55 | Is That Alright?

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Hello lovelies!

Oooh lookie, I'm back with another chapter! I missed your pretty faces so so so much.

Also...new cover. How do we like it? Yes, or do y'all prefer the old one better?

If you've been wondering where I've been, I posted a little announcement on here last week, so go check that out...pretty much explains it all. 

So for the song I've chosen for this chapter, it's a cover of the original. I will truly feel upset if you don't listen to it when it comes to the time. It'll make the whole scene even more intense than it already will be. 

Please don't forget to vote and comment, because I love reading the little things you have to say.

So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this one (it's a cutesy chapter), my darling rosy tulips 🌷

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

"So, you excited for tonight?"

Harry was looking at his appearance in the large mirror in our bedroom; by that, I meant the condo. He'd decided that we get ready there because he wasn't sure what to wear, and was in desperate need for my help.

He called me while at work, anxious about picking one out. I hadn't seen Harry so nervous about choosing what to wear in months. Ever since becoming self-confident, he knew what to pick and decide on. So without a doubt, it surprised me.

In the past, there wasn't the biggest selection when all Harry wore were monochromatic shades. But even after colour filled his closet—including his classics with added flares and sparks—he was still so confident. It didn't take long; he was in and out straight away.

After extensive effort, Harry narrowed down the suits in his closet to three options. He had each of them laid on the bed, constantly looking from them, up at me, and back down to the lavish garments before him. A hand was on his hip with his thumb and finger taken between his bottom lip. 

Between sparkly taupe, mulberry and gold edges, one stood out to me the most that I thought would be perfect for the evening. Without commenting on exactly which caught my eye, I simply said that one of them had a little extra something of what he loved. It was also the most different from what anyone had seen him in.

With a nervous smile, he took all three suits with him and ducked back into the closet to change into that one that I knew would look stunning on him.

And minutes later, I was right.

Steady steps from the room of custom designer and vintage, Harry stood in a sleek crimson satin pants with the jacket hung on his forearm. Floral designs were stamped on in black velvet, contrasting from deliciously dark to sinfully sensual. It was incredibly alluring to look at. The button-down was in the identical absent shade, reaching his neck up into an unconventional tie of smooth fabric in a perfectly draped bow. And, of course, spotless loafers that screamed out opulence and pristine luxury.

He looked impeccable—and delectable.

Harry also decided upon himself to make a visit to a barbershop earlier today. So I was surprised when I showed up to the condo to see him wearing a plain white tee with grey sweatpants hung low on his hips—and, of course, his hair a few inches shorter and his face clean-shaven.

And for some magical way, he looked about five years younger. No one would think that a man, who looked fresh out of university, was the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company.

When he saw my shocked face, he looked at me worryingly—and a tad guilty—that he hadn't warned me in advance. I'd clearly assumed when he said he had an appointment earlier in the morning that he meant a meeting with someone, not that someone being a person with scissors and a comb.

Seeing him a tad flustered about it was quite adorable, adding to his already nerves of the day, so I just cupped his cheeks and puckered my lips directly on his. He quickly welcomed my greeting well as he melted under my touch.

But it wasn't much longer when he grabbed me by the wrist and tugged me to his bedroom with a mission on his hands—said mission being an undecided wardrobe malfunction.

However, at the moment, the past was forgotten as the suit jacket now laid on the bed. Harry walked over to stand in front of the mirror, watching as his fingers and thumb fumbled together, trying to adjust the cuffs on his button-down.

My eyes were on him the entire time, mesmerised by how his muscles flexed under the black fabric. I could see each dip and curve through it, and they simply craved my fingers to smooth against them.

"Fuck. This isn't working," Harry mumbled, instead of replying to my question. I noticed his struggle and walked over to help him.

"Tiger, why are you so nervous? I've never seen you like this," I said softly, fixing his cufflinks. "It should be me feeling like that."

A deep sigh escaped from his lips as his brows furrowed.

"It's just—I don't know. I just am."

