Working for him

strange feeling

The next evening arrived faster than Bella expected.

She stood in front of the mirror checking her reflection for the hundredth time.

“Stop moving,” Nathy said from behind her, gently fixing a loose strand of hair. “You’re going to ruin everything I just did.”

Bella exhaled. “I’m nervous.”

“I can see that.”

Nathy stepped back, studying her work with a satisfied nod.

Nathy helped Bella style her hair up elegantly with some part framing her face. Bella did a light makeup that was enough to make her stand out without doing too much.

She looked good.

Bella phone buzzed.

Driver: I'm outside.

Nathy clapped her hands lightly. “That’s your cue. Go… and try not to fall in love with your boss.”

Bella shot her a look.“That’s not happening.”

“Mm-hmm. We’ll talk later.”

She took one last look at her reflection, grabbed her clutch and headed out.

The ride to the Enterprise hotel was a long and peaceful one.

Bella looked outside the windows admiring the tall buildings that they drove by. She felt like a Cinderella heading to prom, the only thing that didn't complete the picture was that there was no Prince charming. Her mind momentarily pictured Ethan with Selene. It was just like a rich guy with a spoilt girl only that in reality she just made it look like she was forcing things between them. Questions raced in my mind, Was it because of her he bought the company? To be closer to her? He had indicated no interest in the party when selene brought it up so what changed? Questions that i had no answer to. Bella sighed as she felt sadness consume her. She had to focus on what she cane here to do, nothing else.

The enterprise's ballroom was a sight for sore eyes. The crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow across the entire place. Elegant flowers were arranged around the corners of the room. The place was large and perfect. People from different countries, elites and successful businessman were present, air kissing, interacting and networking with each other with ease. Bella scanned the room but didn't found the one she was looking for. Sighing she walked over to the bar, ordering herself a drink.

"Leave the bill to me."

Bella turned to see a tall man. Dear God he was strikingly handsome. He had a pair of dark grey eyes. he was wearing a black suit with matching pants that complimented his skin tone perfectly, i could tell it was a tailored suit. He had his caramel-blonde hair styled in messy muss.

He looked.....good

"The name's Brane" he said with eyes never leaving mine extending his arm.

"Bella" she replied returning the gesture.

"Thank you but i can handle my bill."

Brane smiled faintly. "And what kind of impression would that leave?" He asked in hush tone that laced through her ears. "It's the least i can do for a beautiful lady sitting all by herself." Brane added before handing his card to the bar man.

"I spotted you from afar and decided to say hello." he added with a half up smile.

"oh... well then here you are." i replied still scanning the room for Ethan.

"You came alone?" He asked narrowing his eyes.

"Yes, but for a business assignment" i replied meeting his gaze "I'm here to assist my boss, i haven't seen him around yet that's why i'm here."

"oh..personal assistant?"leaning forward slightly "You sure have a lot on your table."

"You can only imagine" Bella replied emptying her glass into her mouth.

He looked like he was considering something when he said "since you came alone, can i have the dance with you after the speech?" staring at me with interest waiting for my response.

"Miss Bella?"

I stilled in place as heat crept up my neck. It was my boss.

I turned to face him and was loss for words. He looked ravishingly handsome in his tuxedo, his hair was perfectly tousled, it probably took time to perfect. His eyes held intentions as they stared down at me from my face to my shoes then back up. In that moment it felt like we were the only two to exist in the room. he raised his head up to look at Brane and exchanged pleasantries more than strangers would.

They knew each other?

"If you don't mind, i'll need to borrow my assistant."

"No problem Ethan." Brane responded shifting his gaze to her "See you soon..bella" he added before walking away.

Without a word Ethan placed his hand at her lower back, guiding her away, His touch sent electricity through her spine, walking normally now became a problem.

"You look.... beautiful." Ethan said as we reached a corner of the room, removing his hand from her back.

"Thank you Mr Ethan." Bella said missing how warm his hand felt against her spine.

"Ethan."

"What?"

"No need to act formally here, Just Ethan."

Bella looked up at him but was stunned to see a soft expression on his face, softer than i've ever seen it. "Ethan it is then."

He nodded with a small smile that formed on his lips "The dress.... It suits you."

Before i could respond, the event coordinator approached us "Mr Ethan, it's time for your speech. Ready when you are."

The moment shattered as Ethan switched back to work mode. Nodding his head, "Let's get this over with."

From where Bella stood, she watched as he delivered his speech without mincing words. He spoke on how the fundraising project would help the less privileged. The crowd watched in awe. He had the attention, not because he asked but because he commanded it. The crowd held on to his promise and in that moment she saw ETHAN. He was perfect.

The rest of the evening passed with clattering, introductions and keeping Ethan updated on who he needed to speak with. It was exhausting. Bella just wanted to be alone for a moment. Taking the stairs she found her way to the balcony. She sighed in relief as the cool air touched her skin, Just what she needed. Bella heaved as she admired the view from above.

"Look who we have here."

I turned to find Selene standing on the doorway, watching as she moved to stand beside me. Silence went on for a moment. "Why are you here?" she asked with a straight face not looking at me.

"I needed air." Bella said simply still admiring the view.

"I meant the event."

"I'm just here to do my job." Bella said placing her hands on the railings. They were just a foot apart.

"Be careful" selene said in a voice quiet than usual. she said turning her head to Bella direction. The breeze swayed her dress.

Of? I asked lifting my brows slightly.

"Misunderstanding your position." Selene said with a dead tone looking at me with eyes that held no emotion. "He does not mix work with.....distractions." she said leaning towards Bella slightly.

"Well, good thing i'm not one." Bella replied meeting her stare head on. Selene stepped back with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"We'll see." With that, Selene turned and walked away.

Deep down Bella knew the line had been drawn whether she wanted them or not.

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