Sidney finally saw Jayson's refined taste in life. As she quickly washed her face and brushed her teeth, moving with military precision, she caught a glimpse of Jayson beside her. He was shaving with calm precision, the foam gliding smoothly as he finished with a swipe of aftershave, all with effortless grace. She wiped her face with a towel, watching him with admiration. There was something about him—his charm was impossible to pin down. One moment wild, the next refined—he was always full of surprises.
She gazed at him absentmindedly until Jayson caught her gaze in the mirror and couldn't help but chuckle. Snapping out of her thoughts, Sidney quickly opened the wardrobe and grabbed the dress she had picked out for the event. This time, she was sure she wouldn't embarrass herself like she had before.
After changing, she sat on the vanity chair, finished applying her skincare, and carefully began using the makeup skills she had learned in class over the past few days.
Soon, she couldn't help but look over at Jayson, who was standing in front of the wardrobe. He pulled out a crisp white silk shirt, a cobalt blue striped tie, and a tailored suit jacket. The jacket, different from his usual office wear, had a subtle metallic sheen to its black fabric. Its impeccable fit accentuated his toned waistline, showcasing the results of his time in the gym.
He tied his tie with practiced skill, tilting his head slightly as he adjusted the collar, looking so confident and regal, as if he knew that his outfit today was absolutely perfect for him, without a trace of doubt.
He opened the drawer and took out his collection of sapphire cufflinks, attaching them to his cuffs. The gems peeked out from the jacket, gleaming with a subtle yet luxurious shine.
Sidney thought to herself, how much time and money does it take to shape a man into someone who lives opulence like it's just another ordinary day?
She was lost in thought when Jayson walked over and gave her a light tap on the head. Sidney immediately looked up at him, feeling as if she understood him, yet at the same time, she felt like she didn't. They seemed so close, yet there was an undeniable distance between them.
Jayson extended his finger and gently touched her freshly moisturized face, clearly satisfied. "What are you daydreaming about?"
Sidney's eyes were drawn to the sapphire on his sleeve, its blue reminiscent of the deepest ocean—mysterious, endless, and impossibly pure.
She licked her lips and said, "Nothing."
Normally, he and she didn't get dressed or wash up together. She would usually be up preparing breakfast before he got up. All these small details, perhaps she had never really noticed before, but today she suddenly realized them, feeling quite surprised.
This man was her partner, the one she had never quite figured out.
"Is your makeup okay? If you're unsure, I can have someone help you."
Sidney shook her head. "I can do it."
She quickly applied her base makeup, a light blush, and nude lipstick. For her eyes, she used a matte brown eyeshadow to add depth, carefully shaped her eyebrows, and nervously studied her reflection in the mirror.
She silently told herself that she had to work hard to become the kind of woman who could stand beside him, matching him in every way, without feeling any less than him.
Jayson had already left the room and was waiting for her in the garage after finishing his snack. Sidney was so nervous she couldn't eat, so she hurried into the car. Under the dim light inside the car, Jayson studied Sidney's face.
"Nice makeup! Looks like those lessons paid off."
"I'm not an idiot! And that class was so expensive, how could I not take it seriously?" Sidney mumbled.
Jayson chuckled and shook his head, finding her reasoning amusing.
He started the engine and casually opened a paper bag from the car's storage compartment.
"I had the butler pack some pastries. You'll definitely get hungry later."
"I'm not hungry at all. I'm so nervous I might throw up."
"Don't be nervous. You're the one in charge there."
"It's being the one in charge that makes me nervous!"
Jayson laughed again and shook his head.
Upon arriving at the venue, Jayson was greeted like a star, surrounded by people as he was ushered out of the car. Of course, Sidney, as his wife, was also surrounded by a crowd.
She moved forward with difficult steps, feeling her legs shake because she saw several media outlets and cameras circling around them.
A reporter approached Jayson first, eager for an interview. He spoke smoothly, his words flowing effortlessly, while Sidney stood quietly beside him. Her mind drifted, the voices around her fading into a blur, and she found herself distracted, unable to focus.
Suddenly, his hand reached over and tightly grasped hers. His dry, warm hand gently lifted hers to his chest. Sidney looked up at him as he continued to answer the reporter's questions, and in that moment, she realized he wasn't just talking to the reporter. His calm, steady presence was a silent support, a reassurance that gave her the strength to hold on.
Sidney reminded herself internally that she had to perform well and not embarrass him in such a grand setting.
She lifted her chin, straightened her back, and mirrored his smile, angling her lips at a perfect forty-five degrees. The corners of her eyes curved with a subtle, knowing smile as she focused intently on their conversation, absorbing every word with quiet attention.
Suddenly, the reporter turned the microphone toward Sidney. She was initially startled but reminded herself to stay calm. The reporter asked a few standard questions, which Sidney had already prepared for, so her answers came naturally. Although her voice trembled at first, it grew steadier as she continued.
Finally, the reporter asked, "When are you planning to get pregnant?"
Sidney smiled and glanced at Jayson before answering gently, "Once he's done with his busy schedule, it should be about time."
The interview lasted nearly ten minutes before the staff politely ushered the reporters away, citing other matters that needed attention.
Jayson kept holding her hand, leading her toward the stage.
Sidney realized that smiling could be exhausting, especially the type of smile needed for business events. It was particularly tiring, but they were the center of attention and couldn't let their guard down for a moment.
When they reached the stage, it was Jayson's turn to speak. He spoke of the resort's construction, acknowledging the numerous challenges overcome with the collective effort of many shareholders. His tone was humble, giving credit to everyone who contributed, no matter how big or small. The crowd applauded warmly, and camera flashes erupted around them. Sidney tried to stay focused, but the bright lights and the endless praise made it hard to keep her eyes open.
She struggled to keep her eyes open, trying to look down at the audience. Just then, she thought she saw a familiar face. After a moment, the flashes finally stopped, and she saw her father sitting in the audience, glaring at her with intense eyes.
The smile on Sidney's face stiffened. She remembered that an invitation was required to enter, so how could he be here?
She didn't remember Jayson inviting him.
