Behind The Mask

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CHAPTER 105

~Valerie's POV~

I didn't know what I expected when I stepped up to the balcony after that dramatic spotlight reveal, but Dristan standing there—mask discarded, gaze fierce and unguarded—definitely wasn't it.

I crossed the floor slowly towards him. He watched every step, and for once, I didn't try to hide how hard my heart was beating.

When I finally reached him, I lifted my chin, voice calm but sincere. "Thank you… for earlier. For driving Emerald to get the dress. I didn't expect you to."

Dristan's eyes swept over me with a strange softness. "You look beautiful," he said. "More than I imagined you would be in it."

I looked away, heat rising to my cheeks. "You imagined me in it?"

His smirk was small. Dangerous. "Of course."

I swallowed, not knowing what to respond. Of course, he had imagined me in it, which was why he felt it was the best fit.