19:53 Wed, Mar 18 RDM
Chapter 62
Chapter 62
Amelia’s POV
94
55 JOULUT
By the time I stepped out of the elevator, my body felt lighter, the kind of exhaustion that came with satisfaction, not stress. I walked toward our suite, sweat glistening lightly on my forehead. My evening run had done exactly what I needed it to do: clear my head.
Today was the gala, the grand finale of the outreach. The whole team was buzzing with excitement earlier, but for me, the day had been calm. Edmund had insisted I take it slow since everything had already been handled. “You deserve to rest,” he’d said. For once, I actually listened.
I checked my wristwatch as I approached the door.
Just an hour to the gala.
That was more than enough time, a quick shower, some light makeup, maybe a neat ponytail. I didn’t plan on doing anything dramatic. Edmund had mentioned something about getting me a dress, but with all the last–minute calls and event preparations, I figured he’d probably forgotten. Not that it mattered. I had a simple black dress folded neatly in my box that would do just fine.
I slid the keycard through the door lock. The light blinked green, and before I could even step inside, two women grabbed me by the arms.
“What the hey!” I gasped as they dragged me inside. “What on earth are you doing?”
“Oh, finally!” one of them exclaimed dramatically. “You’re here!”
“I–what?” I tried to pull free, but their grip was surprisingly strong. “Who are you people?”
Neither of them answered. The taller one had a blow dryer slung over her shoulder, and the shorter woman had a makeup brush tucked behind her ear like it was a weapon. They were talking over each other, something about hair, contouring, lashes, foundation, it sounded like gibberish.
“Hold the fuck up!” I yelled, wrenching my hand free. They both froze, wide–eyed. “Who the hell are you guys, and what the hell do you think you’re doing in here?”
The shorter one gave me a look so flat it could’ve sliced glass. “Girl, really?”
“What?”
“Brushes, rollers, hairdryer,” she said, waving her hands toward their equipment. “And you can’t tell who we are?”
I blinked, still confused. “I don’t-”
“We’re your makeover team,” the taller one said, rolling her eyes. “Courtesy of Mr. Montgomery.”
“Oh.” My voice softened as the pieces clicked. “Oh.”
So he hadn’t forgotten.
I smiled, I couldn’t help it. “Well, in that case, give me two minutes. I just came back from a run. Let me grab a quick shower.”
“Make it really quick, ma’am,” the hairdresser said, checking her watch. “We have approximately fifty minutes before the
event.”
“Sure thing,” I said, grinning now.
19:53 Wed, Mar 18 RO
Chapter 62
94
65 vouchers
As soon as I got into my bedroom, I tossed my gym bag to the side and stripped, heading straight for the shower. The hot water hit my skin and I sighed, letting it wash over me. My heart warmed as I thought of Edmund’s thoughtfulness. He really hadn’t forgotten.
That was one thing about him. Beneath the businessman, the control, the reputation, there was still that intentional, sweet man I’d fallen for years ago.
After a quick rinse, I stepped out, wrapped a towel around myself, and padded back into the room. I threw on a sleeveless crop top and leggings, towel–dried my hair as best I could, and headed for the living room.
“Sorry I’m late,” I said, smiling sheepishly. “I had to shower.”
“No problem,” the taller one said brightly. “Sit, sit. We’ll start with the hair.”
The hairstylist, Tasha, introduced herself as she began parting and blow–drying my hair. The other woman, Melanie, laid out her makeup brushes and palettes like she was about to perform surgery.
“So.” Tasha said conversationally, combing through my hair, “any look you have in mind tonight?”
I shook my head. “Not really. Honestly, anything’s fine. I’m wearing a simple black dress, so… just something soft, I guess.”
She smiled knowingly. “Soft glam. I got you.”
As she worked, I distracted myself by opening Candy Crush on my phone. I was halfway through a level when my phone pinged. A message from Edmund.
Edmund: Home yet?
A grin spread across my face as I typed back.
*Me*: You sneaky man…
He replied almost instantly.
Edmund: I’m guessing you’ve seen my little surprise then.
