The Billionaire's fragrance

Ruby adjusted the hem of her black evening gown for what felt like the hundredth time, glancing around the opulent ballroom as a wave of uncertainty washed over her. The event was more glamorous than anything she had ever imagined. The chandeliers, dripping with crystals, cast a warm, golden glow over the polished marble floors, while the chatter of the elite buzzed through the air like a hum she couldn't quite tune into.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the anxious flutter in her chest. Her boss had insisted she attend, calling it a "networking opportunity." But Ruby wasn't foolish. She knew she didn't belong here. The wealthy, the powerful, the beautiful-they all seemed to glide effortlessly through the room, exchanging charming smiles and empty pleasantries. And there she was, a junior marketing executive who had stumbled into this world by sheer accident.

The weight of eyes occasionally grazing her as they passed, judging silently, made her feel exposed. She hadn't worn her designer gown-she didn't own one. Her dress, sleek and simple, was a rental, but its elegance was far more understated compared to the extravagant ensembles around her. A part of her wondered if everyone could tell she didn't fit in.

She grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, hoping the bubbles would offer some relief from her nerves. As she sipped, her gaze wandered around the room, falling upon clusters of people deep in conversation, all too polished, too composed, too artificial. Her fingers tightened around the cool glass as she debated sneaking out.

That's when she saw him.

Zane.

He stood at the far end of the ballroom, his tall, commanding presence drawing her gaze as if it was inevitable. His tailored black suit fit him perfectly, accentuating broad shoulders and a trim waist, the crisp white shirt beneath adding a striking contrast. The crowd seemed to part around him as if they instinctively recognized his authority, though he wasn't making any effort to engage. Instead, he stood quietly, scanning the room with the same distant detachment she felt.

Ruby's breath hitched. Something about him was magnetic. His dark, unruly hair framed a face that was handsome in a rugged way, but it was his eyes-sharp, assessing, and deeply intense-that caught her attention. He wasn't like the others, the kind of man who used charm and smooth words to blend into this polished world. No, there was something different about him. Something dangerous.

She sipped her champagne again, trying to pretend she wasn't staring. Yet, every time her eyes strayed, they inevitably found their way back to him. Who was he? His aura was almost overpowering-self-assured, perhaps even a little arrogant-but there was a mystery in his expression that made him impossible to ignore.

He shifted, and for a brief moment, their eyes met.

A jolt of electricity shot through Ruby's body. His gaze, steady and unreadable, lingered on her for just a beat longer than necessary. It felt as though he could see right through her, peeling away her layers, exposing her insecurities. She looked away, heart pounding in her chest, her cheeks growing warm. What was that?

She tried to busy herself, turning her attention to the other guests, but the hum of the party faded into the background. The conversations around her blurred, and suddenly, she felt even more out of place than before. It was as if the room had narrowed down to just the two of them.

When she dared to look back, Zane was still watching her. This time, a slight smirk played on his lips, one corner lifting ever so slightly. Her breath caught in her throat. There was something about the way he looked at her, something that stirred a strange mix of curiosity and apprehension. He wasn't like the polished, safe men who frequented these events. He was dangerous, she could feel it, and yet, she couldn't pull away.

Another sip of champagne did little to quell the heat rising inside her. She forced herself to look anywhere else, letting her eyes wander to the vast chandeliers above, the intricate floral arrangements on the tables, the grand staircase leading to the second floor. It was easier to pretend she hadn't noticed him at all, easier to convince herself that the moment had been in her imagination.

But the image of his intense gaze stayed with her.

"Ruby! There you are!"

The sound of her name pulled her from her thoughts, and she turned to see Clarissa, her boss, gliding toward her with a bright smile. Clarissa was everything Ruby wasn't-confident, glamorous, and perfectly at home in a room full of millionaires. She wore a deep red gown that hugged her every curve, a look of easy sophistication in every move she made.

"I've been looking for you," Clarissa said, looping her arm through Ruby's. "There are a few people I'd like to introduce you to. Networking, remember?"

Ruby forced a smile, nodding even though her mind was still on the mysterious man across the room. She couldn't help but sneak one more glance in his direction, only to find that he had disappeared. A pang of disappointment tugged at her, and she didn't know why. She didn't even know who he was, and yet... she wanted to.

"Come on," Clarissa urged, pulling Ruby along toward a group of investors. "This could be big for you."

Ruby followed, but her mind was elsewhere. As she was introduced to various high-profile figures, shaking hands and exchanging polite conversation, the image of Zane remained etched in her thoughts. There had been something in that moment-something unspoken, something electric-that she couldn't shake.

The evening dragged on as Ruby made her rounds, trying to be polite and engaging, but all the while, she kept searching for him in the crowd. He hadn't reappeared, and with each passing minute, the evening seemed to grow duller. The champagne didn't help. Neither did the mindless chatter of the wealthy, discussing investments and business mergers with a cold detachment that made Ruby feel invisible.

Just when she had resigned herself to a long, uneventful night, Clarissa leaned in, whispering, "I saw you looking at someone earlier."

Ruby's heart skipped a beat. "What? Who?"

"Tall, dark, handsome," Clarissa teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I saw the way you two exchanged glances. Don't worry, he's not exactly the type to bite."

Ruby flushed, grateful for the dim lighting. "I wasn't-"

"You should get used to this crowd, Ruby," Clarissa interrupted, squeezing her arm. "Men like him, they're sharks, but you can't let them intimidate you. You'll never survive in this industry if you do."

Sharks. The word echoed in Ruby's mind. Maybe that's what he was. Dangerous, powerful, and always circling.

"I've got to go talk to someone about a potential deal," Clarissa said, flashing her a quick smile. "But I'm telling you, keep your eyes open. You never know who might take an interest in you."

As Clarissa disappeared into the crowd, Ruby exhaled, her mind spinning. She glanced around the ballroom one last time, but there was no sign of the mysterious man who had so captivated her earlier. The evening felt strangely incomplete without him.

But as she turned to leave, a lingering thought kept her rooted in place.

Who was he? And why did it feel like their paths were destined to cross again?

Little did she know, this brief encounter was just the beginning.