Pamela had drifted away, her emerald-green dress catching the light as she joined a group near the dessert table. Alessia stayed behind, enjoying the quiet moment amidst the bustling crowd. She lifted a flute of sparkling water from a waiter’s tray and sipped, glancing around at the dazzlingly dressed guests, their masks adding a layer of intrigue to the evening.
Alessia turned, her heart skipping a beat. The man before her was tall and impeccably dressed in a black suit that fit him like a glove. His mask, a mix of sleek black and shimmering silver, framed his strong jawline and piercing eyes. Even with half of his face obscured, he was breathtakingly handsome.
She blinked, caught off guard, before managing a soft smile. “Thank you.”
His lips curved into a small grin. “What a beautiful lady in red,” he added, his tone warm and teasing. “I couldn’t let that go unsaid.”
Alessia chuckled softly, feeling her cheeks flush. “Well, thank you again. I hope I’m not overdressed.”
“Not possible,” he said smoothly. “You’re the star of the evening.”
She laughed lightly, though his intensity unsettled her. “Flattery must be your specialty.”
He gestured to a nearby waiter and took a small canapé from the tray. “Here, you look like you’ve barely eaten.”
Alessia hesitated, then accepted the snack with a quiet, “Thank you.”
“May I?” he asked, motioning to the empty space beside her.
She nodded, and he leaned casually against the table, his gaze never leaving her. “How far along are you?” he asked, his tone gentle, his eyes flicking briefly to her belly.
“Twenty-four weeks,” she replied, surprised by how easily the words came. “Just enough to feel like I’m carrying around a watermelon.”
He smiled, a soft laugh escaping his lips. “You wear it well. I’d have thought it was only a secret until the end of the night.”
“Not much of a secret anymore,” she said with a wry smile. “It’s hard to hide this dress, even harder to hide what’s under it.”
“Well,” he said, tilting his head, “you’ve managed to make it look effortless.”
The crowd around them grew louder as more guests poured into the ballroom. Alessia shifted uncomfortably, her heels beginning to pinch. Sensing her discomfort, the man extended a hand toward the terrace doors.
“Would you like some fresh air?” he asked.
She hesitated, then nodded. “That sounds wonderful.”
They walked together through the crowd, his presence beside her strangely comforting. When they stepped outside, the cool evening breeze was a welcome relief. The terrace overlooked the sprawling Deveraux gardens, their paths lit by soft, glowing lanterns. The distant sound of the orchestra drifted through the open doors, blending with the rustle of the leaves.
“This is much better,” Alessia said, taking a deep breath.
“I agree,” he said, leaning against the stone railing. “The ballroom is stunning, but it can get overwhelming.”
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment before he spoke again. “If you don’t mind me asking… are you here with anyone?”
Alessia shook her head. “No. I’m a single mom.” The words came out before she could stop herself, but she didn’t regret it. There was something about him that made her feel at ease, as if she didn’t have to hide or sugarcoat the truth.
He raised an eyebrow, his expression softening. “That can’t be easy.”
“It’s not,” she admitted, running her fingers over the edge of her diamond ring. “But I’m learning. And honestly, it’s worth it.”
His gaze lingered on her for a moment, and then he asked, “And the father?”
Alessia’s lips tightened slightly. “Let’s just say… things didn’t work out.”
“I see,” he said, his voice low. “Well, it seems to me that your child is lucky to have you.”
She smiled faintly, her eyes meeting his. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“You’re remarkable, you know that?” he said, his tone earnest. “Not everyone could walk into a room like that, carry themselves with such grace, and handle what you’re handling.”
She laughed softly, shaking her head. “You don’t even know me.”
“Maybe not,” he said, taking a step closer. “But I can tell when someone has strength.”
Alessia looked up at him, her heart fluttering as their eyes locked. The moonlight cast a soft glow over his face, highlighting the strong lines of his jaw and the warmth in his gaze. She felt drawn to him, as though some invisible force was pulling them closer.
Before she could second-guess herself, he reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. His touch was gentle, his fingertips lingering for just a moment. “May I?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alessia’s breath caught. She nodded.
He leaned in slowly, giving her every opportunity to pull away, but she didn’t. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that sent a shiver down her spine. For a moment, the rest of the world disappeared—the ballroom, the noise, the worries she carried. All that existed was this fleeting, electrifying connection.
When they pulled back, he searched her eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
“You didn’t,” Alessia whispered, her voice trembling slightly.