Chapter 6

Kacie arrived at the hotel ballroom on time. The first thing she heard was the sound of Jayden crying.

She walked into the private dressing room Cedric had booked and saw the scene. Jayden was sobbing, and on the chair next to her was a beautiful evening gown, now splattered with red wine and dirt.

Cedric' s face was dark with anger. "Don't worry, Jayden. I'll find out who did this and make them pay." He was already on the phone, arranging for a new dress to be delivered.

Kacie didn't want to be part of the drama. She picked up her own dress bag and turned to find a different room to change in.

"Wait," Jayden said, her eyes, red from crying, fixed on Kacie' s dress. "Cedric, there' s no time to get a new one. The party is about to start." She looked at Kacie. "Kacie, could I please borrow your dress? Just for tonight."

The dress Kacie had chosen was a deep blue, a perfect match for the sapphire suit Cedric was wearing. They were meant to look like a couple.

"Jayden, you're his assistant," Kacie said, her voice even. "It wouldn't be appropriate for you to wear a dress that matches the CEO's suit."

Jayden' s lower lip trembled. "But I' m his partner for the opening dance! If I don't look the part, it will reflect badly on the company. People will talk."

Kacie felt a surge of weary frustration. "That's not my responsibility."

Before she could react, Cedric stepped forward and took the dress bag from her hands. He gave it to Jayden.

"This is an important event for the company, Kacie," he said, his voice firm. "Jayden needs to look her best."

Kacie stared at her empty hands. "And what about me?"

The simple question hung in the air.

For the first time, Cedric seemed to truly see her. He saw the profound exhaustion in her eyes, the complete and utter disappointment. A strange, unfamiliar ache spread through his chest.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. He opened it. Inside was a necklace, a stunning string of rubies that glowed like embers. It was the necklace Kacie had admired in a jewelry store window weeks ago.

"This is for you," he said, his voice softer now.

Her breath hitched. For a moment, she forgot everything. She reached out, her fingers hovering over the beautiful stones.

"Oh, how gorgeous!" Jayden exclaimed, snatching the box from Cedric' s hand before Kacie could touch it. She clasped the necklace around her own neck. "Cedric, how do I look?"

For the first time all evening, Cedric looked annoyed with Jayden. "That' s not for you, Jayden. It's for Kacie."

Jayden smiled sweetly at Kacie. "Could I just borrow it for tonight, Kacie? Please? My dress is ruined, and I need something to make me look presentable. The reputation of the company is at stake."

Cedric looked at Kacie, a silent plea in his eyes. He expected her to give in, to sacrifice her own feelings for the sake of his company, for the sake of Jayden.

Kacie slowly pulled her hand back. "Let her wear it," she said, her voice devoid of emotion.

Cedric looked relieved. He took the necklace from Jayden, his fingers brushing her neck as he fastened the clasp for her.

"Does it look good?" Jayden asked again, turning to him.

"It looks good," he said, his eyes on Kacie.

But she was already gone. He turned to see her walking out of the room.

"Kacie, where are you going?" he called out.

"To a place where I belong," she said, without turning back.

An uneasy feeling settled in his stomach. He wanted to go after her, but the party was starting. Jayden was pulling on his arm, urging him toward the ballroom.

He took one last look at Kacie's retreating back, then suppressed the feeling of dread and turned away.