Page 30 of Perfectly Wrong

I froze when I spotted Rento hovering by my office door. “Hang on a sec, John,” I whispered, pulling the phone away from my ear. “Our meeting’s not until 10 a.m., right?”

I had no desire to deal with him, but he didn’t seem to get the hint.

“Who are you talking to?” John’s voice came through the phone, but I ignored him.

“I know,” Rento murmured, looking a bit nervous. “I just thought I’d ask if you’d go to the gala with me. You’ve probably just received the invitation, so I’m guessing no one else has asked you yet.”

“Wrong,” John called out from the phone, and I stifled a laugh.

“Sorry, Rento, but I already have a date.” I put the phone back to my ear. “I’d love to go with you, John.”

I walked past Rento and into my office, John’s laughter echoing through the phone, making me smile even wider.

It had been a day packed with meetings with my incredible team. The SM Project was nearly finished and ready to launch. We’d decided that May 2018 would be our lucky month, and all the pre-launch interviews, photoshoots, and public appearances were lined up. Sam would be busy after Christmas, travelling from city to city and even to different countries to promote his third album, but we were all thrilled. When it came time to pick the first single from the three songs we had, I admit I cheated a bit. With my phone hidden under the table, I texted Sam.

If I told you it would make me really happy if the song you showed me at the hotel that day were the first single, would you say that’s the one you want?

His reply almost made me smile.

I can’t believe Miss “We-Can’t-Do-This” is really doing this!

I wrote back:

Please? They’re about to ask for your choice. I love that song, and I have a strong feeling it’ll be a huge hit!

My phone buzzed again, and I exhaled in relief.

Yes, Lena. I’ll tell them that one has to be the single. But you owe me.

Before putting my phone away, I replied:

Can’t wait to pay it back. Xx

The artwork from the Design team was also incredible! Our biggest concern was making sure the flowers matched the new songs, but when we spoke with Sam and his manager, they both assured us it would be perfect (Alex replied to my email; Sam texted me). I also managed to finalize the last details with the Japanese band, and the only thing left was to present it. After that, according to Jeremy, I’d be free. I wasn’t sure I trusted him, but I was determined to step back from this project. I’d go as far as getting a doctor’s note citing high stress levels if I had to.

The gala was on Friday, so I decided to find a new dress after work. I didn’t want to spend too much, so I wandered around Eaton Centre, hoping to find something within my budget. Even though my usual style is more casual—ballet flats, jeans, and T-shirts—I wanted something stunning. And then I saw it, in a shop window whose name I couldn’t recall. The sparkle and long sleeves drew me in, but it was the back that truly shocked me when I got closer.

“Can I try that dress?” I asked the shopkeeper. She must have seen the excitement in my eyes because she smiled brightly and led me to the dressing rooms, handing me the dress.

Everything about it was perfect; it felt like it was made just for me. At first glance, it seemed classic: black, with a boat neckline and a slightly slim fit, adorned with sequins from top to bottom and on both sleeves.

It hugged my curves, the mermaid silhouette skimming down my legs and highlighting my not-so-modest behind. But the back… oh, the back was something else. The fabric ended just where my shoulders and arms met, plunging all the way down, leaving my entire back exposed. It stopped only three fingers above my butt. With every movement, the gown sparkled, but it was nothing compared to how it made me feel.

My first thought was how Noah would have reacted. He would never have let me wear something like this. If he was in a good mood, he’d say it wasn’t suitable for a decent, married woman. In a bad mood, his comments would be far worse. Remembering that, I started to undress, but then I stopped. Noah wasn’t around anymore, and I wasn’t that woman anymore. I was in control of my life, had a successful career at Icon Records, and paid my own bills. I could even say I had a decent relationship with another man.

Without a second thought, I slipped the dress back on and smiled at the reflection. I felt powerful, sexy, and confident. The way the soft fabric clung to my body made me feel invincible and unbreakable.

Even though it cost more than I’d planned, I bought the dress. It was a gift to the new, liberated Elena, the one who survived an abusive marriage and was finally moving on. I left the store feeling almost euphoric. Instead of heading home, I browsed for some shoes and accessories. Passing by a high-end furniture store, I spotted a huge L-shaped couch that I knew someone would love. I snapped a photo and sent it to Sam.

Found this couch at Eaton Centre! I think it’d look great in your living room, near the windows.

The advantage of being only one hour ahead was that I didn’t have to wait long for a response.

Wow, that thing is massive! It could probably eat a person whole! Could you check if it’s comfortable and ask for the dimensions, please? And what are you doing at Eaton?

I ignored his last question. It wasn’t his business what I was or wasn’t doing. Instead of answering, I went into the store. A cheerful salesperson approached me, and I asked about the couch, sitting down to test it out. Honestly, it was more comfortable than I’d imagined.

It’s so comfy I could live on this couch! And the guy says it’s a contemporary design, whatever that means.

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