long silver gown.

The dress was elegant.

It was fitted around my waist and flowed gently toward the floor.

The fabric shimmered whenever I moved.

The gown had a simple design, but the details were expensive.

My hair was pulled back.

I wore diamond earrings.

A matching bracelet rested around my wrist.

And, of course—

I was wearing heels.

Six-inch heels.

Mark had looked at them when I walked toward the car.

Then he frowned.

“Those again?”

I looked down.

“What?”

“Your shoes.”

“They’re beautiful.”

“They’re dangerous.”

“They’re fashionable.”

“They hurt your ankle.”

“My ankle is fine.”

“You said that last time.”

“My ankle is fine now.”

“You’re going to fall again.”

“I’m not.”

“You said that before.”

“Mark.”

“What?”

“Stop attacking my shoes.”

“I’m not attacking them.”

“You are.”

“I’m warning you.”

“My shoes have done nothing to you.”

“They almost killed you.”

“They did not.”

“You fell.”

“I slipped.”

“Because of the shoes.”

“Because the floor was slippery.”

“Because of the shoes.”

“Because of the floor.”

He looked at me.

I looked at him.

Then he sighed.

“Get inside the car.”

I smiled.

“You’re worried about me.”

“No.”

“You are.”

“No.”

“You care.”

“Get inside the car, Valentina.”

I laughed.

Then entered the car.

⸻

The event was beautiful.

The ballroom was filled with business leaders, investors, executives, entrepreneurs, and members of the media.

The room was decorated with gold and white.

Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

Music played softly.

Waiters moved between the guests with drinks and small plates of food.

Cameras flashed everywhere.

People greeted one another.

Everyone was dressed beautifully.

But I barely noticed any of them.

Because Mark was beside me.

And he looked amazing.

We walked into the ballroom together.

Several people turned to look at us.

Some recognized me.

Others recognized Mark from the photographs that had been taken outside.

A few people smiled.

Someone whispered.

I didn’t care.

Mark stood beside me.

That was enough.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“You look nervous.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“No.”

“You keep looking around.”

“I’m looking at the room.”

“Because you’re nervous.”

“I’m not.”

“Do you want to hold my hand?”

“No.”

“You can.”

“I don’t want to.”

“You’re lying.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“Stop.”

“Okay.”

I waited.

Then I leaned closer.

“You look handsome.”

Mark looked at me.

“Stop it.”

“No.”

“Valentina.”

“You look very handsome.”

“Please.”

“You cleaned up very well.”

“I know how to dress.”

“I didn’t know.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I always see you wearing your chef clothes.”

“I own other clothes.”

“Clearly.”

He shook his head.

Then looked away.

I smiled.

Mark was trying to act normal.

But I could tell he was uncomfortable.

Not because of me.

Because of the event.

There were too many people.

Too many cameras.

Too many important people.

Mark was used to working in a kitchen.

He was used to quiet evenings.

He wasn’t used to standing inside a ballroom filled with powerful business leaders.

So I moved closer.

“You don’t have to stay beside me all night.”

“I know.”

“You can get food.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You can talk to people.”

“I don’t know anyone.”

“You know me.”

“That doesn’t help.”

I laughed.

“You’re funny.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m standing beside you because you asked me.”

“I know.”

“Then stop trying to entertain me.”

“I’m not trying to entertain you.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No.”

“You keep talking.”

“I always talk.”

“I know.”

“You like when I talk.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You don’t have to.”

He looked at me.

Then shook his head.

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“You’re impossible.”

“And you still came.”

He didn’t answer.

But he stayed beside me.

⸻

The event continued.

Several people approached us.

They congratulated me.

They asked about the company.

They spoke about our recent investments.

I introduced Mark.

“This is Mark.”

Some people smiled.

Others looked curious.

One woman asked:

“Is he your boyfriend?”

I smiled.

Mark immediately answered.

“No.”

I looked at him.

The woman looked between us.

“Oh.”

“He’s my plus-one,” I said.

Mark nodded.

“Yes.”

The woman smiled.

“Well, you both look wonderful together.”

“Thank you,” I said.

Mark remained quiet.

When the woman walked away, I looked at him.

“You answered quickly.”

“What?”

“You said no.”

“Because I’m not your boyfriend.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you looking at me?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re upset.”

“No.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“Okay.”

