There were moments where you said fuck it all and put on that dress. This was one of those moments.

Nat had given me a bottle green dress that flowed with every step, the soft silk brushing against my legs.

I twirled in front of the mirror partly out of glee and mostly because it was fun.

Pharaoh voiced his approval at my dress, rubbing up against my leg with his tail in the air. I picked him up, kissed him on the head for being such a gentleman and placed him down on the bed.

It was asymmetric at the hem, ruffling up at a point before flaring out. A green ribbon, slightly lighter in color, snaked around my waist emphasizing it. The cap sleeves hugged my shoulders outlining the sweetheart neckline of the front. The dress was made of green silk that moved like the waves of the sea and changed into different shades of emerald with each swish of my skirt.

In other words...I fucking loved it.

The dress was truly stunning.

I thought about keeping my make up simple but when you had a dress this gorgeous, I just couldn't do it. I outlined my lips in a deep red lipstick I had bought on a whim. My eyes were outlined in black, making my eyes look wide and dark. I let my hair down, falling over my shoulder in gentle teased curls that I had taken me an hour to get right.

Did I have to put in this much effort? No, not really? Did I want to? Also, no. The reason I'm doing this is because I'm a ruthless perfectionist. (And also because I want to shock Ivan into silence when he sees me.)

I pick up my clutch and scratch Pharaoh behind the ears before making my way downstairs.

I heard the TV from the living room.

My mother was in her chair, dressed in a comfy sweater that she had stolen from my closet and a book in her hand that she had lost interest in. Uncle Roma was staying with his eldest son in Queens so he wasn't here to keep her company.

Nat wasn't here. She was already at her mothers charity gala, no doubt absolutely loving the attention. Nik was laying down on the couch with an ice pack pressed to his face and Amara sitting on the floor crosse legged as she ate popcorn from a big blue bowl.He had gotten into a fight while on a surveillance mission. Even if he had been successful, he stick got punched in the face.

Amara noticed me first, the fistful of popcorn halfway to her mouth as she gaped at me.

"What?" I said, stopping at the foot of the stairs. "Not bad, eh?"

"You look lovely," my mother said, staring up. She walked over to me and started to fuss over my dress. "It's been so long since I've seen you dressed up like this."

"I went on a date with Ivan two weeks ago." I pointed out.

She rolled her eyes at his name. Even if she approved my relationship she was still warming up to Ivan like he was a frozen turkey.

"Not bad, Doc," Nik said, flashing me a thumbs up. 

I winked back.

My mother gentle pushed a few stray curls always from my face. "Make sure Mr Farewell brings you back here, darling." 

"Mom," I groaned, slightly mortified at her implication.

She just gave me a flat look. "Don't use that tone with me. I was your age once too. I know what sort of things—-"

"Annnnd that's my cue to leave!" I kissed her on the cheek and waved bye to Amara. "I promise not to do anything scandalous, mom."

"As long as I'm not getting grandkid's soon I'm more that fine," she muttered.

"Mom!"

She rolled her eyes and sat back down in her chair, pretending to read her book.

"She's worried." Nik said, following me towards the door. "You know how moms are."

"I know." I smiled. "She cares."

"Speaking of mothers....tell mine I said hello."

"You could come too."

He pointed at his bruised face and busted lip. "Looking like a battered gold ball? No thanks! I'd rather babysit the little helion."

"If Amara heard you call her that she'll dye your hair green in her sleep."

He rolled his eyes. "I'd like to see her try."

"I'm sure you'll manage."

"Hey, Doc." He said. "One more thing before you go..."

"Yeah?"

"Well, it's about Ivan."

"What about him?" I said as I slipped on my ballet flat.

"He's asking about London." Nik picked up my coat from the rack and held it out for me. I slipped my arms into the sleeves gratefully, careful not to crinkle the dress. "I can't delay it. Either you're going to tell him or I will. I'm sorry, Meera, but I still work for him."

I sighed. It didn't surprise me that the time had finally come. It seemed so far away and suddenly it was here, looking me in face.

