Chapter 57
Sarah froze in surprise. His elegant fingers held the cigarette, its ember pulsing in the dark, while an unconscious smile played on her lips.
“Mr. Reynolds, what brings you here?”
Zachary exhaled his final smoke ring and crushed out the cigarette. “I came to see you.”
“Me?” Sarah felt momentarily dazed.
Zachary nodded, offering her the same invitation she’d refused from Mia.
“I’m here to personally invite you to the Reynolds gala. You said you owed me a favor – I thought perhaps you could be my date. ‘No pressure if you’d rather not.”
His voice was slightly husky, his deep eyes twinkling with amusement.
Sarah took the invitation, her fingertips tingling.
She’d already regretted refusing Mia. Since when did she care so much about others‘ opinions?
Besides, there was nothing shameful about attending – no reason to hide.
“Miss Sanders?” His warm breath brushed her cheek. She looked up instinctively, finding his face inches from hers, his eyes drowning her in their gentle warmth.
Her cheeks burning, thankfully hidden by the darkness, she clutched the invitation and stepped back. “I’ll come, Mr. Reynolds.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” he replied softly, smiling at her flushed cheeks.
Sarah nodded and hurried into her building, clutching the invitation.
He watched her go, his eyes filled with tenderness.
Back home, Zachary was immediately ambushed by Mia. “Bro! How did it go? Did she say yes?”
“Yes, she agreed,” he smiled.
“Yay! Sarah’s coming! But…” Mia looked at him excitedly. “Zac, you need to hurry up! Make Sarah my sister–in–law soon!”
The day of the gala, Sarah pulled out a formal dress from her closet. She usually preferred casual wear, rarely wearing expensive
formal attire.
Looking in the mirror, she thought a change might be nice.
Sarah had classic beauty, with delicate features and almond eyes, like a Renaissance painting come to life.
She chose an ivory silk evening gown with intricate embroidery, its lustrous fabric flowing like water and accentuating her
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graceful figure. Her fair skin glowed against the white silk.
Keeping her jewelry minimal, she wore only an emerald tennis bracelet and matching drop earrings.
Her makeup was expertly done, featuring bold red lips.
When her phone rang, she was adjusting her hair. Seeing Zachary’s name, she answered, “Hello?”
“I’m waiting downstairs.” His voice held anticipation – he was curious to see how she’d dress for the gala.
“Coming,” she replied softly, hanging up. At her door, she made a final adjustment to her hair, which fell in elegant waves, framing her face perfectly.
Zachary’s eyes lit up when he saw her. She looked both stunning and sophisticatedly elegant.
“Miss Sanders, you’re full of surprises tonight.” He opened the passenger door for her.
Sarah settled in. “You flatter me. As your date, I had to make an effort.”
“Oh? So it’s all for me?” Zachary replied meaningfully.
