CHAPTER 16

Audrey's Pov

He showered kisses on my neck and then inhaled the scent of my shampoo, “You should always let your hair down, you look gorgeous with your hair down” He complimented and I pushed him off unwrapping his hands from my waist I stood up.

“Thank you for your concern, if you don't mind I would like to be left alone now” I replied ditching my plan to make him squirm, I shouldn't complicate things more than this.

He stood up and headed for the door, “I ordered your dress and I'm done with sending invites, before you start getting worried about your father I told my guards to bring him here specially”

I smiled at those words, I don't know how to thank him for always being so thoughtful.

I ate my breakfast as soon as he left and a few minutes later the maids came to take the tray away, looking at how far I have come I feel proud of the choices I made and Xander has proven to be a good partner.

I was still lost in my thoughts when someone knocked on my door, I told them to come in but I was shocked to see six women dressed in formal clothes.

Each of them carried big boxes and some carried bags of different kinds, “What is this?” I was forced to ask and they all bowed before one of them answered my question.

“We were sent by Mr Clarkson to help you prepare for your party, we brought clothes and shoes you will pick the one you prefer then Miss Dianne will assist you with it,” The woman said and Dianne stepped forward, I sighed when I realized this was Xander's doing.

Is my sense of fashion that horrible?

I picked a shining purple dress with thin straps, it was a stunning backless gown that pools at my feet and the slit almost made me change my mind.

This is my party and the first one anyone has thrown on my behalf ever since my mom, I wore the dress and the slit from my left thigh downwards made me look sexy and exquisite.

By the time they were done with my makeup and accessories, I felt like a princess and a stranger at the same time.

They wore a silver choker on my neck and I gave them the diamond necklace Xander gifted me, they helped me with it and I was grinning from ear to ear.

I wore diamond earrings to match and wore silver Mach&Mach heels, the dress glittered as I twirled and they all applauded. They stretched my long hair and cut my front hair into bangs then they added curls on the tip. My jaw dropped by the time they were done, I will have no problem with keeping my hair down after this because I looked so breathtaking and I felt beautiful.

“You look stunning Mrs Clarkson” One of them complimented and I blushed at the title, I gasped as I looked at the time.

The party has already started and I could hear the clattering downstairs, I can't believe we spent a lot of time rolling me up and I'm going to be late for my own party.

“It's time to go now, Mr. Clarkson said you are needed” Dianne expressed and I nodded taking my diamond purse from the vanity I stared at my reflection in the mirror one last time before heading for the stairs, I wasn't expecting Xander to turn his living room into a ballroom for me.

Everyone was dressed in purple, the women wore beautiful purple dresses the men wore black suits and I chuckled at the sight.

Xander really means business and I couldn't find him among the crowd, that's odd he always stands out with his height and cold commanding aura.

“Looking for me, love?” I flinched when I felt him whisper into my ear, I veered and gasped when my eyes beheld the sight in front of me.

He was wearing a black three-piece suit and his hair was slicked back, his usual teasing smirk made him look even more attractive.

“You look breathtaking, maybe I should hide you for the rest of the evening, I don't want anyone seeing you like this,” He said with a possessive tone as he scrutinized my dress, “That's funny because it's my party, come on we should get it over with” I took his arm on mine taking a step into the spotlight.

The clattering stopped the moment we walked in and there was a hush silence, I felt nervous but as if he could sense my discomfort, Xander's grip tightened on my arm.

“I got you, you should just focus on me right now” He whispered into my ear and I exhaled as his hot breath fans my neck.

I might have melted into his touch and then I realized this isn't just a challenge to me anymore.

I'm starting to have feelings for him and unlike Zachary, he is an enigma and I would never understand him, falling for him will be risky and I will just be in for another heartbreak.

I forced a smile as someone called for a toast to us, Xander shook hands with some men while refusing to let me out of his sight, he also introduced me to them and they treated me with respect after all I own the Redfield empire now.

“So we just have to go through small talks before cutting the cake, I should introduce you to my business associates too in case you want a deal this will help you get to know them better” He explained then it hit me, he didn't just throw this party to announce that we are together he did it to introduce me to his world, and making things more easy for me now that I have inherited the company I do need partners to expand myself.

“How about I tell you what I want to wish for now?” I smirked as he raised an eyebrow probably caught off guard by this sudden request.

“Sure, I'm good at multitasking so you can ask” He replied leading me towards our table, just as I was about to tell him what I wished for there was a commotion at the door.

I can recognize my sister's voice even when I'm asleep, the question is why is she yelling like a mad woman?