"Don't apologise." I said, ruffling his hair. "I understand. I'll tell him soon. I promise. Thank you, Nik."

"You're way too nice, you know that?"

"I know." I smiled. "How do I look?"

Nik grinned, opening the door for me. "My brother is a lucky bastard." He said. "Take care of him, Doc."

*****

The Farewell Spring Charity Gala was held at the The Pierre Hotel near Central Park, it's ballroom packed with several influential people all dressed to the nines in colorful dresses and sharp suits.

I didn't feel out of place strangely. I just felt lost.

High cream coloured ceilings with glittering chandeliers that made everything so bright, shining off the diamonds and silks. The Capet underneath my ballet flats was soft, each step felt like I was sinking. Flowers hung from the corners of the room, winding through the mouldings. Lilies, tulips, and daisies wound through the room making it look as nature had invaded this pristine space, hiding the plush carpets and champagne coloured curtains with their bright green leaves. It was beautiful and I loved the aesthetic, it felt as if I stepped into a fairy tale.

All that was missing was my fairy godmother.

Someone placed their hand on the crook of my elbow. I could smell the distinct scent of Chanel No 5.

"Anya," I greeted smiling at a familiar face.

She wore a classic red velvet gown with pink pink undertones, the sleeves coming all the way down to her wrists. Around her waist was strings of pearls. It would be conservative on anyone else but she made it look elegant.

She gave me a look over, silently approving of my outfit. "You look lovely, Meera."

"How can I make a comparison when you're here, Anya?" I joked, as she pulled me along with her.

People parted aside for her, all of them plastering smiles and throwing out shallow greeting that she graciously returned. Their eyes turned to me, a glimmer of curiosity in their eyes.

They knew who I was. I'm the exotic looking outsider, the star of Farewell-Love general, and the woman who ensnared the heart of the most fearsome man in the city. I'm Dr Meera Saravana. I smiled back politely, pulling a page out of Anya's book. They couldn't whisper or say anything to me while she was here. I'm beginning to think that this was just some elaborate ruse to debut me as Ivan's lover.

Anya caught my eyes, her blue irises glimmering as she watched her clever ruse play out. Sometime I forget that Anya was a genius tactician. I was so happy that she was on my side.

"Thank you all for being here," she said, letting a little bit of a posh British accent through. "Please don't forget to donate and I hope that you have a pleasant evening."

Several people looked like they wanted to step past her and talk to me but the stopped. Anya gave them a dazzling smile as bright as her pearls and pull me away.

The smile on her face dropped as she rubbed her temple. I plucked a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and offered it her. She nodded in gratitude and took a dainty sip before tilting the whole flute back and finishing off its contents. I glanced around to see if anyone had notice.

Anya smirked when she caught my expression. "Somebody has to soften them up so they donate."

"You play people like they're violins."

"I can't tell if you're being sarcastic."

"It's a compliment."

"Then thank you. It's a skill." She preened. "I'm good at it. You're good at it too."

"Am I?" I intoned.

"You just need to practice. That's all." She squeezed my arm as we decided down the stairs and towards a group of people who were chatting jovially.

In the center was Ivan, dressed a black tuxedo with silk lapels and a emerald green bow tie that matched my dress. He was surround with cigar smoke and dazzling jewels, with a smile on his face I knew was fake. He caught us as we came to the foot of the stairs, his polite smiling morphing into a grin that showed off all his teeth. It was real. Even from all the way here, I could see him.

I started to take a step forward to greet him but Anya stopped me. I glanced at her from the corner of my eye, confused.

"Don't go to him," she whispered. "Not yet. Let him come to you."

Ivan turned his eyes back to the people around him making his excuses.

"Why?"

Anya smirked. "Because that's the power you have over Ivan. Use it. Let everyone know it and nobody will ever hurt you again."

A part of me disagreed. Using Ivan was the last thing I wanted.

"I can't do that."

