Chapter four: The price of glamour

The next day, Kylie had planned to meet Dustin, but an urgent matter kept her busy. Instead, she invited him over for dinner.

Dustin grinned when he received her message.

Finally, he thought. He hadn't had a chance to enjoy one of Kylie's homemade meals in weeks.

******

At the market, Kylie moved through the aisles with practiced ease. Her mind already planning the evening's menu, She picked out the ripest tomatoes and fresh vegetables

****

Back at Robert's mansion, the house was eerily quiet. There were no maids today, just Kylie.. like always, handling everything herself.Kylie had never let wealth spoil her, she had learned early on from her late mother, Sarah, who'd raised her as a typical housewife, that managing a home was something to take pride in, not a task to outsource.

Hours later, Dustin arrived... standing in the doorway and a bottle of wine in hand and a grin on his face "Hey, l'm early but I can't resist"

"Perfect timing" she replied, wiping her hands on a towel. "Want to chop the onions?"

Together, they worked tirelessly in the kitchen, laughing over minor mishaps

As Kylie finished cooking, she glanced at herself in the mirror. She smoothed a hand through her hair, taking an extra moment to ensure it was just right

"I want to look beautiful tonight" she murmured to herself

Dustin stepped into the room just as she was adjusting a loose strand of hair. He leaned against the doorframe, his expression amused.

"So are you admitting that you're in love with the unknown?"

Kylie froze, her eyes narrowing slightly and she tilted her head in confusion "Who's 'the unknown?"

Dustin's chuckle echoed through the room as he raised an eyebrow "Your Prince Charming"

Kylie shot him a playful glare. "He has a name, you know. It's Rome and he's not my Prince Charming"

Dustin's grin widened. "If you say so, how about I set him up with my client? She's been single for ages and is ready to settle down. What do you think?" He walked toward her, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Kylie's brows knit together and her scowl deepened "Don't you dare!"

He burst into laughter "I would not dare, my queen"

His hand landed gently on her shoulder as he grinned, his eyes twinkling with playful affection

"Now let's make you dazzling, like a princess in a fairytale" Kylie chuckled, rolling her eyes "You are being silly."

Dustin pulled out a dress from the closet, holding it up to her, eyes twinkling

"This one's perfect" he said, tossing it over to her.

As they finished preparing, Kylie heard the low rumble of the car outside. Her pulse quickened, and she hurried downstairs, She saw her dad at the door, greeting Rome with a firm handshake.

Kylie's heart raced as Rome glanced over at her. Her cheeks flushed slightly and she looked down, momentarily shy. As she glanced up through her lashes, she caught his eye and offered a warm smile.

"Hi, Mr Rome, Welcome to our home"Rome nodded curtly, his expression unreadable, before he was guided to the spacious sitting room.

Kylie turned toward the kitchen, she began serving the food. few minutes later, Dustin came downstairs, his footsteps light as he joined her to help set the dining table. As Kylie called them to dinner, Dustin's eyes widened when he saw Rome sitting in the sitting room.

"Hi Mr Handsome" Dustin said, his voice dripping with amusement as he extended his hand for a handshake "Nice to see you again"

Rome's gaze flickered briefly toward him before he sat down gracefully at the table, not acknowledging Dustin's greeting.

Dustin chuckled softly, leaning in to whisper to Kylie."He's feisty girl.. I like him already"

Kylie's laughter spilled out, her eyes sparkling She playfully smacked Dustin's arm. "Behave yourself, you silly"

Rome's eyes widened with curiosity after witnessing their interaction "You two seem so close. Are you married?"

Kylie's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise, her eyes widening and her mouth slightly open. "We aren't married, I'm still single.

She glanced at Dustin with a look of annoyance Dustin, on the other hand, grinned broadly, "Hey handsome I don't do women, I'm into men like you."

Kylie pinched Dustin. "Behave yourself!" "Alright, my darling," he said.

As Kylie served Rome some food, his eyes locked onto hers "Thank you" he said, his voice low.

Robert's voice interrupted the moment "Khy dear, you did not pick food for me either." She smiled and served him some.

"Darling, you also did not pick food for me either," Dustin said. She glared at him but still served him food.

During dinner, Robert decided to talk about Kylie's childhood with Rome.

