In Between Breaths

It wasn’t happening tonight.

I raised my hand and softly knocked on their front door. I didn't ring the bell because he hated it when the horrid sound disturbed his guests. I suggested a million times that he changed his doorbell but he never listened.

A second later, Raymond, their loyal and long life servant, opened the door for me and held it wide open for me to walk in.

It wasn’t happening tonight.

I raised my hand and softly knocked on their front door. I didnt ring the bell because he hated it when the horrid sound disturbed his guests. I suggested a million times that he changed his doorbell but he never listened.

A second later, Raymond, their loyal and long life servant, opened the door for me and held it wide open for me to walk in.

“Hello, Raymond.” I smiled sweetly at him as I shrugged my coat off my shoulders and handed it to him.

“Ms. Leighton.” He nodded curtly and offered me a small smile. “You look beautiful as always.”

He knew how nervous I got every time I came to their parties so he complimented me in an attempt to calm my heart before I walked into the middle of the action. His compliment managed to ease a little bit of the pressure weighing on my heart.

“Thank you, Raymond.”

I turned my focus to their party. I took a deep breath as I prepared myself for all the forced smiles, small talks, gloating about one’s accomplishments, and of course, my personal life.

Even though they had always claimed that their parties are small and intimate, they had always been everything but that. They lived in the penthouse on the last floor in one of the most prestigious apartment buildings in New York, The Leighton Apartments. The one building with the most perfect location in all of New York. The building was only five minutes from Bryan Park, three blocks away from seven different subway lines, very close to incredible shops that ranged from Macy’s to Gucci, and it was only four blocks away from the Empire State Building.

They owned the building and that was not all there was. Each floor in the building held two penthouses to ensure that all the residents lived in a quiet and peaceful environment, but the fiftieth floor was theirs only. The only way to reach their home was through an elevator that wasn’t accessible to any of the residents. All the guests present here today, which were a little over fifty people, had been escorted by the doorman and led up by a liftman with a key. The elevator opened right into their home.

Their penthouse was a study in flawless design and luxury with only a few personal decorations here and there, only enough to let everyone know how many children they had and which are successful and which are not.

So everything about my parents screamed grand and fancy.

My eyes scanned the room one last time for the only person I actually looked forward to talking to tonight. It didn't take me more than a second to find his eyes in the crowded space and almost instantaneously, his eyes fell on me. I hadn't told him when I would be arriving today and I never did. He just knew when I arrived and some can say that he felt it.

I checked out his attire for tonight and it checked out with the theme my parents had for their party tonight. The theme was black and white. He stood tall in his signature black, crisp Armani suit that fit him just right. His shoes were polished to the point where his reflection could bounce off it. His hair was pushed slick, back as it always had been when he wanted to impress them.

He looked like his normal self.

It wasn't happening tonight.

“Hey, baby.” He sounded excited to see me but not too excited.

It wasn't happening tonight.

Almost as soon as he reached me, he snaked an arm around my waist. Tension rolled off my shoulders when his lips brushed against my temple.

“You look breathtaking.”

His compliment eased my heart a little bit more.

“Thank you.” I said softly as I brought my hand to his chest and leaned into him. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Warmth spread through my heart when I heard his soft laugh rang in my ears.

“Well thank you, Ms. Leighton.”

I buried my face in the nape of his neck when he called me by the one name I hated the most.

“I hate you.”

I didn’t.

I didn't hate him at all.

“No, you don’t.” He raised his arm and locked it around my torso now, pulling me closer to him. “You love me so much.”

I did.

I loved him. I loved him so much. Just not the way he thought.

I never told him though.

“This year’s party is not so bad, huh?” He wasn't looking at me anymore, his eyes going through the people’s faces.

I knew who he was looking for.

“It is bad, every year.” I disagreed with him and looked up to catch his eyes. “But you make them very tolerable.”

“Oh, yeah?” I saw the amusement glisten in his eyes.

He held me closer to him.

“My favorite part of the night is when I leave with you.”

I wasn't lying to him.

I made a promise to myself and him that I would never lie to him. I had never broken that promise.

I saw it shining in his eyes, his love for me. I saw him leaning down, lowering his lips to catch mine in a kiss, but his voice pierced through my heart and my entire body stiffened.

“Nathan!” My father approached us. His eyes lingered on me for a second before he focused back on Nathan.

“It’ll be over before you know it.” Nathan whispered against my hair before he stepped away just enough to extend his hand for my father to take it. “Mr. Leighton, it is so good to see you.”

His voice was firm and confident despite the fact that Nathan had always felt intimidated by my father.

My father was a rich, powerful man. After all, he did own one of the most powerful real estate development companies in New York. He’d never had any trouble with getting what he wanted. He had always done what he wanted, when he wanted, whenever he wanted. He constantly said that he deserved everything good that came his way, all the power he held because he worked so goddamn hard for it.

“You too, son.” My father loved Nathan and sometimes, I truly believed that he loved Nathan more than he loved me.

