Chapter 92

Clara's POV

"I have a surprise for you." He smiled.

He handed me the flowers. He then picked up a shoe-sized box next to him, which he gave me. The package was white and covered with a red ribbon. "You should get ready, and I have a surprise for you. I'll wait in the car." He informed me.

"Okay," I answered shyly. Why was I acting like this? I had been around him so many times, but why did he still make me so nervous?

He smiled before walking to his car.

I had to stop myself from staring before closing the door behind him. He disappeared for weeks without saying much, and now he is back again. Deep down, I thought I'd never see him again.

I should probably get ready, as he said. I wonder where he was taking me. What should I even wear? Giggling like a teenage girl, I walked up to my bedroom.

I placed the flowers on my bedside. I opened the box anxiously.

I was surprised to find a dress. It was a wide v-neck made with crystals in almost a see-through colour. It was knee-length with long sleeves. It was gorgeous and just my size, too. Just staring at it, I wondered how much it must have cost. I was getting curious as to where he was taking me. What if Layla was right? But no, that idea was absurd.

I looked out my window. Derek stood outside, leaning onto the car and staring at his watch impatiently.

I took the world's shortest shower, then dressed and matched the dress with some flat shoes I had of a similar colour. I used the bare minimum I had of some lipgloss and mascara. I hardly had any make-up. I struggled to grow out of the tomboy phase throughout my childhood. I brushed my hair to the sides and left it loose.

I took a final deep breath before leaving the house.

Why was I so anxious today? I needed to get a grip on myself.

I locked our front door, taking nothing with me besides my phone and keys.

Derek looked up as he saw me approaching. I noticed a look in his eyes that I hadn't seen before. I couldn't pinpoint what it was. He quickly masked it as a smile formed on his face.

He met me halfway, walking over to approach me.

"You look gorgeous," he said, stopping me in my tracks. He went on to place a gentle kiss on my arm.

"Not too bad yourself," I giggled.

He hooked his arm into mine and walked me to the car.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked curiously.

"Don't worry, it's a surprise," he answered. He opened the car door as he gestured for me to step in.

I stepped into the car and buckled my seatbelt.

The rest of the car ride was silent as we listened to some music. I looked out the window, trying to figure out where we were heading. I didn't recognize any of the buildings. I was just going to have to wait; the anxiety was killing me.

It must have been over an hour when the car finally slowed down.

It looked like an isolated ranch with a big open field and hills behind it. The house caught my attention and was a double-story house that blended in with the mountains.

"Let's go," Derek said as he gestured for me to leave.

I followed his instructions. He held my hand in his as we walked into the house.

The corridor was decorated with large antique vases with flowers and some really expensive paintings.

"Where are we?" I whispered curiously. I was afraid that my voice would echo.

"You'll see in a moment," he answered.

We stopped in front of a double-door room, which he opened.

I had no idea what I expected to find, but I expected to see nothing. The place was completely dark, with no lights or windows open for sunlight. Why would he bring me here?

Then suddenly, the lights flickered on.

"Surprise!" I heard a crowd yell.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

I stood in awe as everyone cheered.

It was a large hall and beautifully decorated with flowers and balloons on one side. I felt like I had just stepped into the Met Gala with everyone dressed according to the theme.

Mom, Katy, and Ivy were there, along with Derek's parents.

I noticed a few of my old friends and some people I worked with at the hotel. For a place like this and all the decorations, it must have cost him a fortune.

"You didn't have to do all this, " I whispered to Derek in shock.

"You deserve to be celebrated like the queen you are. Besides, I think it's time the world knew about the woman who wrapped me around her finger." He answered. He leaned in to kiss me on the cheek before pulling me for a tight hug.

Mom and Katy approached us as everyone clapped.

I noticed photographers, too, along with a few unfamiliar faces."Happy birthday, sweetheart. You didn't think I would forget, now did you?" Mom said, pulling me into a hug.

Katy joined in on our hug. "Derek has been planning all of this for a while. It was so difficult keeping it secret." Katy admitted.

She looked gorgeous in a silver floor-length gown. I wonder how long they had been planning this.

"Come on, we should leave her to speak to her friend." Mom excused herself, taking Katy alone with her.

"I must say, you hit the jackpot with that one," Ivy pointed towards Derek with her glass.

He was now laughing and deep in conversation with his father.

I was fortunate to have known him, even if it was just for a short while.

"I'm going to go and get you a drink; that way, we can get the restart of the real martyrs. I just hoped she wouldn't become so drunk she would start falling over the guests.

There were a few mumbles from some of my previous co-workers, most of them with smiles, but I could already imagine what a gold-digger they thought I was. I wonder why Derek invited them here.

A few other people came over to me to wish me well. The most shocking of all was seeing Vincent there. He still looked the same, handsome and laid back as always. It had been a while since I had seen him.

"Happy birthday." He smiled.

"I can't believe you are here," I answered.

"I couldn't miss this for anything in the world." He answered, raising his glass. "Now, please excuse me. I have to find my uncle for a quick chat." He winked.

He pulled in for a hug before making his way to Derek's dad.

I noticed Derek in a far corner of the room, typing on his phone.