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Today is another day off for me as Xavier pressed me to take today off as well, I just have to work from home, so here I'm arranging his schedule as a email and sending it to him, Catherine will take care of other things, that's for sure.

I'm still shaked on the inside with the amount I spent yesterday, but after thinking and talking to Ruby about it, I think it was worth it...

Xavier called me yesterday in confusion when he didn't saw any transaction done from his card, I told him the exact words, 'if you are stubborn enough to give me your card, then I'm stubborn enough to not use it.' And he wasn't very happy about it.

I am not a gold digger who will go around wasting his money, that's just not me, I glanced at the wall clock to see it showing 9:30 AM, my dress will be arriving shortly, at the thought of that my smile faltered, can't I return it, my mind is evaded by second thoughts on the dress, it was such a rash decision to act like that on a mere comment.

Sighing at my stupidity, I shrugged the thought off, what's the good in thinking about it now. But who f*cking charges 150,000 dollars for a f*cking dress!!

That's it!

I stood up from my coffee table where I was currently sitting and emerged myself in house chores, atleast something will help me forget to regret the decision that I made not 24 hours ago....

I did all the laundry and dishes, along with moping the floor and wiping every single window, I emerged myself into the chores so much that I didn't even noticed when the time passed by, the clock was showing 1 in the noon, but there is a slight problem, my dress was to be here at 11 AM but it's still not here. Weird. Don't tell me they forgot about delivering the dress, that would cause a absolute disaster.

Hurriedly sprinting into my bedroom, I grabbed my phone from the night stand, there was a message from my bank showing that I have credited an amount of 150,000 dollars, what's going on?

Not understanding the situation I called the showroom for the queries, they received my call pretty quickly,

"Hello this is cha........" rest of her words went into blur with my increasing confusion, abruptly cutting her off I questioned,

"I'm Shana Rajput, my dress isn't delivered yet. Is there any reason?" I asked not very calmly.

"Oh Ms. Rajput. Did you received the money?" I think I know where this conversation is going, I felt rage rising in my veins.

"Yes I did." I answered grimly, my voice losing it's temperature further.

"I'm sorry Ms. Rajput for the short notice, but the dress was urgently needed for a upcoming event, it was already ordered for the event, there was a slight mistake during the fitting, we thought that the dress was for sale but apparently it wasn't, I'm sorry for your inconvenience. Hope you'll understand." She explained, but yet explanation isn't going to magically provide me with a dress for the annual ball, will it?!

"Is this how you deal with all your customers!? How do you think I'll get a dress now at such a short notice?! I'm so going to complain about your poor professional behavior to your boss, just you wait!!" I snapped into the phone before hanging it, I threw the phone on the bed, it landed there with a bounce with me following behind.

I rubbed my face frustratingly, how the f*ck am I going to attend the ball now!! Sighing annoyed at the dumb sales lady, I tossed and turned for a while before I slowly dodged to sleep....

Groaning at the crick in my neck, I cleaned the drool that was coming out of my mouth, my hair felt like a haystack and skin felt oily. Ignoring the feeling I grabbed my phone and opened it, my eyes nearly bulged out of the socket when I saw it showing 6 in the evening.

In panic I sprinted from the bed, only to land on the floor face first with one of my leg dangling in the air, hurriedly untangling myself I gathered my stuff, before rushing to the bathroom, the limousine will be here at 8 PM and I would meet Xavier there at the ball.

Apparently the ladies will be first introduced just like any historian ball before they would meet their plus one, so that's why Xavier and I need to go separately and I wanted to surprise him with my dress-what the f*ck am I going to wear?!!? I totally forgot about the dress apocalypse!

I shaved, bathed and did all sort of pampering while thinking of a sure solution to solve this freaking problem, maybe I can wear one of my dresses? They aren't that bad. Right? But then what about surprising Xavier? No I need to think of something good, a casual short dress won't do!

Getting out of the bathroom, I hurriedly rummaged through my wardrobe for a gown or something but all were somewhat similar and common, huffing irritated I sat on my bed in my bathrobe, that's when I remembered about Diya, picking the phone I called her, she picked up after six rings, her hoarse voice came through,

"If this is not for the Russian project, then consider yourself fired. " her husky sleepy voice reached me, I rolled my eyes at her threat, sure fire me away. They are recently spreading their business over Russia that's why I think she assumed me one of her employee.

"This is apocalypse. Now can I take some of your precious time?" I asked impatiently, trying to get a solution out of her.

"Shan..na...do you know what time it is here?!" she cried annoyed in her phone lowly, like really wanting to fall asleep.

"I don't care. I want your opinion. Remember I told you about the dress shopping I went yesterday, well apparently they cancelled my dress delivery at the last moment, and now I'm here with no gown or dress whatever needing to get ready in a hour for the annual ball. Please sort out something for me. Will you? Please?" I pleaded her and waited for her answer, but I heard slight snores, this blasted b*tch!

