Behind The Spotlight Chapter 253
"You look absolutely stunning." Collin smiled at Lila, who was wearing a lovely dress. The black evening dress perfectly suited her mature aura, and the silver accessories around her neck reflected the lights elegantly.
"Your compliments are improving," she smiled and approached him.
"It's not a compliment, I'm just telling the truth." Collin hugged her and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Today, you can order me around without any negotiation in between."
"Oh, is this how you want it today?" She had an amused look as she covered her mouth.
"Today is Christmas Eve, this is my gift to you."
"Interesting." She smiled and looked Collin over from head to toe... Undoubtedly, he was one of the most handsome people she had ever met. Collin was different from the male celebrities who tried to hit on Lila, he was better.
Collin didn't have to do anything to prove that he was better, his presence alone showed it. Even the way he carried himself exuded confidence.
'This guy is perfect.'
Lila was confused as to why Belle had cheated on a man like Collin when he was the perfect man she herself had dreamed of.
In these past few months, the couple had made it official and their relationship had grown closer. However, there were still times when they interacted strictly as professionals.
But today was Christmas Eve, and Collin was the type who gave everything to his loved one. They had only just started dating, but Collin was serious about her. Now that they were a couple, he would do his best to ensure Lila was happy.
"...Are you sure you're okay with spending your Christmas Eve with me?" As Collin led her to his car, Lila asked him.
"You're my girlfriend, of course I want to spend my time with you."
"..."
'That was smooth...' Lila almost cracked a smile and blushed. She bit her lip to control her grin, but her ears were red. She subtly turned her head away so Collin would not notice how flustered she had become. He was too straightforward.
"But what about your family? Isn't it better to spend Christmas Eve with them?"
"It's alright, I already talked to my mom and sister."
Last week, Collin had invited Lila to spend Christmas Eve with his family, but Lila was nervous, so she didn't agree. She didn't know how to face Collin's family yet.
"I apologize for the invitation. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Collin said, recalling what had happened last week.
"It's really not your fault. I'm just not ready. At least give me some time to prepare. I'm actually happy that you thought of inviting me to meet your family. I thought you were only playing with me and had no intention of being serious."
"Do I look like that? A woman like you doesn't deserve to be played around with. You deserve the best."
"..." Lila was speechless again.
'Is he always like this? How can he say those embarrassing words without blushing?'
Lila felt shy because Collin was sincere about everything he said. He really meant it. Lila did her best to keep her composure as they entered the car.
"Lila, Merry Christmas. I prepared a gift for you."
Collin grabbed a box from the backseat and gave it to Lila.
"You really didn't have to..." Lila felt her heart skip a beat. This was her first Christmas gift in many years. The last time she had received a Christmas gift was from Vivian, and that was when she invested in her record label.
Receiving such thoughtful treatment from Collin made her chest feel warm.
"I insist. I want to make you happy." Collin smiled, and Lila averted her eyes because the man was just too attractive.
'...I will fold at any moment. I've honed my poker face for years, but Collin is slowly breaking me down. I can't see any deception in his eyes.'
"Thank you."
Lila nodded and placed the box on her lap. She didn't want to open it yet because she might lose her composure.
Collin started driving, he had reserved dinner for them.
'...She's not reacting that much at all. She's just maintaining her business smile.'
Collin thought while driving. They had been dating for months now, and Lila maintained a poker face most of the time. The only time she showed emotion was when she teased him.
Actually, Collin wasn't entirely sure if Lila was truly interested in him. But Collin was different, he genuinely liked the woman. He had started liking her when she showed up after his closure with Belle. Since then, he had begun looking at her differently. Every small interaction they shared over the months had become meaningful to him.
The car stopped in front of a nice restaurant, and the waiter confirmed their reservation. The couple went to a private room to eat.
They talked about many topics, although most were company-related. Especially the Shawn Jacob issue, the actor was the hottest personality at the moment, but not in a good way.
While they were eating, fireworks burst into the sky, giving the two a moment of pause. The dark sky became colorful, it was gorgeous.
"Did you like it?" Collin asked.
"Did you prepare it for me?"
"Ah? No, I just heard that the city would be setting off fireworks, so I chose a restaurant where we could see them." Collin scratched his head... Getting a permit to set off fireworks in Los Angeles was not that simple.
"Pfft—" Lila covered her mouth and giggled. That was funny and also expected. Both of them were practical people.
"I actually thought of lighting fireworks, but the municipality didn't give me a permit."
"Hahaha." She laughed even more.
Collin watched her laugh and smiled. Seeing her laugh made it all worth it. Next time, he planned an even better date for her.
"Have I ever told you that you're so beautiful?" he genuinely asked.
"Oh, Collin." Lila couldn't control it anymore. She grabbed Collin's necktie and pulled him closer, kissing his lips with passion. Her heartbeat accelerated rapidly after months of restrained feelings.
Collin was surprised. He blushed hard, as it was unexpected.
"So you can actually blush? That's cute." Lila giggled.
"You said I can do whatever I want today?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Then I want you to spend the night with me."
Collin stared at Lila and realized that she was also blushing... He had thought he was the only one who was falling, but he was wrong.
"As you wish."
"Just..." Lila bit her lip shyly. "Just be gentle with me, it's my first time."
"I'll take care of you forever." This time, Collin hoped that his promise wouldn't be broken. He held her hand tightly afterward.
[Thank you for reading this novel.]