3: Sparks

Flashback:

I was sipping my wine, leaning against a wall, trying to attract the minimum attention possible. JAE often organised fundraisers which I only attended to be able to make donations under my name without drawing the attention of the press. I could easily merge in the crowd. Having the opportunity to meet investors is always a plus but most of the men approached me because of my looks.

That’s why I was currently hiding. Not a very good hiding spot I know but it’s the best I could get. One step into the bathroom and I almost suffocated with the amount of perfume in the air. So, the next best thing is merging with the wall. My gown being beige was an advantage as all the walls were the exact same hue but it was extremely comfortable. Even having been a past model, dresses were never my thing. I’m mostly in jeans and pants for the office. Why did we even have to wear ball gowns? We ran businesses, not kingdoms! They could have gone with normal professional attire.

“What’s a beautiful lady like you doing trying to sink into the wall?”

Not again! This is the tenth time already. I can’t play nice anymore. I prepared myself to put him back in his place but I soon realised just who had addressed me. Jason Stag, the CEO of JAE! I can’t possibly reprimand him at his own party. I composed myself before replying.

“Trying to escape creeps. I guess I’m not much of a chameleon.”

“Oh, not at all. You were doing a pretty good job. I was actually looking for you.”

“Really? Why would the host of such a wonderful party be looking for me?”

“Oh please. No need to pretend to be enjoying yourself. If it was up to only me, I would just donate to the organisation directly but they need all the exposure they can have.”

I couldn’t hide my surprised look.

“My only mistake was leaving the organisation to my mom. She’s in her medieval phase.”

“That’s why, I’ve been forced into this atrocity,” I mumbled to myself, pulling at the train.

“I take it you don’t like ball gowns.”

I wasn’t expecting him to hear what I said but if we are on the subject I might just make it clear.

“More like hate. I’m not a dress person. I prefer shirt and pants. More comfortable. More practical. More subtle. Basically, a world better.”

“I thought as a past model and owner of a clothing brand, you liked dressing up.”

“There’s a reason it’s called Comfort AND Style. Unfortunately, we don’t have ball gowns yet. I should really mention it to Rose.”

Hold up a second. Did he just say past model?

“I see you’ve done your research though.”

“I tend to check people’s backstory before considering whether to invest in them.”

“Did I pass?”

“With flying colours.”

“I’m glad. What incited you to consider me for an investment though?”

“I tend to target new businesses and your company has a huge potential.”

“Well, I’m honoured,” I replied, curtsying while holding one end of the gown. “Guess it does have its advantages.”

We both burst out laughing. I couldn’t believe I was talking to the real Jason Stag? I heard he was an extremely cold person who rarely ever cracked a smile but we were literally laughing together.

“In all honesty though, I wanted to approach you because I appreciate all that you donate to the associations.”

“I see that you like doing so too.”

“Yes, I do. It’s my way of helping.”

I smiled at him.

“Anyway, what do you say? Want to work together?”

“I would love to but I’m going to be out of the country for quite a while and I’m leaving the company in the hands of my vice. As much as I trust her, I would like to handle this particular investment myself. Maybe when I come back.”

“Of course. May I ask what is the purpose of your trip?”

“Finding myself.”

He didn’t ask more and I was glad. I took my last sip of wine and he noticed.

“Would you like another drink?”

“No, I’m good. Thank you.”

“Let me help you with that then.”

He grabbed the glass from my hand and our hands brushed against each other, sending a shiver through my body.

“Cold?”

“A little.”

Yeah. That’s definitely an excuse. What was that for real though? It felt like my whole body was on fire for that split second. I wonder if he felt it too.

“Where are you headed to after the party? Maybe I could drop you on my way home.”

“That’ll be fine. I already have a driver at my disposal. Thank you for the offer though.”

“My pleasure. On that note, I shall take my leave.”

Wow, that was a drastic change. Why did he get so professional out of nowhere?

“Have a good night, Jason.”

“Have a good night, Miss Emily.”

He gently took my hand and placed a gentle kiss on my knuckles. Goosebumps erupted all over my body.

“It was a pleasure meeting you.” He didn’t have any time to reply. I bolted out of there. That was… weird.

~~~~~~~

Now here we were, nearly four years later. About to get married. Maybe I no longer want to ruin it after all.