Chapter 17

N O E L L E

“I cannot attend that boring ball gown party,” I complained at Levi. I came to his office the next day. I just learned that it’s a ball gown party.

“Why not?” He asked while looking at his computer.

“It’s because I hate wearing gowns, I hate to socialize, and it’s boring. I don’t know anyone in your world, Levi.” I explained while eating the delicious chocolate velvet cake Allen brought for me. He knows what I like to eat every time I come here to nag his boss.

“As my future wife, don’t you think it’s time to learn how to wear gowns, to socialize, and know everyone in my world, future Mrs. Mitchell?” I looked at him in disgust.

“Should I knock some senses in you?” I asked while shaking my head. “Besides, how are you going to introduce me?”

“What else? Of course, as my fiancée.” He said as a matter of fact.

I sigh. “You can introduce me as your fiancée when you reach 28 years old, and you are still freaking single,” I stated. “Why don’t you find someone else?”

“I want you to come with me, Noelle.” He said firmly. “Are you afraid of what Maxwell’s fans might say about you?” He asked while looking intently at me.

“What? It has nothing to do with Maxwell.” I answered.

“The party won’t be on TV or news. It’s a private party among businessmen.” He assured me.

“It’s still a no,” I said.

“What do you want me to do to get your yes?” He asked, and an idea popped into my head.

I smile widely at him. “Date one of my prospects,” I said, and he looked at me in disbelief.

“What?! You are still at it?!” He shouted in shock. “You are one hell of an unbelievable woman.” He commented.

“Yes, and I am taking it as a compliment,” I said as I chuckled.

He sighs. “One date only.” He stated.

I nod. “Yup. Just one date.” And I will make sure you will find a way to ask her for a second date.

“Deal.” He said.

“Deal.” And I agreed. I finished the whole cake before going home.

After one week…

I stare blankly at the full-length body mirror in front of me. “Don’t you think it’s too revealing?” I look at Levi, who is currently examining my gown.

He looks dashing in his navy blue tuxedo bow tie. His brushed-up hair adds more sex appeal to him.

Wait, did I just think sex appeal?!

I am wearing a sparkly navy blue tube gown, silver high heels, and a diamond necklace hanging on my neck. My stylist arranged my hair in a Dutch braid messy bun.

“I am just showing a little bit of my cleavage, Levi.” I am sure he has seen more of these from the others, not mine.

And yes, I have cleavage. I am blessed, but not immensely. It’s enough to boost my confidence.

“How can you say it so frankly? Have you forgotten I’m a man too?” He asked.

“I know you respect me,” I said while smiling at him.

“Well, I do, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t desire you on my bed.” He said before smirking.

“What the hell?” I reacted, and he chuckled. I shake my head in disbelief. “Introduce me to some possible suitors out there, alright?” I teased him.

“I’ll kick their ass before they can touch you.” He warned, and I laughed at his remarks. He sounds like a possessive boyfriend.

“Do I look presentable?” I asked him before we left for the party.

“Are you kidding me?! You are a head-turner.” He exclaimed.

“Thank you,” I said while smiling. “You look dashing tonight.” I complimented him, and he smiled.

The party will be in a ballroom at the hotel. We came a few minutes before the party started. I hooked my arm on Levi’s arm to make sure I wouldn't get lost. The ballroom was packed with guests. I heard familiar names from the business world and well-known personalities from politics.

Levi greets them one by one, and he introduces me as his fiancée. I accept their hands for a handshake while smiling at them. They ask me from where prominent family I came from or what kind of business I am running.

Levi told them that I am still studying and pursuing to be a neurosurgeon. They gasped in amusement, and I think it was enough to stop them from questioning my credibility as CEO Levi Alexander Mitchell’s future wife.

I sighed before taking our seats on the reserved table for us. It’s now time to eat, and it’s the only time that I can breathe. “Are you alright?” Levi asked, showing his concern for me.

I nod while smiling. “I’m hungry, and my feet hurt.” I’m not fond of wearing high heels. I prefer sneakers.

“Stay here for a while. I already ordered the waiters to bring us food.” He said, and I nodded.

While waiting for the food, one of the businessmen called, and he pulled him somewhere to talk privately. I was left alone at our table while I was chatting to Alyssa via W******p.

“Hi!” Someone approached me, and when I looked at her, my eyes widened in surprise. “You are Noelle, right?” It’s Olivia, of all people.

I smile at her. “Yes! Hi!” What is she doing here?!

“Mind if I sit with you?” She asked. She’s wearing a red off-shoulder gown. I think her favorite color is red.

“Not at all. Please have a seat.” I said. “I’m glad to see you here,” I exclaimed.

“Me too. I’m with my dad.” She said. Oh. So, is her dad a businessman? Why is she working at Mitchell Corporation then? “Who are you with?” She asked.

Shit! What should I say? She knew I was Levi’s personal assistant. How should I explain my presence at this party?

“She’s with me.” We both turned our heads, and I gasped in shock to see Maxwell walking towards us.

Gosh! He’s gorgeous!

Wait, what is he doing here?

I followed Maxwell’s movement until he sat beside me. I was taken aback when he suddenly winked at me.

He looks at Olivia and smiles. “Hi! I’m Maxwell. It’s nice meeting you.” He said and offered his hand for a handshake.

Olivia is smiling from ear to ear while shaking Maxwell’s hand. “Oh my gosh! Maxwell Hughes, am I right?! I’m a fan! I love your songs! OMG. I couldn’t believe I could meet you in person.” She said, and Maxwell chuckled.

I shake my head in amusement. I always feel shocked whenever someone talks about how famous and good singer Maxwell is. I mean, for me, he’s just an ordinary person. He’s my schoolmate and a friend.

“She’s Olivia Cromwell, Mitchell Corporation’s new marketing department head.” I introduced her to Maxwell since she forgot to do it because of shock.

“It’s the reason why Noelle’s name sounds familiar! I heard about her on the news. She’s your girlfriend, right!?” Olivia eagerly asked. Her eyes were twinkling in excitement.

Maxwell and I look at each other before chuckling awkwardly.

I was about to make an excuse to avoid her question when our food suddenly came. The waiters placed the food on the table. “What is going on here?” My eyes instantly widened in shock, and nervousness filled my chest.

Levi’s cold stare was on me, and I gulped as I could feel his annoyance radiating from his body. “Good evening, sir.” Olivia greeted him while smiling.

“Noelle, what is going on here?” I gulped again as I heard his cold voice. Olivia’s facial expression instantly changed.

I stand up before smiling at him awkwardly. “Let’s talk somewhere else, sir,” I said before walking away from Maxwell and Olivia.

I sense Levi following me, and I stop in the isolated hallway. “So?” Levi’s cold stare and voice are still there, and I can’t help but raise one eyebrow at him.

“Why are you mad?” I asked him.

“I’m not mad. I’m asking you nicely here.” He said as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why Maxwell is at our table, beside you?!” He yelled.

I sigh. So, his main concern is Maxwell, huh. “Olivia came first. She approached me.”

“What? Olivia was there?” He looks at me in confusion.

“Can I slap you just this once?” I asked with a poker face. “She even greeted you, for Pete’s sake!” I yelled.

“I didn’t notice and hear her.” He said.

“Are you drunk?!” I asked. “She asked me who was with me, and then Maxwell suddenly butted in. He told Olivia that I was with him.” I explained.

“What the fuck?! You are mine!” He shouted, and I smacked his arm lightly.

“Can you listen first?!” I requested. “It’s better that way. Olivia knew I was your personal assistant and Maxwell’s girlfriend. We cannot tell her I am your date tonight.”

“Why not?! I’m your fiancé, for fucking sake!”

“You cannot tell her about it,” I said, and his eyes widened in surprise. Olivia is my best prospect for Levi. I want him to date her. Olivia is perfect for him and not me. “It makes things more complicated.”

“Are you ashamed to engage with me, Noelle?” His cold voice and dangerous stare pierced through my heart, and his facial expressions pained me.

He is hurt.

Did I go too far? All this time, I was being selfish without considering his feelings.

After that, he left.