Chapter 3

"Lovely isn't it."

Della stared at the luxurious ballroom lodge Emily's parents had accumulated for the betrothal party. 

There were numerous people in attendance, some of whom she recognized. The affluent, the powerful, the well-known.

The lodge was furnished with the most illustrious and dazzling colors, elegantly designed to accentuate the beauty of the betrothal celebration. 

The guests were dressed in gorgeous outfits, the fabulous dresses they wore capturing everyone's attention. Mrs. Adley looked breathtakingly beautiful as well, in her pale purple velvet gown that flattered her slim figure and highlighted her flawless complexion.

Della's lonely life had been filled with difficulties, adversities, and negative experiences. She hadn't had the chance to live a perfect or luxurious life. She had not been able to become what she had wanted, and though she had managed to complete her studies, she had not found employment. She only stayed in the shadows, away from the limelight, wishing she never really existed.

"It is enchanting, mother," Della replied, clasping Mrs. Adley's hand and showering it with countless kisses, expressing her love and devotion as Emily would have done if she were present.

Mrs. Adley gave her a strained smile, drawing her closer and wrapping one arm around her in a gentle hug. "You have always cherished him, child, and you know how your father's heart rejoices to know that you are marrying the son of a man he admires."

"I owe you one, mother," she replied, moving closer. Mrs. Adley smelled of warm, rich flowers, and she couldn't resist the urge to inhale her scent.

"Mrs. Adley, Emily" a hoarse voice interrupted them. Della slowly but turned around, meeting the captivating face of Hunter Hardecker.

Her heart skipped a beat. Sleek, sexy, and downright gorgeous were just a few words to describe Hunter Hardecker. He was sensuously beautiful with a darling outlook and a stunning smile. He wasn't a male model, but he should definitely have been.

The aquiline nose complemented his prominent cheekbones, which appeared chiseled into shape by a master craftsman. They were of such sharp contours that it looked as if they were sculpted and pared to perfection.

He was handsome in an understated way, his strong jaw and Spartan shoulders speaking of strength. He possessed a latent, leonine power with purpose and authority.

His captivating, blue eyes were bright and spellbinding like lode stars, bewitching all who fell under his steady gaze. They were alight with mirth and shone like two eternity-blue jewels set in snow.

She could see why Emily loved the man. He was everything a woman could want.

He wore a classic dark black suit, and his spicy aroma was appealing. He pressed a soft kiss on both Mrs Adley's cheeks . She had only encountered him once and that was from the picture Diego showed her, but seeing him now she knew damn right he was alot hotter. 

Beside him was his stunning mother, who wore a full-length, sequined halter gown that clung to her every curve and sported slits on both sides, clearing up to the hip. Her large blue-green eyes were clear and calm, the curves of her slender frame complemented by the cuts and drape of the dress.

"Mrs. Hardecker, you look absolutely stunning tonight," Mrs. Adley complimented, enveloping her in a warm hug that carried the scent of expensive perfume.

"I couldn't have done it without you. Your sales representative delivered the dress right on schedule," Mrs. Hardecker replied, flashing a bright smile as she turned to a passing server. "And you don't look too shabby yourself, Josephine."

"Glad to hear that." Mrs. Adley chuckled, accepting the champagne flute Mrs. Hardecker offered. "Let me know if you need anything else."

"Of course." Mrs. Hardecker nodded. "Are you sure you wouldn't rather have a margarita?"

"No, thank you. I think I'll stick to the champagne," Mrs. Adley politely declined.

Della played with a fold in her dress as she listened to the women's conversation. They seemed to know each other well, speaking like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long while.

"Beautiful attire," Hunter's deep voice broke the silence.

Della turned gazing up at his captivating face, her full lips curving into a smile as she stepped forward to meet him.

"Mother made it," she mentioned, her voice soft and a bit timid. 

"May i."

Hunter's grin widened as he moved closer, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her pulse race. His hand slipped around her waist, the warmth of his touch like a slow-burning fire against Della's skin. Gently, he pulled her against us him, their bodies aligning in a way that felt natural yet electric. He reached up, his fingers brushing her neck as he pushed her hair aside, tucking it softly behind her ear.

The warmth of his body seeped through her clothes, spreading like a ripple of heat. The idea of his skin pressed against hers sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine, and her lower belly tingled with a sensation that her me breathless. The spicy scent of his cologne, mingling with the natural musk of his skin, was intoxicating, growing stronger with each breath she took. It wrapped around her senses, making her head spin and her thoughts scatter.

Della stiffened, her body caught between the thrill of the moment and the unfamiliarity of being this close to a man. She was unaccustomed to the way his touch made her feel, how it stirred something deep inside her. Her heart pounded, each beat loud in her ears as the tension between them thickened, teetering on the edge of something she wasn't sure she was ready for.

But despite her hesitation, she couldn't pull away. She lifted her face, her lips parting as she braced herself for his kiss. Her eyes fluttered shut, her breath catching in my throat as she waited, the anticipation a sweet ache. For a moment, she felt the heat of his breath on her skin, and she was certain his mouth was about to capture hers.

But instead, he leaned forward, placing a smooth, feather-light peck on her cheeks. The gesture was tender, almost affectionate, and it sent a rush of warmth flooding through her. His lips lingered for a moment, the softness of his kiss leaving a tingle in its wake. His hand gave her waist a friendly squeeze, a gesture that was comforting yet left her wanting more.