He was so proud of Nathan. He was so fond of Nathan and everything about him, his walk, his words, his accomplishments, his ambitions. He loved Nathan so much that he introduced him to me.

“Reign.” My name sounded sharp and I didn't feel any speck of emotion behind his voice. “How are you, my dear?”

He opened his arms wide for me to step between them and surely, I stepped into his embrace.

“I’m good, dad.” I wrapped my arms loosely around him and before another beat passed, I released him and stepped back. “How are you doing?”

“Evelyn, Reign is here.” My father called my mother and then answered me. “I’ve been doing well. Everything is going well. My business is well. I am well.”

“Well?” I said, my voice playful. “I heard you secured a new, hot location.”

That earned me an emotion from him. My father’s smile widened, reaching his eyes. He liked it when I took interest in his business.

“You did?” Nathan raised his hand and squeezes

d my father’s arm as though congratulating him. “How come I didn’t hear about this until now?”

“That’s because it is not out yet.” He answered Nathan and turned to me. “How did you know about it?”

“I actually came to your office the other day because I wanted to talk to you about something when I heard your team—”

“When were you in my office?” He interrupted me mid-sentence and didn't give me a chance to answer him. “My receptionist didn’t mention anything and neither did my assistant. Did you pass by any of them?”

“I didn’t want to bother you when you had such a huge win. I decided to leave it for later.” I shrug like it was no big deal because it really wasn’t.

“Reign!” I was thankful my mother cut in because I didn't want to explain that I left because I didn’t want to feel rejected by him once again. “It’s so good to see you, darling.”

“I missed you.” She cupped my face only for a second and then her eyes scanned my body to check the dress I wore for the night.

Every year, my parents hosted this party and invited all their business partners, their long life friends, their gym partners, and their acquaintances just for show. To show everyone how perfect they were, how so much in love they still were. Every year, my mother worked so hard to plan the perfect party, with the perfect theme, with the perfect food, with the perfect people. My father ensured that everything stayed perfect until the night ended. He decided when to serve the Hors d'oeuvres, when to bring out the cocktails, when to serve the food and call everyone to dinner, when to make a toast, and when to politely tell everyone to leave.

They strived for perfection and they had no tolerance for any mistakes, especially on this night of the year. They planned everything about tonight, including how I should dress, how I arrived, when I arrived, how I should speak, what topics I was allowed to discuss, who I could talk to, and who I should stay away from.

I never complained though. It was their anniversary so who was I to ruin their special night? Knowing I couldn't wear the same dress twice in a row, I usually bought a ridiculously expensive dress that I knew would impress them.

Except for tonight. My mother chose a dress for me to wear tonight. She promised me that I would love it.

I hated this dress and I felt very uncomfortable wearing it. Lace upon silk, my dress was cosy and smooth against my skin but that was not why I hated it. I hated it because the hem of my dress reached my ankles with a slit at the side that began unbelievably up my thigh and I thanked the heavens that their parties were always indoors or else I would have never worn this dress. And to top it all off, the dress’s back started at the lower of my back, making me very well aware of everyone’s hands on my skin when they hugged me or greeted me. The dress was too revealing and I usually don't mind that. I only minded that I am wearing it at their anniversary party.

“You look marvelous, Reign.” Her eyes shone brighter than New York’s lights. She turned to Nathan, “Doesn’t she look marvelous, Nathan?”

I didn't miss the hint of excitement in her voice but I reminded myself that my parents had forever adored Nathan.

It wasn’t happening tonight.

His gaze flicked back to me and a soft smile stretched his lips. “She looks marvelous every day, Mrs. Leighton.”

A small chuckle escaped my lips and I let him pull me back to his side.

“Flatterer.” I nudged his shoulder, hard enough to only earn myself a laugh from him.

“You two make a great fit.” My father smiled at us approvingly as though we were waiting for his blessing. “Maybe one day, you’ll finally see what’s right in front of you.”

“I already see what’s right in front of me.”

I knew what my father was insinuating and it was the entire reason he introduced me to Nathan in the first place. Nathan was a mature, middle-aged, good-looking, successful man who has been raised in a stable, healthy home. Not to mention that Nathan’s father was my father’s partner at work and they had been friends for as long as I could remember.

My father adored Nathan, and if it were up to him, we would have been married by now.

“Oh, Evan.” My mother swatted his arm playfully, but her eyes spoke louder than her words. “Leave the kids alone.”

I had known that the moment I started dating Nathan, my parents, especially my father, would always keep tabs on our relationship. They wanted me to marry him, build a life, settle down, and bring grandchildren into their world. They never said the words but their eyes said it every time I saw them.

“The kids don’t mind me saying anything.” My father waved his hand between us. “They’re clearly so in love. They might as well get married.”

I was about to clip back a response but I felt Nathan stiffen beside me.

Relief washed over me when I felt his body tensioning at the mention of marriage. I stole a glance his way and I saw how nervous he was staring at my father. He was scared as much as I was.

