Against all Adversities (Billionaire Romance)

The night was electric at the lavish Grand Aurelia Hotel, where chandeliers were dripping with crystals, and the air well perfumed with the scent from fresh lilies and precious cologne. It was the periodic commercial fete for Tekmik Global Corporation and the buzz was palpable. The company was alternate to none in the bustling megacity of New York. It had branches across the world and boasted of assets that ran into millions of billions of dollars.

Lizzy, the new head of marketing department at 28, stood with her back to the wall, conforming her shimmering, emerald green gown. She felt like a fish out of water among the glamorous crowd, but her heart contended with expectation.

What stood her out was her stunning beauty. She was endowed with voluptuous and tall figure, coupled with her striking blue eyes.

"Are you ready for this night, Lizzy" her coworker Vivian asked, thereby snapping her back from her deep thoughts.

Vivian, a vibrant woman with a gift for marketing and an eye for fashion, twirled in her satiny black dress.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Lizzy responded, forcing a smile. She had worked hard to land this position, and now was her chance to prove herself - both to her associates and to the enigmatic CEO who pays her salary, Mike Caldwell.

"Did you hear the rumors?" another colleague, Tom, chimed in, he leaned in close like someone having a secret to divulge. They say he's bringing a new celebrity as his date this time: A pop star, perhaps?"

Lizzy sighed, doubtful if she liked the idea of Mike showing up with someone different. A part of her was curious about the billionaire's private life - by the way, he was known for his string of high-profile relationships. But tonight, he was still her master, and the exhilaration of working so nearly with a man of his status was intoxicating. More importantly, she had a job to do.

The grand hall slowly became filled with the clinking of glasses, laughter and the soft strains of an orchestra playing live. As the timepiece inched toward eight, Lizzy felt a flutter of jitters. She hadn't seen Mike all day; he'd been in meetings, concentrated on investors. But after some moments, the chamber doors swung open, and he suddenly stepped into view.

Mike Caldwell was standing tall and commanding, his presence diverted the atmosphere in the room completely. He was cladded in an acclimatized tuxedo that accentuated his athletic figure. The crisp white shirt differed against his scourged skin. His dark hair fell perfectly into place, and his striking brown eyes started scanning the room with great confidence that left women breathless.

While he was approaching Lizzy, her stomach turned. The way his piercing gaze rested on her sprang up something disarming. It seemed to her as if he could see past her precisely composed surface direct to her nerves.

"Lizzy," he greeted, as he offered a warm smile that set her heart racing. "Tonight, you look stunning."

"Thank you, Mike. You too look marvelous," she responded, flushing.

"It's great to see you around. Are you ready for this night of celebration marking our hard work?" he inquired while gesturing toward the bar, where glistering cocktail was awaiting them.

As he led her to the bar, the murmurs from the crowd about his lack of a date faded into the background. Rather, Lizzy concentrated on the way he moved - confident, purposeful. They participated in taking some drinks, and the walls of formality were steadily lowered, as their discussion flowed seamlessly. They laughed, shifted stories about their careers, as they reached common ground.

"I've seen quite a lot of people in my time, Lizzy, but you're much different. You have this... spark," Mike said, his voice low as he leaned in nearer.

Lizzy felt her heart skip. No one had ever looked at her like that in the past, and although she knew he was notorious for being a playboy, the chemistry between them was inarguable. The further they talked, the further layers began to peel down, revealing the depth beneath Mike's attractive face.

As the night progressed, flashes of cameras captured the glamorous guests, but for Lizzy, the world outside faded into the background. Hours slipped by, and before long, the symphony transitioned from elegant ditties to upbeat tracks that signaled guests to the dance floor.

"Shall we?" Mike prompted, while extending his hand toward her, wearing a mischievous grin. Lizzy slightly dithered. She placed her hand in his, and he led her to the dance floor where couples swayed to the rhythm of the music. Mike's hands wrapped around her waist, anchoring her as they moved together, bodies swaying in sync. The intensity of his sharp gaze burned a spark in her, and she couldn't help but smile back, the chemistry between them creaking like electricity.

Lost in the music, they danced as if the world had melted down. Lizzy's cheek brushed against his shoulder, feeling vulnerable yet exhilarated in his grasp. In that moment, everything felt possible. Everything except her reality, the fact that hereafter, they would return to their professional places.