A/N: Hi to all my lovely readers out there! Thank you for you're support. Ahh... The tenth chapter. To be honest, I'm so keen to see if this one pleases and satisfies all of you because I had so much fun writing it. I had to rewrite this five times to get it right and... I think it turned up really good. By the way, I hope I'm not taking too long or going to quick with Dominic's and Rosa's relationship. Any way, I hope this chapter is my best so far! :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the franchise!

:•:•:•:•:•:

10

March / 27th / 2010

{Dominic's POV}

The mansion was absolutely hectic! There were people everywhere, setting up all the food, the band, just everything that makes a ball. I looked at my watch, 7:50pm. Guests will be arriving in ten minutes! I didn't know how people were going to clear up. And my father wasn't there to help me give out the orders, which was weird because he specifically told me he was going to come early. Maybe he has some business matters to attend to.

I felt uncomfortable in a full tuxedo. I do dress nicely, but never this formal. But then, how often do I have these formals? Despite the negatives, I think tonight will be... Fun. Everyone dancing, talking, just having a great time. I hope.

"So have we got the band ready, the food and drinks served, everything clean?.." I kept asking.

"Yes Mr. Miya. We're all done now." said a waiter.

I sighed with relief. Finally, it was ready. A whole day of preparation and no breaks. "Good, take half an hour off." I said.

Now to satisfying the guests. There was no doubt everyone would be happy. What did I even have to do? Just talk to people and have fun. That was all. But who was the host? It would have to be me during my father's absence maybe...

But before I could think anymore,the guests started entering the mansion. How many people did I invite again? About... Oh god... One ninety people, at least... I summed up in my head

Oh well... I put on a professional face and started greeting my guests.

It was only half an hour when all the guests had finally arrived ... Wait make that all but two. My father and Rosa. I just took it that my father had something to attend to. But Rosa... She was never really someone to arrive late. I hope she does come soon. Just seeing her. No doubt, when she enters people may most likely swarm her. She has really helped the company...

"Quite a large party, eh, Dominic? What's the occasion?" my friend Layne asked.

I had known Layne for as long as I could remember. We both had been childhood friends and we stayed that way for the rest of our lives, him being my only friend apart from Rosa. We now see each other mainly when it'sfor business reasons, since he's the industrial planner and partly architect. He was the one that built all the businesses that I own.

"You know why. In the past months, we've become one of the top companies in the country. My father thought it was time to celebrate that." I said too logically.

"Aka, the girl has made us famous." Layne stated nudging me.

I laughed. Layne wasn't much for words. But don't get me wrong, somehow his blunt answers and the things he says are always right. Just simpler than how other people would say it. And... He was making fun of me since I may sometimes mention how great Rosa is...

I put my fist on my hip and looked down chuckling. "Hmm, maybe."

Layne then brought his head closer to whisper something. "You know... Tonight would be a perfect time to... You know..." he started.

I didn't want to know what he was then going to say. I knew where he was getting at. But he was interrupted as an applause that filled the room.

Everyone was looking towards the entrance smiling. Smiling at Rosa... As I laid my eyes on her, my heart just about exploded with lust. She was definitely the definition of beautiful. Her long wine red hair was mostly curled and draped over her left shoulder, but some short pieces were left on the right to frame her face. She was wearing a familiar strapless dress... The one she admired from her first contest! Except in rose gold. It had little detail, but it at the same time, showed her petite sort of curvy figure, and most of her right leg because of where the dress had a split. She wore dark red jewellerythat complimented the dress. And it just all worked out! She was amazingly beautiful...

She smiled biting her lip at the attention. She did this. She made us popular. She deserved it. After she had been applauded, Grace and Renee came up to her and hugged her, with Grace's boyfriend hanging behind.

"She's pretty, isn't she?" said Layne behind me.

I hummed in agreement still mesmerised by her appearance. She really was...

"And so is that black haired chick with her and Grace..." he randomly said interrupting my trance.

"Who? Renee?" I asked turning towards him in slight shock.

He was still staring at her as I looked at him. "Renee, pretty name..." he said.

I wasn't much for talking about girls or giving advice but... "Layne... You should talk to her." I said.

He looked at me a slight blush creeping up. He then started thinking. "Yeah maybe..." he said starting to turn towards the buffet.

I just laughed and followed.

{Rosa's POV}

Tonight Dominic's mansion was looking amazing. Everyone was dressed so nicely, people were conversing, and Grace and Renee were talking to me like all the past dilemmas were nonexistent. But it was mostly Grace and I who were talking, "I'm so proud of you. I'm not even saying it because I'm your friend. You have done us all a favour." she said.

