Page 106 of Heart of The Night

William threw him a quick glance, chuckling, then offered me his arm. ‘Ready to dazzle them all, sweetheart?’

I took his arm and gave a coy smile. ‘Yes.’ With one last look at my friends, I let him lead me down the stairs.

Outside, a sleek black limousine awaited us at the kerb, its polished surface gleaming under the evening sun. I blinked at the sight. I had never sat in a limousine before. A middle-aged chauffeur, dressed in a black suit and cap, stepped forward and opened the door for us with a courteous nod.

William gestured toward the limousine. ‘After you,’ he said to me, his eyes twinkling with amusement and affection.

I got in, the plush leather seats and spacious interior feeling almost surreal. I settled into the soft seat, marvelling at the luxury around me. William joined me, and the chauffeur closed the door behind him.

As the limousine pulled smoothly away from the kerb, William turned to me with a charming smile. ‘Would you like something to drink? A glass of prosecco, perhaps?’

‘I’d love one,’ I said, eager for something to soothe my growing nerves.

He reached into a compartment and retrieved a bottle of chilled prosecco. The elegant bottle gleamed in the dim light as he expertly removed the foil and wire cage. The cork popped off into his hand, and he poured the golden liquid into two flutes. Handing me a glass, his fingers brushed mine, sending a spark of warmth through me.

‘May you find your inner dancing queen in this glass,’ he said playfully.

I laughed, clinking my glass against his. The city lights flickered past the windows as we sipped the prosecco, the crisp, effervescent taste blessing my tongue. I leaned back into the plush seat, my heart swelling with a tangle of emotions – anticipation, excitement, and a deep, abiding affection for the man beside me.

§ § §

The limousine glided to a stop in front of the luxurious hotel, its grand façade bathed in the soft light of the evening. The golden glow of elegant lamps mingled with the last rays of the sun, casting a warm hue over the red carpet that stretched toward the exclusive event entrance. My heart hammered as I gazed at the carpet, flanked by photographers and curious onlookers. The anticipation that had once bubbled within me was now mixed with a wave of dread.

William, sensing my unease, gently squeezed my hand. ‘We don’t have to walk the carpet,’ he said, his voice a soothing balm. ‘We can head straight inside through the main entrance.’

Relief washed over me, and I nodded gratefully. ‘I’d prefer that.’

He kissed the back of my hand. ‘I never walk the carpet anyway.’

The chauffeur opened the door, and William stepped out first, offering his hand to help me out of the limousine. Together, we bypassed the red carpet and made our way toward the grand entrance of the hotel. The opulence of the lobby was breathtaking, with marble floors gleaming under crystal chandeliers and opulent floral arrangements adding splashes of colour.

As we approached the security area, the hum of conversation and the soft strains of classical music filled the air. The staff, dressed in pristine pine-green uniforms, guided us with practised efficiency. We provided our names to a poised attendant, who checked her list and nodded with a warm smile.

‘My colleague here will show you to your table,’ she said, gesturing toward another member of staff.

The man nodded and approached us. ‘Good evening,’ he greeted. ‘If you’d follow me, please.’

William offered his arm to me, and I gratefully accepted, feeling a rush of comfort at his proximity. The usher led us through a corridor lined with striking artworks, the plush and patterned carpet beneath our feet muffling our steps. As we entered the ballroom, the sheer grandeur took my breath away. It was a vision of sumptuousness, with a high ceiling graced by intricate chandeliers casting a warm, inviting glow. Round tables draped in white Damask, each featuring elaborate centrepieces of fresh flowers, were arranged meticulously beneath the lofty expanse. I couldn’t help but marvel at the attention to detail in every aspect of the setting.

The usher guided us to a table near the centre of the room, granting us an unobstructed view of the stage, where a live band played softly. Releasing William’s arm, I circled the table, searching for familiar names. A breath of relief escaped as I saw that Alex and Ivy, as well as Andy and Chloe, would be joining us.

‘Well, if it isn’t William Night,’ a male voice rang out then.

William and I both turned, seeing a man I didn’t recognise striding toward us. He was nearly a head shorter than William, yet still taller than most, with a trimmed black beard and short dark hair.

‘Oliver,’ William greeted, a look of surprise on his face.

As Oliver neared, he extended a hand to William, his full lips curving into a smile. ‘Fancy seeing you here, mate,’ he said, his emerald eyes creasing at the corners as he shook William’s hand and clasped his shoulder with his other hand.

I studied him as I approached William’s side, seeing the faint lines on his forehead and the occasional grey strand in his beard. He was either William’s age or a few years older.

‘Yes, it’s been ages,’ William replied, his smile just a touch too fixed. I sensed a faint unease, but he masked it well.

‘It has, hasn’t it?’ Oliver let go of William’s hand and adjusted the cufflinks on his royal-blue dinner suit, his broad shoulders straining against the fabric. It was clear he spent countless hours at the gym – he appeared even stronger than William – but his build struck me as disproportionate and unnatural.

‘How have you been?’ William asked, his arm hooking around my waist as I reached him. Oliver’s eyes briefly met mine, and he offered a small smile – a silent acknowledgement.

‘I’ve been well,’ Oliver replied, nodding faintly. ‘Work over at the bank has picked up pace since my recent promotion.’

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