I smiled.

Then leaned closer.

“You could be.”

Mark looked at me.

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“Stop.”

“I’m only saying.”

“You’re saying too much.”

“I want you.”

“I know.”

“You could be my boyfriend.”

“Stop.”

“You would look good as my boyfriend.”

“Valentina.”

“Okay.”

I laughed.

He was adorable.

⸻

An hour later, the host walked onto the stage.

The room became quiet.

The awards were about to begin.

I sat beside Mark.

My hand rested on my lap.

Mark sat beside me.

He looked calm.

But I noticed that his hands were folded tightly together.

“You’re nervous,” I whispered.

“No.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re holding your hands.”

“I always hold my hands.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Mark.”

“What?”

“You’re nervous.”

“I’m not.”

“You can hold my hand.”

He looked at me.

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“I don’t want to.”

“You do.”

“No.”

“You’re scared.”

“I’m not scared.”

“Then hold my hand.”

“No.”

I smiled.

“Okay.”

The awards began.

Several people were called.

They walked onto the stage.

They received their awards.

They gave speeches.

Then—

The host called my name.

“Tonight’s recipient of the Business Leader of the Year Award is…”

The room became quiet.

My heart beat faster.

Then—

“Valentina De Luca.”

Applause filled the ballroom.

People stood.

Cameras flashed.

I smiled.

Mark looked at me.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“You earned it.”

Those words again.

You earned it.

I smiled.

Then stood.

Mark stood too.

He adjusted the edge of my dress so I wouldn’t step on it.

Then he looked at me.

“Watch your shoes.”

I laughed.

“You’re worried about my shoes?”

“Yes.”

“You care.”

“Go get your award.”

I smiled.

Then walked toward the stage.

My heels clicked against the floor.

Everyone watched.

Cameras flashed.

I climbed the steps carefully.

The host handed me the award.

It was beautiful.

Gold and crystal.

My name was engraved across the front.

I held it tightly.

Then stood behind the microphone.

The room became quiet.

I looked across the ballroom.

My family was sitting near the front.

My father watched proudly.

Adam smiled and waved.

Then I saw Mark.

He was sitting quietly.

His eyes were on me.

And suddenly—

The speech I had prepared didn’t feel important.

I smiled.

“Thank you.”

The room remained quiet.

“This award means more to me than I can explain. I have spent my entire life working to prove that I belong inside the business world.”

I paused.

“People have called me many things.”

A few people laughed.

“I’ve been called difficult.”

More laughter.

“Cold.”

Someone clapped.

“Rude.”

The room laughed again.

“And the Ice Queen.”

I smiled.

“But every name I have been called pushed me to work harder.”

Applause filled the room.

“I am proud to be part of De Luca & Co. My family built this company through determination, sacrifice, and hard work. I am honored to continue that legacy.”

I looked toward my family.

My father smiled.

Adam lifted his glass.

Then I continued.

“Tonight, I also want to announce something important.”

The room became quiet.

“Our company will be expanding into a new business venture.”

A large screen behind me changed.

The new company logo appeared.

People began whispering.

“This new investment is a partnership between De Luca & Co. and the Hawthorne Group.”

Applause filled the ballroom.

“Our goal is to create something innovative. Something that will change the way businesses operate across multiple industries.”

The audience applauded.

I smiled.

“I am excited to work with our new partners, and I look forward to seeing what we will build together.”

I lifted the award.

“Thank you to my family. Thank you to my team. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.”

Then I looked toward Mark.

“And thank you to the people who remind me that success means nothing if you forget to take care of yourself.”

The room became quiet.

Mark stared at me.

I smiled.

Then I finished.

“Thank you.”

Everyone stood.

The applause became louder.

Cameras flashed.

I walked away from the microphone.

And as I returned to my seat—

Mark stood.

He smiled.

Not a large smile.

Just a small one.

But it was beautiful.

“You did well,” he said.

“Thank you.”

“You looked confident.”

“I was.”

“I know.”

“You’re proud of me.”

“Yes.”

I stopped.

“What?”

“I said I’m proud of you.”

My heart stopped.

Again.

Not literally.

But almost.

“You’re proud of me?”

“Yes.”

“Say it again.”

“No.”

“Mark.”

“You heard me.”

“I want to hear it again.”

“You’re annoying.”

