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."

River? The same guy who's constantly fighting with you and stealing our clients? The Yantail boss?" Romina rolled her eyes. "Who else? He's even going to the party tonight."

Or was she actually harboring feelings for River

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

really like. Don't play with both. That kind of thing never ends

do you sound just like

annoying. Every time he talks, I want to slap

you love

Lafond had witnessed

also met River

better looking