Daniel's POV
By the time we arrived at Blue Lake Hotel, night had fully settled in. The exterior shimmered under golden lights, the large fountain in front casting ripples of light across the marble driveway. As soon as we stepped out, I turned to Mara.
"Do not leave your drink unattended. Don't talk to just anyone unless they approach you first. And most importantly, stay within my sight."
My protective side was showing. I knew that, but I couldn't help it. With the way Mara looked in that damned red dress, we might as well be walking into a battlefield.
She looked uneasy, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Okay."
I extended my hand. She hesitated before placing hers in mine, and I gave it a reassuring squeeze as we walked in together.
Blue Lake was famous for its elegance — high vaulted ceilings, golden chandeliers scattering light like stars across the walls, and the soft hum of refined laughter. Expensive perfume hung in the air — masculine, feminine, and everything in between.
"Mr. Voss, you made it! Thanks for coming." Mrs. Mason appeared with a wide smile.
"You're welcome, Mrs. Mason."
Her gaze shifted to Mara, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Good evening, dear,"
I could tell she was wondering who Mara was. Not many knew I had gotten married. Our wedding had been discreet.
"Mrs. Mason, meet my wife, Mara." I rested my hand on the small of Mara's back.
Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh! I didn't realize you were married. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Mara said, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Mrs. Mason pulled her into a brief hug before a woman came to whisper something in her ear. She nodded, then turned back to me. "If you'll excuse me, I have something to handle. And… nice catch, Mr. Voss." Her eyes flicked towards Mara before she walked off.
The silence between Mara and I after Mrs. Mason left was deafening. Thankfully, the lights dimmed, signalling the start of the evening's program.
Throughout, I noticed eyes fixed on us, especially on Mara—but she was completely unaware of the attention she was drawing. Minutes later, as the program drew to a close, Mrs. Mason stepped up to the podium.
"I'd like to thank a very important contributor to tonight's success. Please everyone, a round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Voss." The spotlight landed on Mara and I and applause erupted. Mara froze, clutching her purse like it was her lifeline.
Mrs. Mason had just made it public. I didn't like attention—but I liked even less the discomfort etched across Mara's face.
When I saw the men who had been eyeing her quickly avert their gazes the moment mine met theirs, the irritation faded — replaced by satisfaction.
I reached for her hand under the table and gave it a light squeeze. She squeezed back, her fingers trembling. When the spotlight moved on, she exhaled like she'd been holding her breath the whole time.
I could tell she wasn't one for attention.
Later, the atmosphere loosened. Music played softly, chatter filled the air again.
"Would you like a drink?" a waiter asked. His smile was too bright for my liking.
Mara shook her head. He smiled and left without even asking me. I frowned.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my favorite rival — Daniel Voss."
I didn't need to turn to know that voice. Frederic Kingston.
"Kingston."
"Good evening, my lady." He reached for Mara's hand, clearly intending to kiss it. I cleared my throat, my glare sharp enough to slice through the air.
I realized what that feeling was.
Possessiveness. I was getting possessive of Mara.
He stopped mid-motion, smirking. "Ah, right. Mr. Voss doesn't like anyone near his prized possessions."
Mara's brows knit together, a flicker of discomfort in her expression.
"Fancy seeing you here," I said flatly. "Didn't think charity was your scene."
He chuckled. "It doesn't hurt to try something new."
Mara laughed softly. That sound — it did something to me. I saw Kingston notice it too. My jaw tightened.
He raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'll leave you two to enjoy your night." He slipped away before I could say anything else.
I turned to Mara. She looked tired now, glancing down at her shoes every few minutes. They were probably making her legs hurt.
"Do you---"
"Mr. Voss!"
Mr. Mason approached, smiling warmly. "Can I borrow him for a moment?"
Mara nodded. Mason led me aside and started talking about funding, appreciation, next year's expansion plans. I wasn't listening. My gaze kept drifting back to Mara. She was shifting on her heels, rubbing her ankle absentmindedly. I made a mental note— we would leave after this conversation.
"Are you listening, Voss?" Mason's hand clapped my shoulder.
"Of course."
He grinned. "I'm really glad you came."
I shook his hand and turned back towards where she had been standing. She was gone.
"I'll see you soon," I muttered to Mason, already walking off.
I checked the lounge, the restroom hallway, the balcony. Nothing. Finally, I spotted her outside, sitting on a bench under a soft glow of light — shoes off, champagne flute in hand, mumbling to herself.
"Mara," I said, striding towards her. "I've looked everywhere for you. Didn't I tell you to stay where I could see you?"
She turned to me, her hair falling over her face. Her eyes were glazed but soft. The moonlight caught the sheen of her lipgloss. For a moment, I felt pulled to her. I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
God help me, she was going to ruin me.
She tilted her head, eyes glassy. "There he goes again… flip the switch. Cold," She said, flicking something in the air.
"Are you drunk?"
She gasped dramatically. "Me? Drunk? Never." Then her hand slipped, sending her shoes and purse tumbling to the ground.
I was distracted for only a few seconds and she already got drunk. One glass, and she's like this. I guess she's a lightweight.
"You are drunk. Let's go home."
She got up unsteadily, brushed off her dress, then handed me her purse with a small, dignified nod. "Here. You carry it."
She started walking ahead barefooted, her steps wobbly. I picked up her shoes and followed.
Somehow, I couldn't even be mad.