MINUTES LATER***
Joanna returned back, she’s the one who would be dressing Hailey up for the Gala. She stays in Italy, so Charles called her to fix Hailey up.
“My cousin is so lucky” Joanna said as she fixed Hailey’s face.
Charles already excused them. He went to dress up, so he’ll be picking her when it’s the time for the party.
“I don’t get you,” Hailey said.
“He’s lucky to have a beautiful woman like you, I really hope you won’t break his heart too” Joanna said.
“Was his heart broken before?”
“Yea, eight years ago. He was still so young then, she just had to leave him. Charles almost died, it was really heartbreaking” Joanna said.
“He went into coma for three years, he tried to take his life, thankfully, he was rescued before he could do so”
“Was that the reason why he became a playboy?” Hailey asked.
“Yes. He couldn’t bring himself to fall in love again. According to him, all women are the same”
“I was so surprised when he introduced you as his girlfriend to me, he’s never done that before. And, I can see that you love him with the way you acted earlier, I was really impressed” she chuckled.
“Don’t break his heart please, I know I can’t trust you…. Can I?”
Hailey nodded. Was that the reason why Charles acted that way towards her when they first met each other? Because his heart was broken?
***
THREE HOURS LATER, 8PM***
Charles stood outside the hotel, checking his wristwatch at intervals. He already called Joanna and she told him Hailey will be out soon.
He brought out his phone and was about to dial Joanna’s number again when Hailey came out of the hotel.
His phone fell from his hand in shock as his eyes beheld another version of Hailey.
This woman in front of him was dressed in such a way that he lost his breath merely staring at her.
She was putting on an off the shoulder sequined black gown, with slits at the sides of the gown. A pair of black heels, a clutch and a show stopping piece of jewelry.
She was looking so breathtaking and he found himself falling for her over and over again.
The moment Hailey’s eyes landed on Charles, her breath seized. He was putting on a tuxedo and he looked very hot in it.
She walked slowly to him for fear of falling flat on her face. She got to him and Charles couldn’t resist himself from placing a short kiss on her cheek.
“You’re looking so beautiful, Cara Mia” he whispered hotly.
Hailey’s breath hitched. His voice sounded so segzy in her ears. And what did he just call her?
Cara Mia?
Charles pulled back. He bent and picked his phone.
“Stay by my side or I wouldn’t mind ki||ing any man that tries to get close to you” he said.
Hailey chuckled.
“I wouldn’t mind ripping a girl’s head if she tries to make advances to you” she said.
Charles smiled.
“Don’t worry, I’m all yours” he winked.
Joanna cleared her throat to remind them of her presence.
“You guys can take this lovey-dovey to bed later, but for now, you have to keep going,” she said.
“Sure. Thanks for the job well done, Joanna. Will make sure I see you soon” Charles said.
He turned and frowned when he noticed his guards were busy staring at Hailey.
“What are y’all looking at?” He yelled.
They quickly looked away.
Joanna laughed.
Hailey and Charles entered the car and it drove out of sight.
****
MARK HOTEL***
The car stopped just when it arrived at the hotel. The chauffeur got down from the car and quickly opened the door for Charles.
Charles placed his foot on the red carpet which was spread on the floor. He stretched his hand towards Hailey, she accepted it and stepped out of the car.
Different flashing of lights filled the air as Charles and Hailey walked inside the hotel elegantly.
“Wow! It’s Charles!”
“Who’s that lady beside him? She’s so beautiful”
“Charles is just so hot, gosh I’m tripping”
The women in the hotel couldn’t help but to fall for Charles which was annoying the men they were with.
“I so much h@ťě attention,” Hailey whispered as all eyes were on them.
“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna leave your side” Charles smiled charmingly at her.
A man walked to them.
“Thanks for coming, Charles,” he said.
He glanced at Hailey.
“Your woman is so beautiful” he complimented, ogling at her body.
Charles frowned.
“If you don’t take your eyes off my woman right now, I won’t hesitate to bring you down” he warned daringly.
The man swallowed hard.
“I’m sorry” he said and quickly walked away.
“You don’t have to be so rude, yunno?” Hailey said.
Charles scoffed.
“I h@ťě it when they stare at what’s mine,” he said.
Hailey blushed.
They came across different business men who wouldn’t stop staring at Hailey.
Hailey felt uncomfortable with their stares and she held unto Charles tightly.
“Charles Monterio?” They heard a voice behind them.
Charles turned and he smirked when his eyes landed on Alberto.
“Alberto del Rosa” he said.
“I wasn’t expecting you here,” Alberto said.
He glanced at Hailey and he couldn’t believe his eyes. Was there someone as beautiful as this?
“Take your eyes off my woman” Charles said.
Alberto got angry with that statement but he controlled himself.
Must Charles have everything?
“Baby, here you are. I was looking all over the place for you” Stephanie said as she approached him.
Her eyes widened when she saw Charles. He was looking hotter than before.
“Ch… Charles?” She whispered in shock.
Charles’ gaze hardened when he set his eyes on hers.
The woman who was behind his playboy life. The woman who tore his heart, the one who broke him without repair.
The one he almost died for…. Stephanie McKenna.
TBC