She felt embarrassed but watched as Rome listened carefully. Robert couldn't help but praise Kylie, which only made her blush more.

"Your dad's up to something” Dustin typed and sent Kylie a message. "You think so?" she replied.

As Rome prepared to leave, Robert's request sent Kylie's heart racing "see him off" Her blush deepened but she nodded, rising from her seat

They approached his car, where several men in black were stationed. "Are all of them with you?" she asked.

He nodded, his eyes scanning the area "Yes, they are all my men, You can go inside now."

Kylie nodded and smiled, her lips curling up like a crescent moon, and waved goodbye as they drove off.

Days later, Kylie found herself in her father's office when he casually mentioned that Rome had decided to work with his company. The words caught her by surprise and her heart fluttered. She tried to mask the excitement with a smile Afterward, she couldn't stop thinking about him. She finally confessed to Dustin, unable to keep the secret any longer

"I like him, okay? I really like him" she blurted out one afternoon, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dustin raised an eyebrow "Oh..you like him, huh?" he teased, his voice dripping with mockery "Well, no surprise there"

Kylie rolled her eyes, a light blush creeping up her neck "Shut up, Dustin"

Though she had his private number now, Kylie couldn't bring herself to call him.

She stared at the digits on her phone screen late one night, her thumb hovering over the dial button. What if I seem too eager? Her chest tightened with uncertainty and with a deep sigh, she put the phone down. It was better to let fate decide.

Weeks passed as Kylie poured herself into opening her cafe. Every free moment was spent choosing decor..

Yet, in the evenings, when the work was done and the city quieted down, Kylie found herself sitting in her car outside Rome's company building. Her eyes would dart toward the door, hoping, praying for a glimpse of him as the evening crowd spilled out. But she never saw him.

******

One evening, Dustin invited Kylie to a prestigious club, one known for its wealthy and elite clients. Although Kylie was wealthy herself, she typically avoided such places.

She hesitated.. glancing away as if unsure. "I have heard your man frequents that club" Dustin said, watching her carefully.

Kylie's gaze snapped back to him, her eyebrows lifting in surprise " Are you serious?" she asked, her voice tightening with curiosity.

Dustin nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips "So, are you coming?"

Her lips parted in a sudden grin and without a second thought, she stood up "Of course I'm coming!" she declared, her excitement bubbling over

After dressing up provocatively, Kylie and Dustin went to the club.

They were ushered to the VIP area. As she entered, heads turned and whispers followed her every step.

Her long black hair fell over her shoulders, revealing her flawless skin and her carefully chosen attire highlighted her curves, making her the center of attention.

Feeling uncomfortable and wanting to leave, she spotted Rome entering with some older businessmen.

Dustin grinned and said, "Your man is here." Kylie's eyes widened, as she watched Rome enter.

Her posture stiffened, and her breathing became shallow. She bit her lower lip, her brows furrowing in unease, and her fingers gripped her phone tightly.

"Don't be nervous, just stay sober and be sexy. I need to find a man," Dustin replied before rushing off.

Kylie cursed him silently, feeling anxious as he left her alone. She chose a soft spot, frequently glancing at her old pictures and occasionally looking over at Rome. When their eyes met, she waved, but he acted as if he did not recognize her. She chose to stay on her phone while waiting for Dustin when someone approached her.

"Hi, beautiful, would you like to have a drink with me?" She smiled warmly. "No, thank you. I'm with someone."

He quickly apologized and walked away. As she glanced over at Rome's table, she saw a lot of strippers dancing, with one sitting on Rome's lap.

Kylie's face tightened into a frown, her eyes narrowed, and her jaw clenched as she saw Rome surrounded by other women. Her gaze hardened with frustration, and she blinked rapidly, struggling to keep her composure. The corners of her mouth pulled down slightly, and she shook her head in disbelief, trying to maintain her dignity despite the growing , she kept her focus on her phone when a group of guys came up.

"Hello, sexy lady, do you mind joining us?" She responded calmly,

"No, thank you." They persisted "please beautiful."

Kylie's patience visibly worn as her eyes narrowed and her brows drew together in frustration.

Her lips tightened into a thin line, and her jaw clenched. She looked away briefly, exhaling sharply, before turning back with an intense glare. "Don't you get it? Leave me alone!"