Page 99 of Heart of The Night

‘It was productive. Who’s winning?’

‘Livy is,’ Jason said amusedly. ‘Care to join?’

‘Maybe later. I’ve still got some work to finish.’

I made my way to the kitchen, my stomach rumbling with a need for the chicken biryani waiting for me in the fridge. I spooned a generous portion into a bowl and set it in the microwave to warm up. Once it was ready, I went to my bedroom, wanting to give Jason and Olivia some privacy. Settling at my desk, I opened my laptop to the compliance frameworks and put on my headphones, letting music envelop me.

As I took a bite of the biryani, the explosion of flavours astonished me, my eyes widening with delight. The rich blend of spices and tender chicken was far better than I had anticipated. I paused, savouring the taste, and felt a sudden urge to tell William. Reaching for my phone, I quickly typed out a text: This biryani is incredible, Will! Best I’ve ever had. Thank you so much x

Moments later, my phone vibrated with a reply from him: Glad you liked it x

A smile tugged at my lips as I set the phone aside and turned my attention back to my work, the time slipping by unnoticed until the opening of my bedroom door broke my concentration. Jason poked his head in, an ornate, elegantly wrapped box in his hands. It was a deep, luxurious blue, tied with a silver ribbon that shimmered under the light. Olivia stood just behind Jason, peering past his shoulder with a blend of curiosity and excitement lighting up her features.

‘Sorry to interrupt,’ Jason said, ‘but this arrived for you just now.’ He carefully tilted the box, showing it off.

I frowned, puzzled. I wasn’t expecting any deliveries. ‘From who?’

‘From Will.’

‘From Will?’ I echoed, my frown deepening. What was he up to? He hadn’t mentioned anything about this.

Jason and Olivia exchanged a look before walking in and setting the box on my desk. My fingers brushed against the surface of it, the rich texture promising something special inside.

‘Go on,’ Olivia urged, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. ‘Open it!’

With a mix of intrigue and excitement, I untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside, nestled atop red tissue paper, was a small bone-coloured card. I reached for it, my heart pounding with curiosity.

Dear Cara,

For the woman who brings colour to my world, a dress to match your vibrant spirit and smooth grace.

Wear it on Friday and dazzle us all.

You deserve to shine, always.

Yours,

William

Swallowing hard, I set the card aside, the words echoing in my mind as I carefully removed the tissue paper. My breath hitched as maroon satin came into view, gleaming softly under the light. I reached in and lifted the dress from the box, standing up to let it cascade toward the floor.

Olivia gasped, her eyes wide with admiration. ‘Cara, it’s gorgeous.’

It was. The design was elegant, the craftsmanship exquisite – it was clear that this dress had not come cheap. A pang of discomfort entered my chest at the thought of William spending so much on me. My first instinct was to reject it, to tell him it was too much, but I dismissed the thought almost as quickly as it came. William had gifted me this dress not to burden me but to show how much he cared, and I ought to appreciate that.

‘This is so romantic,’ Olivia said with a sigh, sounding smitten.

I met her eyes, a faint smile of amusement on my lips. ‘I guess we won’t have to go dress shopping on Thursday.’

‘Looks like it. You should try it on, though, just to be sure he got your size right.’

I nodded, the dress shimmering as I moved, its beauty undeniable. I couldn’t help but feel a jumble of emotions – gratitude, love, and that lingering sense of guilt.

‘I’ll do it now,’ I murmured, giving them a look that told them to wait outside. They left the room, allowing me some privacy.

Feeling a flutter of nerves, I slipped out of my work clothes and into the dress, the satin cool against my skin. I caught my reflection in the mirror and froze.

I’d never felt more beautiful.

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