I Fell In Love With My Boss

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – The Charity Gala

Monday morning arrived with a new challenge.

Amelia was sorting through Ethan's schedule when she noticed an invitation lying on his desk.

The Blackwood Foundation Annual Charity Gala.

It was one of the most prestigious events in London, attended by business leaders, celebrities, and the press.

Ethan walked into the office and noticed her reading the invitation.

"We're attending on Friday."

Amelia looked up.

"We?"

"My usual assistant handled these events. You're my assistant now."

Amelia swallowed nervously.

"I've never been to a charity gala."

"You'll do fine."

Friday evening arrived faster than Amelia expected.

She wore a simple but elegant emerald-green gown. Her hair fell softly over her shoulders, and she wore very little jewelry.

When Ethan saw her in the hotel lobby, he stopped for a moment.

"You look..."

Amelia smiled nervously.

"Yes?"

"...Very professional."

She laughed.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

A small smile appeared on Ethan's face.

"It was."

As they entered the grand ballroom, camera flashes lit up the entrance.

Reporters immediately recognized Ethan.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

"This way!"

"Who's the beautiful lady with you?"

Before either of them could answer, the photographers began taking dozens of pictures.

One reporter shouted, "Is this your girlfriend, Mr. Blackwood?"

Ethan replied calmly, "She's my executive assistant."

Some reporters nodded.

Others clearly didn't believe him.

Inside the ballroom, they greeted guests and spoke with donors.

Everything was going well until Victoria Hayes appeared in a stunning red gown.

She walked over with a bright smile.

"Ethan. It's lovely to see you."

"Good evening, Victoria."

She turned to Amelia.

"You clean up nicely."

"Thank you," Amelia replied politely.

Victoria linked her arm through Ethan's.

"Would you mind if I borrowed Ethan for a dance? We have some old memories to catch up on."

Before Amelia could respond, Ethan gently stepped back.

"I'm here to represent my company, not revisit the past."

Victoria's smile faded.

"I see."

She walked away, embarrassed.

Amelia looked at Ethan in surprise.

"You didn't have to do that."

"I know."

"Then why did you?"

Ethan met her eyes.

"Because I'd rather spend the evening with someone who wants to build the future than someone who keeps living in the past."

Amelia felt her heart beat faster.

For the first time, she wondered if the feelings growing inside her were becoming something she could no longer ignore.

Across the room, Victoria watched them together.

Her expression hardened.

"If I can't have Ethan," she whispered to herself, "I'll make sure no one else does."

End of Chapter 6

Next: Chapter 7 – Jealous Hearts, where Victoria begins putting her plan into action, and Ethan starts realizing that Amelia means far more to him than just an employee.