Maybe a little less, but still.

It really wasnt happening tonight.

“Lily.” I blurted out. They all turned to face me with questionable looks. “I don’t see her here tonight.”

Lily was my younger sister and she never missed my parent’s anniversary parties.

“Jake has a fever and he hasn’t slept since last night. I told her he’s probably just teething and that he’s fine.” My mother shook her head slightly, a small smile on her lips. “I offered that she come this morning and I take care of him while she rests but she refused. She didn’t want to bother me.”

Now it was my father’s turn to smile. “She was worried that Jake would wear Eloise out before the party tonight so she stayed home.”

“She’s such a sweetheart and of course, Chase took the day off to help her. God bless him. That man is a godsend.” My mother praised the couple, pride shimmering in her eyes.

“That is true.” My father agreed. My father adored Chase too since he’d also chosen him for my sister. “And Nathan will be the same for Reign.”

My parents were now comparing my relationship with Nathan to Lily’s with Chase. My attempt to drive the subject away from our relationship failed miserably.

“If you don’t mind, I want to introduce Reign to Thomas.” Nathan threaded his fingers through mine.

“Oh, is this the man you were telling me about?” I looked up to him.

Despite my father’s incessant nagging about how I should work for him, I never budged and I worked in a field that is so different from his.

“Yes.” Nathan started to pull me away from my parents, “I’ll bring her right back.”

“Take all the time you need.” My mother smiled sweetly at Nathan and began dragging my father behind her to make rounds.

Nathan lowered his lips to my ear, “Your father is a very subtle man.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from my chest and I shoved him back playfully.

“He thinks us getting married will automatically fix everything wrong in my life.”

Nathan frowned at my words even though I was only joking.

“Your life doesn’t need me to fix it because your life is not something that needs fixing.” Nathan’s jaw ticked.

I raised my hand to his face and lightly traced my finger along his jaw. He instantly relaxed under my touch and leaned into me.

“He believes that if we get married and have kids, I’ll stop working so hard and raise his grandchildren.” I explained softly, despite my opinion on the matter. “He just wants me to live a stable life.”

“Is that the only reason he wants us to get married?” His words were sharp and his eyes momentarily darted to my father before he met my eyes again.

I didnt know what to make of that exchange but I shook my head.

“No, he believes that you’re a great guy and that we would be perfect together. He wants me to be happy, Nathan.”

Nathan finally smiled and I wasn’t sure which part of my explanation pleases him. I didn’t have time to ask him because I saw the man Nathan was walking me to and my lips immediately clamped shut.

“Thomas!” Nathan’s teeth were now on full display as he shook Thomas’s hand. “I’m so glad you could make it tonight.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Thomas patted Nathan on the back and his eyes laid on me. “Is this the beautiful lady you were talking to me about earlier?”

Nathan’s hand found the lower of my back and he kept me close to him.

“Yes, this is Reign.”

Thomas extended his hand for me to take and I didn’t hesitate to.

“It is a pleasure meeting you, sir.”

“Oh, please, call me Thomas.” His hand flew to his chest as he released a soft laugh. “Nathan showed me some of your work last time we spoke and I must say that I was very impressed.”

“Thank you.” My voice was breathless as I managed to get the words out. “It means a lot coming from you.”

“I went over some of your work for a couple of your clients.” He fucking went through my work. “You’re not working for anyone at the moment?”

“No.” I answered. “Most of the work that I am doing right now is freelance.”

“Well, that’s great news to me.” Thomas offered me a gentle smile.

I didn’t really understand what he meant and my head automatically turned to Nathan.

“He owns Thomas Advertising, Reign.” Nathan explained to me like I hadn’t bitten his head off about Thomas’s company so many times, “He mentioned to me that he has an opening for an advertising assistant and I told him about you.”

Thomas Advertising. Thomas Fucking Advertising.

My heart was pounding against my chest.

Nathan mentioned me to Thomas Keegan.

“When Nathan told me about your work, I was excited to see what Evan Leighton’s daughter can do but your work actually drew me in.” Thomas said excitedly. “I fired my executive assistant last month and I have been searching for a replacement but I didn’t want anyone and you, my dear, have a talent.”

I could feel the heat rushing to my face as Thomas Keegan complimented me. My heart started racing even faster at the insinuation of a job offer from Thomas Keegan, a man I wanted to work for for as long as I could remember.

“I would be honored if you would pass by my office because I would really like to get to know you better, Reign.”

Thomas Keegan was offering to speak to me.

Thomas Keegan was willing to free himself for a little while to get to know me.

Thomas and Nathan were both looking at me expectantly.

I turned my head toward Nathan searching for something but I didn’t know exactly what. I then faced Thomas, still not believing that Nathan has just introduced me to him.

“Reign?” Nathan’s fingers caressed the lower of my back as though to haul me back to reality.

I forced myself to swallow all my emotions and will my heart to stop beating so fast even though it was impossible.

