Do You Still Love Me When We Meet Again? (Aubrey and Damon) novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84

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You have to be there,” Alex said, his tone domineering, leaving no room for argument. “If you come, I’ll introduce you to more business contacts, which will only benefit your career.”

in the professional world, having connections was always more efficient than slowly climbing your way up alone.

Aubrey wasn’t one to feign humility or pretend to be above it all; she genuinely needed those connections.

I’ll be there on time.”

Alex’s voice lit up.“Excellent. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Aubrey ended the call and put down her phone.

ust then, a knock sounded at the door.

Come in,” she called, looking up as a man in a crisp suit pushed the door open.

n his hands, the man carried a large, square box, with an exquisite jewelry box resting on top.

Hello, Ms. Hayes,” he began. “I’m Mr. Evans’s personal assistant. He asked me to deliver this evening gown and jewelry for you.”

Aubrey rose, startled, watching the assistant place both boxes on her desk. A wave of bewilderment washed over her.“I have my own evening wear,” she

aid, her voice strained. “Please, take these back.”

I’m sorry, Ms. Hayes,” the assistant replied.“Mr. Evans insisted you accept them and wear them to the gala tomorrow evening.” He gave a polite nod, and then, his duty fulfilled, he exited the office.

Alex’s relentless pursuit was so overbearing it left her utterly exhausted.

t was a common affliction among the wealthy, she mused, this inability to truly respect another’s wishes.

As long as he wanted something, what anyone else thought or wanted simply didn’t matter.

She picked up the exquisite jewelry box and opened it, her jaw dropping at the sight.

nside, a dazzling five–piece diamond set glittered: a necklace, earrings, a ring, a bracelet, and a hairpin.

f they were just cubic zirconia, that would be one thing. But if these were real diamonds, the set had to be worth at least hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not over a million.

She hastily slammed the jewelry box shut, then opened the larger box.

nside was an expensive black evening gown. She didn’t even take it out, just glanced at it before closing the box once more.

The next evening, Aubrey arrived at Alex’s birthday party as expected.

she hadn’t worn the evening gown Alex had prepared, nor had she adorned herself with the expensive diamonds.

nstead, she chose an off–white maxi dress. Its off–the–shoulder neckline perfectly showcased her delicate collarbones and smooth, fair shoulders. The

nem fell gracefully to her ankles, creating an overall look that was simple, elegant, and quietly sophisticated.

Her long, dark hair was simply tied back, her makeup light and fresh, lending her an air of graceful poise.

She took a ride–share to the Evans‘ estate.

The sprawling mansion was immense. Aubrey, carrying a large bag with the evening gown and jewelry Alex had sent her, followed the butler through he expansive garden and into the grand ballroom.

The opulent hall gleamed under the warm, white glow of crystal chandeliers. Soft jazz music drifted smoothly through the air. Though not overly rowded, everyone was dressed in their finest attire, mingling with drinks in hand.

udging by their age, the guests seemed to be Alex’s closest friends or his business associates.

Aubrey’s appearance drew every eye in the banquet hall.

It wasn’t her stunning gown that commanded attention. Instead, it was her late arrival, coupled with her innocent beauty and inherent grace, that had every head turning.

She stood stiffly, her gaze sweeping the room. It stopped short, locking onto Damon tucked away in the corner.

He was impeccably dressed, a perfectly tailored black suit over a crisp white shirt. He exuded a dignified, refined air and was strikingly handsome.

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Almost simultaneously, Damon’s gaze found hers.

Their eyes met.

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Time seemed to stretch endlessly. The surrounding din instantly faded, their gazes locking, hot and heavy, charged with a complex mix of ampoken

emotions.

Beneath Aubrey’s calm exterior, a storm of emotions began to stir.

Just then, Alex approached, a frown pulling at his brow. He looked Aubrey up and down, a clear note of displeasure in his voice.“Aubrey,” he said, “you’re not wearing the evening gown I picked out for you?”

“Alex, happy birthday.” Aubrey pulled her gaze away, forcing a smile as she handed him the bag she was holding. “Your gown and jewelry are all in here. Thank you for the thought, but they’re just not quite right for me.”

Alex shoved his hands into his pockets, his voice laced with disappointment.“I, Alex, don’t take back what I’ve given.”

Aubrey’s smile faltered. She turned and handed the bag she was holding to a passing server. Would you mind taking this bag to Mr. Evand’s room? Thank you,‘ she said politely.

The waiter took it, nodded, and left.

Alex pursed his lips and exhaled. Though clearly displeased, he was still captivated by Aubrey’s beauty.

His smile softened. “No worries, your presence is gift enough.” Then, he naturally reached out to wrap an arm around her waist.

Aubrey’s body stiffened slightly, like a bow pulled taut. She quickly recovered, forcing a professional smile. With a subtle shift, she took a half–step back, maintaining a polite distance.

She offered him the gift in her hand. “I brought you a present. I hope you like it.”

“My present?” Alex beamed, his eyes shining with excitement. His gaze flickered over Damon, who stood not far away, then he gave him a meaningful look, taking in his dark, ink–like expression. He then looked down, tearing open the gift.“As long as it’s from you, I’ll love it.”

Alex’s smile stiffened for only a few seconds when he opened the gift to find a plain, unremarkable fountain pen. He quickly plastered on an excited expression, slipping the pen into his suit pocket and gently patting it.“I love your gift,” he said.

Aubrey offered a small, knowing smile.

Alex placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her forward.“Aubrey,” he said,“let me introduce

For Aubrey, the rest of the evening became a public execution, a slow, agonizing torment.

Alex paraded her among his friends, like a newly acquired, coveted trophy he was eager to show off.

you

around.”

Everyone, let me introduce Aubrey, the attorney handling our company’s dispute cases,” Alex announced.“She’s also a very good friend of mine,

rilliant and beautiful. Please treat her well in the future!”

One by one, people introduced themselves, shaking Aubrey’s hand and offering their greetings.

The conversations that followed…

Alex deliberately blurred the lines between their professional collaboration and their personal relationship.

His hand remained on her arm or lower back, a polite intimacy woven into his touch, his posture possessive, as if silently staking his claim for all to see.

Aubrey could feel everyone’s eyes on her–curious, envious, and some downright sharp.

he maintained a perfectly appropriate curve to her lips, responding gracefully, but only she knew how stiff that smile felt, how sore her facial muscles

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