Chapter 21
That night. Mora and Baldwin retreated to their separate rooms. Having someone else in the house gave Moira an unexpected sense of comfort she hadn’t felt in a long time. Fet once, she allowed herself to feel a thicker of hope for the future.
The next morning, she hesteil to work at Dusk Furnishing, sticking to her usual routine.
Thesigh the Whats App group chat for the community was eerily silent, her social media post from the day before had sparked a surprising amount
Pential stents Hooded her comments s with ipiestions about pricing and services. While she knew not all of them would turn into paying customers, she made it a point to respond to each question thoughtfully and professionally
The atlas of question gave her an idea she decided to write a detailed post sharing her tips and experiences with renovation projects—a guide she hoped would attract even more attention.
As she typed awowy, bally immersed in drafting the post, a knock snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Baldwin standing in the doorway. Het hogers treze mud–typing, and she quickly stoosĹ “Me Wang”
“How many times do L have to tell you?” he said with a grin. “just call me Baldwin.” He stepped into the office and glanced at the scattered notes and papers on her desk. “Busy?”
Moura dicbet many han to think she was slacking off, She nodded, bertone camest. “Tm working on getting new clients.
Even though she hadst signed anyone yet, she wasn’t just sisting and either–she was putting in the efforti.
“The best mouth is all about hiding your footing.“ Baldvin said, his tone laid–back but encouraging. “Don’t stress it too much. Rome wasn’t built in
Moira similesh faintly, grateful for his understanding
Baldwin’s gare lingered on Moira for a moment. Her outfit was understated yet effortlessly chic–a crisp white blouse layered under a tailored beige blazer, paired with sleek black wide–leg pants.
Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, softening her professional look. Even dressed simply, her natural beauty shone through, making it
Moira caught him staring and shifted uncomfortably. “Was there something you needed, Mr. Wang Moira asked, keeping the formal tone, still achbarsing him as “Mr. Waus“
Baldwin sighed, a touch of frustration creeping into his smile. “Yes, actually. There’s an event tonight–a high–society thing. I’ve got an invite, and these things usually require a plus–one. I was hoping you’d come with me?
Moura frowned, memories of similar events with Austin flashing through her mind. Those gatherings were always suffocating–filled with judgmental stares and whispers from the wealthy elite.
The ulea of gue
through that again made her stomach churn. “Sorry. Mr. Watts, but I already have plans tonight. Maybe ask someone else;”
“Tlans with your boyfriend” Baldwin quipped, a teasing glist in his eye.
Moira gave a small nost, keeping her answer biciel.
Baldwin let out a soft chuckle. Honestly, I thought you’d end up with Austin for good”
“Thut ties with him a
a long time ago,” Moira said, her voice stealy and resolute.
Baldwin sighed, rirarly frustrated but doing his best to keep things light. “C
“Can’t you do me a favor? Just this once? I know these events aren’t your thing, but it’s important for Dusk Furnishing
““Everyone whos anyone in Eldoria’s business world will be there. It’s a big opportunity for networking–not just for me, but for you too. You could
really get your name out there”
Moura hesitated. She wanted to say no, but Baldwin pressed on, his tone sofiening, his words cutting through her resolve. “You’re ambitious, Moira I know you won’t settle for just bring a small–time designer forever.
e you going far—and not just in this company. I want you by my side, not just as a colleague hut as a partier someday. Think about it.”
His word hang in the air, leaving her with lathe choice. If she refused now, she’d come off as ungrateful or unwilling to support her team. Suppressing a sigh, the molded reluctantly “Alright, I’ll go with you”
Chapter 21
After Baldwin left, Moira grabbed her phone and dialed Virgil. It wasn’t until the call started ringing that she realized it was still during office hours. Amt interrupting him” she thought.
Just as she was about to hang up, his deep voice came through the line. “Moira, w
what’s up
The sound of his voice–low and smooth, like the deep hum of a cello–sent a flutter through her chest. She tightened her grip on the phone. Tve got something tonight, so I might be late getting home. I won’t be able to join you for dinner”
“It’s fine, don’t sweat it.” Virgil replied casually. “I can eat on my own.”
Moira felt a pang of guilt. They had just agreed to work on their marriage, to come home and share meals together. And now, on the very first day, she was breaking that promise.
She muttered
under her breath, “Il make sure we have dinner together tomorrow, No backing out.”
“Tomorrow’s good. I’ll keep my schedule wide open,” he reassured her. “We won’t miss in.”
Hearing his calm words helped case the knot in her stomach.
The event Baldwin mentioned turned out to be Lily’s birthday gala, hosted by the Marrow family.
Moira realized the scale of the occasion the moment they arrived. The Golden Hotel, Elduria’s only seven–star huxury venue, towered before them
Owned by the influential Morton family, it was clear tonight was a major event–every big name in the city seemed to be in attendance.
Moira had even seen the gala trending on X earlier. The buzz was real; if you didn’t score an invite to Ms. Marrow’s party, you were pretty much irrelevant in the city’s entertainment circles
Moira couldn’t help but think. ‘No wonder Baldwin he
had gone all out, sparing no expense on my gown and jewelry.
Moira wasn’t exactly thrilled about the glitz and glamn, but there was no turning back now. Taking a deep breath, she linked her arm through Baldwin’s and walked with him to the reception desk to sign in and hand over the entrance fee.
SEND OUT
