Ch 8: A Night to Remember
Rose stepped out of her office building. Her mind was buzzing with the success of today’s preparations for the fashion week.
The evening was casting a rosy pink glow over the city as she visited the nearby flower shop, a place she often frequented. Taking a short walk in this lovely evening allowed her to witness the sight of people going about their lives.
As she approached the flower shop, the familiar fragrance of fresh flowers enveloped her in its embrace.
The florist, Mrs Johnson, was a friendly lady who knew Rose well. She greeted her with a smile. “The usual deep blue roses, Ms Rose?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
She nodded with a smile. While paying for the bouquet, a voice from behind startled her.
“I’ll get that,” the voice echoed through the air.
When she turned around, she saw that familiar face, those familiar soft Platinum locks, it was Shawn, standing right in front of her.
Rose felt surprised, but still responded with a sweet smile. “It’s okay, you don’t have to.”
But Shawn insisted, “Consider it a gift from me, please.”
First Alex’s party and now this chance encounter. Rose was filled with amusement, finding it utterly delightful how Shawn ended up standing before her, almost as if it was meant to be. Rose accepted his unexpected gesture with a smile.
As they were about to walk out of the flower shop, Mrs Johnson couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. “Oh, can I get an autograph, Mr Shawn?” she asked.
An innocent smile formed on his face. “Please, just call me Shawn.” He signed a piece of paper with a flair. “And of course, anything for a fan.”
Exiting the shop together, Rose couldn’t help but ask, “What are you doing here?”
Locking eyes with Rose, Shawn grinned. “I was just passing by, and I couldn’t believe it was you. So, I sent my manager home and decided to see for myself.”
Amused at his witty choice of words, Rose suggested, “Well, at least cover your face with a mask; we’re in public.”
Suppressing his laugh, Shawn put on his face mask, and as they continued to walk, Rose inquired, “So, where are you headed now? If you’re free, care to join me for dinner?”
He gladly accepted the invitation. The evening soon faded into the dark night sky as they strolled towards Rose’s office building. She asked Shawn to wait inside her car, as she needed to fetch something from her office.
“It’ll just take five minutes,” she assured him.
Shawn offered to help her, but Rose declined, insisting it was fine. After a couple of minutes, she returned to her car. Taking the driver’s seat, she handed Shawn an invitation to her upcoming fashion show.
Feeling grateful and excited, he remarked, “Oh, the fashion show is just a couple of days before my concert! It’s amazing that we’ll be in the city.”
Rose pretended to be surprised, concealing the knowledge that she was well aware. The car’s engine revved as she drove away to their next destination. Just then, Shawn asked if she received his other gift.
Puzzled, Rose asked in confusion, “What gift?”
With a playful grin forming on his lips, Shawn faced Rose, resting his chin on his hand standing on the passenger seat’s armrest, as he asked, “Did it not reach you? I sent it to your office.”
The soft golden lights illuminated their way. Rose gracefully steered the chic black car, as they passed by the Thames river. But she couldn’t resist asking about this mysterious gift. “So, what’s this gift you mentioned, Shawn?”
A boyish grin played in his eyes as Shawn looked at her mischievously. “Ah, where’s the fun if I tell you beforehand? I want to see your reaction. Let me know what you think of it.”
Rose chuckled, enjoying his playfulness. “I have to say, you’re so sneaky. Alright! You’ve got me all curious. I will let you know.”
Curious and confused, she wondered what surprise awaited her back at the workplace.
They both arrived at a high-end restaurant, where Rose had reserved a private dining room. The ambiance was elegant, and the evening unfolded with a symphony of laughter and engaging conversation.
They enjoyed an exquisite dinner, the flavors of each dish enhancing the delightful atmosphere. Their interaction was a perfect blend of witty banter and genuine connection.
"You know," Shawn began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I never thought I'd be sharing a meal with the infamous Rose Lawrence of the fashion world. You're not as intimidating as they say."
Rose chuckled, "Appearances can be deceiving. Besides, it's not every day that I dine with a global sensation. Your manager must be furious right now."
Shawn grinned, "Oh, he'll get over it. This was too good an opportunity to pass up."
As the night progressed, their conversation continued to flow smoothly.
"So, what's it like being a famous fashion designer?" Shawn inquired, genuinely curious.
Rose leaned back, swirling the wine in her glass. "It's a world of contrasts, really. Beauty and chaos, creativity and deadlines. But I thrive in it."
Shawn nodded, "I can relate. The music industry has its own set of challenges. But hey, it brought us together tonight."
Rose raised her glass, "To unexpected encounters."
They clinked glasses, sealing the sentiment. Laughter echoed in the private dining room, and smiles were exchanged as the evening flowed seamlessly.
"Interestingly," Shawn teased, "I half-expected you to be surrounded by bodyguards and paparazzi. This discreet dining room was a pleasant surprise."
Rosr smirked, "I have my ways of avoiding the limelight when I choose to."
As the night drew to a close, Rose, feeling a rare warmth, asked Shawn where she should drop him off.
He provided an address, and after a short drive, Rose pulled up to the designated location.
Shawn stepped out of the car, "Thank you for tonight, Rose. It was truly enjoyable."
Rose nodded, "Likewise, Shawn. Take care, and maybe our paths will cross again."
Shawn grinned, "Looking forward to it."
Driving back to her home, Rose couldn’t help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events. As she entered through the exquisite ivory coloured halls of her elegant penthouse, the sparkles of the charming golden chandelier adorned in Swarovski welcomed her.
She handed some blue roses to the maid, asking her to arrange them in the vase on the center table. While she placed a few on the side table in her bedroom, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
Deciding to unwind, Rose headed for a refreshing shower. The day had been exceptional, and the encounter with Shawn had only heightened its allure.
After cleansing away the day's stress, she wrapped herself in a chic robe and settled into her bed.
The deep blue roses caught her eye, and she couldn't help but appreciate their beauty. Pouring a glass of red wine, Rose indulged in the rich flavor as she reclined on her bed.
The soft glow of the city lights outside her bedroom window added to the serene atmosphere, creating a perfect backdrop for introspection.
As she sipped the wine, Rose relished the memories of the evening. Shawn's presence had injected a rare sense of joy into her usually controlled life.
The unexpected encounter had transformed a routine day into a night to remember. With a content smile, Rose allowed herself to be enveloped by the tranquility, the deep blue roses standing as a testament to the unforeseen pleasures life could offer.
As the crimson liquid swirled in her glass, Rose's mind drifted back to her college days, a time when ambition sparked in her eyes and allure emanated from her every move. It was in her second year when she first crossed paths with Vincent.
On that particular morning, she had been in high spirits, gifted with a bouquet of stunning blue roses from an admirer. The vibrant blooms mirrored the liveliness she carried that morning.
Walking towards the main building, Rose enjoyed the beautiful morning scene of the campus gardens. She had a meeting to attend regarding the upcoming university fest. It was a 10-minute stroll from the Department of Fashion Designing to the main building.
However, fate had its own plans. A collision disrupted her peaceful stride. The bouquet, a cascade of blue perfection, gracefully fell to the ground as some petals withered in protest.
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