Chapter 3 A Market of Hearts

The sound of glasses clinking and low conversations filled the opulent ballroom as Lizzy Thomas made an entry, her heart pounding nervously. Dressed in a breathtaking sapphire blue gown that clung to her every curve, she wore a smile that could light up the space on anyone who looked her way.

Tonight was no ordinary night or any other event but it was the annual award dinner of National Association of Professional Marketers where she would be felicitated as the Best Marketer of the Year-Overall.

It was on this occasion that Mike Caldwell had his first meeting with Lizzy Thomas, in the past four months.

As the night went on, colleagues in the same profession kept coming forward to introduce themselves to Lizzy, while paying her their due respects. Lizzy felt highly ecstatically happy.

And then Lizzy saw him-Mike Caldwell the reclusive billionaire CEO of Tekmik Global Corporation. He was a man in charge. A presence so electrifying that Lizzy could not peel her eyes off from him. Tall with brown eyes that appeared to hold many secrets, he simply took her breath away.

Mike was invited as the special guest of honor to the occasion.

The very second he neared her, time decided to take a break.

"Congratulations to you Lizzy on your award," he said, his voice was as soft as velvet. "Your work justifies it; you're an inspiration."

"Thank you, Mike," Lizzy replied, her cheeks flushed. "It's an honor to be recognized by an organization that does so much good for others." Their gazes held for what seemed like a bit too long. The world between them shimmered with unexpected connection. "Ridiculous," she told herself. "It must be the adrenaline of the evening that's getting to me."

As the evening went on, Lizzy was surrounded by people, but her mind kept wandering back to Mike. He was too good to be true. She caught bits and pieces of his life story-how he'd created an empire out of thin air and revolutionized entire sectors with his genius marketing ideas. She also learned that Mike was a tech guru.

The awards ceremony concluded with cheers and applause, and Lizzy was buoyed by the rush of joy as she held her trophy aloft. Afterwards, as guests mingled and the lights dimmed, Mike approached her once more. "I was hoping to speak with you privately, if you don't mind?" His tone was sincere, and devoid of the normal bravado that surrounded powerful figures.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Lizzy followed him to a quieter spot in the ballroom. The music sounding distant as Mike began talking, his eyes looking intense and focused. "I would like to offer you a position at my company as the Marketing Manager. I sense huge capabilities in your talent and creativity that is hard to come by. The rewards are quite substantial, and it's my hope that jointly, we can do wonders."

Lizzy's heart skipped a bit at his proposition. This opportunity will not only enhance her career, but likewise a special collaboration with a great visionary. "Thank you, Mike. I feel tremendously flattered. Can you kindly give me some time to consider the offer?"

"Of course yes," he replied, as a hint of disappointment flickered through his face. "Please keep in mind that my belief is that you are a brain and beauty combined, quality that's truly exceptional."

Warm shivers went down her spine at the compliment, making her breathless. Lizzy saw herself taking the offer, with her awareness that this exceeded ordinary career move; this sounded like the commencement of something profound.

When the event of the award night finally came to an end, and the audience started trooping out of the hall, their attention was drawn to the mini crowd gathered at the car parking area. With intrigue, some decided to go and see. Mike Caldwell who served as the special guest of honor was about to depart with his entourage in his motorcade which comprised of ten exotic sport cars.

The cars which were the most expensive types were from different manufacturers. They included Rolls-Royce Sweptail, Ferrari LaFerrari, Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, Lamborghini Sian, SP Automotive Chaos, Lycan HyperSport, Aston Martin One-77, and so on.

The intrigue among onlookers was palpable as they've never seen such exotic cars brought together in one motorcade before. The costs and the awesome designs of the cars took their breath away.

...

In the subsequent weeks, professional relationships between Lizzy and Mike flourished. The office was turned to canvas by their innovative ideas. They likewise shared undeniable chemistry. Jointly, they spent countless late nights together for brainstorming. At such sessions laughter would echo through the former quiet office. Such moments usually left both of them yearning for something beyond just a business partnership.

At one of such late nights, they found themselves near the window, huddled together. They watched as the city lights were twinkling, with the night sky as the back ground. Mike suddenly turned to her with thoughtful expression. "Lizzy, have you ever taken your time to think of what it takes for one to truly succeed?"

"Sure, why not," she said, tapping at her chin in a thoughtful manner. "To succeed, one needs to work hard, take some risks and have a touch of luck."

Mike smiled as he nodded thoughtfully. "And probably it likewise has to do with one's ability to find the right partner, someone that is capable of complementing you in all the ways."

The tempo of Lizzy's heart beat increase as she heard Mike's kind words. "Are you trying to confirm what I think you are?"

"Lizzy, you know you're brilliant. Sincerely speaking, I'm yet to meet someone like you. So, consider it a lie if I said that I've not been feeling strongly connected with you, including on a personal level." he confessed in a whisper.

With bold feeling, Lizzy stepped closer. "So, what is your proposal?"

Mike galvanized himself with a deep breath, as if trying to muster courage. "Seriously, I wish we explore this - whatever it may be, together."

Realizing the possibility of romance, her heart soared. "Great idea, I'd like that," she replied softly, her voice remained steady even though her heart was pounding fast.

From then on, a new chapter was created. Lizzy and Mike both stood as a united force, facing issues relating to business world and exchanging the secrets of their hearts. Their romance blossomed.