I never believed that a single night could change everything.
It was supposed to be simple. Just a small celebration. Soft music, warm lights, and people pretending they had their lives figured out. I almost didn't go. I almost stayed home in my oversized shirt, hiding from the world like I always did.
But then I saw it.
The red dress.
It wasn't too glamorous. It wasn't designer. But it was bold. Beautiful. Alive. The kind of dress a girl wears when I ready to stop being invisible.
My hands were shaking when I zipped it up.
"Too much," I whispered to my reflection.
But for the first time in a long while… I didn't look like the girl who was scared of being seen. I looked like someone brave.
When I arrived, I kept my head down at first. The sound of heels against the floor felt louder than the music. I could feel the stares, and my heart wouldn't stop racing.
And then. I bumped into someone.
Strong hands caught my waist before I could fall.
"I'm so sorry," I said quickly, embarrassed.
"It's okay," he answered softly.
That was the first time I heard his voice.
When I looked up, our eyes met. And somehow, the world around us faded. No music. No crowd. Just him… and the way he was looking at me like I was the only thing that mattered in that room.
"You look…" he paused, almost searching for the right word.
"Beautiful"
Not hot. Not attractive.
Beautiful. And in that moment, the red dress didn't just make her noticeable. It made me unforgettable. I didn't know his name yet. I didn't know his story. But I knew one thing. That night, he was the only thing on my mind.
Ashton's POV
Tomorrow morning, I woke up with a terrible headache. As I glanced my suit, I noticed that there's something on it.
"OW FUCK MAN!" I didn't know I was drunk last night. But then I remembered the Red Dress girl.
"Fuck! she threw up on me last night?!" and then I realized I was already naked.
As I've finished my things, I hurry go to the office
"Good morning, sir" My secretary greet me.
"Just reminder sir, you have appointment at 1:00 in the afternoon with the Drenx Group" she added
Okay" then I stepped out of my office and made my way to the parking lot, heading straight for my car. I had an important meeting to attend, and there was no room for delays.
The truth was that our company was slowly falling apart. We were running out of options, and without a substantial investment from their company, we might not survive much longer. This meeting could be our last chance to save everything we had worked so hard to build.
From what I had heard, their CEO was an exceptionally talented woman known for her intelligence and remarkable business skills. I had to admit, I was curious about her. A woman capable of leading such a successful company had certainly caught my attention.
I wonder what kind of person she is.
I started the engine and drove toward their headquarters, my mind occupied with the meeting ahead. I needed to make a good impression, present our proposal convincingly, and, most importantly, persuade them to invest in our company.
After what felt like a long drive, I finally arrived.
I slowed down as I approached the entrance, my eyes immediately drawn to the enormous building standing before me. The structure was magnificent, with its modern architecture, towering glass windows, and elegant exterior that reflected the sunlight. It was far more impressive than I had imagined.
I parked my car and stepped out, adjusting my suit before looking up at the towering building once more.
"Wow," I muttered under my breath.
Their company was clearly on an entirely different level from ours. No wonder everyone in the business world spoke so highly of them.
Taking a deep breath, I straightened my posture and walked toward the entrance, determined not to let our company's situation show on my face.
I was here for business, after all.
And I was about to meet the woman who might hold the future of my company in her hands.
Little did I know that this meeting would turn out to be far more complicated than I had ever imagined.
Ow, I completely forgot that I was supposed to attend the meeting but its already late so I just go outside to smell some fresh air.
And then, I saw a woman who looked strangely familiar to me.
She was standing a short distance away near at cafe, and I began walking toward her. However, before I could reach her, someone approached her and started a conversation.
I slowed my steps, watching her from a distance.
Hmm, she's beautiful, isn't she? Her lips, her eyes, her legs, her skin... everything about her seems perfect.
I couldn't help but admire her appearance. There was something captivating about her, something that made it difficult to look away.
I wonder if she's just as beautiful on the inside.
After all, these days, it wasn't uncommon to meet women who were beautiful on the outside but lacked kindness and sincerity within. Of course, not everyone was like that, but I had met enough people to know that appearances could be deceiving.
Well, I guess I'll have to find out for myself.
I slipped my hands into my pockets, keeping my gaze on her as I waited for the person talking to her to leave.
"Let's see what kind of woman you really are, Miss CEO."
But before I could take another step toward her, the chairwoman suddenly called my name, drawing my attention away from the woman who had caught my interest.
"Mr. Anderson, I've been looking for you. The meeting is about to begin," she said, motioning for me to follow her.
I glanced back at the woman one last time. She was still talking to someone, completely unaware that I had been watching her.
What a shame. I was hoping to have a little conversation with her.
With a slight sigh, I turned around and followed the chairwoman toward the conference room.
Business first, curiosity later.
At least, that was what I kept telling myself.
Because for some reason, I couldn't get that woman's face out of my head. And the strangest part?
I had a feeling that we had met before.
I just couldn't remember when or where.