New beginning: Billionaire love story

The days leading up to the party were a whirlwind. Claire barely had time to think as she bounced between managing her business responsibilities and planning every detail of the Christmas party.

Adrian was by her side every step of the way, coordinating with vendors and making sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Sandra, ever-efficient and sharp, handled logistics and kept everything on track with her usual precision.

As the days grew shorter and the event drew closer, Claire's anxiety simmered just beneath the surface. This wasn't just a party; it was a statement. A declaration to the world that Claire Peterson was back, stronger than ever.

But no matter how composed she appeared on the outside, doubt occasionally crept in, gnawing at the edges of her confidence.

The sun had barely set when Claire stood in her penthouse, surrounded by racks of dresses, trays of jewelry, and boxes of shoes. The soft lighting cast a warm glow over the room, though the tension in the air made it feel almost stifling. Talia, her best friend, sat cross-legged on the couch, sipping from a glass of champagne as she surveyed the chaos with a smirk.

"Claire, you're going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep pacing like that," Talia teased, setting down her glass.

Claire paused mid-step and let out a long sigh. "I can't help it, Talia. I haven't done something like this in

years.

Talia stood and walked over, placing her hands on Claire's shoulders. "Hey, look at me."

Claire met her gaze, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

"You're going to be amazing. You've done this before. And you're not alone - Adrian, Sandra, and I all have your back."

Claire's lips twitched into a small smile. "I know. I just... I want everything to be perfect."

"It will be." Talia gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Now, let's get you ready to knock their socks off." Claire nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright. Let's do this."

Claire had hired a makeup artist and hairstylist to streamline the process, and they were already set up by the vanity. The artist, a poised woman named Mia, smiled warmly as Claire sat down. "We'll take good care of you, don't worry."

As Mia and the hairstylist began their work, Talia took on the role of stylist, sorting through the sea of dresses. "Okay, we need something that says power, elegance, and just a hint of 'I dare you to underestimate me.""

Claire chuckled despite her nerves. "Is that even a category of fashion?"

"With you, it should be." Talia grinned, holding up a sleek, midnight-blue gown with intricate silver embroidery. "What do you think of this one?"

Claire's eyes widened slightly. "It's beautiful."

"It's more than beautiful- it's you." Talia hung the dress up and stepped back. "It'll hug you in all the right places, and the silver accents will catch the light perfectly."

Mia chimed in, glancing at the dress. "I can do a smoky eye with a touch of silver shimmer to match. It'll give you that fierce but refined look."

Claire took another deep breath. "Let's do it."

As the hairstylist curled her hair into soft waves, Claire allowed herself to relax slightly. The familiar routine of getting ready for a high-profile event anchored her. The motions were second nature, and for a brief moment, she felt like her old self- the one who faced any challenge with unwavering confidence.

As Mia applied the finishing touches to her makeup, Claire's gaze drifted to her reflection. The woman staring back at her looked poised and flawless, every detail meticulously perfected. Yet, beneath the veneer of confidence, doubt flickered.

What if this doesn't go well? What if they see through me? What if I fail?

Talia, as if reading her mind, placed a hand on Claire's shoulder. "You're overthinking again." Claire let out a shaky laugh. "How do you always know?"

"Because you've always been this way," Talia said softly. "But let me tell you something. The Claire Peterson I know never lets fear win. You've faced worse than this, and you've come out stronger every time."

Claire closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing her best friend's words. "You're right."noveldrama

"Damn straight, I am." Talia grinned. "Now, let's get you into that dress."

With the dress zipped up and the silver heels strapped on, Claire felt a new kind of power surge through her. The gown fit her like a glove, the midnight-blue fabric pooling elegantly around her feet. Talia handed her a pair of diamond earrings and a matching bracelet.

"Accessories make the woman," Talia quipped as Claire slipped them on.

Claire glanced in the mirror one final time. The woman staring back at her wasn't just composed - she was formidable.

A knock at the door broke the moment. Adrian's voice came through. "Claire? Can I come in?" "Come in," Claire called.

Adrian stepped inside, his breath catching as he took in the sight of her. "Wow," he said, his eyes filled with admiration. "You look... stunning."

Claire's cheeks warmed. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

He chuckled, adjusting his cufflinks on his tailored suit. "Ready for this?"

She took a deep breath, the knot of anxiety in her chest loosening. "As ready as I'll ever be."

He stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "You don't have to be perfect tonight. Just be you. That's more than enough."

Her eyes softened. "Thank you, Adrian. I needed to hear that."

He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Let's go show them what Claire Peterson is made

of."

As they arrived at the hotel for the

Christmas party, the grandeur of the event hit Claire. The place was lit up like something out of a fairytale with the decorations and the soft glow of lights reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. Guests were already mingling, laughter and music filling the air.

Adrian offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

She looped her arm through his, her grip steady. "We shall."

The moment they stepped inside, heads turned Murmurs of admiration and surprise rippled through the crowd. Claire held her head high, a serene smile on her lips. Every step she took exuded

confidence, her earlier nerves

réplaced by a quiet determination.

Adriana was the first to approach, her face lighting up. "Claire, you look magnificent!"

Claire smiled warmly, hugging her. "Thank you, Adriana."

Mr. Saint Laurent appeared, his eyes twinkling with approval. "You did it, Claire."

She nodded, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. "Thank you for believing in me."

As the evening wore on, Claire mingled with guests, effortlessly slipping into conversations. She felt the

weight of the past few years lift off her shoulders. She was back.

Later, as she stood by the balcony, looking out at the snowy landscape, Adrian joined her.

"You did it," he murmured. Adrian wrapped his arms around Claire waist and caress her waist.

She smiled, the cold air refreshing against her skin. "We did it." Claire leanback on to his chest and place

her hands on his while savoring the moment of silence together.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt truly at peace.