I smirked. I really didn't know what to say.

"Well... I.. Just did what I could." I said embarrassed and touched.

"Haha. You don't like compliments, do you?"

I shrugged smiling. "It's just... So overwhelming, I guess. I'm not used to all this."

"You will soon. I promise. By the way, you look awesome!" she said looking at me top to bottom.

I blushed and chuckled, a bit speechless, "Now you're just pushing the compliments!" I said back making her let out a satisfied laugh. Then Grace's boyfriend Isaac appeared behind her holding her hand. Wow... They both look so happy together... I wonder if I could ever be like that...

"Grace. Come dance with me." he said hovering over her ear and caressing her hand.

"Hmm, okay." she said back. "Rosa I'll be back. Have fun guys!" she said to Renee and I.

Speaking of Renee... Why was she so quiet? I looked at her and saw that her eyes were preoccupied. I trailed her eyesight to Dominic and the guy next to him, Layne. He and I met on a couple of occasions recently. He was tall like Dominic, had slightly tanned skin, a bit musclier due to being a builder, had brown neat shoulder length hair, and bright blue eyes. Not my type but still quite hot.

But maybe he was Renee's type... "You looking at your crush?" I cheekily pointed out.

"That guy is sooo dreamy..." she almost whispered.

"Well... Make a move." I randomly pointed out.

They would be a good couple... Their personalities , acting without thinking. Kidding! Actually… it's spot on…

She looked at me sort of embarrassed, "Rosa... Will you come with me?.." she asked giving me shy puppy dog eyes.

Wow! She isn't going all overly crazy like she was with Dominic. Maybe he was her type. At that question I held her arm and walked towards the two men. About halfway through she made me let go so it didn't look like I was forcing her or anything.

"Rosa!.." said an almost speechless Dominic.

I couldn't help but blush as he looked at me. Top to bottom, just like Grace.

"Dominic, hey." I greeted smiling before turning my attention to Layne. "Umm, hey Layne. You haven't met my friend Renee yet have you?" I introduced.

Renee actually gathered some wit and smiled at Layne, "Hi there..." she said.

Randomly but cutely, Layne held Renee's hand and kissed the top of it. "A pleasure, Miss Renee." he sleekly said.

So he was sort of a ladies' man... I smirked satisfied as Renee smiled and blushed. They would look cute together. Oh heck they both look cute now and they just met each other!

"So what's up?" I asked.

"The company apparently." said Layne looking at Dominic. "We're celebrating our popularity and success. Maybe because of a girl who is standing with us?" he directed at me.

Again I felt myself look down. I wasn't that good... But then, maybe I shouldn't be shy. I thought of impressing him, not for my sake though... "Well, I couldn't have done it without Renee..." I said.

He then looked at Renee with a sparkle in his eyes. "Y'know..." he started "The next songs gonna start... You wanna dance?" he asked her.

Wow this was going quick. She even nodded in agreement before he took her hand gently and walked away with her. Both mesmerized by each other. I smiled at them satisfied then turned towards Dominic who was still gently looking at me.

"You're beautiful..." he said to me lowly.

I smiled at him as he looked into my eyes. He was dressed nicely too. He had a tuxedo on. But unlike most guys he had his black tuxedo unbuttoned, and no tie on. He was very attractive...

"I..Uh... Not really..." I stumbled.

One minute I would be outgoing, the next really shy... I really have to improve on that… He stepped closer to me looking down. "You really are..." he said still dreamily looking at me.

{Dominic's POV}

Rosa, tonight she was shining... She was the one star in my night sky... I would've said these things to her. But these cheesy lines never came. Just her beauty and my staring into her eyes.

I put my hand out towards her arm. I placed it on her shoulder, still looking at her eyes which were looking back at mine, and traced my fingers down her soft skin to her hand. "Dance with me?.." I asked her.

She just nodded. What words are there to say to each other anymore? Words couldn't express emotion. I felt more like just touching her, tonight. Not sexually though... Tonight felt like the right time to do this. I guided her to the dance floor, hand in hand, in the waltzing position. But we weren't waltzing; it was more relaxing and nice, but still kept pace.

I drew her waist in closer, to feel her comforting warmth. Oh how I missed that... We both stared in each other's eyes only concentrating on each other. God, she was amazing. All the flowers in the world couldn't compare to her own beauty. My hand drew to the middle of her back. It made her eyes flutter in enjoyment. I'll always want to please her.

