Audrey stood in front of the mirror in her room, staring at her reflection without actually seeing it.
Tonight was Nathan's father's birthday party.
Even thinking about it made her stomach tighten.
It was not just a birthday dinner. It was a gathering of influential people, family, business associates and people who belong to Nathan's world--- a world so far removed from hers that something she still wondered how she had ended up anywhere around it.
And yet, Nathan had invited her.
Not out of pity. Not as a favor.
He had asked her to go with him.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the edge of her dressing table as that thought settled in her chest. There was something dangerously intimate about it, something that made her nervous in ways she did not know how to explain.
A soft knock came at the door before Jane entered.
Jane took one look at Audrey and smiled knowingly. "You're over thinking".
Audrey sighed. "I am not".
Jane crossed her arms. "You've been standing in front of that mirror for ten minutes looking like you're about to go into battle".
Audrey turned to face her. "Maybe I am".
Jane's smile softened. "Nathan wouldn't take you there if he didn't want you there".
"That's exactly what scares me," Audrey murmured.
Jane stepped closer. "Audrey, listen to me. You are beautiful, smart, graceful and stronger than half the people that will be in that room tonight. Stop acting like you don't belong anywhere simply because life has been cruel to you".
Audrey looked down, her throat tightening.
Before she could answer, the sound of a car pulling up outside drew their attention.
Jane moved towards the window and pulled the curtains. "Seems something is being delivered."
Audrey frowned. "Delivered?"
A few minutes later, there was a knock. One of Nathan's staff stood outside holding a large, elegant box wrapped in black ribbon, along with a small velvet box on top.
"For Miss Audrey", he said respectfully.
Audrey's brows knit in confusion as she accepted it and thanked him. Once he left, Jane said "Open it".
Audrey carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid.
For a moment, both sisters said nothing.
Inside lay the most breathtaking dress Audrey had ever seen.
It was a limited-edition gown in deep midnight silver, the kind of color that shifted between charcoal, silver and soft blue depending on the light. The fabric looked like liquid moonlight, smooth and rich, with delicate hand-beaded details cascading down the bodice and along the fitted waist. The neckline was elegant, the silhouette timeless, and the craftmanship so exquisite Audrey was almost afraid to touch it.
Jane let out a slow breath. "Nathan sent this?"
Audrey nodded faintly, stunned.
She lifted the note resting on the dress.
For tonight.
i thought this would suit you.
---Nathan
Her heart gave an unexpected pull.
Jane grinned. "This man is dangerous".
Audrey tried to hide the warmth rising to her face. "It's just a dress".
Jane gave her a look. "A limited-edition designer dress sent personally to your room. Audrey, please. Men don't do this for women they feel nothing for".
Audre lowered her gaze back to the gown, her fingertips brushing over the shimmering fabric. The kind of thing she would never have bought for herself even if she could afford it.
Then she opened the small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond bracelet, delicate and understated, the sort that whispered elegance rather than demanding attention.
Audrey swallowed.
Nathan had chosen this for her.
The realization settled in her chest with quiet force.
Jane touched her arm gently. "He sees you".
Audrey looked away before her emotions could betray her.
"I still need to get a gift for his father," she said perhaps too quickly.
Jane blinked. "Now?"
"Yes, now. I can't go empty-handed."
Jane's expression softened into fond exasperation. "Fine. But don't take forever".