Jenny POV:
As Annie returned to her seat, she took a sip of her drink, savoring the taste of the sweet and tangy cocktail. The glass sparkled in the light, and the ice clinked against the sides as she set it down. Shortly after, a parade of waiters arrived, each carrying a tray laden with an assortment of delectable dishes. The aromas of roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and savory sauces filled the air, teasing our senses and delighting our taste buds.
We eagerly dug in, indulging in the culinary delights before us. The first dish was a succulent lobster thermidor, cooked to perfection and served with a side of garlic butter. The lobster was tender and juicy, with a hint of sweetness that complemented the richness of the butter. Next, we savored the tender filet mignon, served with a rich demiglace that added depth and complexity to the dish. The filet was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, with a pink center that simply melted in our mouths.
Alongside the main courses, we enjoyed a selection of roasted vegetables, including asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and red bell peppers. The vegetables were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, seasoned with herbs and spices that brought out their natural flavors. We also indulged in a variety of sides, including creamy mashed potatoes, savory roasted sweet potatoes, and a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
After we finished eating, Annie suggested we take to the dance floor, and I readily agreed. We made our way to the center of the room, where the band was playing a lively tune. The music was a fusion of jazz and contemporary styles, with a strong beat that was impossible to resist. As the music washed over us, we let loose, shaking our bodies to the rhythm and losing ourselves in the beat.
The dance floor was a whirlwind of color and movement, with couples spinning and twirling to the music. We danced with abandon, our feet moving in perfect sync as we lost ourselves in the rhythm. The music was infectious, and soon we were laughing and spinning, our cares and worries forgotten in the joy of the moment.
As the music drew to a close, the MC called out, gathering everyone's attention. We all turned to watch as the birthday man prepared to cut his cake, a magnificent multi-tiered masterpiece adorned with fondant and sugar flowers. The cake was a work of art, with intricate designs and patterns that sparkled in the light. With a flourish, the birthday man sliced into the cake, and the room erupted in a chorus of "Happy Birthday." We all joined in, singing and clapping along as the birthday man beamed with joy.
As I glanced around, my eyes landed on Alex, who was standing at a distance, his face a mask of annoyance. His eyes seemed to bore into the crowd, his jaw clenched in frustration. Annie noticed my gaze and leaned in to whisper, "He's always like this when he's forced to leave his work for something." I nodded understandingly, but couldn't help feeling a pang of concern at his intense demeanor.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of gift-giving and celebration. Annie presented the birthday man with a thoughtful gift, a luxurious watch with intricate engravings. I, on the other hand, felt like an outsider, unsure of what to give a wealthy billionaire. As the night drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The evening had been a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and sensations, and I was grateful to have shared it with Annie and the others.
As the night wore on, the celebration showed no signs of slowing down. The band played on, the music weaving a spell of joy and abandon over the crowd. We danced and laughed, lost in the magic of the moment.
The birthday man, beaming with happiness, made his way around the room, shaking hands and accepting congratulations from his guests. His eyes sparkled with gratitude, and his face glowed with a warm, contented smiles.
As I turned to leave, I realized Alex was already gone, and a pang of sadness hit me. I had hoped he would say goodbye, but I knew it wasn't necessary. I scolded myself for feeling this way, warning myself not to fall for him like Tasha did. But it was hard to resist his charm.
Annie broke the spell, saying, "Jenny, let's go." We stepped outside, where Alex was waiting by the Porsche, his phone pressed to his ear. He curtly ended the call as we approached, his expression still stern. "Let's go," he repeated, his voice firm.
I sensed his lingering anger and followed him obediently. Annie had entrusted him with ensuring my safe return home, and I appreciated her concern. As we drove away from the mansion, the night air rushed past us, carrying the memories of a magical evening. We rode in silence, lost in our own thoughts, the only sound the soft hum of the engine and the distant music of the night.
Alex's POV:
I gazed at her, my expression unyielding. She was just a means to an end, a way to satisfy my desires. I had no interest in her feelings or well-being. My focus was on my business, my empire. And if she got in the way, I would crush her without hesitation.
But despite myself, I felt a spark of connection to her. It was a weakness I couldn't afford, a vulnerability I couldn't indulge. I pushed the feeling aside, refusing to acknowledge it.
My phone rang, and I answered, my voice cold and detached. "Send men there to check it and find that bastard who tried to mess with me," I growled, my anger simmering just below the surface.
Jenny POV:
I stared at him, and I could sense something dangerous emanating from him. Was it his aura or the angry face I was seeing right now? I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was palpable. "Are you alright?" I asked, my concern evident in my voice.
"Miss Jenny, let's just stay the way we were before," he said coldly, his gaze fixed on the window ahead. I felt a shiver run down my spine as his words dripped with ice.
My gaze went back to the window, my eyes tracing the outline of the cityscape outside. The silence between us was oppressive, heavy with unspoken tension. I couldn't help but wonder what had caused his sudden change in demeanor.