Chapter 18 :Requests And Proposals.

At Xander's Mansion.

The girls were taking their time with all the preparations. Zoey had called Athena over to come work her magic on her.She was quite overwhelmed with all the things Athena was doing to her body but she couldn't protest or complain. After all, she did ask for her help.

It was half past five when Matteo dropped off the package.Back into Zoey's room,they anticipated to find out what was inside the red shiny large box.They carefully opened the box and when they lifted the cover off,Zoey and Athena could not help but gasp at the sight.Inside the big box laid an exquisite evening dress,glittering from the silver and gold sequins that covered it.Zoey gently lifted it out of the box and held it in front of of her,it was shiny,gold sequins reflecting in her eyes,making them look like they were sparkling. The off-the-shoulder,v-neck gown felt so luxurious to the touch that she couldn't help but her fingers over it.Athena took out a matching silver and gold mask,a gold box and high heels.

"Now that's one hell of a hot killer dress!It is definitely a designer piece!And these jewels and shoes,oh my God!Xander really has a taste, no lie." Athena said with disbelief.

it was around past 6 when the masterpiece was completed.

"Oh bestfriend!Look at how magnificent you look!!It's safe to say you're the most gorgeous woman alive on this planet earth I have ever set my eyes on!" Athena complemented,pleased with the magic she had just made on her bestfriend.

Zoey didn't comprehend the excitement Athena had but as soon as she stood in front of her large mirror, she understood the reaction her bestfriend gave.She gave a swift gasp as she was shocked at the thought of how that beautiful dress and enough grooming could transform someone to that extent.Zoey had always believed that she was indeed effortlessly beautiful but she almost couldn't believe that the woman in front of the mirror was her.

"Thank you so much, Ath.I really look like a million dollar piece of art.I really can't thank you enough bestfriend."Zoey said and Athena smiled at her.

"You're welcome my lady." Athena did a dramatic bow.

They both laughed.

"Hey princess, I need to ask for a favour before we depart."Xander said."There are going to be important and potent men at the ball with lot of my enemies on look out and for that matter," Xander continued,"You have to do this one big favour for me."

It was around six when Athena took her leave when Xander surprised them by popping in.He said he needed to see if the dress fitted well on Zoey and if she was alright. But it was all just an excuse.He wore a Gold tuxedo to match with her and he looked quite striking.

"Which is?"

"I want you to wear this." He took out a white small box out of his pocket.

Zoey's eyes widened. Her mouth went agape and her mind,puzzled.

"Xander what's that?"

"I want you to wear it only for the night." He said.

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you would be doing me a favour."

"And why would I do that again?"

"Because I'm desperately in need of you right now and only you can aid me on this one."

"Remind me again, why would I do that?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Dammit Zoey!" Xander ran a hand through his hair,a bit infuriated."What's wrong with you!?"

"What's wrong with who,me!!??" Zoey snapped.

"No Xander, what's wrong with you!You expect to just dump a shiny diamond ring at me for me to wear without having the courage to elaborate CLEARLY to me what is going on!" At that point, Zoey's voice filled the entire mansion.

Xander continued to just stare at her with silence.

In a voice that throbbed with emotion, she said."Unlike you, I'm a fragile creature." She whirled around and left.

"Wait!"Xander called and she came to a sudden halt.

"I am sorry princess."

Zoey had still had her back on him,her head lowered and arms loosely dropped on each side.

looking over her shoulder at him,she said."Follow me if you could use a drink right now."

And with that,she disappeared out of the room.

Xander remained in a foggy state,but with a chuckle, he tailed behind her.

As he reached the bar,Zoey was busy pouring them drinks while he sat down on the stool across where she was standing.

Xander was about to take off his jacket when Zoey said suddenly.

"Wait!" Xander stopped.

Their eyes locked for a brief moment. He cautiously watched her as she made her way to the other side where he was seated. The sound of her heels clicking the marble tile was the only sound heard.Standing behind him,she unbuttoned his jacket from behind. Xander could take in her scent which almost made him fall drowsy at its pleasantness.

"There you go " Zoey announced after succeeding at taking the jacket entirely off.

"Was that seriously neccessary?" Xander asked,chuckling.

"Something serious is something necessary to be taken care off Sir." Zoey uttered, "And yes,"She continued, "It's necessary to me to take care of you."

Xander was impressed."Is it?"

"Yes." She sipped her wine."I am your servant after all now,ain't I Sir?"

Slowly Xander stood,then tentatively took Zoey's hand.

"You know that's not true right?"

She looked down as Xander intertwined their hands while the others held their drinks.

She shrugged.

"Why do you desperately want me to wear a ring Xander?" She looked so serious at her.Even her tone was also serious.

Xander sighed. "I might have did a big mistake by uttering a huge lie today at the boardroom." He said.

Curiously, Zoey questioned."Might have or genuinely did?"

"Genuinely did." He chose.

"Okay," She breathed out."What did you do?"

Xander just gave her an innocent shrug and wore silence.

"Vincenzo?" She confusedly called out.

"Katherine?" Xander called back in the same tone.

"What did you do?"She repeated.

"Oh-my-God!"She gasped, with dawning understanding.

"You told the board that you are engaged,now didn't you?"She enquired.

"I did what?"Xander asked,feigning bewilderment.

"Don't be an ass." Zoey said shortly.

"Heard that you ran your mouth during a heated argument about how long the Xander leader has been a bachelor and so he wouldn't afford to attend events such as Balls because he would eventually leave with a married man's wife at the end of the ceremony."

"You've heard that already?" Xander asked, caught off balance. "But that happened tod-" He stopped abruptly.

Took a brief, eyes narrowed look at Zoey and asked.

"Wait a minute, how did you know all that?"

Zoey smirked sipping her drink."You are not the only one with connections all over the entire world,you know."

"Hahaha,you wish princess." He gave out a sarcastic laugh.

"Back to your favour,I have a proposal to raise first."

Raising his brow,he asked."Am I not the one who is supposed to raise it and slip a ring on your finger after we have an accord?" He teased.

Zoey fought the edge to roll her eyes and instead, she sighed hugely.

"No.You.Are.Not." She stressed out every word.

"Really?"

"YES REALLY VINCENZO." She said in a stern,bored tone."Now,say I agree to go out to the ball with you right now and wear the ring Indubitably.Will you also agree to give what we have a chance?" She proposed.