It felt like I lost several years off of my life.

I held my chest in agony... what had I done? In shock after what I did I raced towards my room. I opened the door and closed it behind me.

Now... what is the likelihood that he went back to the office all night, or stayed somewhere else in the house without coming back to his room?

0.003%. Definitely. I brought my hands to my face and then walked over to my bed and sat down.

"I'm such a... how could I... how could I..." I repeated to myself. How could I have made such a mistake? Just because I was exhausted? Come on now...

This was cringe-worthy...

I was speechless about what I did... how would I be able to face him? After what happened between us? And now I did this accidentally?

Before I had any more time to process what had happened my phone rang. It was Nathan. I picked it up.

"Sorry for reaching out to you this early, Hazel."

"No problem, Nathan... what's up?"

"I was wondering if you could pick up Charlie and James' suits for the charity event tonight?" my eyes widened... for all the chaos that had been happening recently. I totally forgot about this event...

"Yes! No problem!"

"They'll have them ready for 10am. We just have an unexpected meeting with a client. We will brief you later."

"Oh, so you're--"

"Yes, Kai is with me..." I didn't want to know what happened last night. I wanted to remain oblivious about it for as long as I possibly could.

"I left the driver with the address so he'll be able to take you there. Our hair stylist and makeup artist team will also arrive around 3pm to start getting you ready... Hazel?"

I was zoned out again for a moment.

"Oh, yes, of course!"

"Is everything alright?" I bit my lower lip again.

"Yes, of course!" I said that twice already. I smacked my forehead... what was I doing? Act cool... just act cool. "I'll see you there later..."

"Yes... if you have any questions let me know, alright?"

We both hung up after speaking for a few more seconds. I decided that I would just let things go for now... otherwise, it would consume my thoughts for the rest of the day and for the event at night...

While I waited for the stylist and artist to drop by, I studied the material that Nathan had given me a while ago. The pictures and names of VIP clients, investors, and sponsors. I studied some details about their lives, learned their names, and their titles. I had a photogenic memory so looking over this had been pretty easy to me.

I kept myself busy until the beauty crew arrived. I thought 2 people were coming over, but there were several people armed with large bags. I couldn't believe my eyes when they all walked through the front door. It was like cameras were flashing in their direction with an imaginary breeze.

It felt a little terrifying but also vexing. Did he really think I needed this many people to transform my 'look,' so much? I gritted my teeth together and before I could protest each of them grabbed a limb seemingly and brought me to a 'powder room,' that I didn't know this house even had. I was moved around like a doll. They really meant business.

I couldn't believe the amount of pampering and attention to detail was going on for me.

I had someone give me a mani-pedi. I had a fashion stylist go up to my closet to pick up the dress we decided on in order to make any final adjustments. My hair was conditioned to the point where I didn't recognize the person in the mirror. My makeup, par my request, was natural. I was reluctant to have false lashes on at first, but they looked pretty good...

By the time I was 'done,' they all looked tired, but happy at the 'finished product.'

I couldn't help but feel like an object... I would be viewed endlessly tonight. I could just picture it. It made me feel uncomfortable to say the least. They all left except for the fashion designer, who helped me adjust to wearing heels. He chose a simple heel that wouldn't be too difficult for me...

But it took about 30 minutes before it felt like I was graduating from being a wobbly legged doe to a fully grown deer strutting in the forest. I usually struggled at the office and preferred sitting down. I don't know who sent me this living angel, but I was grateful for the tips.

I only had to wait 20 more minutes for Mackenzie to come out from her room. She was wearing a really pretty long dress. She was accompanied by Cassandra and Gerald. Gerald nodded approvingly my way, but Cassandra stepped on his foot lightly and he winced. She walked by me fiercely as though a little 'makeup' wouldn't change the fact I would always be a peasant around her.

"Wow... I barely recognize you..."

"I look different, right? It's weird?"

"Kind of... I like how you normally look, but this is cool..." I smiled at her sincerity. I could hear James and Charlie walking down the steps.

When I looked up, each of them looked positively debonair. The family was quite good looking indeed. Charlie was wearing a dark navy blue suit, with a white dress shirt underneath. He was also wearing a white bow tie.

As for James, he was wearing a sleek burgundy suit with a white dress shirt.

When they both reached the final step, James reached over to adjust Charlie's bow, and the two of them looked at me. I could tell Charlie was a little stunned, but James... he seemed a little taken aback, but I couldn't get a read on his emotions.

"Wow Hazel... the dress really suits you," Charlie walked over and beamed at me. I chuckled.

"You both look very handsome too."

"The champagne colour is a perfect fit..." James finally added. I could see a smile creasing at the side of his mouth.

"Let's go!" Mackenzie exclaimed and she excitedly took a hold of my hand and brought me forward. When we were outside she joined her parents in one car. Charlie, James, and I were riding in James' car.

We drove for a bit. I suggested James put on the radio so that filled in any potential silence. My heart was racing and I had hoped it would calm down when we got there. I kept squeezing my hands together from time to time.

"Are you nervous?" James asked. He made a left turn and continued down a street.

"A little... art galleries are usually my thing..."

"You'll be fine," Charlie said while leaning forward and I nodded. I really wanted this to go by well.

"Don't overthink it. Just actually naturally..."

"That's easier said than done. I also don't feel like myself in a dress like this."

"Why not?" I looked at him curiously. He continued looking ahead. "You're still the same Hazel... you don't change on the inside. Sure, your appearance is a little different, but who you are as a person doesn't."

I don't know why but at that moment I felt a sense of relief. I think I had forgotten all along, that no matter what happened I still was 'me.' I was Hazel. The painter. An artiste. A hopeless creative... no matter what.

"Thanks... that helped..." James half-grinned again, and for the remaining time my nerves seemed to calm down. I just needed to bring forth a shameless confidence that I had in the art world...

When we arrived, James dropped Charlie and I off at the side of the entrance. There was surprisingly quite a bit of press outside the venue... Charlie brought forward his arm and offered to lead me inside. I smiled and he accompanied me.

When we came from the side entrance to the front we were greeted by Nathan who was shaking hands with people and showing them where to go. When he saw me he beamed in delight.

"Beautiful!" he went on and on about how nicely the dress suited me and how the crew did a nice job with my hair. He suggested I try it out like this too. James joined us shortly after and he and Charlie went inside together. Nathan then told me about where I would be for only part of the night.

When he brought me over I couldn't help but glance over at the large venue with all the decorations I had suggested and took part in designing. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride... after Nathan brought me to the reception area he had to answer a phone call. I gathered a few of the name tag boxes and shifted them around a bit.

Nathan told me a few other people would be helping me. When I looked over the guest list I turned around too abruptly and bumped into someone. My clipboard fell.

"Sorry!" I shouted and when I reached for the board again a hand came forward. When I looked up, it was Kai, in a jet black suit...