Tamina

Biting my lower lip, my fingers tremble at the thought of what could be hiding on the inside, but I'm quick to pick it up anyway. Scanning the area intently, no one seems to be paying me any attention, so my shoulders lightly lift and fall before I'm unravelling the parchment.

Take the second door to your left and go in the third bathroom down, there will be a surprise for you in the cupboard under the sink x

A kiss, that's new. If this person is trying to throw me off, it's not going to work. I'll take the glass as defence in case anyone tries to jump me from behind or something. Clenching the stem of the glass, I'm not wasting a second to follow its instructions. Before I'm entering the hall, I take one last look at Brandon who isn't even noticing my disappearance, which in a way, I can't help but be thankful for.

The music that had picked up after the speech is a tad bit quieter now, and there's no one hanging around in the hall, so the detour to the bathroom is surprisingly easy. Once I'm inside, I'm happy to see the pale pink room with the white tiles is also—

"Right there! Oh—"

My hands slam on my ears and the heat shoots to my cheeks.

"Someone's in here—"

"I don't care, keep going!" the woman exclaims, and the sudden bang against the door has my eyes bulging out of my sockets.

Hastily scrambling for the sink, I scour the darkness before grabbing the plastic bag stashed in the corner before darting out into the neighbouring bathroom. Shaking the uncomfortable feeling in my system, my mind can't help but wonder if that's what me and Brandon are going to be doing. They sounded like they were having fun, so I can only imagine if Brandon will be gentle with me and make it feel nice too.

Pushing the image to the back of my mind, I sit on the toilet and make sure to lock the stall door behind me so no one accidentally stumbles in on me before opening the contents. My eyes widen immensely when my fingers snag fabric and pull out a black dress, but not any black dress. My black dress. Attached to it is another note.

I wouldn't have been able to break into your house, privacy is still something to be considered. So, I ordered a replica instead. You looked absolutely stunning, but I think this is the one for you; if you want to make more of an impact, you should be yourself, there's no better way to do it x

Lucius. It has to be him; he mentioned my dress when he came round the other day. Clenching the fabric in a fist, I'm about to stuff it back inside when his words replay in my head. As much as I hate to admit it, he's right. If I want to get anywhere, I can't roll over and let people mould me into something I'm not to please others. I've got to be my own person, and if they don't like it, then that's their problem, not mine or Brandon's.

At least, that's what my parents would say. . .

Although, I'm not sure if I should be amazed or displeased with how that man does half the things he pulls off.

With a heavy sigh, knowing if he sees me, he's going to have plenty to say, but I've got to smooth it out with Brandon before anything else happens when I get out there. Nodding with determination, I carefully lay the luxuries on the back of the toilet and slip off the dress and fold it on the toilet seat before slipping on the black fabric over my body. It fits me perfectly, which is creepy but good since it won't fall off me or cling too tightly. It feels smooth instead of silky, and the slight crinkle on the edges makes it feel real, like my body actually has something. And I'm over the moon it has a fresh clothing scent instead of his cologne.

Dumping the note in the side bin, I wrap the jewellery in tissue and store them beneath the dress within the confinements of the bag before I make a quick once over in the mirror, adoring the sparkly sequins that dot the lining of the bodice before making an exit.

Keeping my head low when I'm inside again, my body sticks to the edge of the dance floor until I'm approaching the lobby and shuffling outside before anyone catches me, and I'm thankful the young man is there from earlier. Offering a welcoming smile, I stop in front of him with a tiny wave.

"Hello, I'm not sure if you remember me, but I came with Mr Wolfe?"

His eyes widen as his head bounces hastily. "Yes, I remember you, you're not leaving early, are you?" He stops for a moment and eyes my dress. "I swear you came in a different dress."

Chuckling at his inspection, my head slowly bobs in agreement. "I did, and thank you for remembering me. . . I actually decided this might've been more me." Giving the bag a small shake, I add, "Would you mind looking after this for me until we come by to pick our things up later? I don't want to risk losing them."

He nods like a soldier and stores it under the desk. "I'll keep it here so nothing falls out, everyone else's belongings are in the cupboard. May I say, you look lovely this evening."

Bashfully smiling, my eyes meet his green ones. "Thank you, and you as well. Make sure you nab a dance before the night ends, you deserve it for your hard work."

With that, I take a deep breath and make way for the main room.

Please don't let this blow up in my face. . .

Everything is like how it was when I left it. Everyone is dancing and have fun; Florentina has snagged a man's attention even though she can't keep her eyes off Brandon. Brandon isn't even paying her any heed with his back to her while he converses with a group of men and women. Although, it doesn't take long for everyone's eyes to slowly land on me, and as if sensing the shift in mood, Brandon's soon find mine.

They're filled with confusion, doubt, and then it all fades into a proud smile which I throw back at him and make my way easily through the crowd that parts for me. Once we're toe to toe, his arm wraps around me and tugs me close for a passionate kiss. It's deep and soft, and the fact he's doing it in front of everyone is a big statement. Florentina scoffs and makes a comment how trashy attire wasn't allowed in at this event, but another woman is quick to contradict the comment with a nice bout of encouragement.

Slowly pulling away, my cheeks burn but the smile is warm and loving as I stare up at him, and his is full of warmth too. After a handful of whispers and stares, everyone begins another dance and leaves us to our own business.

"I think this was the better choice," he murmurs, stroking the curve of my cheek.

My brows furrow. "You aren't upset I'm not wearing the dress and jewellery?"

Brandon chuckles with a small shake of the head. "Of course not. . . I mean, I'm surprised that you aren't after what we had talked about, but I like it. Tell me, why did you choose to go with this dress?"

Scratching the nape of my neck, my fingers curl around his while my thumb sweeps across the back of his hand. "I'm in love with you, and only you Brandon, and I just want you to know that you're the man I plan on being with no matter what happens in the hotel room. . . Lucius made a replica of my dress, and his words were actually inspiring. I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not to make other people happy, I'm going to be me. If they don't like it, it's no big loss; what matters is our opinions."

The green of his eyes soften as he places a soft peck to my forehead. "Of course, my love."

Before either of us can even utter the words, "Let's dance," a tall man clad in a typical business suit waltzes up with amused eyes, and his mocha skin glints in the overhanging light.

"My, who is this interesting girl?" he questions.

Brandon keeps his arm tightly around my waist and meets his gaze before announcing," She's my girlfriend. I thought I'd make it known I'm—as you guys put it—off the market."

My heart's beating so fast I can't control it. He's finally put it out there for everyone to know and see, and I'm sure this man won't waste time in spreading the news if the others here don't. It makes me feel warm and gooey because of the acceptance building deep inside me.

The lanky man snickers and turns his attention to me. "You have a good man on your arm, dear. Don't let him go, apart from now, we need to discuss some deals if you don't mind."

Judging by Brandon's face, he doesn't want to be separated from me, either that, or he doesn't want to hear any more business talk. Either way, I know there's nothing we can do because they'll keep swarming around him until they get what they want.

Holding back a sigh, my head bobs in response. "Sure, go ahead. Brandon, I'll wait for you by the buffet table."

With a last look, he sighs and is quick to follow the man before shooting a quick, "I love you," my way.

AndI'm left alone to find another pineapple and cheese cube.