Zoe twirled, Showcasing the perfect fit of the dress and the shoes. "Wow, this really fits—, you're gorgeous. Bernard said, admiring Zoe's looks.
With a playful smile, Zoe moved closer to Bernard, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. So, how did you possibly know my perfect size?" She asked again.
Bernard grinned. "Well, I observed you, trusted my instincts, and made a guess—, and it looks like I nailed it."
Chuckling, Zoe struck a pose, it fits perfectly well on me!" her voice filled with happiness and surprise.
Zoe gave Bernard a peck on his cheek. "Thank you for the dress and shoes—, you always know how to make me feel special."
Zoe's gentle peck on Bernard's cheek was swiftly transformed into a sultry, intimate moment as he turned his lips to hers, kissing her deeply.
Amidst their romantic kiss, the sound of knocking at the door intruded. Bernard was informed by Lucy that his meal was ready and waiting.
He was notified through the closed door without breaking away from Zoe's lips.
Their lips locked in a tender embrace. Bernard and Zoe kiss lingered for a blissful moment before she gently pulled away smiling. "Go have your meal, you must be starving." Zoe whispered.
Bernard's eyes never left Zoe's as he confessed. "I love you." His voice trembled with feelings.
Without a response, Zoe leaned in and planted another tender peck on Bernard's cheek. Her gesture said more than words ever could.
Despite her growing affection for Bernard everyday. Zoe wasn't ready to acknowledge her feelings openly, choosing instead to nurture them in secret. Though she had said it openly when she was asked by his Mom; Zoe needed some time to openly admit and tell Bernard to his face that she loved him without being asked.
"I'll be right back." Bernard said, smiling at Zoe, as he headed to the dining room to enjoy the meal that had been waiting for him.
Zoe took off the dress and arranged it on a wide, padded hook, strategically smoothing the fabrics to prevent folding before their dinner night.
***
The clock struck for the dinner event. Bernard and Zoe attired themselves in formal elegance, presenting a striking couple, posed for the dinner event.
Since Bernard had already introduced Zoe to his family as his future wife. He didn't feel he had to formally invite them to the dinner party or notify them of the evening plan.
Bernard had invited Thomas, his best friend, and a selected group of his friends along with their girlfriends to the dinner party to share the special evening.
As they made their way downstairs, Bernard's handsome features were elevated by his stylish attire, a sleek blue suit jacket, paired with fitted trousers and a pristine white dress along with a black leather Gucci shoe.
With Bernard on her side. Zoe shimmered in the ravishing red chiffon Gucci gown he had gifted her for the dinner party. Its ethereal texture and delicate folds were beautifully offset by the glittering jewels she had brought from her home and it completed the looks.
Bernard called his Mom to let her know that he and Zoe would be attending a dinner party and would be out for the evening.
Outside. Bernard's luxurious "G-Wagon" of the recent model awaited, its engine purring softly as the designated driver stood at attention, ready to transport the couple to their evening destination.
Bernard politely opened the back door for Zoe. Offering his hands to help her into the G-Wagon.
After joining Zoe in the back, Bernard smiled. Feeling content, and the driver sensing they were ready, pulled away.
Zoe turned to Bernard. "Why didn't you bring your Mom and Michael along?" She inquired.
"Well, I didn't invite them because this night is special—, just for the two of us." Bernard responded with a gentle squeeze of her hand.
Zoe's face lit up with a radiant smile as she gaze lovingly at Bernard. Her eyes shining with affection.
'Who knows, if my past hasn't unfolded the way it did. I might have missed out on Bernard—, the epitome of every woman's ideal partner.' Zoe thought, feeling blessed.
'My only problem is Michael's behavior. I have to tell Bernard about his advances, so we can address it. To avoid any potential issues or misunderstandings.' Zoe kept talking from her heart.
Upon arriving, Zoe was impressed by the Venue refined atmosphere.
As they stepped out from his G-Wagon. Bernard discreetly instructed the driver to pack up and wait at the venue reception area, ensuring their departure would be seamless and covenant.
Hand in hand, Zoe and Bernard proceeded into the venue, where Bernard had cleverly arranged a stunning surprise, poised to sweep Zoe off her feet.
Thomas along with Bernard's few circle of friends and their girlfriends, had already arrived, all laughing and chatting together.
As Zoe and Bernard made their entrance. The group converged to exchange warm greetings, smiles, and hugs. Filling the space with joyful energy.
"Hey, my man." Thomas exclaimed, warmly extending his hands to shake Bernard's in a firm, familiar grasp.
"You are welcome buddy." Bernard said as he shook Thomas hand.
Zoe's eyes widened as she spotted Thomas and wasn't shocked, knowing he was Bernard's buddy. He was the reason why Zoe was able to get in touch with Bernard.
Thomas turned to Zoe and gave her a continental-style peck greeting on her right hand. "I'm delighted to see you and my friend together." Thomas said with a smile "And you look lovely tonight."
"Thank you." Zoe responded with a smile.
"Thomas…, is my buddy, he actually told me about you on that fateful day he had given you my contact." Bernard added.
"Yeah, I did…and looking at you both now, I can say things are really clicking into place, so cool." Thomas said.
The three of them broke into a unified grin.
"Hey, Bernard." One of his other friends greeted.
"What's up?" Bernard responded as they shook hands together. "You are highly welcome.
"Hi, Miss." He said to Zoe.
"Hi." Zoe responded with a smile.
As they settled into their seats, wine classes in hand, the group's lively chatter and clicking glasses filled the air, until Bernard finally cleared his throat to reveal the evening's true purpose.
'Does it mean Bernard's motive for bringing me along was to simply introduce me to his social circle?' Zoe wondered.