"Diya Shikhawat!!"

"Yes! Yes I'm here!-" she yelled back panicking at my sudden shouting.

"Diya I'm serious." I said in a stern voice.

"Oh please for goodness sake, why don't you wear your red mermaid gown that we brought last year, you haven't wore it once till now. Right?" I thought about our trip to london last year where we both brought two gowns from boutique london street, but it is way simple, I'm sure hundreds of ladies will be wearing red. Nope. Something unique.

"Nope. Red is way too common, I'll be blended with everyone. " I said thoughtfully pointing out the problem with the red ball gown.

"Then maybe you can wear that saree that you brought this year, who was the designer again.......sabyasachi Mukherjee..right? I'm sure you'll be unique as a dodo between all those people." She suggested sleepily.

I thought about the saree, what are the odds that any other will wear a saree, none. Then it's final I'm going to wear a saree.

"Thank you Diya! You're an angel." I squealed gratefully into the phone.

"Trust me I'm none of that kind. Now I'm hanging."

"I know!" I yelled into the phone before the call ended, pretty sure she heard me. She indeed us a devil spawn rather than a sweet angel.

Grinning at the fabulous idea, I rushed to another wardrobe and opened it with a jerk, rummaging through my clothes I found my one and only saviour, saree. I carefully laid it onto bed.

Taking the blouse I wore it before the saree following behind, draping over my waist and shoulder gracefully and sensually. I did the plates on my waist perfectly and placed them on their place. The golden and black complementing my skin......

I accessorized it with big earrings and did my hair in messy waves with smokey eyes and nude lips. There is a rule......as if you are getting heavy eye makeup then you should go with a suttle and light lipstick, and voice versa and that's what I'm doing....

Xavier was so consistent on getting me a makeup artist but I didn't wanted them to interfere in my personal space, that's why I denied.

And now that I think I did a pretty good job, didn't I?

Whatever makes you sleep at night.. my conscience said sarcastically.

Ignoring the nosy voice in the back of my head I slipped into my heels and sat on my bed to wait for the limousine to arrive, I glanced at the clock and it was showing 7:53PM, anytime now. Just then I got a call from Mr. Gibbs which is my chauffeur for now. Getting my clutch which have some important things in it, I hurried downstairs and straight into the elevators after closing and locking my apartment.

The elevators opened at the ground floor with a dinge, I stepped out of the elevators, a man kept looking in my direction stunned, what's with him? Ignoring him I went out of my apartment building where Mr. Gibbs was standing waiting.

I smiled in his direction, his eyes twinkled in fatherly manner on seeing me..

"Good evening Ms. Rajput. " he greeted smiling.

"Good evening Mr. Gibbs." I greeted smiling back and doing a very small curtsy, whatever my saree allowed me.

He chuckled at my gesture before opening the car door for me, and said...

"May I said Ms. Rajput you're looking absolutely stunning tonight."

"Thank you Mr. Gibbs." I accepted his gesture by swiftly entering the limousine that was filled by only and only me. Mr. Gibbs entered the driver's seat, the divider wasn't up, so we both can see each other, on looking the disappointment on my face, he answered,

"Mr. King is waiting there at the ball for you Ms. Rajput. "

"Oh." I blushed at how quickly he caught on who I was looking for. Settling comfortably I waited patiently.

I am dreading to see Xavier's reaction..

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The limousine slowed down just a few meters behind the grand entrance of the famous annual ball, red carpet trailing all the way to the huge ball, Mickelson's did a good job in organising the ball, I'll give them that, paparazzi and media's with tons and tons of cameras and all were hurding like ants on either sides of red carpet, apparently there were guests arriving from both sides of the carpet, on one side the females were introduced then they would go to their plus ones and carry out their walk on the red carpet...

My hands are wet from sweating due to nervousness, what if I fall while walking, I'm sure that will cause the talk of the year....."Ms. Shana Rajput, secretary to Mr. King landed face first on the red carpet......." I shuddered in horror. Think positive Shana, not everytime there is a problem.

The limousine inched closer to the entrance slowly, behind other lavish cars, this is really the annual ball, I won't be surprised if I saw celebrities trolling around. I hold out my face powder and adjusted my makeup just incase I had sweated and ruined my makeup.

Mr. Gibbs turned to look at me through the fronts mirror, he smiled and said,

"Don't worry Ms. Rajput, you're going to be alright. "

"I hope so..." I said meekly, I really hope I would be fine, I haven't even seen Xavier today.

Our limousine finally stopped at the red carpet, I took a deep breath, as I stared at front, Mr. Gibbs turned around effortlessly and said..

"Ms. Rajput now I'm going to get out of the car and open the door for you, you don't need to be nervous, it's going to be perfectly fine, just be yourself. " with the reassuring words he stepped out of the driver's seat and it shut off with a thud, some seconds later my door opened swiftly, Mr. Gibbs standing there smiling in his suit while stretching his hand out for me.....

