One Night, One Baby, One Billionaire Mess

Point

it felt different. Or maybe

my pulse. The tinted windows shielded me from the outside world for now, but I knew what wait

years away, and I was no longer the woman who ha

rough the morning air. The weight of dozens of stares pressed against me,

pered as I

t Ava R

's b

five

wledge them. I moved forward,

wrapped around me. The lobby was exactly as I had left it moder

for me, her brown eyes sharp behind her

g through her tablet. "The press is still asking for a st

rinkle in my dress.

also wond

im?" I finished

dded. I gave a small smile, though it

hought settled une

lettering. The Annual Commerce Gala. A prestigious gala, filled with the city's elites, business

so, I hadn't planned on attending. Until I saw his name on the guest list. Damian Cross. The name

little too fast. My grip on the invitation had turned my knuckles white. Five yea

was everywhere in this city. He hadn't

out to be in the same room. I didn't know how I felt

*

s casting soft light over the glittering crowd. All I could feel was the energy

carefully thought responses. My presence was a statement in i

never wante

s glo

nk she's se

dange

t enough. I ignored them as a waiter passed by, and I plucked a glass of champagne from his tray, letting the cool s

me. I was here to show Damian Cross that I wa

oth voice called. "You

rough business circles. His salt-and-pepper hair an

nt before letting out a soft laugh. "I w

n glass of champagne. "You and I both k

here I thought people c

your leadership." He remarked. "I imagi

my champagne. "Some things

ome things are wort

around my glass as

owingly. "You haven't

et my expressi

you w

n a mock toast. "Th

lipping away into the crowd. I sighed, rolling my shoulders back. James wa

y fingers curled around my now empty champagne glass, the cold pressin

an C

more dangerously handsome. His dark hair, slightly tousled yet effortlessly styled, framed shar

tense eyes of his as well. I placed the glass on a passing tray before c

he way I did. Our eyes locked, and for the first time in five years

e y

let him have power over me again, and yet, as he took one step closer, his ga