I smiled. "You're acting like you've got some sort of surprise up your sleeve or something."

"N-no," he hesitantly shook his head, then ran his fingers through his hair. "Everything's the same. Maybe it's just the jitters that more people we know are here are all today. It's a bit different, I guess."

He was rambling.

Harry hardly ever rambled.

That was my doing.

He cleared his throat, walked away once this was settled, and popped into the bathroom.

"What about you, darling? How're you feeling?" His voice echoed, bouncing off the tile inside as he spoke.

I moved back to my side of the dresser to pick out a couple of pieces of jewelry to wear, something else to accessorise with, other than the necklace Harry got me for Christmas—the very one that I wore as much as I could. But I figured tonight needed a little more sparkle, so a little shine to my wrist and fingers would do the trick.

Without glancing up, I knew Harry returned as a strong scent of tobacco, vanilla, and musk filled the room—the irresistible aroma of his cologne. That was when I looked up to see the beauty that matched the heavenly whiff that entered my senses. 

He was sans glasses, opting to match with me as I went spec-free for the evening. Whether he wore contacts or not, I saw no change in his confidence level, which added to the pride I felt for him. He was my indestructible man, and no one could get to him again.

"I'm a little nervous," I said, struggling to fasten the clasp on my bracelet.

Harry noticed and walked over while gently grasping my wrist to secure it for me. He placed a soft kiss there, then another on the finger holding a matching rose gold ring.

"Better?" he asked quietly, and I nodded. "Good."

I bit my bottom lip slightly as I gazed up at him.

"You look handsome, Tiger."

He pulled back slightly, smoothing his hands over his chest. "Yeah? Haven't even got my jacket on."

"Oh, because it's the jacket that seals the deal," I teased. "My mistake."

"Absolutely and always, sweetheart." He grinned, pinching the tip of my nose slightly before giggling at his own heartfelt action. "Got your nose."

I hummed lightly. "You're cute."

His eyes then softened. "But thank you, darling. For helping me pick it out and all."

"Nonsense, pretty. No 'thank you's' for that. I'll help you whenever you need me." I smiled, feeling my heartbeats escalate in my ears.

My nerves weren't doing well, and I knew that Harry could see that.

"So—um—Harry, are you going to be in the audience, or..."

A little laugh left his lips at my verbal thoughts. It was adorable how his nose wiggled and vibrant eyes crinkled in delight.

"Es, baby, it's an event for Urban Corp. Of course, I'll be in it, hosting, but after that, I'll be on the sidelines for the most part. I'm also the one introducing you."

"It's just—this is the most unique thing I've ever done. It's also the first time where everyone will know that we're together, so like—oh, I don't know."

"Don't worry, darling. It's all taken care of. It's an event to celebrate talent from local businesses and artists, and you so happen to fit that category." He smiled. "Besides, it's not about us. It's just about the one thing you passionately love—dance. I'm actually a little jealous I don't quite hit that top mark for you."

His teasing let a smirk rest on his lips, unintentionally forcing me into a light chuckle.

"There's that smile I've been looking for." The words rolled out of his mouth, pleased with my reaction. His hands smoothed down to rest on my hips, squeezing me slightly as he grinned.

"You just know how to get everything you want. Don't you?"

"I try my best, sweetheart. Trust me, it's not that easy," Harry said, holding his expression. "What's that saying? Easy come, easy go. Wouldn't want that to go now, would I?"

"Touché."

Raspberry lips temporarily rested on my forehead, permitting a lingering kiss.

Once he pulled away, he pushed back a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Then he moved all of it to one side as he kissed my exposed neck firmly. His thumb then caressed my chin while he gently cupped my cheek.

"You'll nail every second of it, Es. I know you will."

"Okay," I said softly, gazing up into the eyes of a man who was hopelessly in love with.

"I love you most."

"Not possible, petal," he answered with a confident shake of his head.

And at this point in time, I honestly believed that Harry's feelings towards me were something I could never dare to compete with.

"Kissy?"

