Naomi was sitting anxiously in an armchair inside Kiera's dressing room. She had booked a suite for herself in the hotel where The Charity Night Gala was held, so that she did not have to travel for the event. Kiera's personal stylists have worked their magic on Naomi, who was full of worries. Despite wearing such a beautiful dress, adorned with an elegant hairdo and make up, she felt out of place. Kiera exuded the aura of a supermodel, while she was an ordinary girl with a clown make up - or so she thought. Kiera tried to calm her nerves but Naomi was fidgeting in her seat.
More guests have entered the ballroom, the press were confined in the photo wall and red carpet area, nobody was allowed into the ballroom. Many famous celebrities walked the red carpet and stopped for a short photo session and a brief interview before joining the rest of the guests inside.The clock struck 7 in the evening and a white limousine pulled up at the end of the red carpet. When the door opened, Elena elegantly stepped out of the car, with her husband Frank lending his hand. She was wearing a glamorous navy dress, decorated with sparkling glitters, her golden brown hair was swept to one side and she was holding onto a black purse. Frank was dressed in matching colours as Elena, with a black fedora and a white rose tucked in her jacket pocket. They opened the the cue for the rest of the family to enter the hall. Shortly after Elena's arrival, William Carson arrived with his personal assistant and a familiar looking woman in black dress, she was Jenny Lindt, the director of Merinda Hospice. Both of them stopped at the photo wall and smiled for the cameras, before the press shifted their attention to the end of the red carpet. Jacky walked onto the red carpet by himself, looking indifferent. He put his hands in his pockets as he walked hastily down the walkway, skipping the photo wall and disappeared into the ballroom without giving much chance for the press to take his photo.
Kiera had to make an appearance at the photo wall as well, so she urged Naomi to come with her outside, where the paparazzi awaits. She was hesitant, but after a few more coaxing, she followed Kiera through the busy parking lot. Soon, Kiera blended into other incoming guests and Naomi was left alone, confused and worried. Her heart raced and her face flushed as she looked around, helplessly trying to find a familiar face. She stopped on her tracks when she saw a tall figure exiting a black stinger, with Mike as the driver. Blake has arrived.
Mike spotted Naomi in the parking lot and whispered to Blake, that's when Blake walked straight to where she was. He was wearing a grey tuxedo, looking very professional and Naomi could not look away. His clear blue eyes were clearly looking at her in adoration.
"You're beautiful." he whispered as he offered his arm to her, to which Naomi linked her arm.
"You scrub up well too."
"Heh.. I can't lose to you, princess."
Blake showed a gentle smile as he tried to hide the loud beating of his heart from Naomi. He was nervous around her for the first time.
"Don't worry. Just walk normally, smile and keep close."
"I-I'll try."
Naomi matched her steps with Blake, who slowed down to ensure Naomi did not trip on her dress.
"Show time."
His lips curved into a smile as they stepped into the spotlight.
=============
Every camera shutters clicked as they stepped foot on to the red carpet. Acting natural as if he was born to walk the runway, Blake dazzled every pair of eyes that lay sight on them. He was truly handsome and dominating, for a second, people forgot that he was the youngest sibling of the Carson family. Next to him was a beautiful young Asian lady, who wore a limited edition gown from FS summer collection and walked gracefully, like a supermodel. Nobody knew her identity, the press was busy trying to take a clear picture of her and wonder who she was. A reporter had the audacity to step onto the carpet with his recorder in hand, trying to interview Blake and his special date.
"Blake, is this true that you're engaged? Could this woman be your secret bride?"
Instead of answering, Blake replied him with a mysterious smile. The reporter did not back down, he moved along with Blake closer to the ballroom.
"Are you going to announce your engagement at this party? Where is the ring?"
"Clear the way, please!"
Mike tried to interfere and save Blake from further questions. However, more reporters were encourage to fight for the exclusive scope and breached the barricades. Blake pulled Naomi behind him, shielding her as he stretched out his arm, pushing reporters away from them. Naomi tried to hide behind Blake but they kept getting pushed to the photo wall.
"Coming through!"
A cheerful high pitch voice tore through the commotion and Kiera came running to their rescue. She successfully grabbed the attention of the reporters and allowed enough time for Blake and Naomi to escaped with Mike into the ballroom. Once they were inside, the colours have left Naomi's face, her heart was palpitating like crazy and cold sweat covered her back. Blake pulled her to a corner.
"Are you alright?"
She nodded without a sound. It was the first time she ever felt so scared of the press. They were very rough and persistent.
"It's okay Naomi... They were in the wrong for doing that to us. We're saved now."
Once Blake finished his sentence, the double door entrance to the ballroom swung open and Kiera rushed into the room. Her face showed that she was annoyed.
"Those hyenas are starving for a scandal."
Kiera rushed over to Naomi and embraced her shaken body.
"I'm so sorry babygirl, it was not a pleasant walk, i know. Believe me, I have never seen the press so aggressive like that before too." she told Naomi. "You'll be okay, we'll be here."
Blake nodded at Kiera to thank her for helping them out of such a sticky situation. