Chapter 6 Liar

Ethan seemed to have a special talent. Whenever he showed up, one could only see him and nothing else.

Elisa finally realized that she should keep her cool. It was probably because the man who had his arm wrapped around my waist was way better than the man by her side who didn't know what to do. This made her feel a little embarrassed. Therefore, she threw the coffee cup in her hand away and turned around to leave.

Lily clenched her fists and shouted behind Elisa. "You should fucking apologize to Hailey!"

I squeezed Lily's hand. "This is not something that a school teacher should say. Watch your language."

Lily looked at me in disbelief.

I then added, "Hey, Lily, stay cool! There's a handsome guy watching us."

Lily and the man behind me shared a look and erupted into laughter. That was when I felt something shaking behind my back. Ethan was chuckling as well.

Ethan released his hold on me and remarked, "I'm here to pick up my suit, and I plan to head back home afterward. Do you want a lift?"

I was going to say no when Lily nudged my waist.

"Sure. Hailey and I were planning on going home as well."

Ethan took a large gift box from the shop clerk, and when we got into the car, he asked us to hold the gift box to prevent the bumpy ride from messing it up.

It was a strange request, but I still nodded. Holding the gift all the way home wasn't that much trouble anyway. When we arrived outside our houses, I wanted to return the gift box to Ethan, but he waved his hand. "This is for you, Hailey."

With that said, Ethan closed the door to his house.

Lily and I looked at each other in a daze. We then went into my house and opened the gift box. When we saw what was inside, Lily screamed with joy.

I gently picked up what was inside the gift box. It was a dress made from high-class silk. It had a soft touch and emitted a soft glow. Diamonds were placed on the neckline and hemline. The dress was dazzling, like the night sky. Every diamond was carefully chosen and shined brightly like the stars.

Lily guessed the dress must cost at least four figures. 'You probably need to add a couple more zeros to that,' I thought.

Compared to this dress, the dress that Elisa wore earlier looked amateurish. There was a gift card inside the gift box as well. The words [To Hailey.] were written beautifully on it.

"This is too pricey for a neighborly present." I packed up the gift box, planning to take it next door.

Lily suddenly remarked, "This dress fits perfectly. How does he know your size?"

I nearly stumbled, recalling Ethan's embrace at the bar. I turned and stuttered, "Maybe he's got good eyesight."

Lily countered, "He guessed your size through those loose clothes of yours? Seriously?"

"Then he's got quite an imagination," I assumed.

Lily grinned slyly. "Imagining you without clothes?"

Her comment lingered in my mind, clouding my thoughts. Feeling awkward, I knocked on the neighbor's door, holding the gift box.

"Hailey?" The man stood freshly showered, steam wafting from his body clad only in a towel.

I shut my mouth tightly, fearing I might blurt out, "Have you been picturing me without clothes?"

Ethan leaned in slightly and softly repeated, "Hailey?"

"I don't know what you gave me this gift for." I offered him the gift box, averting my eyes from his chiseled abs.

"No need to thank me," he said, tapping the box. "It's not a gift; it's a favor."

"I don't get it." I shook my head.

"In a few days, I need to attend the Aesthete Gala, the one making headlines. But I lack a companion," he explained, seeming a bit forlorn, water droplets clinging to his lashes. "So, for the sake of the dress, will you accompany me to the Gala, Hailey?"

"Did you receive an invite?" I inquired.

"Unless there was a mix-up by the Gala organizers, yes, I did," he teased.

I hesitated. My initial plan was a quick appearance for my grandfather's sake, not an extended stay. Committing to Ethan would likely prolong that evening.

"If you're hesitant, you can keep the dress. It'll be a gift, not a favor anymore," Ethan said, leaning against the doorway with a soft smile. "Thanks for making this the best Valentine's Day I've had in years."

He was crafty, reminding me of his assistance on Valentine's Day and today at the store. Without his intervention, that coffee mishap would've unfolded differently.

"I'll join you," I conceded.

Ethan's eyes sparkled as soon as these words left my lips.

*****

The Aesthete Gala arrived swiftly. The company had booked the entire estate hotel. The main ballroom hosted the event, with attentive servers in the garden providing drinks and services. Hotel rooms, including the plush presidential suites, were open for guests if they felt weary, though it seemed unlikely anyone would tire tonight.

"Look, there's Albert Ava! She owns over 120 media companies and her net worth soared to 4 billion dollars last month!"

"Did you see Rupert? His company just teamed up closely with NASA for new projects!"

"And Keith, oh my gosh, he was spotted having tea with the Queen in London this morning, and now he's here?"

Elites from different fields gathered, turning this place into a hub of possibilities. The Aesthete family believed this event was a prime spot for high society connections.

If they knew that the annual Aesthete Gala was, in fact, my grandfather's way of celebrating my birthday, many jaws would drop.

Indeed, ever since I was born, the gala coincided with my birthday. Due to my concealed identity, my grandfather came up with this idea. It was an avenue for me to explore different paths if I desired.

While I cherished my career, the gala was simply... tedious.

Ethan hadn't shown up yet, so I stood alone, holding a glass of champagne. The dress he had gifted me drew numerous admiring glances.

The black gown, adorned with diamonds, hugged my form perfectly, its sparkles catching the light.

I caught fragments of their conversation.

"Who's she?"

"No idea, but she seems familiar. Did we see her last year?"

"She's got a unique vibe. Should I go talk to her and make friends with her?"

I didn't clarify anything, just smiled and sipped my drink, staying at the edge of the crowd. Suddenly, a gasp rang out.

"Elisa Lesley? How did she get an invite? Her father's pharma company never mingled here and recently had a rough patch."

"That's why they brought her in—a move out of desperation, I guess. But who's the guy with her? Her beau?"

"Are you sure? Would Elisa risk bringing a beau? Doesn't she know what her family expects from her?"

From the corner of my eye, I witnessed Leo and Elisa, close and conversing in harmony. Leo's eyes gleamed with joy, while Elisa basked in his admiration.

I stood near enough to hear Leo proudly introducing himself to someone Elisa had just met. "Yes, Elisa and I are deeply in love. I feel blessed to have found my soulmate." He clasped Elisa's hand firmly, a content smile on his face. "I know Elisa's way out of my league. I'm just a project manager at the MSG Group. I hope for more collaborations with everyone here."

Leo and Elisa raised their glasses, exuding an air of ownership over the event. Their matching diamond rings glinted in the ballroom's bright lights. I touched my bare finger where a ring once rested, eavesdropping on their chat.

"I recognize you, Leo, a rising star at the MSG Group," someone said.

Leo straightened up confidently.

But then the person asked, "Aren't you married to a medical intern? I remember you made the same promises to her that you're now making to Elisa."