My desperate plead was all I spoke before he firmly pressed his lips on mine.

But it ended far too soon before we parted.

Harry walked back over to the bed to grab his discarded suit jacket and slipped it on, only to check the mirror once more as he looked that final glance at his reflection. His hands smoothed over the lapels before reaching out to grab his watch.

I caught his dark gaze in the mirror, looking up just after he'd sealed the clasp of the timepiece.  He smiled at me, curling his finger and ushering me to come over to him.

As I'd wanted to earlier, I let my hands settle on his shoulders, feeling him through the luxurious fabric tight over his body. Slowly, they wandered down south and under his armpits to wrap around his waist. His fingers gently smoothed atop my hold, keeping me close to him—and never forcing me to look away from him.

The eye contact was intense and intimidating, yet still so loving.

"Haven't got a chance to take a proper glance at my girl. Look at you," Harry spoke lowly. "You're stunning."

With slow movements, he peeled me away from him, only to pull me back in front of his chest.

"Gorgeous, baby," he said, letting his gaze wander all over me. "I'm so lucky. I'm so fucking lucky."

I could see the wheels spinning in Harry's mind, the sinful darkness taking over those emerald eyes of his. As he captured his bottom lip between his teeth, he thought of a million things that did not involve leaving the condo and forgetting about the gala entirely.

A knowing blush crept upon my cheeks as he pulled his mouth into a smirk.

I needed to snap him out of the trance he was slowly falling into, so I did what I knew best.

"You should be lucky. I am unique. One-of-a-kind. Idiosyncratic. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, you know."

Harry beamed brightly as a loud laugh left his chest, as he held me close to him. His nose pressed against my temple, feeling each chuckle hit my skin with a joyful welcome. 

"You're crazy."

"Yeah, but you love me," I leaned in, and he leaned into me.

"Yeah, I do," he murmured against my lips, as he nodded.

And he smiled into the perfect kiss.

"Now let's get going, sweetheart, because any moment longer I'm alone with you, that dress will end up on the floor. I promise you that."

That's what led me to usher out of the condo before he went through with his word. If I knew one thing about Harry, it would be that he never breaks his promises. 

♬ ✥*

Everything was beautiful.

The event hall was dipped in a galactic paint palette and splattered with specs of violet, indigo, and gold. The hues were smeared and kissed together in utter harmony that artists as Picasso and Van Gogh would consider masterpieces on canvas.

An elegant droplet of both shimmer and sparkle as lights hung from the high ceilings. It was mystical and magical, a little step into magnificence and luxury. A walk-through and one would only feel a gust of confetti in a tasteful style rush through their souls at the grandeur experience.

Sleek, durable dark cherry hardwood, contrasting the stone eggshell walls, gave an undeniable sense of calm. Through the hectic push and pull of passersby of the elite, businessmen and women, their spouses, family, friends, journalists, and photographers, the décor and vibe still gave that easing aura of tranquility.

My eyes were wide as they laid upon dozens of circular tables, each to seat eight. Dinnerware was sleek and refined. The centrepieces and floral arrangements were lavish and subtle, yet they made a bold statement.

A haze of light reflected against the stained floors and cutlery, sprinkling down in pitter-patters to shine in beauty. It was a sight for sore eyes.

The event hall was the heaven of business royalty.

From what I could spot, select tables were designated for specific companies, firms, and of course, the CEO and President of Urban Corp.—he had his own seat. It was only fitting since the event was held under the name of his globally-known business.

The thing was, though, Harry never let that title go to his head. Even if he did use it when it came to making certain decisions, he was so incredibly humble and used it in a way to steal power or undermine others. And if he had it truly his way, he'd be sitting amongst the crowd, avoiding the spotlight, but he still had the top position of a leader meant to be followed.

But what Harry told me on the drive over surprised me when I asked what happened to all the decorations and excess food afterward or if they trashed it all. He didn't mean to look slightly offended, but I could see it as he'd shaken his head in response.

