Millionaire Attends His Brother’s Rehearsal Dinner, Never Thought The Brides Sister Would Be The One
An Unexpected Encounter at the Grand Meridian
The sound of clinking champagne glasses echoed through the elegant ballroom of the Grand Meridian Hotel. Flynn Novik shifted uncomfortably in his tailored Armani suit. He wished he could be anywhere else but at his younger brother’s rehearsal dinner.
At 34, Flynn had built a real estate empire worth over $200 million. All that wealth couldn’t buy him escape from family obligations. Nor could it buy escape from the curious stares of wedding guests who recognized the notorious Manhattan property king.
“There’s my big brother!”
Eric’s voice boomed as he approached, his arm wrapped around his fiancée, Melanie.
“I was starting to think you weren’t going to show up.”
Flynn forced a smile.
“And miss your big weekend? Not a chance.”
He leaned in to kiss Melanie on the cheek.
“The venue looks beautiful. You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Oh, I can’t take credit,” Melanie laughed.
“My sister, Zara, handled everything. Speaking of which…”
She turned, scanning the crowd.
“Where is she? Zara!”
Flynn followed Melanie’s gaze and felt the air leave his lungs.
Walking toward them was a woman with dark copper hair cascading over bare shoulders. Her emerald green dress flowed around her as she moved.,
Unlike most women who approached him, there was no calculation in her eyes. Just a genuine warmth caught him off guard.
“Sorry, I was finalizing details with the catering manager,” she said, slightly breathless.
She turned to Flynn with an outstretched hand.
“You must be the elusive older brother. I’m Zara Keller.”
The moment their hands touched, Flynn felt a jolt that had nothing to do with static electricity.
“Flynn Novak,” he managed.
“Pleased to meet you.”
“So you’re the real estate mogul,” Zara said, her hazel eyes studying him with interest rather than the usual dollar sign fixation he was accustomed to.
“Melanie says you’re responsible for half the skyline changes in Manhattan.”
Flynn shrugged.
“I just have good timing and better luck.”
“And modesty, apparently,” Zara replied with a laugh that did something strange to Flynn’s chest.
“A rare quality in successful men.”
Before Flynn could respond, Eric pulled him away to meet some distant relatives.,
Throughout the evening, his eyes kept finding Zara across the room. She moved with purpose, checking on servers and adjusting flower arrangements. She was making sure everyone had what they needed. Not once did she stop to relax or enjoy herself.
Later, as the dinner portion of the evening wound down, Flynn found himself at the bar beside her.
“You know,” he said, “most maids of honor just have to show up and look pretty. You’re running this entire event like a military operation.”
Zara accepted the glass of sparkling water the bartender handed her.
“Melanie has enough to worry about. Besides, event planning is what I do. My company specializes in high-end celebrations.”
“Ah, so this is a professional showcase,” Flynn nodded.
“No,” Zara’s eyes flashed.
“This is me making sure my sister has the perfect wedding weekend. My business has nothing to do with it.”
Flynn realized his mistake immediately.
“I apologize. I didn’t mean to imply—”
“It’s fine,” she cut him off, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.,
“I’m used to people assuming I have ulterior motives. Like assuming all successful real estate developers are coldblooded sharks.”
Flynn raised an eyebrow.
Zara studied him for a moment then laughed.
“Touché, Mr. Novik.”
“Flynn,” he corrected. “Mr. Novik makes me sound like my father.”
Something in his tone must have revealed more than he intended because her expression softened.
“Not a comparison you enjoy?”
Flynn swirled the scotch in his glass.
“Let’s just say my father taught me exactly what kind of businessman I didn’t want to be.”
“And what kind is that?”
“The kind who values properties over people.”
Zara nodded thoughtfully.
“Is that why you established those community housing initiatives in Brooklyn? Melanie mentioned them.”
Flynn was surprised. Most people only knew about his luxury developments.
“That’s not something I advertise.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” Zara said. “The most meaningful things rarely are.”
A server approached with a problem requiring Zara’s attention and she excused herself.
She left Flynn with the distinct feeling he just met someone who saw past his bank account and public persona.,
As the evening progressed, Flynn found himself gravitating towards Zara repeatedly.
When the hired band began playing and couples took to the dance floor, he found her standing alone. She was watching her sister and Eric with a soft smile.
“May I?” Flynn extended his hand.
Zara hesitated.
“I’m supposed to be working.”
“One dance,” he said. “Everything’s running perfectly. You’ve earned it.”
She placed her hand in his and he led her to the dance floor.
As he placed his hand on her waist, he was struck by how perfectly she fit against him. They moved together effortlessly as if they’d danced a hundred times before.
“So, Flynn Novak,” Zara said. “What does a millionaire real estate developer do for fun when he’s not building skyscrapers or attending family functions?”
“Would you believe me if I said I restore vintage motorcycles?”
Her eyes widened.
“No.”
“It’s true. I have a workshop in my building’s basement. It drives my security team crazy, but it keeps me sane.”,
The music swelled and Flynn guided her through a turn.
“What about you? When you’re not orchestrating perfect events?”
“I paint,” Zara admitted. “Terrible abstract things that no one but me understands.”
“I’d like to see them sometime,” Flynn said, surprised by his own sincerity.
Zara looked up at him, skepticism clear in her expression.
“Why?”
“Because I think they’d tell me more about you than this conversation ever could.”
The song ended and Zara stepped back, a slight flush coloring her cheeks.
“You’re an interesting man, Flynn Novik.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
With a small smile, she walked away. She left Flynn more intrigued than he’d been by any woman in years.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of toasts and traditions. When it was time to leave, Flynn found himself reluctant to go.
He sought out Zara to say goodbye and found her in a quiet corner reviewing notes for the following day.
“Always working,” he commented.
She looked up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Someone has to make sure tomorrow goes off without a hitch.”,
“I have no doubt it will be perfect.”
Flynn paused.
“Would you have dinner with me tomorrow night after the wedding?”
Zara blinked in surprise.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am, actually.”
“Flynn, I’ll be exhausted. So will you. Besides, I live in Boston. You’re in New York.”
“Breakfast the next morning, then? Before you head back to Boston?”
When she hesitated, he added, “Just breakfast. Two people getting to know each other without the chaos of wedding festivities.”
Zara studied him for a long moment.
“Why?”
It was a simple question, but Flynn found himself answering with unexpected honesty.
“Because in a room full of people trying to impress me or get something from me, you’re the only one who seemed completely uninterested in what I could do for you. It’s refreshing.”
A slow smile spread across Zara’s face.
“Breakfast?”
“Just breakfast.”
“Just breakfast,” Flynn promised, though he already knew he wanted much more than that.
