Day Out (i)

BRIANNA

After my meeting with my mom, I was in a bad mood. I threw myself into work, and the Gala preparations made that easy.

The hum of the city outside provided a steady backdrop to the muted office atmosphere.

Jayden sat behind his desk, his gaze fixed on me as I tried to organise the day’s reports.

After a prolonged silence, Jayden’s voice cut through the ambient hum. “Ria,” he called, his tone low and deliberate. “Why do you keep dressing like that?”

I looked down at my cotton gown. I agree that it had seen better days, but why did Jayden have to ask about it like that?

“Like what?” I retorted, meeting his gaze.

“Your wardrobe is hardly suitable for the image I want to project.”

His steel blue eyes bore into mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

“What’s wrong with my wardrobe?” I challenged.

He circled the desk, his steps deliberate and measured. His gaze swept over my outfit, a calculated assessment that left me feeling exposed. “It lacks sophistica