Chapter 27
Victoria stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, her brows furrowed as she stared at her reflection. She smoothed down the soft fabric of her dress—a midnight-blue chiffon gown that flowed gently over her small but growing bump. The neckline was modest but elegant, with delicate embroidery that added a subtle touch of glamour. Her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, and her makeup was simple yet sophisticated, with just enough blush and lipstick to highlight her natural beauty.
Elena sat cross-legged on the bed, holding up a pair of dangling earrings she had dug out from Victoria’s jewelry box. “These,” she declared, holding them up triumphantly. “They’re perfect. Not too flashy, but they’ll catch the light just enough to make him keep staring.”
Victoria gave her a skeptical look. “You think he needs any encouragement?”
Elena grinned. “Oh, honey, you’re underestimating the effect you already have. Trust me, Zayden Huntington isn’t going to know what hit him.”
Victoria rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
Elena stood up, placing the earrings in Victoria’s hands. “Oh, it’s a great idea. You’re going out, having dinner, and for once, you’re letting yourself do something for you. No Selena, no Damian, no Gregory drama. Just you and Mr. Swoonworthy.”
Victoria groaned, sitting down on the edge of her bed. “It’s just… I don’t know. It feels weird. And let’s not forget, I’m pregnant.”
“And glowing,” Elena added, nudging her gently. “Look, I get it. It’s been a whirlwind lately, but you’re allowed to have a life. A date doesn’t mean you’re making lifelong promises. It just means you’re enjoying yourself for a few hours.”
Victoria sighed, looking at her reflection again. Her little bump was starting to show now, just enough that the dress hugged it gently without drawing too much attention. She placed a hand on it, feeling a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite put into words.
“Do you think it’s too obvious?” she asked, glancing at Elena.
Elena’s expression softened. “I think it’s perfect. You’re perfect. And if he’s worth half his charm, he’ll see it too.”
Victoria gave a small laugh, shaking her head. “You always know what to say.”
“Of course I do,” Elena teased, fluffing Victoria’s hair. “Now, stop second-guessing yourself and get ready to knock this guy off his feet.”
The doorbell rang just as Victoria was putting on the earrings Elena had insisted on. Her heart skipped a beat, nerves and excitement bubbling up in equal measure.
“I’ll get it!” Elena called, rushing toward the door.
“Elena, no!” Victoria hissed, but it was too late.
Elena opened the door, grinning as she stepped aside to let Zayden in. “Well, look at you, Mr. Huntington. Dressed to impress, are we?”
Zayden stood in the doorway, looking every bit as striking as Victoria remembered. He wore a tailored charcoal-gray suit with a crisp white shirt, no tie, his top button casually undone. His dark eyes sparkled with mischief as he stepped inside, a small box in his hand.
“Elena,” he said with a polite nod before his gaze shifted to Victoria as she appeared at the end of the hallway.
For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His eyes widened slightly, and he took a step forward as though drawn by an invisible force.
“You’re gorgeous,” he said finally, his voice low and sincere.
Victoria felt her cheeks flush, and she looked down briefly before meeting his gaze again. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Elena leaned against the wall, grinning like a proud parent. “Told you he wouldn’t know what hit him.”
Zayden turned to Elena, his smirk returning. “You’re not wrong.” Then he held out the small box toward Victoria. “This is for you.”
Victoria blinked, her eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. “What is it?”
“Open it and see,” he said, his tone teasing.
She hesitated before taking the box, her fingers grazing his briefly. The box was small and black, embossed with the Swarovski logo. Her heart skipped again as she opened it, revealing a stunning necklace—delicate strands of crystals forming a subtle yet dazzling design. It was elegant, timeless, and undoubtedly worth thousands of dollars.
“Zayden…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is…”
“Beautiful,” he finished for her, smiling. “Just like you.”
Her eyes flicked to his, then back to the necklace. “This is way too much for a first date,” she said, shaking her head slightly. “I can’t—”
“You can,” he interrupted gently. “And you will. Consider it a token of appreciation for the way you’ve handled everything life has thrown at you. And,” he added with a small grin, “it looks like it belongs on you.”
Victoria swallowed, her cheeks still burning. “I don’t know what to say.”
“‘Thank you’ would work,” Elena chimed in, earning a glare from Victoria.
Zayden chuckled, his gaze softening. “You don’t have to say anything, Victoria. Just wear it tonight. That’s all I ask.”
She nodded slowly, her fingers brushing over the necklace. “Alright. Thank you, Zayden. It’s… beautiful.”
“Perfect,” he said, offering her his arm. “Shall we?”
Victoria hesitated for just a moment before slipping her hand into the crook of his arm. Elena gave her a quick thumbs-up from behind Zayden’s back, and Victoria couldn’t help but laugh softly.
As they stepped out into the evening air, Zayden glanced at her again, his expression a mix of admiration and intrigue. “You’re full of surprises, Victoria Cross. I’m looking forward to discovering them all tonight.”
Victoria’s heart fluttered, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to smile—a real, genuine smile.