"Dominic..." she just said.

I looked down at her. The look of longing danced in her eyes. She started stroking the side of my neck. Making my nerves shoot electricity through my body. I didn't flinch though. It was enjoyable.

"Rosa..." I said back.

Only her name was the word that meant so much to me...

Then our dancing came to a close as the music slowed down to stop. We stepped back to gather ourselves, when one of my managers tapped Rosa on the shoulder. She turned to him sort of surprised, leaving my grip. I had to prevent myself from giving him a sharp look. The guy was a real playboy. The only reason I hired him as a manager is because he's so damn good at the job. Too bad he's not good socially... He gave Rosa a sly smirk as she saw him. "Shall you dance with me next Miss Rosa?" he asked.

She slowly looked back at me as if to ask for permission. I regretfully nodded at her to go for it, making her turn back towards the guy. "Okay." she said as he almost greedily took her hand for the waltz.

I stood back to where Layne and Renee were standing after the dance. I didn't really say anything, just eyed off Rosa with the manager. I was never too friendly with him. He would always make witty remarks on the most random of things, and eye off every attractive girl that was in his vision.

The music had started, and already he was having a go at her. He was flirting! During every move his hand movements would slowly wander off, making me annoyed. No, I felt a dark emotion crawling through my chest. It was foreign, a mixture of hate, want, greed and desperation. Jealousy. Never before had I ever felt jealous. All my life I had been happy. I was successful, had a good job, good pay, met friendly people through life. It is now that I've found Rosa, the one that has unlocked these pleasurable feelings, who I don't want to let go. I couldn't let that happen.

The things he would say, which I had no idea what, made her give out a shy, embarrassed look. I was jealous. I didn't want guys flirting with her! Then one thing really set me off... As the he finished twirling her, he drew her into him and whispered something into her ear. The look on her face was pure shock. My heart couldn't take it! I started towards them. But someone stopped me. "Dominic-" said Layne's voice.

"What?!" I yelled before realizing how I took that, "I'm sorry... It's noisy in here... What?" I again asked but nicely.

"You want a drink? I'm gonna get one for Renee and I." he said unfazed.

"No, no. Maybe later." I answered.

"Alright then. Hey, where's Rosa?" he asked.

"Behind dancing" I glumly said.

He looked behind me to where I pointed, "Umm... No she's not..." he said surprising me.

I looked back to see the guy dancing with another girl. Where did Rosa go?! "I'll be back." I said leaving the two.

Oh! What did he say?!

{Rosa's POV}

I had just left Dominic's arch staircase from the ball area and made it to the balcony, breathing. Was I just hallucinating? Did that guy really just say the most sexually...Inappropriate things? I was so shocked that I needed to leave, so I politely left.

"You know... I hope you dance better 'somewhere else" than you do right now... It's so... Delicious..."

Argh! Shut up, shut up, shut up! I thought shaking my head. I just need to calm down.

I looked at the sky. It was well into the night now. No moon, dark, and super starry! I looked at them mesmerized. The sky is so big. There were purple and blue wispy colours from the Milky Way (Thank you science class). The night sky is just magical. I've always been so mesmerised by the mystery and beauty of the sky. Then suddenly I saw a shooting star- no two- no a THIRD! Oh yay! I get to make three wishes! How... rare... but cool.

"Did you make a wish Rosa?.." asked Dominic's voice after I thought them out.

I turned my head to him, seeing he was leaning on the doorframe. I smiled "Yeah... But I'm not telling you." He smirked back and started towards next to me. "Did you make one?" I asked.

"Yeah." he said looking at the sky.

"Mind telling me?" I cheekily asked.

"Then it wouldn't happen. Surely you know the rules." he smirked.

"Rules... Won't stop me from wanting to know..." I said.

{Dominic's POV}

My wish... Well it was obvious. I looked at Rosa who was still looking at the sky. She looks so peaceful.

I walked over next to Rosa just looking at her. Her skin glowing in the night light. I couldn't help but touch the exposed part of her back. That soft, smooth, warm skin. She didn't flinch or move at all, maybe goose bumps appeared from the touch, but I kept caressing her upper back and looked at her beautiful figure.

Seeing her close her eyes taking in the moment, I subconsciously moved behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. In recognition she put her hands on mine and leaned her head in the crook of my neck. I gently nuzzled behind her ear, touching her hair and enjoying her company. I don't think I was even thinking straight.