“You’re proud of me.”

“Yes.”

I smiled.

Then sat beside him.

That was the best part of the night.

Not the award.

Not the applause.

Not the cameras.

Mark was proud of me.

⸻

After the event, we spoke to several people.

We took photographs.

We greeted business partners.

Then we finally left.

Mark drove me home.

The drive was quiet.

I held the award on my lap.

Mark focused on the road.

“You were quiet during the event,” I said.

“I was listening.”

“To my speech?”

“Yes.”

“Did you like it?”

“Yes.”

“You looked handsome.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“Stop.”

“I’m still impressed.”

“You’ve said that all night.”

“I know.”

“Then stop.”

“No.”

He sighed.

I smiled.

Then I looked outside.

The city lights passed.

Everything was quiet.

But something felt different.

Mark seemed—

Upset.

Not angry.

Just quiet.

Quieter than usual.

I looked at him.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

“You’re quiet.”

“I’m driving.”

“You can drive and talk.”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“You’re upset.”

“No.”

“Mark.”

“I’m fine.”

I looked at him.

He kept his eyes on the road.

His expression was calm.

But something was different.

Maybe he was tired.

Maybe the event had been too long.

Maybe he didn’t enjoy being around so many people.

Maybe he didn’t like the business announcement.

I didn’t know.

And Mark was always quiet.

So I didn’t ask again.

⸻

When we arrived at my house, Mark parked outside.

I looked at him.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Thank you for coming.”

“You asked.”

“I know.”

“I said yes.”

“I know.”

“You’re welcome.”

I smiled.

Then looked at him.

He looked beautiful.

The black suit.

The white shirt.

The quiet expression.

I wanted to kiss him.

I really wanted to.

I wanted to lean across the car.

Hold his face.

And kiss him.

But Mark would probably move away.

Or tell me to stop.

Or remind me that we weren’t dating.

So I stayed where I was.

“Good night,” I said.

“Good night.”

I opened the car door.

Then stopped.

“Mark.”

“What?”

“I’m happy you came.”

He looked at me.

“I’m glad I came.”

My heart became warm.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“You had fun?”

“It was fine.”

“That means yes.”

“It means it was fine.”

“You liked being my plus-one.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You did.”

“No.”

“You came.”

“Because you asked.”

“I know.”

I smiled.

Then stepped out.

“Good night, handsome.”

“Good night, Valentina.”

I closed the door.

Mark waited until I entered the house.

Then he drove away.

I stood near the window.

I watched his car disappear.

He had looked upset.

A little.

But maybe I was imagining it.

Mark was always quiet.

He didn’t talk much.

Maybe he was tired.

Maybe the event had exhausted him.

I didn’t think too much about it.

Because the night had been beautiful.

I received my award.

My family was proud.

My business announcement had gone perfectly.

And Mark came.

He stood beside me.

He told me I earned the award.

He said he was proud of me.

And he admitted that he was glad he came.

That was enough.

For now.

I walked toward the living room.

Then placed the award on the table.

My phone vibrated.

A message from Mark.

Mark:

Did you eat?

I smiled.

Of course.

That was Mark.

He had attended an important award ceremony.

He had watched me accept an award.

He had driven me home.

And the first thing he asked after leaving was whether I had eaten.

I typed:

Me:

No.

His response came immediately.

Mark:

Why?

Me:

I was busy receiving an award.

Mark:

That isn’t an excuse.

Me:

You’re going to bring me food again?

There was a pause.

Then—

Mark:

Go eat.

I smiled.

Me:

You care about me.

Mark:

Good night, Valentina.

I laughed.

Then placed my phone down.

Mark was still quiet.

He was still difficult.

He still refused to admit that he cared.

But he came.

He stayed beside me.

He told me he was proud.

And he made sure I ate.

That was enough.

For now.

I looked at my award again.

Then smiled.

Tonight had been perfect.

Or almost perfect.

Because Mark had looked a little upset.

But I didn’t understand why.

And I didn’t have the energy to figure it out.

He was Mark.

He was always quiet.

So I let it go.

I didn’t know that the reason Mark had become quiet had nothing to do with the award.

It had nothing to do with the event.

And it had nothing to do with being tired.

It had everything to do with the new business partner I had introduced.

And the way that man had looked at me.

But I didn’t know that yet.