CHAPTER 40

　　In the darkened auditorium, Casper found himself focusing on Holly's face rather than the opera.

　　He could see the glisten of tears in her eyes as she responded to the emotional story being played out on the stage in front of them, and marvelled at how open she was with her feelings.

　　Since the curtain had risen, she'd appeared to have forgotten his existence, so lost was she in Mozart's score and the beauty of the singing.

　　Casper's eyes rested on the seductive curve of her shoulders, bared by the exquisite sequinned dress that appeared to be superglued to her exotic curves. Around the slender column of her neck were the pink diamonds, glittering against her smooth, pale skin.

　　From the tip of her simple satin shoes to the elegant coil of her newly straightened hair, she'd slipped into the role of princess with astonishing ease.