Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"That's not happening," said Mrs. Lafond. "You've worn gowns before and looked stunning every time. Try this one-I want to see how it looks."

Under her mom's insistence, Romina reluctantly took the white gown and headed to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she walked out and asked, "Mom, how do I look?"

"You look amazing. Come here, I'll help you with a bit of light makeup. It'll bring out your beauty even more. You'll be the most gorgeous woman at the party." Mrs. Lafond, always graceful and elegant, was rarely satisfied with her daughter's usual minimal makeup-it was almost like she wasn't wearing any. But Romina was a grown woman now, and unless asked, she usually let her daughter do her thing.

Romina studied herself in the mirror for a while. Once she was sure she looked good, she sat at the vanity and let her mom do her makeup.

"Romina, are you really planning to date Maddox?" Mrs. Lafond asked while applying foundation. "Why the sudden change? I thought you said there was no spark after your blind date?" Romina went quiet for a second. Then she said, "Out of all the guys I've met, I like Maddox the most. Grandpa's worried about me staying single, so I thought I'd give it a try. My brother keeps saying I like River, but that's ridiculous. River's my arch-nemesis. I'd rather punch him than date him. So, I'm giving Maddox a shot-to prove I don't like River."

and stealing our clients? The Yantail boss?" Romina rolled her eyes. "Who else? He's even going to the party tonight." Mrs.

Or was she actually harboring

River but didn't admit it—and got Maddox involved

yourself. Figure out who you really

groaned. "Mom, why do you sound just like

time he

don't you love ticking

Lafond had witnessed plenty

also met

honest, he was even better looking than Maddox, and