It was a high-society fundraiser function attended by the wealthiest in the city. Yes, she belonged but felt out of place. She didn't want to make her mother angry; it's the only reason Kiara agreed to attend it.
Being her first time attending such gatherings, shit, she cursed, not knowing what to expect. Only if her parents had always attended such gatherings with her, perhaps, by now, she would have gotten used to them.
Why is she even interested in some stupid ancient porcelain teapot? It just doesn't make sense. Why would someone want to own a piece from hundreds of years ago?
"I want to gift it to my big sister, you know she has an obsession with collecting ancient relics." Those were her mother's words. She wasn't interested in it after all.
That big sister should be aunt Deborah right? She wondered.
Kiara had to do everything in her power to outbid anyone standing in her way. A deep sigh escaped her lips. The war ahead wasn't an easy one.
The car came to a stop at the entrance of THE WESTBURY HOTEL.
She stood frozen, the luxury of the entrance alone, so intimidating for her to continue inside, but after a moment of thought, she managed a step and another, and soon found herself inside.
She walked through the lobby, her presence catching the attention of many. Many men had their eyes drawn to her. The atmosphere seemed to shift slightly as she walked, leaving behind a subtle impression on those around her.
She exuded elegance in a stunning floor-length evening gown crafted from luxurious silk, its intricate beading shimmering like diamonds under the light. The fitted bodice accentuated her slender waist, while the flowing skirt cascaded down to her feet. An angel sent from heaven.
As she walked to the lift, many men turned to have another glimpse of her; the way she obliviously and effortlessly commanded their attention made them even want her more, but too intimidated to approach her. So they just looked on
The lift dinged. Stepping in, she pressed the first-floor button. Not long after, it came to a stop.
Kiara walked down the hallway, carefully reading the door tags until she came to the one she was looking for. A man stood there waiting. Handing him the invitation card, which she got back after he was done examining it, he pushed the door open.
The door swung open, and the scent of expensive cologne and overpriced champagne immediately hit her nostrils. It was the kind of luxury she'd never stepped into. The gigantic crystal chandeliers, high-class decor, elegant people in expensive branded clothes, everything was just so overwhelming.
She watched as a few danced to the slow, soft music with flair, one she couldn't match even after years of practice.
"The fundraising event starts in fifteen minutes." The announcement cut through the not-big room, a clear indication that not many were expected.
She had to find her spot. According to her Mum, a table would be prepared to which she had to occupy. Quit finding the table, a glass of champagne wouldn't hurt. She had to find one first. Moving to a server who stood by, she helped herself to a glass.
As she took a sip, the champagne's complex flavor, silky texture, and crisp acidity left a satisfying impression of celebration and sophistication that sent her fantasizing.
She stepped back without regard to her surrounding, unfortunately bumping into someone, which sent her yanking forward, losing grip of her glass.
The glass flew, its contents splashing on a woman standing and happily chatting with other women just beside Kiara.
It all happened so fast, she couldn't keep up with everything.
The smile on the woman's face slowly vanished. She huffed, her breath delayed by the anger building within. Kiara watched with a fear-stricken face, expecting nothing but chaos from the woman who looked like she was about to burst.
"How dare you? Do you know what you've just done?" The woman asked with a scoff before giving off a sarcastic laugh.
"Why are you even here?" She asked with scorn. She looked at Kiara examing her from head to toe.
Fionn and his brothers stood watching. It was going out of hand; he had to intervene. But before he could, Silas held him back.
"I'm sorry. It was all an accident," Kiara said, avoiding the woman's gaze. Closing her eyes, she made herself ready for what was inevitably coming her way.
Without a word, the woman swung a slap, only for it to be caught midair before reaching Kiara's face.
In retaliation, she earned herself a sharp, resounding slap that immediately drew the attention of everyone nearby.
"How dare you? Thinking you have the right to slap her." Fionn whispered to the woman.
Kiara was forced to open her eyes and watch in awe as he twisted the woman's hand. He didn't mind the pain she was going through, and he didn't look like he was about to stop.
"Wow! The audacity. Who do you think you are, to think you have the right to slap her?"
"There's no need for causing a scene." Ethan intervened, getting hold of Fionn's hand.
But Fionn didn't flinch and only tightened his grip on the woman's hand, which sent her crying in agony. "Ethan, you better let me teach her a..."
"Don't you think the slap was enough of a lesson?" Tom asked.
His voice rose above the slow music in anger, calling for the attention of more people. He walked towards Fionn, yanking his hand off the woman's.
"That's not how they treat a lady." He said after regaining his cool.
Fionn's gaze played between the woman and Tom, his feelings turning from anger to sheer disappointment. He wasn't yet done with her, and if she knew what he had in store for her, no amount of words would be enough for her to thank Tom for stopping him.
Kiara watched speechless; the best she could do was blink on as her gaze darted between the chaos and Silas, who stood quiet, just watching on.
"It's the Clarkson brothers. They are here for the auction as well." A voice brought her back to her senses.
"Let's find our spot," Silas said. His tone didn't give room for argument, though.
"I have to help her out," Ethan said. He looked at his brother, his gaze asking for approval from Silas.
"It's alright; go ahead."
Ethan took off his jacket, wrapping it around the woman who shivered from shock and the cold drink that had soaked onto her dress.
"I apologize on behalf of my brother." He said softly as he led her out of the room.
After the chaos cooled, Kiara's gaze lingered around the room, finally locking with Fionn's. He stood meekly beside his brother like a puppy, which sent her smiling. He looked cute.
Fionn walked towards her, but she sauntered away hurriedly, almost tripping off her heels, but he held her firm.
In a way, she didn't want to let herself near him.
He had saved her. She was grateful. But he was a beast, assaulting a woman in public; that wasn't gentlemanly. Maybe it was one of his traits, treating women like trash. How had she forgotten that he was hot-tempered?
"Are you alright?" He whispered after leaning in.
He wanted to embrace her. Immerse her in the comfort of his embrace. Only if she let him do so, he wished.
"I'm fine, you should probably go back to your brothers." She said softly before moving on.
Everyone at the function remained stunned; the chaos had called for the attention of everyone present. As usual, the Clarkson Brothers had taken the spotlight.
But this time round, someone else had joined them in doing so. Not because she wanted to, but there's no way she would go unnoticed.
"Who do you think she is?" A woman asked.
"I care not; I just pity the other woman. The Clarksons are not people to make enemies out of, especially him." Another replied, gesturing at Fionn.