“Of course, I will be honored to come in and speak with you.” I was surprised that I managed to keep my tone even.

“I am glad to hear it.” Thomas clasped his hands together. “How about you come into my office tomorrow at nine and we’ll take it from there?”

“Yes!” The word rushed past my lips in excitement. “Yes, I’ll definitely be there.”

“That is excellent!” Thomas was clearly amused by my excitement and I was glad that he was even standing here and talking to me. “Now, I can’t promise you the job, but I have no doubt that you will definitely earn it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, the food is about to be served.”

It wasn’t but I could tell that he wanted to give me and Nathan our space.

The second Thomas was out of earshot, I turned to Nathan and pushed against his chest not hard, but enough to put him a little off his balance.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” I squealed and flung myself into a laughing Nathan's arms. “Thomas Keegan?! Nathan, you didn’t tell me that it was Thomas fucking Keegan!”

He circled his arm around my torso and eliminates whatever distance remains between us. His eyes were soft as he brought one of his hands to neck and his fingers grazed against my skin, moving my hair behind my shoulder.

“I knew you were his biggest fan so I thought I might introduce you.” His voice was low as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear our conversation.

“I didn’t know that my father knew him.” I said, still reeling from the mere fact that he was at this party and not a few seconds ago, set up a meeting with me.

“He doesn’t. I told your father that I needed to land a huge client for my firm and Keegan was their target. I convinced him to invite him over so that I could have a better chance at talking to him.” He shrugged like it is no big deal but it meant the fucking world to me. “I know that you’ve been wanting to work there for as long as I have known you and he will help you achieve what you have always wanted, Reign. I have no doubt that you’ll dazzle him.”

I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. It was a soft, chaste kiss and I can could the soft humming of my heart when he leaned toward me.

“Thank you.” I said as I pulled back.

“I didn’t do anything.” He pressed his forehead against mine. “I just got you a meeting.”

I shook my head because that wasn’t what he did.

“Thank you, Nathan.” I planted another kiss upon his lips and he rooted me in my place with a heated gaze consuming his eyes.

“As long as you’re happy, Reign.” He cupped the side of my face with his palm and I leaned into his touch. “Would you be happy, Reign?”

I didn’t understand his question so he elaborated further.

“Would you be happy if we were married?”

I, now, knew which part of my sentence he smiled at earlier tonight.

“I am happy when I’m with you.”

Moments like this were when I found how easy it would be if I were to marry Nathan, when I found it comforting rather than scary.

Nathan and I beoke apart when we heard my father tapping his glass to haul everyone’s attention.

Every year, my father waited until before dessert was served for his toast. Every year was the same. Nothing changed.

Except for tonight.

“Tonight, I am beyond ecstatic to be able to celebrate another great year with my beloved and dearest wife.” My father pulled my mother to him with a smile. “Every year, I say that this is the year she leaves me and every year, I am thankful she stays with me. She tolerates my mood swings. She tolerates my grumpiness. She tolerates my messiness. She tolerates all the things that I do that she hates. She chooses to stay with me every day despite all the wrong choices that I have made. She chooses to stay by me than leave me and for that, I will always be forever grateful for her. I will always cherish her love for me and try to protect it for as long as I live. I am in love with this woman right here and I would be damned if I ever lost her.”

“I love you, Evelyn.” He said.

“I love you, Evan.” She reciprocated.

We all thought it was over and everyone began to raise their glasses but my father continued.

“What Evelyn and I have is very rare. You don’t find true love knocking at your door every once in a while. You might find true love once or you might not find it at all. I am truly lucky to have found my match in this life and I have prayed day and night for my daughters to find their matches in life as well. And today is the day that my prayer will be answered.”

It was happening tonight.

The entire world fell quiet as I watched Nathan get down on one knee while he raised his arms in front of him, a small velvet black box in his hands.

I couldn’t help the gasp escaping my lips and Nathan smiled.

“Reign…” He began and I already wanted him to stop talking. “I have always believed that one day I was going to find the woman that will love me whole. I kept searching for so many years but I never found the woman I wanted to give my heart to.”

Please stop talking.

“I wanted to give up and I almost did until I met you. When your father introduced you to me, I knew it, Reign. I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I wanted to marry you three months after I met you but I waited. I waited for the right time. I waited so long to ask you.”

Would you be happy if we were married?

The words echoed in my ears so loudly, louder than Nathan’s voice, louder than the crowd’s whispers, louder than the raging beat of my heart.

I am happy when I’m with you.

I couldn’t hear Nathan anymore. He was talking to me. I could see him talking to me. His lips were moving. I knew that words are tumbling off his lips, sweet words only for me. But I couldn’t hear them.

I couldn’t hear him.

His eyes were watching me and I wanted my lips to stretch to a smile, my eyes to flood with tears for him. Nathan deserved my smile. Nathan deserved my tears. Nathan deserved that I fucking breakdown in front of him, interrupt him before he popped the question, and say yes.

