When Love & Hate Collide [Completed]

Chapter 24 - The Night of Success

I stood in front of the mirror and watched myself in the bright red gown. It was a floor touching, full sleeved gown hugging me closely in all the right places. It was neither backless, or shoulder less nor it had a high split running upto my thighs.

But.

And it was a big but because the neckline was a broad and deep V, plunging almost to my waist. It left most of my breasts bare, revealing the curves on either side. Because of the cut, there was no way to wear a bra with even this one, but the bodice was padded and tight. It slammed both of the breasts together, creating an enticing view.

I couldn't step out like this. My breasts were practically fighting each other to jump off the neckline!

I was thinking of getting it off when I saw Noberto's reflection in the mirror in front of me. I turned around to see him watching me intently. He was standing there dress in all black, black suit paired with a black shirt and donned a black satin tie. He was looking devastatingly handsome at the same time sinisterly ruthless.

"Didn't like the dress?" he asked in a cold voice.

I felt the hairs on the back of my standing up in attention. He looked upset already. But why?

"No..it's..it's beautiful," I replied slowly, lowering my eyes.

Wrong move.

The moment I looked down, I could see my breasts pushing against the fabric. Even though the man standing in front of me had been watching me naked every day for last three months, I still felt exposed in the dress.

"But, it.. It doesn't suit me. I should wear my own dress," I try to move out of his way but he was quick. Holding my arm at the elbow, he pulled me back so that I was facing him.

"It only means you lack the eye. This dress is...you," he completed the sentence after a brief pause. There was a strange look in his eyes but he didn't let me ponder on it for long.

Turning around to leave the room, he said, "Hurry up, we are getting late. Get ready quickly and meet me out." Just as he was about to step out of the door, he flicked his head in my direction and said, "Don't forget to do your hair in an up do."

Hair?

I hadn't given any thought to my hair or my makeup. But obviously he did. So, I decided to put in some efforts in that section. He had specifically said about the hair. So, I pulled it all up and tied in a clean bun at the top of my head. The hairstyle seem to show the length of my neck and emphasize the already daring cut. I felt even more uncomfortable. That nagging feeling came back with greater intensity.

But there was nothing I could do to calm my racing heart. Taking few deep breaths, I completed the light touch up and rushed out to be with Noberto.

*

The ride to Louvre was a silent one. Noberto was deep in thoughts and I was engulfed in my own anticipation for the night. We reached museum and went to the place that was set up for exhibition. The place was buzzing with excitement. People were filling every available space in the room. The exhibition included works of two other painters who were there but none of them held the celebrity status like Noberto did.

Albert had reached there earlier and was ensuring things went as per the plan. It was clear he had done everything to ensure the exhibition was covered in every section of the media and it would be talked about for days.

I didn't know most people there but even I could make out it was an august gathering. From the mayor to movie stars, industrialists to politicians, along with very many names from the art world.