I chuckled and snapped a quick photo of myself surrounded by brushes and hair clips.
‘Me: Having my hair done.
‘Edmund: Great! I’m sure you’ll look even more beautiful than you already are. They’re good at their job.
My chest fluttered. I typed quickly.
Me: Thank you, babe.
*Edmund : I love you. Gotta go, duty calls. Can’t wait to see you at the gala.
I powered off my phone with a smile I couldn’t seem to shake.
The hum of the blow dryer filled the room. Tasha’s fingers were fast but gentle as she sectioned and curled my hair into soft waves that framed my face perfectly. By the time she was done, iny curls fell effortlessly over my shoulders, light catching in
them like silk.
“Gorgeous,” Tasha said, fluffing the last curl. “Now, let’s get to the fun part.”
Melanie took over, dabbing primer across my face before layering on foundation, blush, and the softest shimmer on my eyelids. By the time she finished, my reflection in the mirror hardly looked like me.
19:53 Wed, Mar 18 RM
Chapter 62
“Wow,” I whispered, running a hand down my cheek. “I love it. You two are amazing.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Melanie said proudly. “But we’re not quite done yet.”
I frowned, confused. “We’re not?”
56 vouchers
Tasha smirked and nodded toward the zipped garment bag sitting on the couch. “We were told to give you this last.”
Curious, I reached for it. The bag was surprisingly heavy. “What’s this?”
“Open it,” Melanie said with a grin.
I unzipped it slowly, and my breath caught. “Oh my God.”
Inside was the most stunning evening dress I’d ever seen. It was a deep emerald–green gown with a satin finish that glowed under the light. It had a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline that flowed into a sleek, floor–length skirt with a daring side slit. Beside it was a pair of silver stiletto heels, a matching clutch, and a small velvet box containing delicate diamond jewelry that shimmered like starlight.
My eyes widened as I noticed a small white card tucked inside the garment bag. I unfolded it, and my heart flipped.
I never forget.
Can’t wait to see how the dress looks on you.__
_Love you, baby.__
_Edmund._
I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt. “He’s unbelievable,” I murmured, clutching the note.
The two stylists exchanged a knowing look before letting out a synchronized “Awwww.”
“Girl, that man’s in love,” Tasha teased, handing me the box. “You better go try that dress on before I fall for him myself.”
I laughed, blushing as I grabbed the gown. “Okay, okay! I’m going.”
Inside my bedroom, I laid everything on the bed and took a moment to admire it. The fabric looked expensive, soft, smooth, like something meant for a red carpet.I slipped into it. It hugged every curve just right, elegant yet daring, with a small train that trailed gracefully behind me.
I added the jewelry, silver earrings and a bracelet, and stepped into the heels. When I finally turned toward the mirror, I didn’t recognize myself.
Gone was the tired doctor who used to bury herself in work. The woman staring back at me was confident, radiant, and yes, beautiful.
Taking a deep breath, I walked back into the living room. Both wonen turned the moment they heard my heels click on the floor.
Their jaws dropped.
“Oh. My. God,” Melanie gasped. “You look like a movie star.”
Tasha pressed a hand to her chest. “Forget a makeover, he’s going to pass out when he sees you.”
I laughed, trying not to blush too hard. “You two are ridiculous.”
“No, we’re serious,” Tasha said, snapping a quick picture with her phone. “If he doesn’t marry you again after tonight, I’ll do
19:53 Wed, Mar 18 ROM.
Chapter 62
it myself.“.
I couldn’t stop smiling. “Thank you. Both of you. Really.”
55 voucherd
They grinned and started packing up their tools while I turned toward the mirror one last time. For a moment, I just stared at my reflection in disbelief.
How had everything changed so much in just a few days? From awkward silences and buried memories to this, to a feeling that felt new.
I ran a finger lightly over the necklace clasp, the diamonds cool against my skin, and whispered to myself, “You did good, Edmund Montgomery. You did really good.”
As I headed for the door, my heart raced in a way that had nothing to do with nerves.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
