Alex emerged from the meeting room, his assistant and directors trailing behind him. As he walked down the hallway, he chatted with one of the directors, discussing the finer points of the company's latest strategy. As they passed the event hall, Alex's gaze drifted toward the open doors, and his eyes landed on Maddie.
She was immersed in conversation with an event planner, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows and her hair tied up in a neat bun. Alex's feet seemed to move of their own accord, and he took a step back, his eyes fixed on Maddie as she worked. He tucked his hands into his pockets and walked into the event hall, his presence commanding attention.
The crew members caught sight of him and bowed in respect, their greetings murmured in unison. Alex acknowledged their salutations with a nod, his eyes never leaving Maddie's figure. As he approached her, the event planner noticed him and bowed hastily, his eyes wide with deference.
Maddie, oblivious to the sudden change in atmosphere, turned to the planner and asked a question, only to find him bowing. Confused, she followed his gaze and found Alex standing behind her, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Alex," she greeted, her lips curving upward in a smile. Alex's smile deepened, and he replied,
"Maddie, I see you've been given the role of event planning."
Maddie's cheeks flushed slightly as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her smile still in place. "I'm happy I could help," she said, her voice soft.
Alex's eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed at her, taking in the sight of her in her element. "You're doing a fantastic job," he said, his voice low and sincere. Maddie's smile faltered for a moment, and she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with pleasure.
He gazed at the meticulously arranged setup, his eyes scanning the space before settling on Maddie. "Seeing the work you're putting into this event, it's going to be a success," he said, his voice sincere. Maddie laughed softly, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Just doing my job," she replied, her voice humble.
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her modesty. "Would you be present on the day?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him. Maddie nodded, her expression professional. "Yes, of course, I would. I would have to represent my company."
He smiled, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the tension between them palpable. Maddie's gaze faltered, and she looked down, her eyelashes casting a subtle shadow on her cheeks.
"Very well, then," he said finally, breaking the silence. With a nod, he turned and walked away, leaving Maddie to her work. As he departed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her dedication and professionalism.
Maddie watched him walk away, a smile still playing on her lips as she felt a sense of appreciation for his acknowledgement. Determined to make the event a success, she refocused on her work. With renewed energy, she turned and headed towards the crew setting up the chairs, her eyes scanning the room to ensure every detail was perfect.
"Let's make sure the chairs are aligned precisely," she instructed, her voice clear and confident. The crew nodded, adjusting the seating arrangement according to her specifications.
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As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city, Maddie trudged wearily towards her front door. The long day of preparations for the event had taken its toll, leaving her feeling drained and exhausted. She pressed her home digits into the door keypad, pushing the door open to reveal the cozy interior of her home.
The soft hum of the television caught her attention, and she spotted Jane sitting on the couch, engrossed in the evening news. Maddie smiled warmly as she entered, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Jake. "Hey, Jane! How was everything?" she asked, her voice tinged with fatigue.
Jane turned off the TV and rose from the couch, her expression gentle. "Everything's fine, Maddie. Jake's asleep," she replied, nodding towards the bedroom.
Maddie's shoulders sagged in relief as she let out a soft sigh. "Thank you so much, Jane. I really appreciate it," she said, her gratitude evident in her voice.
Jane smiled and waved her hand dismissively. "You're welcome, Maddie. That's what I'm here for." Maddie rummaged through her purse and pulled out a wad of cash, peeling off a few notes as a tip. "Here you go, thanks again," she said, handing the money to Jane.
Jane accepted the tip with a smile.
"Same time tomorrow?" Maddie asked, already knowing the answer. Jane nodded,
"Same time tomorrow. Goodbye, Maddie.
Get some rest,"
she said, gathering her belongings before heading out the door.
As the door closed behind Jane, Maddie let out a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She glanced towards the bedroom, where Jake was sleeping peacefully, and smiled softly. For a moment, she just stood there, savoring the quiet comfort of her home.
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The Greenwood mansion, where Selena spent her afternoons, was a majestic structure that seemed to have stepped out of a fairy tale. Its exterior was a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, with towering columns that seemed to stretch up to the sky and gleaming white stone that shone like silk in the sunlight. The mansion's facade was adorned with intricate carvings and ornate details, showcasing the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Inside, the mansion boasted a vast library that was Selena's favorite retreat. The room was lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, filled with leather-bound tomes and rare volumes that whispered tales of old. The air was thick with the scent of old books and polished wood, creating a cozy atmosphere that invited hours of reading. Selena was reclining on a plush couch, surrounded by pillows and throws, completely absorbed in the world of words.
As she flipped through the pages of her book, her mind began to wander, and she found herself thinking of Alex. A soft smile played on her lips as she imagined seeing him again. Just then, Sophia's voice broke the silence, her tone sing-song and teasing.
"Ooh, someone is in love."
Selena turned to see her elder sister Sophia standing in the doorway, a knowing glint in her eye. Sophia walked over to Selena and sat down beside her, gently tucking a strand of her raven hair behind her ear. "I just hope to see him again," Selena admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Sophia smiled and took Selena's hand in hers. "Well, you will soon meet Him," she said, her voice filled with excitement.
Selena's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "When? Are we getting married soon?" she asked hurriedly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sophia laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Not yet, Mr. Thompson is yet to finalize the wedding date," she said, her voice soothing. Selena's face fell, but Sophia quickly added, "But soon, okay."
Just then, Sophia's expression turned serious. " Well...Father has been invited to be present at Alex's event launch next tomorrow. And if Father's invited, we are too."
Selena's face lit up with excitement as she realized she would finally see Alex again. She giggled, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Her Winter Prince, as she affectionately thought of him, would soon be hers to gaze upon once more.