Liam's POV
"Babe, you promised me the best designer gown when you return," Avery's sweet voice came through the phone. Calm. Confident. The kind of tone that could melt a man's mind after a long day.
A small smile tugged at my lips. "You should've come with me. You're the company's best model. Your taste in fashion beats half the people at this gala. My queen."
"I believe we already discussed this," she said, chuckling softly. "My new contract doesn't allow me to travel until I'm done with my current shoot."
"Yeah, yeah," I sighed. "Still doesn't mean I don't miss you."
Before I could say I love you, Gwen's hand tapped my shoulder.
"Sir, it's almost time. You'll need to get off the phone."
"Alright. Love you, babe." I slid my phone into my pocket and turned to Gwen. "Tonight, I want the best collection out there. The world needs to see us on top of every other damn designer."
"Yes, sir," she replied, already scrolling through her tablet. But she was still standing there.
"For Christ's sake, Gwen," I snapped. "What are you still doing here? Go get the models ready! Everything needs to be perfect."
She vanished into the showroom like smoke. I straightened my suit, brushed invisible dust off my lapel, and turned to leave. That's when she hit me.
Hard enough to make me stumble.
Soft enough to make me forget how to breathe.
She looked like she was running from a ghost — one only she could see. Her bag slid across the floor. My shoulder ached, but I didn't care. I bent down just as she reached for her bag, and our hands brushed. For a second, time froze.
"Hey—easy," I said, holding my hand out. She hesitated, then took it.
And holy shit.
The moment she looked up, I went still. Those eyes. Sharp. Mysterious. Like she carried a story she wasn't ready to tell. Smooth skin,pink lips with a sleek back hair.
I helped her up, but somehow… couldn't let go of her hand.
"Hi," I managed, my voice catching. "I'm Liam."
She didn't say a word. Just pulled her hand free and walked away.
No apology. No glance back. Just pure confidence and aura
Damn.
I frowned, watching her disappear toward the exit — but suddenly, a group of guards blocked the door, checking everyone leaving the event. Her movements changed instantly — fast, cautious. She turned toward a man rolling a clothing rack, snatched a dress and a purple wig right from his hands, ignoring whatever he tried to say.
"Who the hell are you, goddess?" I muttered under my breath.
"Sir, it's time," Gwen said, appearing again. "They need you inside."
I didn't even look at her. Something inside me said follow her.
"Handle things, Gwen. I'll be back in ten minutes."
"But sir—"
I was already gone.
Outside, I spotted her reflection in a car window — just before she drove off.
And not far behind, another car followed.
"What the fuck…" I muttered, heart racing. "Is she being followed?"
Before I could think twice, I jumped into my car and hit the accelerator. I didn't even know her name, but hell, something in me refused to let it go.
Her car sped down the highway, swerving between vehicles like a pro. The woman drove like she was born for chaos. "Holy shit," I murmured, watching her beat the traffic light at full speed. "She's a damn racer. What kind of woman am I following?"
She suddenly turned down a rough road leading to a quiet neighborhood. Both cars stopped — hers in front of a small house, the other under the streetlights. She ran to the door, pounding like her life depended on it. A woman in a white robe opened and let her in. Seconds later, the second driver — a man — got out and followed her inside.
I parked under the shadows and watched, my pulse tight. From where I stood, I heard muffled voices, a slap, and silence. The man came out moments later, face dark with anger, before getting into his car. He didn't leave immediately — just sat there, scanning the street.
Then she stepped out, thanking the woman before heading toward her car.
That's when I moved.
I grabbed her from behind and pulled her into the shadows, covering her mouth as she gasped. Her body stiffened — until our eyes met again. Recognition flashed across her face, and I slowly lowered my hand.
"Don't scream," I whispered.
Instead of thanking me, she hissed, "What the fuck are you doing here?"
I pointed toward the car still idling down the street. "You're welcome. I just saved your ass."
The man's headlights flashed as he finally drove away, not noticing us.
She turned to me, suspicion all over her face. "Why did you follow me, Liam?"
I smirked. "Oh, so you do remember my name. I thought you'd still be pretending I ruined your night. You're welcome, by the way."
"Mr. whatever-your-name-is, do you have a crush on me?" she said, folding her arms. "I totally get it. My beauty's one of a kind. Not even your girlfriend could compete— if you have one."
"Hey, watch your mouth when it comes to Avery," I said sharply. "She's the best. And for the record, I thought you'd be thanking me, not throwing shade."
We reached her car. She opened the door, looked at me with that cold smile of hers, and said, "Liam, you interfered in my business without an invitation, and now you want me to thank you? Sorry, that's not happening."
She slammed the door so hard I jumped.
"Hey! Do you want to kill your savior?" I teased.
She rolled her window down, rolled her eyes so hard I could only see white, and said, "I pray we never cross paths in this damn world again. Go to hell, Liam."
"Point of correction," I said, slipping a card through her window. "It's Liam Grant."
She ignored it, staring at her phone. "Whatever," she muttered, rolling the glass up before speeding off.
I stood there, watching her tail lights fade into the night and finally came to my senses. "Shit I forgot to ask of her name. Probably first thing to do the next time we meet, mystery girl "
Then laughed softly. "Probably my type too. Crazy as hell."
My phone buzzed — Gwen again.
"Sir, where are you? We need you back immediately."
I hung up and turned toward my car. "Yeah, yeah. On my way," I muttered.
But even as I drove off, her face — that mysterious stranger — refused to leave my mind.