"Please, Meera. My brother doesn't want anyone else but you." She dropped her hand. "There's hundred of people here who want to be next to Ivan. It's time you learn that Farewell's take care of our own. And that means lending our influence when someone needs it."

"Anya." I narrowed my eyes at her playfully. "What do I feel like you planned something?"

Her smirk melted into a fond smile. She pushed a loose strand of hair from my face as she stared into my eyes. "Be happy, Meera."

She left as Ivan walked up to me. He didn't even see her leave. His eyes were only for me.

"Sweetheart." He greeted. "You look....brilliant."

I reached out for his hand. "I know. You looks handsome."

He grinned, pleased with my answer. He was so easy to please or maybe it was just me. Ivan entwined our fingers and pulled me towards the grand ballroom.

"Where are we going?"

"I want to reintroduce you to somebody." He said.

I raise my eyebrow. "Reintroduce?"

He replied with a grin, his eyes dancing underneath the lights of the chandelier. Ivan laid his hand on the small of my back, leading me through the luxurious ballroom. People glanced at us as we walked by, their heads bends as they whispered amongst themselves. I couldn't pick up what they were saying but I knew it wasn't positive. The thing was...it didn't really bother me. I've been faced with that type of stares, I know what it's like and I have a tough skin when it comes to these things.

I just smile, ignoring them. It's easier to get through these things when you smile.

Ivan noticed my expression, his eyes hardening. His hand wrapped around my waist, glaring down anyone who looked at me strange. I laughed, bringing up my hand to my mouth. Wonderful and dear Ivan, always there to protect me. I wrap my arm around his waist too, smiling up at him.

We must look so picturesque. I was at Ivan's side just as he was at mine. Equally happy, equally beautiful.

In the center of the ballroom holding court was Sophie Farewell, the organiser of the Farewell Spring Charity Ball. Her back was to us as she tilted her head back and laugher, her laughter carrying across the room. She was dressed in a dark blue taffeta dress, a diamond brooch in the shape of a mermaid pinned to the front that matched with her hanging drop earrings. Sophie Farewell reminded me of Anya, just a little bit but I could easily see Nat and Irene in her face as well.

Nat was next to her, dressed in an all black short cocktail dress with a sheer train attached to the back of it. A sapphire chocker wrapped around her neck, making her neck look longer. I couldn't help but notice that it reminded of Lady Diana's iconic revenge dress, even the neckline was similar.

Nat embodied 90's chic very well.

She looked as beautiful as she was intimidating, a perfect bodyguard for her mother.

Sophie turned around as we approached, her eyes lighting up as she saw us. "Well, if it isn't my dearest son."

Ivan hugged her and kissed her cheek, smiling brightly. "Hey mom." He said. "The gala is as wonderful as ever."

"Well, of course. I did have a hand in planning after all," she said, her eyes sliding past Ivan to find me. I wasn't sure what to do so I held my hand out to shake her hand.

"Hello, Mrs Farewell. I think we've met once, I hope that you remember me—"

"Dr Meera Saravana," she said my name softly. She took my hand in hers, placing her other hand over mine. I could feel the curve of her gold ring pressing against my skin. Her hands were soft and warm, motherly. "The last time we met I wasn't at my best. I'm happy to finally meet you. You look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, Mrs Farewell,"

She giggled, waving her hand in the air. "Please, dear. Call me Sophie. Now that you've taken back my overdramatic son after his blunder, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other now."

"You're not going to ever let me live that now, are you?" Ivan groaned.

Nat patted his back, not looking sympathetic at all. "Not a fucking chance, Romeo."

"Traitors," he huffed, propping his chin on my shoulder. I reached up and affectionately petted his hair. "All of you. Does that Farewell name mean anything?"

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Alright, I've kept both of your here long enough." She gave me another warm smile that made me lower my defences completely and lowered her voice. I leaned in to listen to what she had to say. "I know my son can be a handful but please do take care of him. As a Farewell, I want Ivan to succeed but as his mother, I want him to be happy."

