CHAPTER 289: EMOTIONS LIKE FIREWORKS (1)

Georgia’s POV

Evelyn greeted us the moment the elevator doors slid open on the CEO’s floor. We’d taken the private elevator from the underground parking, the one that opened directly to Nick’s office.

Steven insisted on it, probably because the other elevators were packed at this hour, when everyone is on their way home after work hours.

Evelyn’s smile stretched wide when she saw us, almost glowing. I couldn’t tell if it was for me—or for Steven, the love of her life. I’d bet on the latter.

"Georgia!" she exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm hug. "It’s so good to see you again! You and the boss are always so busy. We should get together soon—the four of us."

Before I could respond, Steven’s arm snaked around her waist, his touch casually possessive. "That’s exactly what I told her," he said, flashing me a grin. "I kind of miss the old days on the ship, when we actually had time to breathe. The moment I signed Nick’s contract, it’s been nothing but work, work, and more work." He gestured dramatically, earning a laugh from both me and Evelyn.

"Come on," Evelyn teased, "you know Nick works hard not just for himself but for everyone here."

Steven rolled his eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah. Still, a little fun wouldn’t kill him."

"Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he gets both," I said, smiling. "Where is he, anyway?"

Evelyn’s expression shifted slightly, still smiling, but there was something behind it. "He’s still in a meeting. The Chairman and Reagan are with him. But..." she paused, that mysterious sparkle flickering in her eyes, "...he set up a meeting for you too—with someone I think you’ll love to meet."

I frowned, curiosity instantly piqued. "Who?"

But before I could press further, she turned to Steven. "You should join them. Nick told me to send you in once you arrived."

Steven nodded, giving me a look that said, good luck, before heading toward the boardroom.

Then Evelyn looped her arm through mine and started down the hallway with a spring in her step.

"Where are we going?" I asked, suspicion and intrigue threading through my voice.

She only smiled over her shoulder. "You’ll see."

The way she said it sent a strange flutter through my chest—half excitement, half unease.

A few more steps brought us to a boardroom with automatic glass walls—only, right now, they were in their opaque mode, hiding whatever secret lay inside.

Evelyn knocked and called out, "Georgia is here!"

My brows knitted. That tone. That smile. There was something she wasn’t telling me. My instincts whispered one name, Nick, but what exactly was he up to this time?

A soft click sounded, and the door slowly opened.

"Surprise!"

The sound of familiar voices filled the room, bright and joyful, and none of them was Nick.

I blinked, my eyes darting around to find Ella, Vicky, Melanie, Bella, and Jenny—plus a handful of faces I didn’t recognize. The space was huge, glowing softly under the warm lights, meant for a presentation, and the air was filled with the scent of champagne, grilled meat, and something sweet that made my stomach growl.

The long table in the center looked like a dream. Charcuterie boards, cakes, flowers, fabrics, and delicate little desserts arranged as if I’d just stepped into a bridal fantasy.

"What is going on here?" I managed to ask, though my heart was already racing.

Evelyn grinned, clearly enjoying my confusion. "You see, my boss is ridiculously busy with all the company matters, but he didn’t want to miss a single thing about your wedding. So..." She gestured around us.

"He brought everything here. Since his meetings are back-to-back all week, and this week was supposed to be your schedule for cake tasting, dress fitting, and all the wedding details, he asked us to transform the boardroom into your own personal wedding showcase. The suppliers came here instead, bringing only their best. That way, he can sneak in between meetings to be with you."

I stood frozen, my lips parted as I took it all in—the dresses displayed on mannequins in one corner, rows of shoes and bouquets on the next, and the array of cakes that looked too perfect to eat, were neatly tucked in the opposite corner.

And then it hit me.

All of it, every detail, every thoughtful gesture, was him.

My chest tightened, and before I could stop myself. I don’t know what got into me, but my tears suddenly fell without warning. I covered my face with both hands and wailed like a baby.

Emotions just suddenly flowed into me like fireworks, strong and raw; it even surprised me how strong it felt. The sobs that left me were loud enough to make everyone turn.

"Oh, dear..." I heard Evelyn murmured. I felt a hand rub my back, and another two hugged me.

"Why are you crying?" It was Ella’s voice, the one who hugged me. I hugged her back, still crying but wiping my tears away, careful not to stain her shirt. "Don’t tell me you’re upset because you won’t get to go store-hopping like other brides?"

I shook my head, laughing through the tears as I clung to her. "No—it’s not that. I’m just... happy. Overwhelmed. Nick’s so busy, and yet, he still found a way to make time to be part of this. I don’t even know how to deserve someone like him."

A familiar, teasing voice cut through the air, smooth and warm enough to make my heart stop for a beat.

"What are you talking about?"

We all turned toward the door.

And there he was—Nick, standing there in his crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His gaze found mine instantly, soft and knowing, as if he’d been waiting for this exact moment.

The room faded around me. It was just him and me.

And in that instant, I realized—this wasn’t just a surprise. It was his way of saying I’m with you, always, without even needing the words.

*******

Thank you for the Golden Ticket!

Edna_R2679