Desired by All and He Threw Away 18

Chapter 18 

When they are done, i hardly recognize the reflection staring back at me. my eyes look brighter and my skin looks like it glowing. 

“you’ve got great bone structure, “the artist says smiling softly. “You didn’t even need much.” 

I blink, almost shy. “Thank you.” 

Aiden stands nearby, silent. When our eyes meet in the mirror, there’s something unreadable there 

– but attention. A quiet study. 

not admiration, not quite 

“Youre going to wear that to the press conference?” he asks after a beat, as his eyes start flicking to my clothes. 

My lips part. “What is wrong with it?” He doesnt answer. instead he pulls out his phone and makes a call. “Bring the pieces,” he says, then hangs up. 

Minutes later, a small team rolls in racks of designer clothing – Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent 

on a runway, not me. 

– 

each item looking like it belongs 

“Pick something,” Aiden says. 

i stare at the shimmering fabrics. “These are Dior,” i murmur as my fingers brush over the soft silk. “My yearly salary couldn’t buy a single sleeve of this. What if I ruin something? I can’t-” 

“You won’t need to pay for anything,” he interrupts coolly. “I don’t view brands as prices, Taylor. I view them as statements. So make one. Go change.” 

His words hit me like a challenge. Something in me bristles. 

“If you wanted a commoner girlfriend,” I say, my tone sharper than I expect, “why are you dressing me like a wealthy woman?” 

That earns a flicker of surprise in his eyes then, the faintest smile. 

“Because,” he says finally, “they already see you as less. I won’t let them be right.” 

the words hang between us,heavy and strange,before he turns away. 

The dress fits like it was made for me its simple, elegant, champagne colored silk that glides against my skin.when I step out the room go stills. The makeup artist lets out a small approving hum. 

i turn toward the mirror and for a moment Im speechless.The woman staring back at me doesnt look like the girl who came in trembling. She looks… composed. Capable. 

Behind me, I catch Aiden watching, his gaze tracing the line of my reflection – quiet, assessing, lingering. 

“How do I look?” i ask the words barely more than a whisper. he clears his throat shifting his weight. “Good enough. Now let’s go.” I roll my eyes. “getting a compliment from you is like pulling teeth.” 

a faint smirk ghosts across his lips but he says nothing.instead he offers his arm. 

I hesitate just long enough to remember what this is then take it.his suit is crisp under my palm the fabric cool against my fingers. 

when the double doors open the sound hits me first a chorus of voies the blinding pop of cameras the hum of anticipation.the room is packed with reporters lenses turning like predatory eyes. 

flashes explode the second we step in and a murmur ripples through the crowd. 

no one expected him to bring anyone. Aiden kincaid doesn’t do attachments.and yet here I am on his arm wrapped in silk and 

nerves. 

we walk to the front where the podium waits. Aiden’s hand remain steady beneath mine grounding me and commanding me all at once. Someone shouts, “Mr. Kincaid who is she?” 

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Another voice: “Are the rumors true? Is this your new partner?” 

Aiden doesn’t answer. His expression is unreadable marble. He gestures for me to speak first. 

my fingers tremble as I unfold the paper the one he sent me earlic force a smile and lift my chin pretending not to hear the camera clicks that sound like heartbeats. 

“I’m honored to be here, “I begin my voice softer than Id like. “Aid is… great. He’s nothing like the rumors online.” the words feel foreign,heavy on my tongue too practiced, too perfect.my pulse races faster with every line. 

Im reading someone else’s story. Not mine, halfway through my throat tightens the lights feel hotter the air thinner.my palms slick with sweat. Then i feel it his arm sliding around my waist, firm and deliberate. 

he pulls me closer his touch steady but commanding as the crowd rupts into a frenzy of flashes. i catch his scent clean, faintly spiced,dizzying his body heat seeps through the silk of my dress and for one disorienting second,i forget the lines, the crowd, the 

cameras. 

all i can think about is the weight of his hand on my hip and the strange,dangerous calm that settles over me. the press shouts questions we dont answer, and under the blinding lights, with Aiden’s arm still anchoring me I realize–whatever game hes playing Im already part of it. 

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