Eloise indulged in a luxurious bath after her shopping spree, immersing herself in the calming embrace of warm water for a blissful two hours. Anticipation bubbled within her, fueled by the excitement of seeing Martin and Madison. The longing for Martin lingered in her heart, and the prospect of a brief conversation with him was irresistible.
Emerging from the bath, Eloise embarked on the process of getting dressed. The clock had struck six, and while Lucas had already adorned himself in anticipation, Eloise took her time to prepare carefully. As she styled her hair into a messy bun, allowing a few strands to frame her face, she adorned herself with exquisite diamond earrings and her Neil Lane necklace—a cherished gift from her father.
"I'm ready," she declared, glancing in the mirror. Her makeup was understated, designed to enhance rather than overshadow her natural features, allowing her dress to take center stage. This was her version of revenge – a dress to kill.
Descending the stairs, Eloise found Lucas waiting near the terrace. From his vantage point, he had a side view of her, prompting Eloise to scrutinize his appearance more closely. The air crackled with an unspoken energy, and the anticipation in the atmosphere was palpable as they prepared to face the evening's festivities together.
Upon entering the opulent venue, Eloise scanned the bustling crowd, her eyes eagerly searching for Justin. The party was starting, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
"We will sit in the front," Lucas whispered in her ear, his words resonating with an underlying purpose. 'This guy is something; he will endure the pain just to see Madison. Pathetic!' Despite her cynical inner thoughts, Eloise couldn't deny Lucas's sacrifices for Madison. The complexities of the situation unfolded like a delicate dance, and Eloise braced herself for the drama that awaited within the lavish walls of Walton Mansion.
Lucas donned a pristine white long-sleeved shirt accentuated by a navy blue necktie, elegantly complementing his Armani suit jacket. His hair, styled with a touch of simplicity, framed his face in a way that accentuated his captivating aura. Eloise couldn't deny the jaw-dropping effect of his presence – undeniably handsome.
"Let's go?" Eloise declared, prompting Lucas to turn towards her.
"What took you so long? We only have—" Lucas was mid-sentence when his words trailed off, his gaze locked onto Eloise. The realization hit her that he was genuinely pleased by her appearance.
Eloise smiled, finding joy not in worshipful words but in the reactions of those around her. Lucas's stunned expression spoke volumes, and the warmth of his approval was evident in the subtle curve of his lips.
"You're perfect," he complimented. The smile on Eloise's lips widened.
"I know." Lucas closed the distance between them, extending his hand.
"Are you ready?" he inquired.
"Very," Eloise confidently affirmed, a shared understanding passing between them as they prepared to enter the evening, their combined presence radiating magnetic energy.
Eloise's toes trembled with a rhythmic unease as if they had a mind of their own, while her palms became unwitting accomplices, secreting the evidence of her escalating nervousness. A sense of somersaulting tumult churned in her stomach, eroding the confidence she had mustered for that moment as they drew closer to the illustrious Walton Mansion.
In front of the grand entrance, the imposing facade of the mansion seemed to mock her vulnerability. Eloise couldn't shake the apprehension that gripped her, fearing what awaited her inside. The memories flooded back, and the realization struck her: 'I still missed him so much.'
Lucas, sensitive to her inner turmoil, broke the uneasy silence, "Are you okay?" His concern was a lifeline, yet Eloise hesitated to expose the depth of her emotions. With a tight-lipped nod, she signaled that she would endure the storm within in silence. 'I shouldn't let it be known that I am still affected.'
Eloise found ease in physical contact with Lucas as they approached the party's entrance. Her hand clung to his arm, a silent reassurance amidst the prying eyes of onlookers. 'They're jealous and amazed simultaneously because a goddess like me is with the most jaw-dropping, handsome, hot guy.' The awareness of their scrutiny added an extra layer of tension, but Eloise maintained a poised exterior.