But I couldn’t, not now.

“Reign, will you marry me?”

My eyes left Nathan’s for a split second and that was when my eyes met the only pair of icy eyes that always disconcerted me.

My heart beat for the first time in five years.

I saw him.

I forced my eyes back to Nathan’s.

“Yes.” I breathed out. “Yes, I will marry you.”

“Hello, Raymond.” I smiled sweetly at him as I shrugged my coat off my shoulders and handed it to him.

“Ms. Leighton.” He nodded curtly and offered me a small smile. “You look beautiful as always.”

He knew how nervous I got every time I came to their parties so he complimented me in an attempt to calm my heart before I walked into the middle of the action. His compliment managed to ease a little bit of the pressure weighing on my heart.

“Thank you, Raymond.”

I turned my focus to their party. I took a deep breath as I prepared myself for all the forced smiles, small talks, gloating about one’s accomplishments, and of course, my personal life.

Even though they had always claimed that their parties are small and intimate, they had always been everything but that. They lived in the penthouse on the last floor in one of the most prestigious apartment buildings in New York, The Leighton Apartments. The one building with the most perfect location in all of New York. The building was only five minutes from Bryan Park, three blocks away from seven different subway lines, very close to incredible shops that ranged from Macy’s to Gucci, and it was only four blocks away from the Empire State Building.

They owned the building and that was not all there was. Each floor in the building held two penthouses to ensure that all the residents lived in a quiet and peaceful environment, but the fiftieth floor was theirs only. The only way to reach their home was through an elevator that wasn’t accessible to any of the residents. All the guests present here today, which were a little over fifty people, had been escorted by the doorman and led up by a liftman with a key. The elevator opened right into their home.

Their penthouse was a study in flawless design and luxury with only a few personal decorations here and there, only enough to let everyone know how many children they had and which are successful and which are not.

So everything about my parents screamed grand and fancy.

My eyes scanned the room one last time for the only person I actually looked forward to talking to tonight. It didn't take me more than a second to find his eyes in the crowded space and almost instantaneously, his eyes fell on me. I hadn't told him when I would be arriving today and I never did. He just knew when I arrived and some can say that he felt it.

I checked out his attire for tonight and it checked out with the theme my parents had for their party tonight. The theme was black and white. He stood tall in his signature black, crisp Armani suit that fit him just right. His shoes were polished to the point where his reflection could bounce off it. His hair was pushed slick, back as it always had been when he wanted to impress them.

He looked like his normal self.

It wasn't happening tonight.

“Hey, baby.” He sounded excited to see me but not too excited.

It wasn't happening tonight.

Almost as soon as he reached me, he snaked an arm around my waist. Tension rolled off my shoulders when his lips brushed against my temple.

“You look breathtaking.”

His compliment eased my heart a little bit more.

“Thank you.” I said softly as I brought my hand to his chest and leaned into him. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Warmth spread through my heart when I heard his soft laugh rang in my ears.

“Well thank you, Ms. Leighton.”

I buried my face in the nape of his neck when he called me by the one name I hated the most.

“I hate you.”

I didn’t.

I didn't hate him at all.

“No, you don’t.” He raised his arm and locked it around my torso now, pulling me closer to him. “You love me so much.”

I did.

I loved him. I loved him so much. Just not the way he thought.

I never told him though.

“This year’s party is not so bad, huh?” He wasn't looking at me anymore, his eyes going through the people’s faces.

I knew who he was looking for.

“It is bad, every year.” I disagreed with him and looked up to catch his eyes. “But you make them very tolerable.”

“Oh, yeah?” I saw the amusement glisten in his eyes.

He held me closer to him.

“My favorite part of the night is when I leave with you.”

I wasn't lying to him.

I made a promise to myself and him that I would never lie to him. I had never broken that promise.

I saw it shining in his eyes, his love for me. I saw him leaning down, lowering his lips to catch mine in a kiss, but his voice pierced through my heart and my entire body stiffened.

“Nathan!” My father approached us. His eyes lingered on me for a second before he focused back on Nathan.

“It’ll be over before you know it.” Nathan whispered against my hair before he stepped away just enough to extend his hand for my father to take it. “Mr. Leighton, it is so good to see you.”

His voice was firm and confident despite the fact that Nathan had always felt intimidated by my father.

My father was a rich, powerful man. After all, he did own one of the most powerful real estate development companies in New York. He’d never had any trouble with getting what he wanted. He had always done what he wanted, when he wanted, whenever he wanted. He constantly said that he deserved everything good that came his way, all the power he held because he worked so goddamn hard for it.

“You too, son.” My father loved Nathan and sometimes, I truly believed that he loved Nathan more than he loved me.

He was so proud of Nathan. He was so fond of Nathan and everything about him, his walk, his words, his accomplishments, his ambitions. He loved Nathan so much that he introduced him to me.

“Reign.” My name sounded sharp and I didn't feel any speck of emotion behind his voice. “How are you, my dear?”

