Isabella's POV
This week came like a flash. The air crackled with excitement as the annual fashion gala approached. Winnie and I went shopping during the weekend buying jewelry and some accessories for our gowns I made for the fashion gala . My brothers will be coming, my parents and all of our family members since the gala was organized by us. Nathan, Winnie's boyfriend will also be coming. I just hope this doesn't cause a scene at the gala because I know Ishmael has broken up with Tiffany because she tried to retrieve funds from his company without informing him and most of all, he wants to get back with Winnie. I was now a rising star in the design world so I had the liberty to secure chances for Nick and his two other friends since Rhys is already a family member so he doesn't need me.With Nick's keen eye for style, he was thrilled to be my plus-one. The night of the gala arrived, and we prepared with anticipation. I was adorned in a stunning blue floor gown that accentuated my grace,carefully outlining my broad hips and round ass and was the epitome of elegance. Winnie dressed in a black show your back floral gown that fitted her . She looked like a princess. We were admiring our gowns in the mirror when the bell of my apartment rang. I opened the door to reveal my two brothers who looked like models in their suits. " You look gorgeous, kiddo!" Kevin complimented. Ishmael wasn't looking at me so I turned around to what he was looking at and saw Winnie cheerfully talking on her phone. "Ahem , Ishmael?" I said waving my hand at his face. " Uh, what is it?" He asked looking confused. I was about to answer when Winnie came to my side . " Nathan is waiting for me. I can't wait to ki…" she was saying when she saw Ishmael. She quickly shook her head and looked at me. " What are we waiting for, let's go." She said. Kevin and Ishmael stepped aside as we walked out with them trailing behind us. We drove in Kevin's limo to the gala. Throughout the drive I saw how Ishmael stole secret glances at Winnie but she was too engrossed with her phone to even notice. 'I'm not feeling sorry for my brother though because he broke her heart in the first place so I don't care.'I thought inwardly and shrugged.
As we entered the grand ballroom, we were immediately immersed in a world of glamour. The room buzzed with energy, filled with celebrities, designers, and fashion enthusiasts. My brothers really put in their all. Winnie and I were mingling effortlessly, our presence turning heads. We were talking with old acquaintances when my eyes met his. Nick . He was dressed a blue tailored suit . He really looked like a Greek God. "You guys are matching outfits!" Winnie nudged me . " Stop it !" I whispered still looking at him . " Go to him. Unless you want other people to meet him before you do. Go ." She said pushing me slightly . I was greeted by colleagues and admirers as made my way toward him, whispering their names with respect.
I moved to his side . We smiled at each other. " You look stunning." He said as he neared me . " You don't look bad either." I smiled teasingly . " Bro, we're leaving you two alone. We don't want to be love sick." His friends said moving away. We were just staring at each other and smiling when my parents approached us . " Bella , where have you been?" my mom asked . " I was talking to friends." I simply replied. " Who's this fine gentleman." She asked after examining Nick . " I'm Nicholas Graham. Your daughter's friend." He replied . " Owww! My daughter now has a friend." My dad said. " Daddddd!" I playfully glared at him before moving around with Nick.Throughout the evening,we moved through the crowd, our hands occasionally brushing as we navigated the throng. We marveled at the exquisite designs on display, sharing our thoughts and opinions. We laughed, we danced, and we reveled in the vibrant atmosphere.
As the night progressed, we found ourselves drawn to a secluded balcony, overlooking the city lights. Under the starlit sky, we shared a moment of intimacy, our connection deepening. We spoke of our dreams, our ambitions, and the path that had led us to this moment. The air was filled with unspoken emotions, a sense of possibility that hung between us.
Suddenly, a familiar face appeared. It was Sofia, Nick's sister. "You two look absolutely stunning," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I knew you'd make a splash tonight."
Nick and I exchanged smiles, grateful for Sofia's presence. We continued to enjoy the gala, our bond strengthened by the shared experience.
As the party reached its peak, we found ourselves drawn to a quieter space, away from the lively crowd. The soft glow of the fairy lights cast a romantic ambiance, creating an intimate atmosphere. We stood close, our eyes locked, a silent conversation passing between us .
Finally, Nick broke the silence. "Isabella," he began, his voice filled with emotion, "I've been wanting to tell you something for a while now." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I have feelings for you. More than just friendship. I can't be telling people we're just friends when I want more than that."
My heart skipped a beat, a mix of surprise and elation washing over me . I have been yearning to hear those words, yet I was still taken aback. "Nick," I replied, my voice barely a whisper, "I feel the same way."A smile spread across Nick's face, his eyes shining with joy. "I've never felt this way about anyone before," he confessed. "You make me laugh, you challenge me, and you inspire me. Being with you feels like coming home."My heart fluttered. "You make me feel like the best version of myself," i admitted. "I love your kindness, your intelligence, and your ability to make me see the world in a new light."We stood there, lost in each other's gaze, the weight of unspoken emotions finally lifted. The air crackled with a newfound energy, a blend of relief and excitement. We had bared our souls, revealing the depth of our feelings.Nick gently reached out, taking my hand in his. "I'm so glad we're finally saying this," he said, his voice filled with tenderness. "I want to explore this, to see where this can go."I squeezed his hand, my eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Me too," i replied. "I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."In that moment, surrounded by the remnants of the party, we stood on the precipice of something new and exciting. He leaned in and kissed me. My knees grew weak as the kiss intensified. I threw my hands over his neck to support my body. We were kissing when we heard glass shattering. " What's going on?" I pulled away to look. "Let's go!" Nick said pulling me into hall. I was terrified my the scene. Ishmael was on Nathan punching him. I held my gown as I moved to their side. " Ish stop! I said stop !" Winnie was crying. Kevin and Rhys came to pull him off a bruised Nathan. " I'm not done with you. " Ishmael threatened. "What happened?" I asked Winnie rubbing her back. " … hm Nathan and I were dancing and kissing when … hm Ish approached us dra… hm …hm drank. He was begging me and calling Nathan names. … When Nathan pulled me away… hm, he pun … hm unched…hm him." She said between sobs. " It's okay." I said comforting her . Nathan came to our side and hugged her, taking her away. I escorted my parents to their car before returning to check up on Ishmael. " What came over you?" I asked looking straight at him. " I don't want to talk about it." He said and walked away. I stood there looking at his silhouette disappear. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to meet those grey eyes I always get lost in. " Do you need a ride home ?" He asked. " Yes." I whispered before hugging him. The drive to my apartment was quiet. When we reached , he got out and opened the door for me . I murmured a small thank you and kissed him. The kiss was short but it was soothing. " Goodnight Bella." I turned to him sharply when i heard him call me Bella. " Why you don't like it? I'm sorry. I thought.." he was saying when I moved toward him and gave him another kiss. My name sounded so sexy when he said it. " I love it . Goodnight Nick." I replied and opened my door and entered. Today was hectic.