Page 13 of Tycoon

I smiled back, feeling a rush of happiness at his words. “I’d like that,” I said, squeezing his hand.

The serenity of the moment wrapped around me like a warm embrace, filling me with a sense of peace I hadn't known I was searching for. Standing here with Andrew, there was no room for the chaos of life, no space for uncertainty or fear, only the gentle whisper of the sea and the tender glow of the moonlight, weaving a spell that promised hope for what could be.

CHAPTER NINE

Amara

A week later I stared at the endless racks of dresses with a feeling of dread. I never thought I’d be shopping for the perfect outfit to wear to my ex-boyfriend Darriun's wedding.

“How about this one?” Stacy held up a slinky red dress. “Too sexy?”

I shook my head. “I don't want to look like I'm trying to upstage the bride. Let's keep looking.”

We shuffled through dress after dress, I was growing more disheartened by the minute. Attending Darriun’s wedding felt like ripping open an old wound.

Stacy seemed to sense my sadness. “Don't worry, we'll find the perfect dress. And remember, you will be the sexiest woman here on the arm of the sexiest man alive.”

I smiled, “Do you know how grateful I am for your support?”

“I know you are girl, that’s what besties are for.”

My smile grew bigger before I turned back to the dresses. Finally, buried deep in the racks, I saw it. A classy knee-length dress in rich emerald, green, with an elegant bateau neckline and fitted waist. It was perfect.

“That's the one!” Stacy clapped excitedly. “You need to try it on now.”

“Okay,” I said and headed to the nearby dressing room.

I emerged from the dressing room a few minutes later, the green dress hugged my curves like a glove. Stacy let out a low whistle. “Darriun's going to regret the day he let you go when he sees you in that dress!”

“I hope Andrew likes it. Forget Darriun.”

“Right! Now let’s find you the perfect shoes.”

After finding some metallic glittery heels, I paid for the outfit, feeling much better about attending the wedding.

“How about we treat ourselves to a spa day?” Stacy suggested. “Mani-pedis, facials, the works.”

“That sounds amazing.” I smiled. Some pampering would be just what I needed.

We arrived at Essence Spa about twenty minutes later and sat side by side, cucumber slices over our eyes, I said, “I can't believe the wedding is only a few days away. Part of me wishes I could just skip it. But I know I need to be since I accepted the invitation. I didn’t go through this whole book boyfriend date for nothing.”

Stacy patted my arm. “It'll be hard, but once it's over, you can move on. And I heard the reception has an open bar and a chocolate fountain!”

I laughed. I knew with Andrew by my side I would get through this wedding in one piece.

***

The next day was Saturday, and I was glad to have time off from a hectic week at work. Since the housing market had improved a little, more couples were buying first-time homes. Today was beautiful and I luxuriated in the soft glow of the early evening sun that bathed my townhouse in a warm, amber hue as I lounged on the sofa, lost in the pages of a romance novel that promised happiness ever after. My cellphone buzzed against the wooden coffee table. Reluctantly, I reached for it, expecting a message from Stacy since she had to travel out of town on business.

I grimaced when I saw who the message was from.

“Amara, you need to be careful with Andrew. There are things about him you don't know.” The text from Darriun, like a chill breeze, extinguished the comforting warmth around me. His words, meant to be a warning, mingled with a shadow of curiosity and anxiety within my chest.

Was this some ploy to unsettle me, to claw his way back into my life?

“You couldn’t possibly tell me anything about Andrew that I don’t already know,” I lied. “Please don’t text me again with any nonsense.”

I put the phone down and tried to refocus on my book, but Darriun’s text kept intruding on my thoughts. What could he possibly know about Andrew? My mind swirled with questions and doubts, each one more disturbing than the last. I couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to his words, or if this was just another attempt to manipulate me.

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