The next evening came sooner than i expected. I stood in front of the mirror checking my reflection for the hundreth time. Nathy helped me style my hair upelegantly with some part framing my face. I did a light makeup that was enough to make me stand out without doing too much. I was nervous about tonight.
I got a text from the driver.I took a quick peek outside and saw the car driving in, with one last look at the mirror, i grabbed my clutch and headed out.
The ride to the Enterprise hotel was a long and peaceful one.. I looked outside the windows admiring the tall buildings that we drove by. I felt like a cinderalla heading to prom, the only thing that didn't complete the picture was that there was no Prince charming. My mind momentarily pictured Ethan with Selene. It was just like a rich guy with a spoilt girl only that in reality she just made it look like she was forcing things between them. Questions raced in my mind, Was it because of her he bought the company? To be closer to her? He had indicated no interest in the party when selene brought it up so what changed? Questions that i had no answer to. I sighed as i felt sadness consume me. I had to focus on what i had come here to do, nothing else.
The enterprise's ballroom was a sight for sore eyes. The delicate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the place with flowers arranged on the corners of the room. The place was large and perfect. People from different countries, elites and successful buisnessmen were present, airkissing, interacting and networking with each other with ease. I scanned the room but didn't found the one i was looking for. Sighing i walked over to the bar, ordering myself a drink.
"Leave the bill to me." a voice said. I turned to see a tall man staring at me with dark grey eyes. he was wearing a black suit with matching pants that complimented his skin tone perfectly, i could tell it was a tailored suit. He had his caramel-blonde hair styled in messy muss. He looked.....good
"The name's Brane" he said with eyes never leaving mine extending his arm towards me.
"Mine's Bella" i replied returning the gesture. "Thanks but i can handle my bill myself." I said.
"And what kind of man would that make me?" He asked in hush tone that laced through my ears. "It's the least i can do for a beautiful lady sitting all by herself." Brane added before handing his card to the bar man.
"I spotted you from afar and decided to say hello." he added with a half up smile.
"oh... well then here you are." i replied still scanning the room for Ethan.
"You came alone?" He asked narrrowing his eyes.
"Yes, but for a buisness assignment" i replied meeting his gaze "I'm here to assist my boss, i haven't seen him around yet that's why i'm here"
"oh..personal assistant?"leaning forward slightly "You sure have a lot on your table."
"You can only imagine" i replied emptying my glass into my mouth
He looked like he was considering something when he said "since you came alone, can i have the dance with you after the speech?" staring at me with interest waiting for my response.
"Miss Bella?"
I stilled in place as heat crept up my neck. It was my boss.
I turned to face him and was loss for words. He looked ravishingly handsome in his tuxedo, his hair was perfectly tousled, it probably took time to perfect. His eyes held intentions as they stared down at me from my face to my shoes then back up. In that moment it felt like we were the only two to exist in the room. he raised his head up, staring at Brane and exchanged pleasantries more than strangers would.
They knew each other?
"If you don't mind, i"d like to borrow my assistant, i have something to discuss."
"No problem Ethan." Brane responded shifting his gaze to me"See you soon..bella" he added before walking away.
Without a word Ethan placed his hand at my lower back, guiding me away, His touch sent electricity through my spine, walking normally now became a problem.
"You look.... beautiful." Ethan said as we reached a corner of the room, removing his hand from my back.
"Thank you Mr Ethan." I said missing how warm his hand felt against my spine.
"Ethan."
"What?"
"No need to act formally here, Just Ethan."
I looked up at him but was stunned to see a soft expression on his face, softer than i've ever seen it. "Ethan it is then."
He nodded with a small smile that formed on his lips "The dress.... It suits you."
Before i could respond, the event coordinator approached us "Mr Ethan, it's time for your speech. Ready when you are."
The moment shattered as Ethan switched back to work mode. Nodding his head, "Let's get this over with."
From where i stood, i watched as he delivered his speech without mincing words. He spoke on how the fundraising project would help the less privilged. The crowd held on to his promise and in that moment i saw ETHAN. He was perfect.
The rest of the evening passed with clatterings, introductions and keeping Ethan updated on who he needed to speak with. It was exhausting. I just wanted to be alone for a moment. Taking the stairs i found my way to the balcony. I sighed in relief as the cool air touched my skin, Just what i needed. I heaved as i admired the view from above.
"Look who we have here."
I turned to find Selene standing on the doorway, watching as she moved to stand beside me. Silence went on for a moment. "Why are you here?" she asked with a straight face not looking at me.
"I needed air." i said simply still admiring the view.
"I meant the event."
"I'm just here to do my job." I said placing my hands on the railings. we were just a foot apart.
"Be careful" selene said in a voice quiet than usual. she said turning her head to my direction. The breeze swayed her dress.
Of? I asked lifting my brows slightly.
"Misunderstanding your position." she said with a dead tone looking at me with eyes that held no emotion. "He does not mix work with.....distractions." she said leaning towards me slightly.
"Well, good thing i'm not one." I replied meeting her stare head on. Then with that she stepped back with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
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