Laura
I couldn't stop blushing as we got back on the road and drove back through the calm streets, the city lights shimmering against the quiet night. I turned to Jake with one more idea simmering in my mind. Now was the time to reveal the trump card. The last plan in my pack of plans.
"There's one last piece to this plan though," I began, feeling the excitement bubbling up.
He raised an eyebrow, looking both amused and intrigued. "I'm all ears, Laura," he replied, his tone encouraging.
"I think you should host a charity event," I said, a bit breathlessly. "A chance to give back to the community, and to show everyone who you really are. It's one thing to address accusations, but another to actively contribute and help others. This will cement your image, not just as a businessman, but as someone who cares."
For a moment, he was silent, his gaze softening. "A charity event," he murmured, as if weighing each word. "Laura, that's... it's a brilliant idea. I don't know what I'd do without you."
I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, an involuntary smile spreading across my face. "Oh, come on," I teased. "You'd probably have come up with it eventually."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, really," he said, turning serious. "You're the reason I didn't just walk away when everything felt hopeless. I was ready to let it all fall apart." His gaze met mine, unwavering. "Laura, you saved me."
The sincerity in his words struck me, and I had to look away to hide the blush that had crept up my cheeks. "I... I'm glad I could help," I managed, feeling more flustered than I wanted to admit.
Over the next week, preparations for the event unfolded in a whirlwind. Jake was really proactive and made sure to handle most of the arrangements on his own.
In the midst of the busyness, I was still on his mind.
"I want you to look your best on that day, I'm going to show you off to the whole world." That was what he said when he asked me to book a stylist and makeup artist. They My stylist were among the best in the city, and they worked with me right at Jake's penthouse. Jake wouldn't let me go back to my house even when it was obvious that there was no more danger out there after me.
Their hands creating magic as they transformed me for the big night. The designer, Veronica, was meticulously adjusting my gown as she checked every detail.
"You're really lucky, you know that?" Arlene said, a small smile on her lips as she gushed over me. I had called her over, I actually invited her for the event but she declined and chose to come check up on me instead.
I laughed softly, glancing around the lavish space. "Trust me, I still can't believe it sometimes. Jake's been... an incredible force in my life."
Veronica exchanged a knowing glance with the makeup artist, who was just finishing up my eyeliner.
"That's sweet," Arlene continued, stepping back to admire the work. "Well, it's obvious he's crazy about you. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here right now."
"Thank you so much Arlene for being here. I'd be lost without your company tonight," I said sincerely, a rush of gratitude flooded through me.
We both smiled, and I caught a glint of pride in their eyes. "Just make sure you show the world tonight what Jake Robbins stands for," Arlene said softly, her eyes reflecting the unspoken understanding between us.
I finally stood up then and went to check myself out in the mirror. I gasped when I saw the beauty staring me back in the face. The makeup artist came over then to put final touches on my makeup complete.
"Oh my goodness, I can barely recognize myself." I exclaimed.
My hair was swept into an elegant updo, framing my face in a way that felt almost ethereal. The soft curls, the subtle shimmer of the highlighter catching the light just right, I looked like someone who belonged in the world of ballrooms and grand charity events.
"I know right, you look so stunning." Arlene let out as she came closer, stepped back and folded her arms with a proud smile.
I met her eyes in the mirror, my cheeks tinged pink. "Veronica, this is... beyond anything I could have imagined. I can't thank you and Alissa enough." I gestured to Alissa, who had perfected every line and color on my face, from the wing of my eyeliner to the deep rose lipstick.
Alissa gave me a small smile, looking just as pleased as Veronica.
"We should be the one thanking you. Styling someone so close to the Jake Robbins... To be here, to be trusted by you, it's honestly a huge honor, Laura."
Veronica nodded, her expression softening.
I felt a swell of gratitude and warmth toward them. "You both have given me so much confidence," I said, voice barely above a whisper. "And not just for tonight. This whole week has been a rollercoaster, but knowing I had your support, well, that's meant the world to me."
They exchanged a look, their pride evident as they left, leaving just Arlene and I in the room.
She helped me with my designer heels, courtesy of Jake. He got everything I was putting on and they were so expensive. Too e expensive that I didn't want to accept them at first.
"Well," Arlene sighed, "Jake isn't the only one people are going to be proud of tonight. Go out there and make them see the real story. You're part of this, too, Laura."
With one final look at the transformation I had been turned into, I nodded. Her words echoed in my mind as I stood, carefully smoothing my dress, ready to face whatever the night would bring.
We exchanged a hug and then made our way outside where the driver was waiting for me. I tried to persuade her one last time but her mind was made up. She got a ride while we also zoomed off…
As I stepped out of the car at the event, my stomach was a bundle of nerves. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the moment I saw the impact of my entrance, my confidence surged. Heads turned, and I could feel eyes following me as I moved through the crowd, each step carefully measured.
The lights were bright, the air buzzing with anticipation. Jake was already mingling with guests, but I didn't head toward him just yet. Tonight was about showcasing him in the best light possible, and I had my own part to play.
I spotted one of the major investors, Mr. Kingston, standing with a group of executives. Summoning my courage, I walked over, a friendly smile on my face.
"Mr. Kingston," I greeted, extending my hand. "It's wonderful to see you here tonight."
He turned, surprised but pleased. "Laura! It's been a while. How are you?"
"I'm doing well, thank you," I replied. "And I just wanted to thank you for supporting Jake. I know it's been a difficult few weeks, but it means a lot that you're here."
He nodded, his face softening. "Jake's a good man, Laura. A bit of a rough patch doesn't change that."
I felt my resolve strengthen. "Exactly. And that's why tonight is so important," I said. "Jake's worked hard to set things right, and he's committed to making a real difference. Hosting this charity event is just one part of it."
Another investor joined us, overhearing the last part of our conversation. "Laura, I have to say, I was a bit skeptical at first, but seeing the way Jake has handled things... it's impressive. And from what I've heard, you've had a hand in helping him, too."
I smiled modestly. "Well, I believe in him. And I think all of us here tonight believe in the impact he can have, not just in business, but for the community as well."
They nodded thoughtfully, and I felt the weight of the night's purpose settling over me. Every conversation was an opportunity to rebuild the trust that had been shaken, to reinforce the truth of who Jake was.
Just then, another group of investors joined us, several of them still discussing recent events. I turned to them with a warm smile. "Good evening," I greeted. "I'm Laura, and I just want to thank each of you for being here tonight. Jake's been through a lot, and your support means the world to him."
One of them, a woman named Ms. Lane, looked at me with genuine curiosity. "Laura, tell us honestly, how has he been handling everything? The media painted a pretty intense picture, but you must know the real story."
I hesitated, then took a breath. "He's been under a lot of pressure," I admitted. "But if there's one thing I know about Jake, it's that he doesn't back down from doing what's right. He was determined to address everything openly, and tonight's event... it's his way of giving back, of showing that he's here to stay, not just for business, but for the community."
Ms. Lane nodded, a glimmer of respect in her eyes. "Thank you, Laura. It's good to know there's real integrity behind his actions."