Chapter 5 The Invitation

I was pulled out of sleep by a persistent buzz of expectation the next morning, which caused me to wake up earlier than normal.

I was thinking about Alexander's remarks when I was brewing coffee in my small kitchen. I had spent years telling myself that I didn't have something in me, yet he had noticed it.

By the time I reached the café, I was still mentally reliving the exchange. Mia was at the desk already, and she smiled curiously at me. You're more jovial today," she teasingly said.

"Do you want to share anything or anyone with the class?" The blush that was creeping up my neck betrayed me even as I rolled my eyes. It's nothing. Simply attempting to get the day off to a good start.

She responded, "Uh-huh," knowing, but happily, she didn't shove.

The morning rush demanded all of my concentration as the café began to fill up rapidly. I was able to divert my attention from Alexander for a time and concentrate on serving pastries and boiling lattes. However, when the crowd subsided, the door opened, and he entered.

Steele Alexander. He wasn't alone this time. Accompanying him was a man in a fitted navy suit, his expression solemn yet kind. I had the same tummy flip as they got closer to the desk.

"Good morning, Miss Matthews," Alexander greeted, his strong voice piercing the café's commotion. As my heart raced, I tried to seem nonchalant as I said,

"Good morning." He introduced himself and pointed to his partner, saying, "This is Mr. Caldwell." "He is a colleague of mine."

I nodded to Mr. Caldwell, and he nodded back to me respectfully.

"Nice to meet you." Alexander leaned in a little bit, his voice lowering just enough to give the conversation a personal touch. "When you get a minute, I'd want to talk to you. Something of significance.

His delivery of it made me uneasy for some reason. "Yes," I said, attempting to sound more assured than I was. Upon my eventual break, I discovered Mr. Caldwell and Alexander seated at a corner table. I walked up to Alexander, who pulled out a chair for me. I was surprised by how natural and fluid the gesture seemed.

I sat down and whispered, "Thank you." Alexander stayed upright for a while,

staring at me intently before he sat down.

"I apologize for taking you by surprise these past few days, Lorena, and I appreciate your patience." Feeling uncertain about what to say, I folded my hands in my lap. "I see promise in you," he added, "unrealized, unadulterated, and remarkable. And I want to make you aware of it. With the words hovering between us, I blinked. "What potential are we referring to here?"

Although Alexander's smile was little, it was devoid of contempt. I'm not trying to be mysterious. I mean, I see someone who can do so much more than simply serve pastries and coffee. I felt my throat constricted.

It is simple for you to state that. You have no idea how it feels to make ends meet "You're right," he said, his voice suddenly gentler. I've been lucky in ways that many others haven't. However, that's why I desire to assist. "How?

My voice was nearly a whisper as I asked. After exchanging glances, Mr. Caldwell produced a sophisticated envelope from his briefcase. On the table before me, he set it. "What is this?"

I looked at the envelope like it may burst as I enquired. Leaning forward a little, Alexander's eyes were focused. An invitation is being sent. Tomorrow evening, I'm throwing a formal gathering. I believe you might find it enlightening. With every instinct telling me that this was a poor decision, I paused. "There's not exactly a ball gown lying around."

A little grin twisted Alexander's lips. It's not an issue. I've gone ahead and organized everything. If you agree, my staff will take care of the specifics. I laughed uncomfortably at the sheer insolence of it. "You're not even sure if I'll say yes." With ease, he remarked, "I'm optimistic."

With the weight of his offer bearing down on me, I gazed at the envelope. Going to such an event was like entering a world where I didn't belong, a place that might completely consume me. I then reflected on my little flat, my never-ending work schedule, and the persistent pain of wanting more out of life. Finally, in a voice more steady than I felt, I responded, "Okay."

"I'll leave." I was in a stupor for the remainder of the day.

By the time I got home, fatigue was pulling at my limbs, but my mind was still racing, so I was thankful that Mia didn't pry.

The envelope was on my small dining table, its immaculate surface untouched, and I hadn't opened it yet, almost fearing what it might hold.

When I finally plucked up the courage, I discovered an exquisitely embossed card that described the event-a charity gala at one of the city's most prestigious hotels-and I traced my finger over the intricate design, feeling a mixture hardly recognized the lady who was looking back at me. The garment, a sophisticated emerald green gown, was a dream fit, with the fabric flowing with each step.

My hair was done in delicate waves, and my makeup was understated but effective. I was distracted from my thoughts by a knock at the door. A driver in a sharp black suit was waiting for me when I opened it.

"I'm here to attend the gala, Miss Matthews." The drive was a blur, and as each mile went by, my anxiety increased. My heart was racing when we finally made it to the motel. The event's magnificence was staggering. Warm light from crystal chandeliers filled the space as well as the laughing and discussion of the well-dressed visitors. Then I caught sight of him.

Alexander commanded attention with ease as he stood close to the center of the room. A gentle smile appeared on his face as soon as his eyes met mine. With a compelling charisma, he excused himself from his chat and approached me. His voice was low and earnest as he replied, "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you," I said, my cheeks getting warmer. He extended his arm to me. "Should we?" I couldn't get rid of the sense that my life was going to change forever as he ushered me inside the room.