Taking a deep breath, I took his hand into mine and sleeked a leg out of the limousine with my saint Laurent black heel coming into view, just as flashes started going off in wildfire, my eyes closed due to sudden flashes, but I handled myself and stepped out adjusting the saree, so that it was in place.

A man in black suit with a mike in his hand smiled at me, then he holded the piece of paper up to his eyesight that he had in his hand and receited my introduction..

"Welcome Ms. Shana Rajput, plus one to Mr. Xavier Damon king, CEO to KING INC." At my introduction my heart warmed, some will think that I have gone mad but I really am grateful that Xavier didn't exposed our relationship, I don't want people to know yet...

Havoc started going into every direction, at my introduction, I did opposite, most females nodded their heads down in greeting, I raised my head just a centimetre up in acknowledgement.

That's when the man announced the arrival of my man. How smoothly that rolled off my tongue, my man.

I turned around to see a man stepping out of other limousine, our cars facing each other, his remarkably polished shoes came into view, before he swiftly came out and towered to his full 6'4" height, his tuxedo deliciously packing him, my throat went Sahara rough and hoarse, my knees became woobly, I held onto Mr. Gibbs's hand to keep myself straight, still waiting for him to come get me.....

The wildfire of flashes went on million times furious, it's not everyday Xavier make a public appearance, his hairs perfectly styled with few strands falling on his head like he had passed his hands through them a few times, his brown eyes apparent with golden tinges shining with fire in them even in night, I'm sure there is more golden in them than brown now, I stared mesmerized at the fine specimen as slowly his eyes found me, his eyes twinkling with possessiveness and love, two things that I simp for.......his eyes taking me in, his eyes trailing all the right places, leaving me hot and burned....

I felt my skin prickling with his intense eyesight, his jaw moved only to tighten and his hands slowly gone up to unbutton his suit button, I gulped softly trying my best to be presentable...

Then he started moving in powerful strides, his mere presence commanding respect and submission, by heart started beating more furiously by seconds as he inched closer, his steps predatory towards me, like I'm his last meal tonight....my breathing staggard, I holded my breath in then leaving it very silently trying not to pant....

He stepped infront of me, even in my six inches heel I only came upto his jaw, he stepped way too closer for me to handle, I just craned my neck to look at the man I love.....my lashes fluttering reflexively in helplessness at my emotions and staring at his lips, I controlled myself from smashing myself to him..

He turned to Mr. Gibbs before nodding at him, he held his hand out in front of me, I stared into his eyes that had stealed my heart away, his lips opened slightly before a silky husky voice reached my ears..

"Ms. Rajput. " I shivered under the intensity of his voice, I know if he didn't stopped whatever this is he is doing, then I'm going to confess, for sure. Goodness grace!.

"Hmm." I answered lowering my lashes, Mr. Gibbs softly placed my hand into his hands, his big warm hands engulfing my small ones perfectly. My skin burning thousand degrees from this small innocent skin skip....

He caught me off guard when his hand softly raised my hands to his lips and placed a feathery kiss on my knuckles, I stared at him flabbergasted and did nothing in return rather just staring at him with all in me.....love, passion, lust, hope, trust, respect, possivesness....

"you're looking gorgeously stunning Shana.." I shivered, there is something about him saying my name, it just feels different...

"Y—you are l-looking b-beautiful as w-well." I stuttered out with difficulty to form words because my throat is completely parched..

The left side of his mouth twitched and a smirk overcame on his face, leaving me breathless, my brain stopped working, my knees stopped working whatever little they were doing before.

"I think you meant to say handsome. " he said smugly, his smirk extending just a little bit, my heart warmed in response.

"Hmm." I agreed nevertheless, but apparently I used the right word, he was looking ethereally beautiful like a ancient greek God, like beautiful miracle of nature, like moon shining in the darkest nights, like single candle lighting in stormy nights....he is beautiful.

The flashes still burned both of us but doing nothing to ruin our moments...

He softly arranged his hand on my lower back sending tingles all over my body, my backless saree doing nothing to prevent his advances around my waist....

We walked down the red carpet gracefully, thank the heaven I didn't tripped over during the walk.

Tons of questions flying from everywhere...

What's your relation with Shana Rajput?

Mr. King is she your girlfriend?.

What about your other girlfriend??

Yes Mr. King what about Angelina Ruth?

Did you two broke up already or are you cheating on her with Ms. Rajput?

I stepped back reflexively at the false accusations but Xavier stopped me from backing out, his small gesture warming me up, we arrived the posing booth where all the guests were posing for the paparazzi and media..

I stood beside Xavier with his hand still intact, he stepped closer to me eliminating any distance between us, I stopped my breathing from the proximity, he slowly leaned to my ear casually, flashes still going on, panicking I tried to step away from him but his hand on my waist tightened leaving me no space to move.