I squeeze her hand back, feeling tears prick the corner of my eyes. "I promise to make Ivan as happy as he's made me. Maybe even more so."

"As long as it's not at the cost of your own happiness then I can't disagree," Sophie says. "I hope you enjoy yourself, Meera. After all the dreadful past months we've had, I think we deserve to let our hair down a bit."

"Alright, back to the grind!" Nat placed her arm around Sophie's shoulder. "More guests to greet! More men to disappoint with my blatant sexuality!"

Sophie grins in a mischievous way that reminds me of Nik. "If it please you darling, one of the ladies from my book club had a niece that you might...."

Sophie and Nat get swallowed up in the crowd, their dresses blending in. I can no longer hear their conversation.

Ivan clears his throat, holding his hand out. "So...you want to dance?"

I snorted at his blunt question but took his hand anyway. "Truly, you are an utter romantic."

"I know." He grinned. Ivan led me to the dance floor. "I plan to sweep you off your feet. What about you, sweetheart? Are you up for the challenge?"

I placed my hand on his shoulder, nodding towards the quartet in the corner that struck a slow rhythmic tune. I could feel the strings vibrate through my heart, the indications of an upcoming waltz. It's a good thing that my mother had me take ballroom classes when we were in the UK. Looks like I would be using those skills tonight, I just hoped that I wouldn't step on Ivan's shoes.

I felt a flutter of nervousness as we swayed. His hand was on my waist And my hand was in his shoulder. Everyone was looking at us. "Don't stare at them." Ivan said squeezing my hand. "Look at me, sweetheart."

Ivan was the focus of all my attention and I could tell that he liked that.

He led me through the battlefield of ballroom dancing, looking happier than ever as I followed him. It was dazzling as I was caught up in the glittering jewels and the music, there was an almost dream like quality to it.

I was dizzy but I was so happy to be in his arms without a care in the world.

Maybe this is what Anya had meant earlier?

Ivan pulled me into a quick and sudden kiss before spinning me around, my laughter caught between his lips and his hands secure around my waist.

Ballroom dancing wasn't fun but with ivan...it was tolerable.

The song came to an end with an excellent solo from the violinist and the dancers broke into an applause. Ivan still had his hand around my waist as I clapped along with them. He kissed my temple and snagged two flutes of champagne from the waiters.

"Not bad, right?"

I plucked the champagne from his hand. "Not bad at all. At least I didn't step on your feet."

He rolled his eyes. "As if that would hurt me."

"I don't know, Ivan," I said teasingly. "Broken toes are pretty common in the ER."

He took a sip of his champagne before drowning it as Anya had done earlier. He looked around, the corners of his mouth pulled downward.

"I can't catch a break, can I?"

"What?" I turned around to see what he was looking at.

"Board Members," Ivan said. "God, if I have to shake their hands and politely decline the invites to dinner I think I might actually kill someone."

There were several board members behind us and they moved in a group towards us.

I looped my hand around the crook of Ivan's arm and pulled him towards the terrace. I didn't know where it led but I just hoped that it could help us escape. I wasn't ready to be torn apart by vultures just yet.

Ivan followed willingly.

The terrace led out to a small garden with large hedges that we could hide behind, away from the glittering lights and fragrant flowers. Ivan held my hand as we walked across the cobbled path towards a small alcove that had a stone bench overlooking the fountains.

We sat there, listening to the music and staring at the garden. Ivan leaned over and rested his head on my shoulder.

"Thank you." Ivan said.

"For what," I asked, taking a sip of the champagne.

He glanced around. "For being here. With me." Ivan stopped, putting his glass of champagne down. "I know this isn't your type of scene and everyone was being their usual judge and snobby selves but it means a lot to me."

"I wanted to come." I said, reaching out to touch his face. I ran my finger along his jaw. "I don't care about what other say about me. I'm not here for power or glory or even money. Ivan, I'm here because I want to be. For you, for us."

He kissed my palms. "You should know that you have a lot of power over me, sweetheart." He opened his eyes, staring at me. I felt my heart race as our eyes met. "You should also know how dangerous that can be."

