Chapter 16
1353 Words
Zack's P.O.V.
The room looked exactly like Lilly had described, laced with enough supplies to open a small tailoring shop.
I stood at the doorway and slowly surveyed the battlefield.
Lilly hadn't exaggerated.
Ellie Hunt had spent the last two days turning her bedroom into a workshop.
My gaze landed on the woman herself.
She sat behind the table surrounded by fabric, a measuring tape hanging around her neck while a pair of scissors rested in her hand.
She frowned. “What are you doing here?”
I replied calmly.
“Stopping another suicide attempt.”
The scissors hit the table with a loud snap.
“Gosh!”
She rolled her eyes.
“How can you ignore the obvious, Zack? I'm working, not killing myself.”
My gaze darted between the gown, untouched food tray sitting nearby, and the dark circles beneath her eyes.
“Working without food or sleep is simply another method of suicide.”
Her mouth fell open.
“That’s not true.”
I ignored her lies and ordered Lilly.
“Clean this room. The dresses are here.”
Lilly went pale, looking at Ellie who was equally stunned.
“What?”
“The dresses.” I spoke slowly. “As in clothes.”
Her expression darkened.
“What do you mean by cleaning and…”
As the maid entered the room, pushing a large rack with several evening gowns, Ellie fell silent.
I sat down on the edge of the bed and stated the obvious.
“Try them on.”
For a moment, she merely stared at the rack. Then she walked closer, anger disappearing from her face, replaced by utter shock.
She touched one of the dresses, her fingers moving across the fabric.
“It's my size.”
Her head snapped toward me.
“How do you know my measurements?”
I glanced at Lilly, a cold smile tugging at my lips.
“I have my own ways.”
Ellie's gaze followed mine, realization dawning at her.
Lilly lowered her head instantly.
“Sorry, Ma’am.”
Despite herself, Ellie continued examining the dresses. The admiration on her face was difficult to miss.
Good.
At least she appreciated the amount of money I had wasted.
“Be quick.”
I pulled out my phone.
“I don't have all day.”
It was just a heads up, but that seemed to remind her she was supposed to be angry.
Ellie straightened immediately.
“And why exactly should I fulfill your request, Zack?”
My patience thinned.
Unlike her, I understood the importance of this banquet.
“I can't let you ruin my family's image through carelessness.”
I spoke coldly. “You’ll be representing Zackary Walton there.”
The moment Zackary's name entered the conversation, most of her resistance disappeared.
Ellie cared about the husband she barely knew.
Interesting!
“Fine.”
She grabbed the nearest dress.
“But it’s only for my husband.”
I almost laughed at her innocence.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
She threw a glare at me and then stomped toward the bathroom, closing the door with a loud thud.
A few minutes later, Lilly quietly excused herself. I sat in the silent room, scrolling through work email while this banquet remained my main headache.
It took Ellie almost fifteen minutes to wear a simple piece of clothing.
My gaze lifted as the bathroom door finally opened, only to pause at her black gown.
Ellie stepped out wearing a green evening gown.
The fitted bodice hugged her curves before flowing into a sleek skirt with a thigh-high slit, a desperate attempt to create the illusion of length.
The dress itself was beautiful, but it wasn’t for that woman.
I shook my head.
“No.”
Her shoulders dropped.
“What?”
“Next.”
Ellie gritted her teeth but disappeared back into the bathroom.
However, even five dresses later, my verdict remained unchanged.
No!
By the sixth rejection, she looked ready to murder me.
“What exactly do you want, Zack?”
Ellie stood in front of me with her hands on her hips.
“You rejected modest, glamorous, and elegant gowns. You have rejected everything here!”
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“Are you trying to annoy me again?”
I set my phone aside.
“No. I don't have time for that.”
Then I pointed toward the rack.
“These dresses are beautiful. But they aren’t for you.”
Ellie became quiet, too quiet, as her gaze flicked on the designer pieces.
I added.
“You are going on your husband’s behalf. So, you need something special to wear.”
Ellie exhaled sharply.
“I suppose that's fair.”
Her gaze drifted to the table.
“Can I show you my dress? Trust me, it’s good.”
Nothing good ever came from phrases like trust me.
Still, the banquet mattered.
I nodded once.
“Fine.”
She immediately grabbed the folded garment and disappeared into the bathroom.
I leaned back against the headboard.
“Let's see what two sleepless days of insanity produced, Ellie Hunt.”
Several minutes passed, and then the door opened, my attention drifting upward automatically.
For one brief moment, everything else in the room disappeared.
The gown was blue, the color deep enough to appear black beneath certain lighting.
Silver embroidery flowed across the bodice, drawing attention upward before cascading diagonally across the skirt.
Delicate lace sleeves softened the design while the structured waist created elegant proportions.
That was smart!
The expensive designer gowns had all attempted to make Ellie look smaller.
But it was designed for the woman wearing it. And somehow, that made all the difference.
My gaze traveled from the embroidery to the silhouette, ticking all the boxes of a perfect evening gown.
Ellie shifted awkwardly, resting her hand on her shoulder.
“How is it?”
I stood up and pointed toward her shoulder.
“Stop grabbing yourself.”
She lowered her hand, confusion flashing across her face.
I stepped forward and voiced the question that popped up in my mind after seeing the detailed work.
“Have you ever worked for a fashion brand, Ellie?”
She flinched hard, shaking her head.
“No.”
That frantic ‘No’ was unconvincing, but I let it go. For now.
My gaze swept over her voluptuous figure one more time as I said,
“It’s settled. You'll wear this tomorrow.”
…
The next evening, I stood beside the floor-to-ceiling window in my office, a glass of wine resting in my hand.
Below, the mansion entrance bustled with activity.
The professional stylists had done an amazing job styling Ellie, as she was nearly unrecognizable in that dress, walking elegantly toward the car.
I was busy watching her when a calm voice interrupted my thoughts.
“You know the invitation was technically for you.”
That was Theo, leaning against the doorway. I didn't look away from the window.
“So?”
“So…” His grin widened. “You can attend with your wife.”
I shot him a warning glance.
Unfortunately, Theo had built immunity years ago.
He counted on his fingers like a kid. “You bought her dresses, jewelry, gifts, and even hired professionals. At this point you're basically courting her.”
His ignorance got on my nerves, but I took a slow sip of wine and spoke coldly.
“I care about my reputation.”
Theo snorted.
“Of course you do.”
“I do.” My jaw tightened. “This banquet matters a lot."
The amusement slowly disappeared from his face as I said,
“This is the first public event associated with Zackary Walton after that… incident.
I won't allow mistakes.”
Theo sighed.
“You're worrying too much, boss.”
“No.” My voice hardened. “Nothing works unless you make it work.”
The Lamborghini engine started below. I watched it pull away from the mansion.
Then I turned and handed my glass to Theo.
“Go to the banquet.” I ordered icily. “Keep an eye on her.”
- Writer
