At 7.30 that evening as I was making my way down the stairs, treading carefully in my high heels, the door bell rang. I took a quick glance at my reflection in the hall mirror, smiling as I noticed how the rubies in my ears caught the light, and opened the door. A smartly dressed chauffeur awaited me, holding open the door of a luxurious car. I greeted him and climbed in, my silky dress sliding over the leather upholstery. We drove off and I suddenly realised how nervous I was about tonight. I had a feeling things would take a dramatic turn - in more ways than one.

We pulled up outside the theatre about 20 minutes later and I got out of the car. I walked up the steps to the theatre entrance and into the foyer where a large crowd was gathered, chatting and enjoying their drinks. Accepting a glass of chilled champagne from a passing waiter, I looked around and saw several familiar faces and even a few famous ones. After spending a few minutes catching up with a business contact of mine, it was time for the play to start and we made our way towards our seats. I sat down and smoothed my dress over my thighs, feeling the ridge of my suspenders under the smooth material. The two seats to my right were empty but were soon filled by a good friend of mine, Julia and her husband Matthew. Not only was it lovely to see them again, it seemed to be a good omen for the evening, as it was at a party given by Julia for her husband’s birthday where Mr X and I had our first encounter! There was no time to chat though as at that moment the lights dimmed and the audience became silent as the curtain rose on the first act.

Within minutes I was absorbed in the play and even began to forget about my real reason for being here tonight. The leading man was very charismatic and I, along with most of the other women in the audience fell completely under his spell. Towards the end of the first act he had to give a very long speech where he declared his love for the leading lady. As I listened, I closed my eyes and in my imagination the theatre melted away - to be replaced by a bedroom in an apartment. That same voice was speaking to me then, telling me that I was his. It was him; my mysterious Mr X was the famous actor on stage in front of me!

The curtains came down on the first act and as the house lights came up Julia turned to me and took my hand. ‘Time to get a drink. You probably need one.’ As we waited to be served at the bar she explained that she had known what had been happening since the night of Matthew’s birthday. Mr X had spoken to me briefly that night but as we hadn’t been properly introduced he was sure that I didn’t know who he really was and had sworn Julia to secrecy. ‘He thought you were stunning,’ she went on to say, ‘but he’s a very private person and thought that you would enjoy the mystery of it all - the thrill of the chase.’ She reached into her bag and gave me an envelope. I opened it and read the note inside. ‘It’s time we got to know each other a little better. As the performance ends a member of the theatre staff will be waiting for you in the foyer. They will escort you backstage to my dressing room. Are you ready to meet your Mr X?’ My heart began to race with anticipation again. How much drama could a girl take in one evening….?