Differently intriguing…

"She doesn't know?" I asked Michael with surprise evident in my tone. I saw Diana's face stiffen probably due to embarrassment. Now I needed to question their relationship cos it was like she knew nothing.

"Dom never really saw the need to say" Michael replied his tone as light as possible. How was that even an excuse? There was no need for Dominique to tell me that too right?

"I see," I replied, my tone straightforward. We didn't have to wait long before Dominique made his entrance, and he looked incredible. The black suit that I initially thought would appear dull did just the opposite. His broad shoulders were sharply tapered to a narrow waist, with muscles that rippled beneath the smooth fabric. The jacket fit him like a second skin—the lapels crisp and clean—while the trousers were impeccably tailored, hugging his long legs perfectly. His shoes gleamed with a mirror shine, enhancing his overall aura of refined elegance. His eyes, though seemingly distant and empty, couldn't conceal the sharpness of his intelligent gaze. Dominique is a man whose presence commands attention in a room—not through bravado, but through his quiet confidence.

"Wow! Dominique Quill, I'm in love with you," I said in a tearful tone, staring at him with my large eyes, looking cute and in love. I knew I was exaggerating, but that was the point. I was still shamefully checking him out, not caring about the others in the room. 

"Oh my! Your pocket square is red—just like my purse and heels! Are we matching?" I asked, my pitch higher than normal, fully aware that I was being delusional.

"You've gotten the hang of my last name, I see," Dominique said, referencing how I had addressed him earlier.

"And I love it!" I said, a smile brimming on my face. If Gwen ever saw me like this, she'd freak out and probably call a mental hospital on me. Now I must admit that those saying about how love can change a person were true. Dominique merely squinted at me before ignoring me.

"We're all set! Let's get going," Michael said promptly. I stylishly approached Dominique and slid my arm around his, and thankfully he didn't pull away. Micheal led the way and I could feel Diana eye's throwing daggers behind me.

We walked out of the hotel and we were met by a black limousine with two men in a suit sitting in it. One of the men came outside, walking straight towards us.

"Good evening, Mr. Quill, Mr Savis. Our Boss Willow sent us to come fetch you" The man said with a slight bow. I watched Dominique and Michael give each other a look and I could tell it wasn't a meaningless one.

"Mr. Willow shouldn't have gone through that trouble though," Michael said with a small smile.

"Ohh it's no trouble at all Mr Savis" the man replied quickly as if already expecting him to say that. Michael was about to talk again before Dominique tapped him lightly on his shoulder.

"Okay," Dominique simply said as pulled me towards the limousine, with Michael and Diana following behind. The ride was quiet, with Dominique and Michael absorbed in their phones, leaving me to sense that something else was happening beneath the surface.

Upon our arrival, we were escorted into a beautifully illuminated building. I felt a sense of excitement as we stepped into the grand hall; I couldn't help but marvel at the high ceilings and stunning chandeliers that filled the space with a warm, inviting glow. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries, and the polished floor reflected the elegance surrounding me. 

As we walked over to the tables, each draped in luxurious linens, I was captivated by the breathtaking centerpieces made of fresh flowers and flickering candles, which added a magical touch to the atmosphere. The room buzzed with excitement as guests, all dressed in their finest outfits, mingled and shared laughter.

"They really put in some effort this time around" I heard Michael say to Dominique as they surveyed the area.

"Ohh Dominique! Michael!" A man probably in his fifties voiced out from behind us. He had grey hair and was slightly chubby. Beside him, a young man who seemed to be in his early thirties was staring blankly at us. His hair was dark brown and his eyes an ocean blue. Unfortunately, they were concealed by his gold-rimmed glasses. He was tall and slender and was rocking his dark blue suit. He looked uninterested as he pocketed his hands.

"My favorite business duo!" the greyed-haired man exclaimed as he stretched out his hand.

" Mr willow, it's so nice to meet you," Michael said as he accepted the handshake. Dominique simply gave a nod of acknowledgment.

"We appreciate your effort by sending us a car," Michael said, his tone oddly intriguing, leaving me trying to decipher the undertones behind his words. 

"Oh, absolutely! This is my territory, so I've got to take care of you guys!" he exclaimed, laughter booming from him with a warmth that somehow put me at ease.

"Mr. Willow, how are you?" Diana chirped, flashing me a smug smile as if she held a secret. 

"Oh, Diana! My! I've been doing great!" Mr. Willow responded, his smile expansive. I watched Diana toss her hair back at me, her demeanor shifting to one of faux meekness and sweetness.

"That's wonderful! Ryan, long time no see!" she beamed at the man in the gold-rimmed glasses. Yet, I could feel his gaze piercing through me, scrutinizing me as if I were a specimen under a microscope—offensive was an understatement.

"She's a new face," I heard him declare, finally withdrawing his assessing gaze. 

"A fan of Dominique?" he added, a note of disdain lacing his voice that took me aback. What on earth?

"Just overlook her antics; she's just a local girl that Dom finds intriguing… for now," Diana jabbed, her tone dripping with condescension as she turned away. 

"It's obvious," the guy with the gold-rimmed glasses remarked, his voice laced with superiority. But I'd never felt lesser—confidence pulsed through me like an unstoppable force, untouched by looks or wealth.

"Ugh, and that's why I love my fierce look!" I muttered, snapping the band securing my hair in a bun. In an instant, my hair cascaded down past my waist. I ruffled it a bit, feeling the surge of edge I desperately craved. The ambiance shifted as I readied myself for whatever came next.

"Ohh, what a stunning young lady! May I know your name?" Mr. Willow asked, clearly taken by my appearance. I shot a quick glance at Diana, then smiled wider than ever as I replied.

"Olivana, but you can call me Olly, Liv, Vana, or even Ana if you like!" I said, a playful grin spreading across my face.

"Olivana, I love it!" he exclaimed, matching my energy, which lit up my smile even more. As the conversation flowed, my eyes darted to the guy in the gold-rimmed glasses, who had been scrutinizing me with disdain. I couldn't help but return his gaze with equal defiance.

It seemed I'd struck a nerve because his brows knitted together, deepening his frown. "What are you doing?" he asked, his tone icy. I was already accustomed to Dominique's cold demeanor, so this felt like a warm breeze in comparison.

"Who? Me?" I said, feigning ignorance and relishing the frustration it sparked in him.

"Why are you staring at me like that?!" he shot back, visibly struggling to keep his cool. Ah, someone's got a temper! That's exactly what makes Dominique so differently intriguing—his stoic facade made it a challenge to evoke a reaction from him.

"Oh, you mean like how you stared at me just five minutes ago?" I replied, my lips curling into a smirk. I could see the frustration radiating off him as his frown deepened and his thin lips twitched. Oh boy, he looked like he was on the verge of an explosion!

"I shouldn't be exchanging words with a woman of your caliber," he said unexpectedly, his tone surprisingly calm despite the storm brewing in his eyes. What did he mean by a woman of my caliber?! Talk about offensive!

We were locked in an electrifying stare-down when suddenly, a high-pitched voice cut through the tension. "Bae? Who's she?"