The week had flown by, leaving Selena both exhausted and excited for the evening ahead. Friday morning arrived with sunlight streaming into the mansion, and Jace's voice called softly from the study.
"Stay at home today. I need to step out briefly. I'll be back this afternoon," he instructed, calm and precise.
Selena nodded, heart racing at the thought of the night to come. She spent the morning tidying up, trying to appear composed while nerves and excitement danced in her chest. Tonight…
Around three in the afternoon, the doorbell rang. Jace returned shortly after, his sharp suit immaculate, accompanied by a stylist who immediately paused when he saw Selena.
"Wow…" the stylist muttered, eyes widening as he studied her natural beauty. "Your skin… it's flawless. Absolutely stunning."
Selena blushed while Jace simply watched, his gaze sharp and unreadable. There was no reaction, but she felt the subtle weight of his attention.
The stylist quickly went to work, dressing her in a velvet royal gown that shimmered in deep midnight blue. He adorned her with silver jewelry, matching heels, and a delicate clutch, carefully adjusting every detail until she looked nothing short of regal.
When the transformation was complete, the stylist stepped back, admiration evident. "You… are breathtaking," he said, unable to hide his awe.
Selena descended the grand staircase slowly, letting the soft folds of the gown sway with her movements. She paused at the bottom, taking a deep breath.
Jace looked up from the living room, and for a brief second, his composure faltered. His sharp eyes widened ever so slightly, and a subtle tremor passed through his posture. Then, as always, he masked it, returning to his calm, controlled demeanor.
The stylist, standing beside her, couldn't stop praising her. "Absolutely perfect! Every detail is stunning, Miss Selena. Jace… you are a lucky man," he said, smiling openly.
Jace's jaw tightened slightly, but he remained silent. His eyes, however, lingered on her, a mix of pride, surprise, and something he didn't yet want to reveal.
By six in the evening, Selena slid into the passenger seat of Jace's Rolls-Royce, the city lights beginning to glitter in the distance. Jace drove with calm precision, his sharp eyes occasionally flicking toward her.
Selena stole glances at him, noting the slight tension in his jaw and the controlled way he studied her. She felt a thrill, knowing he had noticed every detail of her transformation, even if he didn't say a word.
The ride to Mr. Climate's birthday party was quiet, the air between them electric with anticipation. Tonight, Selena would accompany Jace publicly, yet the private tension, attraction, and subtle chemistry between them remained a fire only they could feel.
As the mansion faded behind them, Selena straightened in her seat, the gown shimmering under the streetlights, ready to step into a night where admiration, jealousy, and romance would all collide.