He opened his arms wide for me to step between them and surely, I stepped into his embrace.

“I’m good, dad.” I wrapped my arms loosely around him and before another beat passed, I released him and stepped back. “How are you doing?”

“Eloise, Reign is here.” My father called my mother and then answered me. “I’ve been doing well. Everything is going well. My business is well. I am well.”

“Well?” I said, my voice playful. “I heard you secured a new, hot location.”

That earned me an emotion from him. My father’s smile widened, reaching his eyes. He liked it when I took interest in his business.

“You did?” Nathan raised his hand and squeezes

d my father’s arm as though congratulating him. “How come I didn’t hear about this until now?”

“That’s because it is not out yet.” He answered Nathan and turned to me. “How did you know about it?”

“I actually came to your office the other day because I wanted to talk to you about something when I heard your team—”

“When were you in my office?” He interrupted me mid-sentence and didn't give me a chance to answer him. “My receptionist didn’t mention anything and neither did my assistant. Did you pass by any of them?”

“I didn’t want to bother you when you had such a huge win. I decided to leave it for later.” I shrug like it is no big deal because it really isn’t.

“Reign!” I was thankful my mother cut in because I didn't want to explain that I left because I didn’t want to feel rejected by him once again. “It’s so good to see you, darling.”

“I missed you.” She cupped my face only for a second and then her eyes scanned my body to check the dress I wore for the night.

Every year, my parents hosted this party and invited all their business partners, their long life friends, their gym partners, and their acquaintances just for show. To show everyone how perfect they are, how so much in love they still are. Every year, my mother worked so hard to plan the perfect party, with the perfect theme, with the perfect food, with the perfect people. My father ensured that everything stayed perfect until the night ended. He decided when to serve the Hors d'oeuvres, when to bring out the cocktails, when to serve the food and call everyone to dinner, when to make a toast, and when to politely tell everyone to leave.

They strived for perfection and they had no tolerance for any mistakes, especially on this night of the year. They planned everything about tonight, including how I should dress, how I arrived, when I arrived, how I should speak, what topics I was allowed to speak about, who I could talk to, and who I should stay away from.

I never complained though. It was their anniversary so who was I to ruin their special night? Knowing I couldn't wear the same dress twice in a row, I usually bought a ridiculously expensive dress that I knew would impress them.

Except for tonight. My mother chose a dress for me to wear tonight. She promised me that I would love it.

I hated this dress and I felt very uncomfortable wearing it. Lace upon silk, my dress was cosy and smooth against my skin but that was not why I hated it. I hated it because the hem of my dress reached my ankles with a slit at the side that began unbelievably up my thigh and I thanked the heavens that their parties were always indoors or else I would have never worn this dress. And to top it all off, the dress’s back started at the lower of my back, making me very well aware of everyone’s hands on my skin when they hugged me or greeted me. The dress was too revealing and I usually don't mind that. I only minded that I am wearing it at their anniversary party.

“You look marvelous, Reign.” Her eyes shone brighter than New York’s lights. She turned to Nathan, “Doesn’t she look marvelous, Nathan?”

I didn't miss the hint of excitement in her voice but I reminded myself that my parents had forever adored Nathan.

It wasn’t happening tonight.

His gaze flicked back to me and a soft smile stretched his lips. “She looks marvelous every day, Mrs. Leighton.”

A small chuckle escaped my lips and I let him pull me back to his side.

“Flatterer.” I nudged his shoulder, hard enough to only earn myself a laugh from him.

“You two make a great fit.” My father smiled at us approvingly as though we were waiting for his blessing. “Maybe one day, you’ll finally see what’s right in front of you.”

“I already see what’s right in front of me.”

I knew what my father was insinuating and it was the entire reason he introduced me to Nathan in the first place. Nathan was a mature, middle-aged, good-looking, successful man who has been raised in a stable, healthy home. Not to mention that Nathan’s father was my father’s partner at work and they had been friends for as long as I could remember.

My father adored Nathan, and if it were up to him, we would have been married by now.

“Oh, Evan.” My mother swatted his arm playfully, but her eyes spoke louder than her words. “Leave the kids alone.”

I had known that the moment I started dating Nathan, my parents, especially my father, would always keep tabs on our relationship. They wanted me to marry him, build a life, settle down, and bring grandchildren into their world. They never said the words but their eyes said it every time I saw them.

“The kids don’t mind me saying anything.” My father waved his hand between us. “They’re clearly so in love. They might as well get married.”

I was about to clip back a response but I felt Nathan stiffen beside me.

Relief washed over me when I felt his body tensioning at the mention of marriage. I stole a glance his way and I saw how nervous he was staring at my father. He was scared as much as I was.

Maybe a little less, but still.

It really wasn't happening tonight.

“Lily.” I blurted out. They all turned to face me with questionable looks. “I don’t see her here tonight.”

Lily was my younger sister and she never missed my parent’s anniversary parties.