I brought her body closer to me, even though it was hardly possible, making her lace her fingers between mine. Her scent was the usual sweetish rosewater smell. Everything always evolved with roses for her. But I didn't find it a problem. It was actually flattering.

I traced my lips from her right shoulder and slowly went up and across her jaw line inhaling her scent. I heard the softest of sighs come from her chest as I got closer to her lip area. But I didn't make it there yet. I wanted to savor the moment before I get there.

I slowly turned her around to face me and had the side of my face touch hers. I could now feel her fast heartbeat and deep breaths. My hands cupped her upper back feeling both skin and silk. Her hands were again stroking my hair softly. We were so close.

I then traced my lips down the opposite jaw and stopped on her chin and slightly moved my head away, directly in front of her face. Keeping my eyes closed I whispered sweet things to her making her body draw closer to mine. I didn't even know what I said but I knew she liked it.

"Dominic..." she lightly sighed.

"Mine..." I said breathlessly.

She rested her head on my shoulder as I started placing the softest kisses on her neck. Just lightly slowly covering the exposed parts.

We both held each other tightly with mixed emotions forming as one and my kisses drawing nearer to her cheek.

But then our pleasure was halted as I heard Layne's voice. "Dominic, the people want you to make a toast- Uh... Whoa!.. Uh sorry. Am I disturbing you? The toast can wait..." he said awkwardly.

I stayed in the same position with my back turned on Layne but Rosa's and my head were parted more. I was annoyed. The one perfect time! "No it's fine. I'm coming..." I said through sort of clenched teeth not looking at him.

"Right!.." he then said before rushing off.

I'm gonna kill him...

Rosa's head landed on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders knowing she was too annoyed. This can't keep happening! "I'm sorry Rosa...-" I started before the softest of kisses landed on my lower cheek. I looked at her a bit surprised. And all I saw was her sad smile.

"It's fine... Just make people happy..." she whispered.

"You're amazing..." I said.

She then put on a real smile. "Hey if we don't really see each other for the rest of the night, I want you to know that I'm going to see you tomorrow. I've got a surprise that I want you to see!.." She said lightly as we started walking off to inside.

I laughed as we were hand in hand. "But you surprise me every day."

"Well this one's sort of special." she said.

You're special Rosa... I thought.

Now, to the speech.

{Rosa's POV}

As we re-entered the mansion everyone was still laughing and dancing. Too preoccupied to see us come in together. We separated our hands knowing we didn't want the public knowing or thinking anything was going on between the both of us.

I found it saddening that every time Dominic and I have our intimate moments, we're always interrupted or find out we're too busy. Oh please let us go soon! I pleaded in my mind.

I gave a last smile to Dominic who too looked sad and annoyed. He nodded to me, standing behind the stairs balcony ready to make a toast. He motioned for the musicians to stop as I found and stood with Renee and Layne. Layne kept giving me looks which made me uncomfortable. He saw what happened... He saw us...

The crowd stopped talking realizing Dominic was the one who stopped the music. He then put on his fake smiles, "Everyone, I would like to make a toast." he started.

No you wouldn't! You were too busy!.. I loudly thought in my head.

"Never in the company's history have we been so popular. We have achieved a heap in this short year, and for that I am proud. My father's proud. You all should be proud to become something big."

The crowd gave out a short cheer for themselves. I smiled. Everyone looks so happy.

"But, would all of this have been done without our newest manager? She has done the unthinkable in only less than three months, and has become number one boutique manager in the country. Because of her, our sales and small businesses have reached bursting point in popularity!.. And I think we owe it to her..." he looked at me with dreamy eyes.

Everyone then turned around to look at me. Wow... So many eyes... What were they going to do?.. But instead of keeping the moments silence everyone burst onto cheers and applauses. I on the other hand burst into happiness and shyness. Surely I'm not that big of a reason...

As the crowd died down Dominic spoke again, "In addition to our success and hard work, I am letting you all take the Easter break off!"

That brought up more cheers as Dominic finished his sentence. He nodded towards everyone satisfied and started walking down the stairs. When he reached the last step people started swarming him to thank him and talk, I guess. Everything was going well. Everything will go better once I tell Dominic my big idea...

The rest of the night was spent being social and getting to know other managers, and managing one final dance with Dominic, who still seemed eager to take me away. He apologized for the interruption, and I sarcastically thanked him for mostly mentioning me in the speech.

Everyone was happy.

A/N: And so will I be when I finally put up the chapter where they may or may not KISS! Reviews and such are always welcome. Have a good week all.