Frustrated, she considered calling the hotel help desk. As she moved toward the phone, she brushed against a photo frame on the wall, accidentally loosening one of the gown's shoulder straps. Feeling it slip down her shoulder, she sighed, staring at the exposed skin.
Great, she thought. I can't tie this thing with one hand.
She grabbed the phone, asking for a female staff member to assist her. As she sat back on the couch to wait, eyes closed and exhausted, there was a knock on the door.
Assuming it was the staff, Summer didn't bother opening her eyes. Holding the slipping shoulder strap, she spoke lazily, "Can you please help me tie the strings of my dress? I can't do it with one hand, and I'd rather not walk around half-naked."
There was a long pause. The silence felt… off.
Frowning, she opened her eyes—and froze. Standing in the doorway was not the female staff she was expecting, but Tristan, dressed sharply in a fitted black suit. The clean-cut elegance of his outfit only accentuated his broad shoulders, strong chest, and towering frame. His dark hair was neatly combed, and the smooth lines of his clean-shaven jawline caught the light. But what captivated her most were his eyes—deep and intense, locked onto hers with an unreadable expression, as if he were bewitched.
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she jumped to her feet. Oh no, she thought, Did I just ask him to tie my dress? A wave of embarrassment swept over her.
"Trish! You... why didn't you say something? Are you mute or something?" Summer tried to laugh it off, her voice betraying her nerves. "I thought you were the staff I called for help. And it's all your fault I'm like this—helpless with one hand!"
Tristan, still gazing intently at her, took slow, deliberate steps toward her. His eyes never left hers, as if drawn to her by an invisible force. Without a word, he reached for the loose strap on her shoulder. His fingers brushed lightly against her bare skin as he began tying the strings, his movements slow and gentle.
Summer's breath hitched. Her heart raced, every touch sending a shiver down her spine. She stood completely still, the tension between them thick, as if time itself had slowed down. Tristan's fingers lingered slightly longer than necessary as he secured the knot. His breath was warm against her neck, sending a tingling sensation that made her cheeks flush even deeper.
Once the strings were tied, Tristan leaned in, his lips dangerously close to her ear. His voice, low and velvety, sent a shudder down her spine. "I'm taking responsibility for your injuries," he whispered, a touch of seduction lacing his words.
Summer's heart pounded in her chest. She couldn't bring herself to look at him, not while her face was still flushed from the intimacy of the moment. But when she finally did, her gaze fell upon the perfectly tailored suit that clung to his body, his crisp white shirt contrasting against the dark fabric. He looked breathtakingly handsome—elegant, yet ruggedly masculine.
For a moment, her eyes traveled down his strong jaw, his sharp nose, and those intense eyes. She realized she'd been staring too long when he cleared his throat, his mouth quirking into a playful smile.
"Sam," he teased, a hint of amusement in his voice, "I don't mind you admiring me all night, but we do have an event to attend. There are people waiting for you."
Realizing how obvious she had been, Summer snapped out of her daze, trying to play it cool. "It's a shame you're just a businessman, Trish. If you weren't, I'd hire you to soothe my eyes."
Tristan's smirk grew wider, a smug gleam in his eyes, but deep down, her words made him ecstatic. She finds me attractive, he thought, feeling triumphant but trying to maintain his composure.
Their playful banter was interrupted by another knock. This time, it was the female staff Summer had called earlier. "Hello, ma'am, you called for assistance?"
Summer, still feeling flustered, quickly turned to her. "Yes, please. Could you help me with my heels?"
Once the staff had helped her with her shoes, Summer stood, finally ready. The gown accentuated her slender frame, the royal blue color highlighting her fair complexion. She looked both regal and delicate—an effortlessly beautiful woman who turned heads wherever she went.
Tristan couldn't take his eyes off her. As she adjusted her sling, she caught him staring again.
"Ready?" she asked, her voice light, masking the flutter in her chest.
Tristan offered his arm, his usual confident smirk replaced by something softer. "Absolutely. But if I'm being honest, I might be more distracted by you than the event."
Summer rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a smile as they left for the evening's event together.
As Summer stepped into the venue, her arm linked with Tristan's, all eyes seemed to turn in their direction. Together, they looked striking—a pair made for attention. Summer, in her royal blue gown, radiant with her graceful beauty and poised elegance, stood out like a vision against the sea of gowns and tuxedos. The intricate knot tied by Tristan earlier only enhanced her allure, her smooth bare back glinting under the lights, while her matching sling spoke of a silent resilience.
Tristan, in his tailored black suit, exuded charm and masculine elegance. His tall, athletic build and the sharpness of his features made him impossible to ignore. The attendees admired the two—many already whispering that they looked like the perfect couple, even if they themselves hadn't quite realized it.
Everyone who saw them were in awe of the pair as they shine like stars, complementing each other so perfectly and naturally.