You Still Don't Have My Number Saved
Evelyn was completely lost in her designs.
The office had grown quiet around her.
Her colleagues had all left for the day.
She stayed, her concentration absolute.
The sky outside turned from dusk to deep night.
Her phone buzzed violently on the desk.
Her eyes still fixed on the screen, she grabbed it.
She answered without looking. "Hello?"
A weighted silence answered her first.
Then, a voice, cool and familiar. "You still don't have my number saved?"
The tone snapped her out of her work haze.
She blinked, her pulse quickening in recognition.
"Oh. Alexander," she said, a relieved laugh escaping her. She finally glanced at the screen. "I have it saved. I just didn't check who was calling."
His voice warmed a fraction, the ice melting. "Where are you?"
The question was a sudden, guilty shock.
The Blackwood family birthday party. She was supposed to be with him.
She mentally kicked herself for forgetting something so important.
"Alexander, I'm so sorry! Work completely consumed me. I forgot," she admitted, already scrambling to pack her bag and shut down her computer.
He could hear the frantic energy through the phone. A faint smile touched his lips as he imagined her flustered state. "It's fine," he said, his voice calm and steady. "Just tell me your location. I'll send a car."
He paused, then added softly, "Take your time. There's no hurry."
His composed tone soothed her rising panic. Her voice steadied. "Let's meet at the café from our first meeting. Parking near my office is impossible."
"Agreed."
The line went dead.
Evelyn snatched her bag and hurried to the corner café.
A luxury sedan soon pulled to the curb.
She slid into the passenger seat and found a familiar face driving.
Confused, she asked, "Where's Alexander?"
"He's dealing with an urgent matter, Mrs. Blackwood," the driver explained courteously. "I'll take you for hair and makeup. He will join us shortly."
Evelyn nodded in understanding.
They arrived at a discreet, elegant salon.
It was instantly recognizable as one of Crestwood's most exclusive establishments.
Rumour said entry required more than money; it demanded status.
A staff member greeted her with a polished smile. "Mrs. Blackwood, right this way."
She was guided inside the chic interior.
A question nagged at Evelyn. How did Alexander get an appointment here? He didn't seem the type to owe 100 million.
If anything, others probably owed that much to him.
With the party approaching, she had no time for speculation.
The attentive staff quickly helped her into a stunning gown and began her transformation.
When she was finished, Evelyn was a vision.
The designers gathered around, their faces filled with admiration.
"She's extraordinary!"
"I never thought this dress could look like this on someone."
"Madam, your elegance is unmatched."
The deep amethyst gown, strapless and sleek, hugged her figure.
The rich fabric contrasted beautifully with her smooth skin, making her glow.
She lifted the hem delicately, like royalty from a storybook.
The color, difficult for many, accentuated her calm poise without overpowering her.
Catching her reflection, Evelyn stopped, a wave of disbelief washing over her.
She barely recognized the woman in the mirror.
"I love this dress. Thank you," she murmured, her eyes shining with genuine gratitude.
The stylist returned a sincere smile. "You should thank Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood. He personally selected this gown and the jewelry for you."
Evelyn's heart gave a little leap. "Alexander did?"