"Petal, we're all about those three R's in the company. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Excess liquor goes to local bars and pubs. The food leftover is handed out to the homeless shelters by the volunteers that hang around afterwards to help. The decorations are always reused, as well. For anything that breaks or falls apart, we see if it can get fixed. If not, they're sent to one of our facilities that makes something else out of them. Our company, and sisters, find a way to make things work."

"Wow. That's amazing," I said, and tilted my head. "Was this something that Urban Corp. has always done?"

He shook his head, shifting gears as he looked at me for a quick glance before focusing back on the road. "No. It's something I started when I took over as CEO. I brought the company up to Green and LEED standards, and started programs such as reusing things and whatnot. You know those basic things, though, from when you Googled me, way back when."

His words caused me to smile at him warmly, to which he turned his head while driving. "What?"

"I love you."

Harry blushed.

"I love you more, baby," he said, grabbing my hand to place a sweet kiss atop it.

"You know, you did so much better for that company than fucking what's-his-face," I commented, and he burst into laughter.

"Oh, I really fucking love you."

And that made me grin.

"Essie?" Harry spoke softly, nudging me lightly to break me from my trance.

"Hmm?" I looked up at him, failing to realise he'd already been trying to speak to me priorly.

"Got lost in that pretty little head of yours, didn't you?" he said with a slight smile.

"Yeah." I nodded. "I mean, how can I not? Everything is so beautiful."

A smirk slowly crept on his lips. "I think I'm going to be a corny fucker right now and say it's because you're in it."

I snorted with a grin. "Yeah, that was corny."

He just smiled, pulled me close, and kissed my temple.

"So you like it?"

"I love it."

A deep hum left through his closed mouth. "Notice the colour choice?"

I blinked twice, then stated the obvious hue that stood out most. "It's purple."

"And...whose favourite colour is that?"

It then dawned on me.

"You chose purple for me?"

Harry's lips pulled into a sly smirk, then he gave a slow nod.

Which then turned into a shake of his head.

"No."

My face dropped, and he laughed.

"It really was a coincidence. But I did put the scheme through as a suggestion. I didn't have the final say. But you can kind of say it was partially for you."

"Smooth, Styles. Very smooth."

And he flashed a toothy grin.

"Of course, Miss Hayes. Everything's the best for my darling girl," he said, lightly pinching my waist. "C'mon, Essie. Our families are calling us over."

Harry was very sweet and thoughtful for inviting the rest of my family. My dad and his spouse (aka, Gennie Hayes, my mom) were invited because of his connection to Urban Corp., but everyone else was added on as his many 'plus ones.'

"Wow, they're on time for something. That's new," I spoke with a chuckle, and heard Amara, who cackled a short distance away.

"Right, because we are always the late ones, Ren," my friend commented.

Harry snickered, and I elbowed him lightly.

"What? You know it's true. You're the worst. You're only ever on time when I push you on things."

I pouted.

He only laughed.

"Ren, we only tell you this because we love you," Milo said, and I huffed.

"Now, let's leave it at that, and can we talk about how damn stunning you look! Making this dress look like it's off the runway, aren't you?" Mars commented, and I blushed.

"Technically...it is," I commented, and she grinned.

"Givenchy would love to have you as a model. I just know it."

Harry smiled warmly. "An ethereal dream, she is. Isn't she?"

"Always," my mom spoke proudly.

Blushes were coming at me profusely with no room to hide them, but showcasing on my face, evident and vibrant.

"Harry, son!" my dad greeted Harry, pulling him into a big hug.

His cheeks still got a little pink whenever he called him that. It was hard not to notice.

"Julian, it's good to see you again."

"Hasn't been too long, eh?" he replied with a grin, patting him on the shoulder.

"Oh, my two little sweetie pies," my mom said, embracing us both.

Once her arms released us, I saw she eyed my Tiger up and down, showing a warm smile. "Loving the red, Harry. You look very sharp. It's very you."

Harry's cheeks were wholly red then as he looked at me with a bashful smile. My baby was still not used to compliments from others.

"And you look

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