"For me or for you?" I asked, feeling a bit breathless.

Usually I was composed and ready to face everything but Ivan was making it difficult to think straight. Ivan leaned down, his lips right next to my ear. "That's for you to find out."

I shivered. Ivan kissed me before I could say anything else. I wanted to pull him towards the darkest and secluded part of the garden where it would just be the two of us. He smirked knowingly, catching the look in my eyes.

"You look stunning in that dress." He kissed my jaw. "You have no idea how many men I had to chase off."

"I'm yours, Ivan," I laughed softly. "No need to be jealous. As if anyone could hold a candle to you."

He sighed through his nose, blue eyes glittering dangerously. The gala was still raging on inside, the amber light spilling out on to the terrace but barely touching the hem of my dress.

"You really shouldn't say things like that. If only you knew how insane I'm going right now." His hand tightened on my waist, it felt possessive. "Sweetheart, I—"

I cut him off with a kiss, hand sinking into his hair. It was messy and wet and hot, our tongues sliding together as he ravaged my mouth. Ivan tasted like expensive whiskey and vanilla. I stumbled backwards as he pressed me against the stone wall, one hand braced above me and the other around my waist, pulling me close.

I could hear the sound of the glass of champagne shattering but I didn't care.

I felt warm from my head to my toes.

He pulled away, eyes bearing down on me. His lips were red with my lipstick.

"I want to take you home." He said, tilting my face up. "I want you in my bed. I want to do things to you that I can't say out loud."

"So do it," I challenged him. "Take me home."

"Are you sure?" He smirked. "Do you want me in the same way that I want you?"

Something about Ivan felt dangerous, almost predatory. I could help feel a thrill race down my spine, just like when Ivan took me to that restaurant. Maybe this is what Anya meant by power? He opened his mouth to say something but his phone chimed. He took it out, growling something underneath his breath.

"Ivan?"

He looked up. He looked annoyed. "I...Sweetheart, I'm sorry."

"What happened?"

"Anya texted." He held the annoying phone up. "I have to go and play CEO."

"Rain check?" I asked cheekily as if we hadn't been devouring each other in the garden.

He wiped the smudge of my red lipstick off the corner of his lip. "Definitely."

I knew that I shouldn't feel disappointed but I did. Sex with Ivan in a nice comfy bed where no one could disturb us sounded like a dream come true. It's too bad the real world crushed my dreams before they could fully manifest. At least I had the promise of it.

I leaned forwards and kissed his lips gently. He kissed back, cradling my face. His fingertips were rough as they brushed back my hair.

"We should go back," I suggested between kisses. "Everyone is waiting for us."

Ivan hummed in agreement, making no moves to pull away. He tugged at my lip, biting down slightly.

"Okay?"

I grabbed him by his lapels. "Five more minutes?"

He was ten minutes late to his own speech and Anya kept smirking at me no matter how much I tried to hide it.

"So...what does power taste like?" She asked slyly, her eyes glancing at my hair.

Ivan caught my eye from the podium, the corner of his lip quirking up.

My heart did that strange fluttering but only this i knew what it was.

"Sweet."

I couldn't sleep at all that night. I kept remembering Ivan's eyes when he looked at me and the way he whispered into my ear. I got up, tossing the covers off of me. I passed as quietly as I could across the floor and opened up a window, trying to cool my burning face.

Gods, what was wrong with me?

No matter what I did, I couldn't get rid of the feeling of Ivan's lips on mine. My fingers brushed against where he bit my lip, the area still tender.

I was no stranger to attraction. I knew what it was like to be intimate with someone. It was an itch underneath your skin that you couldn't scratch. Ivan is handsome, drop dead gorgeous. And he knew it too. I replay that moment in the garden over and over. His hand on my hip, his lips on my neck and the taste of him on my tongue.

I should've pulled him in, refusing to let his escape my grasp.

I glanced over at my empty bed, regretting that I didn't take him back home with me.