Ashley's mind spun, and for a moment, everything else faded into the background. The chatter of the elites, the clinking of expensive glasses, her grandparents—none of it mattered. Only him.
Lorenzo Grey's eyes were now fixed on her, exuding the same effortless charm and confidence that had once made her fall so recklessly. His tailored black tuxedo fit like a second skin, emphasizing the broad shoulders she had once clung to. Those amber eyes, sharp yet unreadable, locked onto hers with an intensity that sent a ripple of unease down her spine.
She felt Mikael's gaze flicker between them, likely noting the sudden shift in her demeanor. But he said nothing, only offering Lorenzo a nod before glancing at her expectantly.
Lorenzo was just as shocked to see Ashley again, especially in the company of the Flynns, but he masked it well, his signature heart-melting smile never faltering.
He observed that Ashley's appearance looked much better now than the last time, but that lingering sadness was still in her eyes, warring with her confusion. He wanted to do something about that sadness, as much as he wanted to know about her connection with the Flynn.
'Ashley never mentioned being related to them, not less being Michelle's granddaughter.' he continued to wonder.
Before Ashley could find her voice, Mikael placed her hand in Lorenzo's grasp, who took it gracefully, bowing slightly as he pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles.
The simple gesture sent a swarm of butterflies into chaos in Ashley's stomach.
"Hello, sunshine," his deep voice resonated in her head, sending a shiver down her spine.
A wave of nostalgia instantly washed over her. Only one man had ever called her that—always in that same gentlemanly manner. According to him, she had an energy that could light up any room, a beauty that outshone even the sun.
If only he was aware that woman no longer existed.
'I could hardly keep the light on inside of me now.' Ashley said quietly. Not much light up a match.
Ashley fought to hide the pain from her eyes as Lorenzo brought his gaze back to her, warmth flickering in his.
He struggled to mask the emotions swirling within him. Since his unexpected encounter with Ashley at the hospital, after which she fled, he hadn't stopped searching for her, thinking of her till late into the night. After days of unfruitful search, he resorted to wishing and praying for fate to send her his way again.
And now... 'I never thought I'd see the most beautiful woman again before this night ended.' Yet, here he was, holding her, kissing her pretty knuckles.
As Ashley gazed in his eyes, more memories of their past flooded her mind, and she felt her heart skip another beat. Even after eight years, she couldn't deny that Lorenzo Grey was still the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on.
Standing an imposing 6'5" feet tall, his presence effortlessly commanded attention. His golden caramel skin carried a warm glow, a perfect blend of his mixed heritage. Thick, dark, wavy hair framed his face, with strands slightly brushing against his forehead in a messy manner, adding to his rugged look. But despite all those striking features, it was his amber eyes that held the most power—rich, molten, and hypnotic, like liquid gold catching the light, capable of both warmth and intensity, making it impossible to look away.
"I love your dress." Lorenzo finally murmured, his deep voice sending a slight shudder through Ashley."... but I have no doubt you'd make even a rag look tempting."
Ashley forced a smile.
"I see your charm has only matured with time." She simply stated, while mentally scolding herself for the fluttering sensation in her chest, which shouldn't be there at all. She hated that despite everything, he still had the power to make feel something, no matter how insignificant. It made her feel weak, and weakness was a virtue she now resented the most.
Her gaze swept over Lorenzo's designer tux, which still clung to him like a second skin, making him look as though he was modeling it. "You don't look bad yourself."
Lorenzo smirked.
The action highlighted his sharp jawline, appearing sculpted, his dimples deepening...even appearing faintly along his jaw... giving him an air of both charm and mischief. You'd think he just walked off some painting.
Ashley could've sworn she noticed something beneath that smirk, an unease carefully masked in those hypnotic amber eyes.
Lorenzo's gaze briefly flickered to Ashley's curves before quickly looking away. 'That dress is damn lucky to cling to her the way I can't.' he thought bitterly, jealous of the shimmering red gown.
"What are you doing here?" Ashley asked, dispelling the eerie silence that had shortly followed their earlier compliments.
Lorenzo raised his brow slightly, confused. For a brief moment, Ashley wanted to believe that he hadn't recognized her. If that were the case, she needed to get away from him as quickly as possible. The last thing she wanted was to reconnect with people who had hurt her. And Lorenzo Grey was at the top of that list.
'How's that even possible, he used your name at the hospital.' her inner voice whispered, and Ashley mentally groaned, agreeing.
"I'm here for the party, just like you, beautiful one." Lorenzo stated. "Now shall we?" He extended his bent elbow toward her.
She hesitated, turning to Mikael for an excuse to escape him, but realized he had conveniently disappeared with his wife.
"You don't want to keep my hand hanging, love," Lorenzo whispered, making her turn back to him.
Her jaw tightened. She wanted to be angry that he kept using those endearments, especially "sunshine", as if they were still the same people from the past. But a small, traitorous part of her found it sweet—and she hated herself for it.
"You have to quit calling me all those," she warned, reluctantly taking his arm as he led her deeper into the ballroom.
"Calling you all what?" Lorenzo asked like he didn't already know what she was talking about. Yet he preferred to taunt her.
Ashley felt her annoyance tick upward. "Sunshine, beautiful one, love...any other thing you might be thinking in that head of yours." She realized how rude she had sounded, but she just couldn't help it.
"Tell me why I should stop," Lorenzo continued, his tone teasing yet firm.
"Because I have a name, and it's none of those."
A corner of lorenzo's mouth curved in a nonchalant smirk that further upset her.
"I know you do," he replied smoothly. "But you're my sunshine." He quietly bit his tongue, not meaning to sound so possessive...yet.
Ashley stopped abruptly, her anger flaring. "I am Ashley... that's all I am to you, is that understood?" She whispered sternly, but carefully, to avoid attention.
Something flickered in lorenzo's eyes, but it passed too quickly for her to read. "I do not wish to upset you, my lady."
He pulled out a chair for her, and only then did Ashley realize they were now standing at a table.
"Please, sit with me."
There was something about the calm manner in which he spoke that made her feel guilty for snapping at him earlier.
With a resigned sigh, she took her seat.