A Night, A Secret, A Billionaire's Baby

After a magical one-night stand at a charity gala, Emily Carter, a hardworking interior designer, finds herself pregnant by a man whose last name she doesn't even know. That man is Damon Blackwood - a reclusive tech billionaire and heir to the Blackwood empire. Three years later, fate throws them back together when Emily lands a major design contract for a luxury resort... owned by Damon. As secrets unravel, sparks reignite, and a little boy with Damon's blue eyes brings everything full circle. But can love grow from one passionate night and a long-hidden truth

New York City (Emily's business)

Aspen, Colorado (Luxury resort project site).....

The city was alive with energy, a glowing tapestry of lights and laughter spilling out into the streets. Emily Carter pulled her coat tighter around her as she stepped out of her apartment and into the crisp night air of Manhattan. The gala she was about to attend wasn't her scene, but her best friend Sophie had insisted.

"You need to get out more," Sophie had said. "You work too hard. Plus, it's at the Hilton - you can't miss it."

Emily wasn't the type to waste a Friday night in a crowded ballroom. She had just launched her interior design firm and was buried in client consultations, drafting floor plans, and staying up late to create the perfect pitch for her next big project. But Sophie had been relentless, practically begging her to come. And so, here she was, walking toward a building she'd never imagined entering, let alone attending a lavish masquerade ball inside.

The glittering lights of the Hilton cast a warm glow as she ascended the marble steps, her heels clicking sharply. The invitation she'd received had come with a mysterious note, a touch of elegance in the carefully chosen font: Masquerade Ball - A Night to Remember.

She wasn't sure what to expect, but one thing was certain: she wasn't going to enjoy it. Emily had long ago traded in fancy dresses for architectural blueprints and afternoon lattes in a quiet café, but Sophie's insistence had overridden her better judgment.

Inside, the space was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over elegantly dressed guests, each one masked and mysterious. The sounds of violins and jazz blended in the air, creating an atmosphere that was both foreign and enchanting.

Sophie found her almost immediately, her extravagant gown of deep red sparkling under the lights.

"There you are!" Sophie grinned, grabbing Emily's arm. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show."

"I almost didn't," Emily admitted, allowing herself to be swept into the crowd. The music swirled around them, a cacophony of laughter and conversation that made her feel out of place. She glanced around, seeing more masks than faces, more mystery than warmth.

"I know. But you look amazing." Sophie twirled in her dress, causing a few heads to turn.

Emily forced a smile. "Thanks." She glanced at the nearest table and took a deep breath. "I'll grab a drink."

Sophie waved her off. "I'll meet you in a bit. Have fun!" She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Emily to navigate the maze of well-dressed strangers.

The bartender poured her a glass of champagne with practiced efficiency. Emily took the drink, its bubbles sparkling in the dim lighting. She barely tasted it as she surveyed the room. She had never felt more out of place.

That's when she saw him.

Standing across the room, his tall frame outlined by the dim lights, a man with striking dark features and an air of mystery about him. His mask, black and intricate, only heightened his allure. He was dressed impeccably, a tailored tuxedo that seemed to fit him like a glove, but there was something about his eyes that drew her in - intense and knowing, as if he saw through everything.

Emily felt a sudden pull, an unexplainable magnetic force that had her holding her breath.

He was watching her.

And as their eyes locked across the room, the world seemed to slow down.

The crowd disappeared. The music softened. And all she could think was, Who is he?

His gaze didn't waver. There was no hint of amusement, no flirtation. Just an intense, curious stare. Then, with a deliberate step, he began to walk toward her.

Emily's pulse quickened, her heart fluttering in her chest. She wasn't used to this - this kind of attention, this kind of magnetism. She had never been the center of anyone's gaze for long, especially not like this.

He reached her within moments, and when he stopped in front of her, she realized just how tall he was. His mask barely concealed the sharp angles of his jaw, his lips set in a faint smirk that hinted at mischief. His eyes, though, were unreadable, but they held an intensity that made her feel as though he could see every part of her.

"May I?" His voice was low, rich, with a smooth confidence that made her knees weak. He gestured to her champagne glass.

Emily blinked, still a little disoriented. "I... I'm sorry?"

He smiled, a slight lift at the corner of his lips. "May I steal a sip of your drink?"

Emily found herself laughing softly, though she couldn't quite place why this man's request made her feel both intrigued and nervous.

"Sure," she said before realizing she had no idea who this person was. He wasn't one of Sophie's friends. He wasn't anyone she recognized at all.

He took the glass from her gently, their fingers brushing, and brought the rim to his lips. His eyes never left hers as he drank, taking his time as if savoring the moment. When he finished, he returned the glass to her with a casual grace.

"I suppose I should introduce myself," he said, his voice smooth as velvet. "I'm Damon."

"Damon?" She blinked, a bit taken aback. She hadn't expected him to be so direct.

"Damon Blackwood," he added with a small, almost imperceptible nod. There was something about the way he said his name - a kind of quiet power that spoke volumes.

Emily's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know why, but something about him stirred something deep inside her. Maybe it was the way he looked at her, or maybe it was the fact that she had never felt such a magnetic connection with someone before.

"Emily Carter," she replied, her voice unexpectedly soft.

"I don't usually do this," Damon said, taking a step closer. "But I find it hard to resist when I meet someone intriguing."

Emily's breath caught in her throat. Intriguing?

Before she could reply, Sophie appeared beside her, smiling mischievously.

"Are you two going to stand there all night, or...?" Sophie's teasing tone broke the moment, pulling Emily back to reality.

Damon glanced at Sophie, then back at Emily, his eyes dark with interest. "I suppose we could have a dance. But only if you're up for it, Emily."

Her pulse raced. A dance? She had never been one for dancing in public, especially with someone so captivating and unfamiliar.

But something inside her whispered that tonight, for once, she should throw caution to the wind.

"Alright," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He held out his hand. She hesitated for a moment, but when she placed her hand in his, she felt a jolt of electricity pass through her.

This would be a night she would never forget.