CHAPTER 53: WINNING THE BET [CHRISTIAN POV]

The show continued, and various top models walked on stage wearing gowns more stunning than the previous ones.

The next model that walked on stage wore a stunning off-the-shoulder gown embroidered with gold thread, following the cosmic theme.

It had deep slits, showing just enough of the models thigh to make things interesting.

This dress would look stunning on Leslie.

I pictured Leslie wearing it for me. Her large, perky breasts would give the perfect amount of visible cleavage and the thigh slit was just enough for me to want to slip my hand inside.

My cock twitched from my racing thoughts, causing me to look away to regain control.

Leslie, you’re not even in front of me, and you’re driving me wild. Not even my thoughts are safe from your control.

Shaking my head at my ever-dwindling self-control, I turned my attention back to the stage.

The models, including Morgan and Eve, made multiple walks wearing beautiful gowns and dresses, but I still didn’t see Leslie once.

I hope she didn’t run into any trouble backstage.

-

As the show continued, Mr. Lombardi walked over and handed me another glass of champagne. From his pleased expression, I knew he was feeling confident in his victory tonight.

So far, only Morgan and Eve have made an appearance on stage, and Eve was winning by a long shot.

The crowd looked forward to her appearance, and it didn’t really matter what she was wearing. While every time Morgan went on stage, the response was nothing more than standard.

"Eve is like a shining star tonight, what do you think?" he asked me with a big smile.

I accepted the glass of champagne and nodded, "She is indeed. I can see her becoming a top model in the industry."

This was true, she had the confidence and features to stand out and make a name for herself in the modeling industry. And with the added bonus of her family background, her career should take off quickly.

Mr. Lombardi smiled, pleased with my response. "She’s a good girl. I only worry about her marriage, there are few men whom I would be happy with giving her away to, such as yourself."

Thanks, but no thanks.

If we had this conversation before I met Leslie, things might have gone differently. Eve was certainly beautiful and had the elegance and grace befitting a lady, but I never once felt that magnetic pull I had with Leslie.

I smiled, but didn’t respond to his comment. He was clearly trying to fish around and see if he had a chance to pair me up with his daughter.

The crowd buzzed as Eve made another appearance on stage. This time her gown was colorful with vibrant greens and blues.

Mr. Lombardi smiled, seeing Eve walk on stage, then turned to me. "If I may be so bold, I feel that Eve is a better fit for you."

Eve flashed me a big smile as she walked past where we were standing.

"I appreciate the thought, but I am already engaged," I said after a brief pause.

Mr. Lombardi chuckled, "Engagement is only the beginning; nothing is set in stone until you’re standing at the altar."

For some reason, his words were music to my ears. Going into this engagement, I never planned to actually take Morgan as my bride, not unless I had to for my plan.

Leslie’s face flashed in my mind.

If it were her at the altar, I don’t think I would mind.

A small smile crept up on my face. I felt a hand pat me on the shoulder and turned to see Mr. Lombardi giving me a knowing smile.

"You don’t have to say anything. Take your time and think it through."

I knew he misunderstood, but I didn’t bother correcting him. This misunderstanding was actually good for me, as my initial plan was to pit these two families against each other even more than they already were.

-

As Eve walked off stage, the lights changed once more, and the music turned to something mysterious and mystical.

All of the quiet chatter in the hall stopped, and everyone turned their attention to the stage. Cosmic-like explosions of light filled the whole room.

Even my heart started to beat from anticipation. I wasn’t sure what was going to be shown next, but the elaborate lighting and music made the surroundings feel magical.

The next moment, the dark runway was lit up once more with soft, glowing lights. That was when my heart stopped.

On stage, Leslie walked out wearing an all-black gown. It had a fitted corset top and a flowing, ethereal skirt with thousands of tiny stones embroidered.

Her hair was let loose, cascading down her shoulders to her waist. With every step, I saw a peek of her slender legs and heels.

She was adorned with jewelry made from black diamonds that glimmered, but in a subtle way. If all of the other dresses felt like stars in the sky, she felt like the queen of the night.

Everyone in the crowd held their breath, unwilling to tear their eyes away from her for even a single moment.

It felt like time had stopped. Every step she took looked like she was walking in slow motion.

The dress was made for her. It fit more than just her body shape, it fit her identity.

I wanted to run up on stage and whisk her away, but my body was frozen in place. She was so breathtakingly beautiful that my mind went blank.

A few long moments later, Mr. Lombardi came back from his thoughts.

"Who is that?" he asked curiously.

Zach and Liam turned their heads to look at me, wondering the same thing.

My mouth curved up into a big smile. I took a sip of champagne and looked up at her.

"That’s Leslie Moresi."

Zach’s jaw dropped while Mr. Lombardi’s eyes widened. Everyone turned to look back up at her, trying to see if I was telling the truth.

"The younger daughter? I’ve seen her a few times before, I don’t remember her looking so... beautiful," said Mr. Lombardi with surprise.

My eyes never left her as she approached the end of the runway, her eyes locked onto mine. The look in her eyes told me that she was having fun.

-

The glass in Mr. Lombardi’s hand began to shake. I could see the defeat written all over his face.

Leslie stole the entire show, making every dress and model before her seem like a distant blur.

"Please excuse me. I have a few matters I need to attend to," he said nervously.

I smiled and nodded my head before turning to look at Zach.

"No fair! You knew they were hiding such a beauty!" he cried out, unwilling to admit defeat.

All I did was smile, "Yes, she’s indeed a beauty. Now, excuse me for a moment, I have a small matter I need to settle."

Liam nodded, patting Zach on the back to comfort him.

You’re truly something else, Leslie.

I skirted the dark corners of the hall, making my way backstage. Anticipation, excitement, and desire all coursed through me as I weaved through the dim hallways, looking for her.

"You did amazing. I’m so grateful for you making my vision come to life."

I heard a woman’s voice coming from one of the open dressing rooms.

"Please take your time getting changed. No one will bother you in here, and here is my card if you ever decide to model again."

"Thank you."

Leslie’s melodic voice sounded from inside the room.

I found you.

Just as I was about to enter the room, a middle-aged woman walked out and looked at me curiously.

"I wish to buy that black dress from you. Actually, I’ll buy the entire collection. Please name your price," I said, walking over to her.

I recognized her as KASS, the designer of today’s collection, and didn’t hesitate to offer to buy it.

She looked at me, surprised, but smiled, "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. A few dresses are already sold, and the black dress is not for sale unless it’s for her. I can sell you the rest."

"I wish to buy the black dress for her. I give you my word." I tried my best to keep a straight face, but my shaky voice betrayed my internal turmoil.

She quietly looked at me for a brief moment before breaking out into hearty laughter.

"Haha, very well. For her, I will sell it. She’s the only one who can pull it off. See me after the show," she said and walked towards a different dressing room.

I waited for her to leave before boldly entering the dressing room where Leslie was. My heart raced, and all of the blood went to a certain part of my body.

I need you.

As I walked into the dimly lit dressing room, I was met with the sight of Leslie struggling to unzip the back of her dress.

"Would you mind helping me unzip the dress?" she asked without turning around. Her fingers were still struggling to reach the small zipper.

Absolutely.

I took a few steps forward and wrapped my arms around her as I leaned over and kissed the back of her neck.

"Christian?"