It took us thirty minutes for trying out ten different dresses. She took pictures for references just in case I changed my mind. I chose the first one she showed me which was the sleeveless long black sequined dress. I looked at the price tag and gasped how expensive it was. I opened my mouth in protest, but Deidra shook her head.

"Don't even worry about it," she said, unzipping the back of the dress. "And don't you even dare question Mr. Sterling. Now go and finish up whatever you need to do so you can have time to rest."

"Do I really have to go?" I ran a hand down my face in frustration, hoping she could sense my desperate plea. "I don't understand why he chose me instead of you?"

"I'm thinking maybe because he's comfortable around you," she grabbed a hanger and carefully hung the dress on a stand. "Like you said, you met him once years ago. Maybe he built a connection with you."

I sighed, putting my shirt back on. "Whatever. I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up then."

Deidra gave a light chuckle. She looked down at Cosmo who was sitting down next to her feet with his tongue out. "She'll survive tonight. Right, Cosmo?"

He barked twice. Deidra tilted her head, placing both her hands on her hips. It looked like she was saying I told you so!

"Well, if you both say so, then alright, I'll go to the gala with Mr. Sterling." I bent down to pat the top of his head.

I helped her return all the dresses inside their boxes. The house helpers brought it back to her car. After she left, my whole body dropped down to the sofa. I was staring at the ceiling, imagining every little thing that could go wrong at the gala. What if my dad's friends saw me and they asked me if I was Grayson Hart's daughter? How should I respond? What if I saw Mabel? Meeting her was inevitable. I was planning on talking to her about the inheritance, but I didn't realize I'd be seeing her so soon. I closed my eyes shut and opened them again. This is for the best. I have to be strong.

*

"Are you done?" Deidra knocked on my bedroom door. "Mr. Sterling is waiting for you downstairs."

I couldn't stop twirling around the full mirror. My hands are freezing cold. A shiver ran down my back. I was about to open the door when I remembered the set of teardrop shaped diamond earrings Deidra brought me. They were gorgeous. I asked her if it was hers and she said I didn't need to know. I'm guessing it was from Rain.

"Hang on a sec. Be right out." I swallowed hard as I put the first earring on. Hope I don't lose a diamond, or else I'd be paying for it with my whole life.

There was a small bottle of perfume by the bathroom vanity. I quickly spritzed some on my wrists and on my neck. My fingers weaved through the strands of my hair one last time. There would be hundreds of people at the gala. I doubt anyone would notice me there. I let out a breath and made my way to the door.

"Alright, Deeds, I'm ready," I said, opening the door. My mouth fell to the floor when I saw Rain standing next to Deidra looking at me with anticipation. "Oh, I thought you were—"

"Yes, I was waiting for you downstairs," he smiled, his eyes briefly scanning my dress. He nodded. "Perfect choice. You look beautiful."

I pressed my lips together, unable to say a word. My heart was beating hard as ever. He looked so handsome in his black tux. "T—Thank you," I managed to utter out. "It was all thanks to Deidra."

While we were going down the stairs, I heard him talking on the phone.

"Lauro, please bring out the Bentayga," short pause. "No, I'll be driving. You take the night off."

It didn't take long before a glossy black Bentley rolled up to the front of the mansion. My eyes widened, and I could feel my lips curving up into a smile.

"You guys have fun," Deidra had a huge smile plastered on her face as she hugged her tablet to her chest. I almost missed her small wink at me. She turned to Rain. "Let me know if you need further assistance, Mr. Sterling, I'll be sure to drop by."

"Don't worry about me, Deidra," he quickly typed something on his phone before slipping it inside his blazer. He opened the car door for me. "Thank you for assisting Ms. Hart here with her dress. I'll make sure to add that in your performance appraisal."

She beamed proudly. "My pleasure. Anytime, Sir."

"Now lock up and go home," he reminded her. "I'll fetch Cosmo at your apartment tomorrow."

Cosmo barked a few times, waving his tail in excitement. Rain bent down and gently stroked the top of his head. "I'll see you soon, Buddy. Be good."

"How I wish we could bring him along," I said, not hiding my disappointment as I waved goodbye to Cosmo. Deidra and Cosmo turned around and walked back to the front door. "I don't know why you're bringing me along instead of your secretary? I'm your house maid. It just doesn't make any sense to me."

"I told Deidra I wanted you to come." He motioned for me to get in. I completely forgot he was waiting for me to get inside the car. I was just standing there like an idiot. After I got in, he pulled the seatbelt and secured it for me. My cheeks burned at his close proximity.

I opened my mouth in protest. "O-kay, thank you very much. You do know I can put my own seatbelt, right?"

"Nothing wrong with that, Ms. Hart," he started the engine. "I just wanted to make sure you're secured during our trip."

He's such a gentleman. Thank God he's not the usual rich pompous selfish assholes that are out there. I could feel how genuine he is by his actions since I arrived at the mansion. I relaxed a little when we were driving thirty minutes out in the highway. What to say? What to say?

"I just wanted to remind you, Ms. Hart," he shattered the silence between us. "Never call yourself a maid."

I stared at him in disbelief. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's the position I applied for. What do you want me to call myself then? Your lady-in-waiting? Wait, that's not it."

"You're one of my assistants," he replied, glancing at me. I stifled a laugh. "Look, you can laugh all you want, but you're basically assisting me in whatever I do."

"But that's Deidra's job," I shook my head. "Well, call it what you want then. I'm still your maid."

He smiled smugly. I can't help but smile at how cute he was. He's probably the most revered person I know. I suddenly remembered meeting him for the first time at Vincent and Daphne's wedding. He looked quite the fun guy when we started talking. I noticed he has a more serious side now.

"So, what were you doing after all these years?" I suddenly asked out of the blue. "I mean, like after we met at the Sterling wedding reception?"

"I just got busy with my family's department store chain. Nothing much."

I nodded. "Okay. Do you have any other siblings?"

"I'm an only child."

"Where are your parents?" I asked, trying to keep the ball rolling. I just wanted to get to know him better. You know, start again where we left off the last time.

"Don't you think you're asking too many questions right now, Ms. Hart?" He said, glancing at me. He wasn't smiling, meaning I've probably hit a nerve. Shit. I got too comfortable.

"Oh, I apologize," I said waving my hands in front of me. "I didn't mean to pry or anything. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay." He said quietly, not looking at me. His eyes were fully fixated on the road.

I turned my head to the window and closed my eyes, internally scolding myself for blowing the conversation. I noticed how he's not the same person as he was when I first met him. He is less bubbly now. Just as I was creating a bond between us, this happened. I kept my mouth shut throughout the whole way.

Before I knew it, we had already arrived at the gala. I recognized the venue as we pulled up around the silver S statue. It was one of Vincent Sterling's buildings. My dad brought me here a few times when he met up with Vincent for their business meetings. The valet opened the door for me. Rain rushed to my side to help me step out. I realized how long the dress slit was. It made me show a lot of leg skin. Thankfully, Rain was respectful. His eyes never lingered on my leg when I stepped out.

"Thank you." I said, straightening my dress. There was a lot of camera flashes. It felt like I arrived at a Hollywood red carpet.

"Place your arm around mine." He whispered in my ear.

"But I don't want to."

"Just do it." He said firmly.

As soon as I did, it felt like I was given the spartan kick right into a snake pit. All the women, young and old were eyeing me as their next snack. How lovely. I could see them whispering to each other as we walked past them. Bitter and salty expressions surrounded the crowd. As expected, my heart stopped as we stepped through the glass doors.

So, it begins.