A Night Under the Lights

Leonard stood before the mirror in his luxurious suite, adjusting the collar of his black shirt beneath his elegant tuxedo.

Tonight’s party was one of the most significant events in the world of the elite, where businessmen, politicians, and celebrities gathered in an atmosphere drenched in luxury, alcohol, and intrigue.

But he wasn’t thinking about the party as much as he was thinking about Isabella.

Ever since he had told her she would accompany him, he had been anticipating the moment he would see her in her dress.

And when the door to the room finally opened, he felt as if his breath had caught in his throat.

Isabella stood there, as if she had stepped out of a painting crafted by an artist obsessed with beauty.

The long black dress clung to her figure delicately, accentuating her curves without being vulgar. Her bare shoulders added to her allure, while her dark locks cascaded freely down her back.

But it was her eyes that captivated him the most, shining under the soft lights of the room, filled with a mixture of defiance and uncertainty.

A fire ignited in Leonard’s veins. He was not a man who left his desires unfulfilled, and when he wanted something, he always got it.

He approached her slowly, like a predator stalking its prey, then reached out and gently wrapped a strand of her hair around his finger.

“I never knew you could be… this breathtaking.”

Isabella looked at him cautiously, disliking the gleam of desire in his eyes.

“This is just a party, Leonard. Don’t make it more than it is.”

But Leonard was not the kind of man to ignore his attraction. He leaned in closer, his voice low and sharp:

“Party or not… you can’t expect to wear something like this and not expect me to want you.”

A shiver ran down her spine, but she wasn’t ready to surrender so easily. She took a step back, lifting her chin in defiance.

“I’m here to accompany you to the party, not to be a toy in your hands.”

For a moment, Leonard was taken aback. No woman had ever rejected him before, and he wasn’t used to it.

But instead of anger, he felt something else… excitement.

He chuckled softly, then gestured toward the door.

“I won’t force you… tonight. But don’t hide behind your dress too much, Isabella. Because in the end, you’ll be coming back here with me.”

When they arrived at the grand estate where the party was being held, the scene was like something out of a dream.

The mansion was illuminated by massive crystal chandeliers, with walls adorned by rare paintings. The elite mingled through the grand halls, dressed in the finest attire and adorned with dazzling jewelry.

Classical music played in the background, adding an extra touch of elegance.

Servants carried trays of expensive alcohol, the glasses gleaming in the hands of guests who spoke in hushed tones, full of arrogance and hidden agendas.

Isabella felt like a stranger in this world. She observed how the wealthy conversed as if they were kings, while she was nothing more than an outsider.

But Leonard never left her side.

Standing next to her, his hand rested lightly on her back as he guided her through the crowd.

He wanted everyone to know she was with him, that she was his alone.

But someone didn’t seem to care.

A tall man, dressed in a sharp gray suit, approached with a confident smile.

He held a glass of wine in his hand, his eyes gleaming with interest as he looked at her.

“You must be new here,” he said in a charming tone.

Isabella eyed him cautiously, but she wasn’t naïve. This man wasn’t just making small talk, he was eyeing her like a prize to be won.

Before she could respond, Leonard’s voice cut through the air, cold as ice

“I think you’ve chosen the wrong person to talk to.”

The man turned, unfazed. He smirked, undeterred.

“Leonard Blackwood himself? I didn’t know you played the role of a bodyguard now.”

Leonard didn’t laugh. Instead, he placed a firm hand on the man’s shoulder, squeezing just hard enough to make him wince.

“I don’t play bodyguard, but I do protect what’s mine.”

Tension filled the air as Isabella saw the man’s face twist in discomfort. He tried to step back, but Leonard’s grip was unyielding.

“Don’t come near her again.”

Then, with a shove, Leonard sent him stumbling backward, nearly causing him to fall.

The entire room noticed the scene, but no one dared to interfere.

Leonard Blackwood was not a man to be challenged without consequences.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to Isabella, his gaze searching her face, as if to ensure she wasn’t shaken.

But she was furious.

“Why do you do this?! You can’t just act like I’m your property!”

He studied her for a long moment, then a small smile curved his lips.

“Isabella… do you really think I would let anyone touch you or even look at you like that?”

Her eyes burned with anger, but she couldn’t find the right words to argue.

For a moment, she felt more trapped than ever.

But what scared her the most…

Was that she wasn’t sure if she truly wanted to escape from him.