The Miracle of You

To be honest, the moment she strode into the room, Christian felt this foreign feeling in his chest.

She was beautiful.

Not that he hadn’t found her pretty before, but right now, she was especially bewitching.

Her eyelids were adorned with shimmering emerald eyeshadow that extended to create a subtle smoky effect, adding to the allure of her expression. Her long, dark lashes were lined with mascara, and a single emerald gem nestled in the corner of her right eye like a distant, shimmering star.

With soft, arched eyebrows, she stared at him, her expression unusually vulnerable. She seemed a little nervous, and he couldn’t understand why that struck a chord in him.

His eyes dropped to her lips, which were painted a velvety shade of rose-petal pink, a subtle yet seductive choice that balanced the boldness of her robes and mask. Delicate touches of rosy blush adorned her cheeks, complementing her flawlessly pale skin that tempted him to touch it.

Before Christian could realize what he was doing, he was walking towards her, reaching out to cup her cheek.

Camille, on the other hand, was frozen in place. She watched as his fingers ghosted the side of her cheek, looking like she was fixated on his unexpected action.

He didn’t know why he was doing this, either.

But at the last minute, he moved his fingers until his index one rested against the jewel on the side of her eye.

“This one’s a nice touch,” he murmured before drawing his hand back.

Camille’s gaze returned to his face, and she seemed surprised.

It took him all of his willpower to restrain himself from touching her more.

“Good. I’m pleased by your appearance,” he said, the words just leaving his lips automatically. “You make a good fit to be my woman.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The words seemed to strike something in Camille, because the next moment the slip of vulnerability in her expression disappeared, replaced by that perpetual irritation whenever he was around.

“I’m not your woman,” she said venomously before turning around and heading towards the door.

“Be careful,” he called out with a smirk. “You might trip on your gown.”

Just as he said it, she almost stumbled on her steps. A maid nearby quickly stepped forward to balance her, and Camille gave her a brief, grateful look.

“Thank you,” she said softly before eventually straightening her posture. With annoyance on her features, she raised the material of her gown with her hands, allowing her to see her shoes as she walked.

Christian watched her go with interest.

It was funny how she was always so kind and gentle with the servants, but so hostile with him. Each side was in such contrast that it made her an interesting character to be around. After all, he was used to people sucking up to him and trying to mooch as much as they could from his wealth and influence.

But with Camille, there was no pretense. Most of the time she was an open book. She never hid her animosity towards him, and even though he usually reprimanded or took revenge on people who acted that way towards him, he allowed her, and only her, to do so.

It was refreshing to see that from time to time. At least there was one person in this world who didn’t hold back when it came to him.

Camille was genuine and honest. She was also hardworking and industrious. She never slacked off in her duties, and even though she hated him, she did her job very well.

In fact, she was the best secretary and assistant he had had in a long time.

That was why he would never, ever let her go.

***

The venue was breathtaking.

It was a historic mansion owned by one of the wealthiest families in the country. The mansion had ivy-covered walls and meticulously landscaped gardens that created a picturesque scene. A cobblestone driveway lined with lanterns led to the grand entrance, where numerous guests arrived in style.

Outside, several reporters were already waiting and snapping pictures. After all, with celebrities, philanthropists, fashion icons, and entrepreneurs in attendance, it was to be expected that the media would seize the opportunity.

The cameras made Camille anxious, but she felt a little better knowing that she was wearing a mask to cover her face. Not only that, but she found a hat with a tinted green transparent veil attached to it that could cover her face even more. Since it could be considered a fashion style that matched her clothing, it did not attract too much attention.

“Nervous?” Christian asked as the car they were riding in neared the parking spot.

“I already expected this,” she said flatly.

She was aware of the fact that her entire posture was stiff despite her calm tone, but Christian currently wasn’t looking at her anyway. Instead, he was gazing out at the reporters outside with vague interest.

As they got out of the car, he held out his hand to her like a perfect gentleman. Knowing that she shouldn’t make a fuss that might arouse suspicion, Camille took it and allowed him to help her out of the car with grace.

“Hold on to me,” Christian whispered as he offered her his arm.

Camille took it, and then they walked with the other guests towards the entrance.

The constant flashing of the cameras made Camille squint, but otherwise she kept walking. She could hear a few exclamations nearby about who she was and what her relationship was with Christian Callahan, but she ignored them.

Although in her mind she cursed him incessantly. Even if it was his intention to spread rumors little by little since they were going to get married anyway, it was still a nuisance for her to deal with gossip and rumors that could negatively affect the company and its image.

She might have to work overtime again after this…

“Don’t mind them.” Christian’s voice suddenly drifted into her ears, his tone unusually deep yet soft at the same time. “Just stick to me all night, and you’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”