Love lies and a billionaire’s secret

UNGDIN BEFRAYALIS EN

almost see the vivacious young woman he described, full of life and love.

“She sounds v wonderful,” Nia said softly when Leon paused. “I wish I could have met her.”

Leon nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “She would have liked you, I think. Kyra always had a way of seeing the best in people.”

As dawn began to break, painting the sky in soft pinks and golds, Nia realized with a start that they had talked through the entire night. Sometime during their conversation, she had shifted closer to Leon, and now found herself leaning against his shoulder.

Leon seemed to realize their position at the same moment. He turned to look at her, their faces suddenly very close. “Nia,” he said softly, his voice husky with emotion and lack of sleep. “Thank you for listening. For understanding. It means more than you know.”

Nia felt her heart racing as she met his gaze. For a moment, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them. Then, reality came crashing back in.

“I… I should go,” Nia said, her voice barely above a whisper. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Leon nodded, though he made no move to pull away. “Of course. I didn’t mean to keep you so long.”

Nia stood, gathering herself. “It’s okay. I’m glad I could help.”

As she reached the door, she turned back for one last look. Leon was watching her, an unreadable, expression on his face.

Nia stood in front of Helia’s expansive closet, her eyes wide with awe. Dresses of every color and style. hung neatly, each one more beautiful than the last. Helia, her colleague from the reception desk, had insisted on lending Nia a gown for the charity gala.

“I can’t believe you have so many choices, Nia murmured, running her hand along a silky emerald green dress.

Helia laughed, coming to stand beside her. “Perks of having a shopatic for a sister. Now, let’s find you something that’ll knock everyone’s socks off.”

After trying on several options, they settled on a stunning midnight blue gown with delicate silver embroidery. The dress hugged Nia’s curves before flowing out gracefully at the knees.

“It’s perfect,” Helia declared, adjusting the straps. “You look like a movie star.”

Nia turned to examine herself in the full–length mirror, hardly recognizing the elegant woman staring back at her. “Are you sure it’s not too much?”

“Nonsense,” Helia said, handing her a pair of silver heels. “You’re going to turn heads tonight, honey. Especially a certain CEO’s…”

Nia felt her cheeks flush but said nothing, focusing instead on not tripping in the unfamiliar shoes.

As Nia arrived at the gala venue, her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The borrowed gown swished softly around her legs as she made her way to the entrance. She spotted Leon. almost immediately, looking dashing in a perfectly tailored tuxedo.

Their eyes met, and Leon’s widened slightly. He excused himself from the group he was talking to and made his way over to her.

“Nia,” he said, his voice warm. “You look absolutely stunning”

Nia felt a blush creep up her neck. “Thank you,” she replied softly. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”

Leon’s eyes lingered on her, taking in every detail of her appearance. The moment was broken by a

familiar voice.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the belle of the ball!”

Nia turned to see Justin approaching, a mischievous grin on his face and two champagne flutes in his hands. He offered one to Nia with a flourish