“Jake has a fever and he hasn’t slept since last night. I told her he’s probably just teething and that he’s fine.” My mother shook her head slightly, a small smile on her lips. “I offered that she come this morning and I take care of him while she rests but she refused. She didn’t want to bother me.”

Now it was my father’s turn to smile. “She was worried that Jake would wear Eloise out before the party tonight so she stayed home.”

“She’s such a sweetheart and of course, Chase took the day off to help her. God bless him. That man is a godsend.” My mother praised the couple, pride shimmering in her eyes.

“That is true.” My father agreed. My father adored Chase too since he’d also chosen him for my sister. “And Nathan will be the same for Reign.”

My parents were now comparing my relationship with Nathan to Lily’s with Chase. My attempt to drive the subject away from our relationship failed miserably.

“If you don’t mind, I want to introduce Reign to Thomas.” Nathan threaded his fingers through mine.

“Oh, is this the man you were telling me about?” I looked up to him.

Despite my father’s incessant nagging about how I should work for him, I never budged and I worked in a field that is so different from his.

“Yes.” Nathan started to pull me away from my parents, “I’ll bring her right back.”

“Take all the time you need.” My mother smiled sweetly at Nathan and began dragging my father behind her to make rounds.

Nathan lowered his lips to my ear, “Your father is a very subtle man.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from my chest and I shoved him back playfully.

“He thinks us getting married will automatically fix everything wrong in my life.”

Nathan frowned at my words even though I was only joking.

“Your life doesn’t need me to fix it because your life is not something that needs fixing.” Nathan’s jaw ticked.

I raised my hand to his face and lightly traced my finger along his jaw. He instantly relaxed under my touch and leaned into me.

“He believes that if we get married and have kids, I’ll stop working so hard and raise his grandchildren.” I explained softly, despite my opinion on the matter. “He just wants me to live a stable life.”

“Is that the only reason he wants us to get married?” His words were sharp and his eyes momentarily darted to my father before he met my eyes again.

I didn't know what to make of that exchange but I shook my head.

“No, he believes that you’re a great guy and that we would be perfect together. He wants me to be happy, Nathan.”

Nathan finally smiled and I wasn’t sure which part of my explanation pleases him. I didn’t have time to ask him because I saw the man Nathan was walking me to and my lips immediately clamped shut.

“Thomas!” Nathan’s teeth were now on full display as he shook Thomas’s hand. “I’m so glad you could make it tonight.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Thomas patted Nathan on the back and his eyes laid on me. “Is this the beautiful lady you were talking to me about earlier?”

Nathan’s hand found the lower of my back and he kept me close to him.

“Yes, this is Reign.”

Thomas extended his hand for me to take and I didn’t hesitate to.

“It is a pleasure meeting you, sir.”

“Oh, please, call me Thomas.” His hand flew to his chest as he released a soft laugh. “Nathan showed me some of your work last time we spoke and I must say that I was very impressed.”

“Thank you.” My voice was breathless as I managed to get the words out. “It means a lot coming from you.”

“I went over some of your work for a couple of your clients.” He fucking went through my work. “You’re not working for anyone at the moment?”

“No.” I answered. “Most of the work that I am doing right now is freelance.”

“Well, that’s great news to me.” Thomas offered me a gentle smile.

I didn’t really understand what he meant and my head automatically turned to Nathan.

“He owns Thomas Advertising, Reign.” Nathan explained to me like I hadn’t bitten his head off about Thomas’s company so many times, “He mentioned to me that he has an opening for an advertising assistant and I told him about you.”

Thomas Advertising. Thomas Fucking Advertising.

My heart was pounding against my chest.

Nathan mentioned me to Thomas Keegan.

“When Nathan told me about your work, I was excited to see what Evan Leighton’s daughter can do but your work actually drew me in.” Thomas said excitedly. “I fired my executive assistant last month and I have been searching for a replacement but I didn’t want anyone and you, my dear, have a talent.”

I could feel the heat rushing to my face as Thomas Keegan complimented me. My heart started racing even faster at the insinuation of a job offer from Thomas Keegan, a man I wanted to work for for as long as I could remember.

“I would be honored if you would pass by my office because I would really like to get to know you better, Reign.”

Thomas Keegan was offering to speak to me.

Thomas Keegan was willing to free himself for a little while to get to know me.

Thomas and Nathan were both looking at me expectantly.

I turned my head toward Nathan searching for something but I didn’t know exactly what. I then faced Thomas, still not believing that Nathan has just introduced me to him.

“Reign?” Nathan’s fingers caressed the lower of my back as though to haul me back to reality.

I forced myself to swallow all my emotions and will my heart to stop beating so fast even though it was impossible.

“Of course, I will be honored to come in and speak with you.” I was surprised that I managed to keep my tone even.

“I am glad to hear it.” Thomas clasped his hands together. “How about you come into my office tomorrow at nine and we’ll take it from there?”

“Yes!” The word rushed past my lips in excitement. “Yes, I’ll definitely be there.”

