Chapter Twenty

What did he say? How do I own him? These phrases are really eating at me. Evening six is now, and I'm still working in my room. Yet, an invitation glared me in the face. The hotel is hosting a sizable celebration today. According to Brooks, who originally claimed that his father actually owned the hotel, he honors his father's duty with a party each year because, in the end, his father's choice was not regrettable. Wealthy and well-known business tycoons are coming here, but I'm staying home. I want to dress up, but I have nothing to wear.

Sitting close to the window, I kept an eye on all of the activity going on outside. Every person entering the hotel is being checked by a large number of security personnel. Is Ronald going? With whom? Already enraged with me, he is already upset with me, and now he has the opportunity to harm me. When the knock came, it interrupted my train of thought. It might be Ronald. But as soon as I opened the door, my excitement was gone."Yes?"

"It's for you, ma'am." He handed me a big bag and then walked away. Beautiful green dress made of supple material. Every detail is flowing through my fingers. Good, how much does this outfit cost? The sender of this, Ronald, might.

"Lovely dress on a lovely girl. I'm going out with you tonight."

Ronald has already departed with someone, so it is Brooks. He wants to go out tonight with me, but what about Ronald? I bet he doesn't want me to go with Brooks, but I need to do something that upsets him. For me, it's the only option. I'm ready for the party after waiting thirty minutes. But who is the girl in the mirror, though? I've never thought I was so attractive. I can still recall what I was wearing the last time I glanced in the mirror.

Brooks may choose, then. He decides on silk that has embroidery. My entire body, from head to foot, was wrapped in the fabric. Exposed leg and covered neck in a sidecut. Beautiful embroidery and tiny bits of glitter that sparkle in the light wrap both arms. I go for subtle makeup, dark lipstick, and diamond earrings to add some extra flair to the green.

"The world's most stunning woman, always." With Brooks' voice, I leaped. when he walked into space? In the dark green tuxedo that he is wearing to match mine, he is appearing more dashing, I thought.

"I appreciate it, but I thought he was murdering me with his looks." He has wonderfully styled hair, and his cologne is the most alluring I've ever smelled on anyone.

"I'm lucky." In front of the mirror, he is standing behind me. How different I appear at the moment. With pricey jewelry, clothing, and cosmetics, the entire body is gleaming.

"What's up with Ronald?" He extends his hand to me while rolling his eyes. I touched it with my hand.

"You should try to manipulate his emotions a little. Every time he saw you with me, his affection for you grew. But I want him to make the decision on his own terms. He must regain faith in you." He kindly leads me outside while stroking my skin with his warm kiss. I suddenly feel so priceless. Nobody ever attempts to make me feel as beautiful and unique.

"Why are you torturing me like this? You're with me in that way, I mean." In the elevator, we came to a standstill.

"Because I care about both Ronald and you. Sure, we are not on the same page, but it appears that someone has brought us together. You're also my ray of hope, and I think you're here for the right reasons."

"What if I decide I don't want him?

"Do you?"

"We shall see. In any case." I whisper.

When the floor comes, I can hear some light music as he takes me via the private elevator. When the elevator doors open, there is low murmuring and music, and the paparazzi are all watching us. I've never seen such a mob around me, my God. It both frightens and excites me. His security guards surrounded us, shielding us from onlookers, and escorted us inside. Miles and flashes of us. I keep asking questions.

She is who?

Is she a romantic partner?

Do you have any future plans?

When will you make a decision?

Just grin and have fun. I nod while grinning and posing for photos like an actress. The air is open where I'm inhaling now. The broad space where I used to breathe keeps me there.

"God! You are gracious." He pulls me closer to his body as his arms encircle my waist. We arrived at the party two seconds later, and my heart leaped with anxiety and excitement. It's really lovely. Everything is top-notch and expensive.

"That pleases you. My father enjoys vintage and traditional items. He seeks relics of the past. So, this is it." Indeed, I am looking at the carpet, lamps, lighting, and everything else that is unique and ancient.

"I value your teste." He handed me juice while grinning. I'm initially in shock.

"I observed you sipping juice during supper rather than champagne." Yes, he watched every move I made, but why not Ronald's? How could I possibly forget?

Oh my God, how could I possibly ignore Ronald? My eyes lift up and focus on a face that is observing me in agony and rage. Ronald was so dashing in his crimson tuxedo when suddenly a hand touched his chest. She is the same female he was traveling with on the aircraft.

"Don't tell me he looks more attractive than I do."

"Sure, but tonight you're the center of attention." He gives me a quick smile before introducing me to others. He appears to be engaged in regulations and is a successful businessman. Today, I'm experiencing the same appeal that Brooks is experiencing right now in his neighborhood, thanks to Ronald. When it was finally his turn to meet with him, everyone waited.

"So you pick him instead of me." His scent and body heat affected me before he ever got close to me.

"Mr. Ronald, that's not how it is." I wasn't made weak by his influence, but every lady in the room was gazing at him with passion. They exhale with passion in every breath. I also lack self-control. When he's near me, my body never reacts the way it does. Signing, he places a drink order. He's already started drinking, thank goodness.

"So, Rose, what now? Don't you think that you two were meant to be together?" I settle down next to him and place an order for a drink for myself.

"We are close, but only as friends. He has a good heart." In front of me, a glass filled with alcohol is set.

"Whom are you lying to? I'm a constant observer who's always seen your perfect look behind this mask. You're making an honest effort." He's interpreting it incorrectly.

"Ronald.. I.." With his finger on my lips, he closed my.

"You lie," I said. My world trembles with a whisper.

"Dance Rose." While we are having a talk, Brooks pulls me onto the dance floor. Ronald caught my attention the entire dance since he drinks so much.

"It's excessive."

"You can control him."

"What if I messed up?"

"I think you can pull it off. Ronald and I were quite close, but Laura shattered our relationship. Although she is still on her quest, now that you are with him, make a pledge to stay with him." I nod with narrow eyes. He continuously sips from his glasses.

"He is a lovely person at his core. He simply lost the ability to live a life. Rekindle your affection for him." I nod once more.

"Go and ask him to dance." My foot immediately stops.

"What..?" He spun me around and winked. He leaves when I arrive at my location. Visit him and inquire. I stumble as I move, but stop. Brooks is standing there, looking at me and smiling. He gave me the signal to leave when I stopped moving and gave me a harsh look. I shook my head and turned just as he made a face. I ask while reaching out to him and inhaling deeply.

"Mr. Ronald, will you dance with me?" He put down his glass and turned his face toward me. His inebriated eyes darted over the throng.

"What? Is he not sufficient for you?" I offer him my hand while rolling my eyes, but he slaps it away. What?

"Miss Rose, I'm not interested. I have no interest in used items." He is merely angry, that is all. I nodded and walked away after leaving him alone. I simply want to move on at this time. Yet a hand held me back.

"Did he just leave you behind?" I nod while scowling.

"You're running once more now."

"You see, I'm not."

"Seriously?" I'm upset with myself. Considering that he doesn't want me.

"Indeed, I'm running—not away from him, but towards myself—because he's only harming himself by drinking." The young lady joined him in his seat.

"Go speak with him. Comfort him." We remain still.

"Okay, let's leave."

"Where?"

Ice cream