“That is excellent!” Thomas was clearly amused by my excitement and I was glad that he was even standing here and talking to me. “Now, I can’t promise you the job, but I have no doubt that you will definitely earn it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, the food is about to be served.”

It wasn’t but I could tell that he wanted to give me and Nathan our space.

The second Thomas was out of earshot, I turned to Nathan and pushed against his chest not hard, but enough to put him a little off his balance.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” I squealed and flung myself into a laughing Nathan's arms. “Thomas Keegan?! Nathan, you didn’t tell me that it was Thomas fucking Keegan!”

He circled his arm around my torso and eliminates whatever distance remains between us. His eyes were soft as he brought one of his hands to neck and his fingers grazed against my skin, moving my hair behind my shoulder.

l

“I knew you were his biggest fan so I thought I might introduce you.” His voice was low as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear our conversation.

“I didn’t know that my father knew him.” I said, still reeling from the mere fact that he was at this party and not a few seconds ago, set up a meeting with me.

“He doesn’t. I told your father that I needed to land a huge client for my firm and Keegan was their target. I convinced him to invite him over so that I could have a better chance at talking to him.” He shrugged like it is no big deal but it meant the fucking world to me. “I know that you’ve been wanting to work there for as long as I have known you and he will help you achieve what you have always wanted, Reign. I have no doubt that you’ll dazzle him.”

I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. It was a soft, chaste kiss and I can could the soft humming of my heart when he leaned toward me.

“Thank you.” I said as I pulled back.

“I didn’t do anything.” He pressed his forehead against mine. “I just got you a meeting.”

I shook my head because that wasn’t what he did.

“Thank you, Nathan.” I planted another kiss upon his lips and he rooted me in my place with a heated gaze consuming his eyes.

“As long as you’re happy, Reign.” He cupped the side of my face with his palm and I leaned into his touch. “Would you be happy, Reign?”

I didn’t understand his question so he elaborated further.

“Would you be happy if we were married?”

I, now, knew which part of my sentence he smiled at earlier tonight.

“I am happy when I’m with you.”

Moments like this were when I found how easy it would be if I were to marry Nathan, when I found it comforting rather than scary.

Nathan and I broke apart when we heard my father tapping his glass to haul everyone’s attention.

Every year, my father waited until before dessert was served for his toast. Every year was the same. Nothing changed.

Except for tonight.

“Tonight, I am beyond ecstatic to be able to celebrate another great year with my beloved and dearest wife.” My father pulled my mother to him with a smile. “Every year, I say that this is the year she leaves me and every year, I am thankful she stays with me. She tolerates my mood swings. She tolerates my grumpiness. She tolerates my messiness. She tolerates all the things that I do that she hates. She chooses to stay with me every day despite all the wrong choices that I have made. She chooses to stay by me than leave me and for that, I will always be forever grateful for her. I will always cherish her love for me and try to protect it for as long as I live. I am in love with this woman right here and I would be damned if I ever lost her.”

“I love you, Eloise.” He said.

“I love you, Evan.” She reciprocated.

We all thought it was over and everyone began to raise their glasses but my father continued.

“What Eloise and I have is very rare. You don’t find true love knocking at your door every once in a while. You might find true love once or you might not find it at all. I am truly lucky to have found my match in this life and I have prayed day and night for my daughters to find their matches in life as well. And today is the day that my prayer will be answered.”

It was happening tonight.

The entire world fell quiet as I watched Nathan get down on one knee while he raised his arms in front of him, a small velvet black box in his hands.

I couldn’t help the gasp escaping my lips and Nathan smiled.

“Reign…” He began and I already wanted him to stop talking. “I have always believed that one day I was going to find the woman that will love me whole. I kept searching for so many years but I never found the woman I wanted to give my heart to.”

Please stop talking.

“I wanted to give up and I almost did until I met you. When your father introduced you to me, I knew it, Reign. I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I wanted to marry you three months after I met you but I waited. I waited for the right time. I waited so long to ask you.”

Would you be happy if we were married?

The words echoed in my ears so loudly, louder than Nathan’s voice, louder than the crowd’s whispers, louder than the raging beat of my heart.

I am happy when I’m with you.

I couldn’t hear Nathan anymore. He was talking to me. I could see him talking to me. His lips were moving. I knew that words are tumbling off his lips, sweet words only for me. But I couldn’t hear them.

I couldn’t hear him.

His eyes were watching me and I wanted my lips to stretch to a smile, my eyes to flood with tears for him. Nathan deserved my smile. Nathan deserved my tears. Nathan deserved that I fucking breakdown in front of him, interrupt him before he popped the question, and say yes.

But I couldn’t, not now.

“Reign, will you marry me?”

My eyes left Nathan’s for a split second and that was when my eyes met the only pair of icy eyes that always disconcerted me.

My heart beat for the first time in five years.

I saw him.

I forced my eyes back to Nathan’s.

“Yes.” I breathed out. “Yes, I will marry you.”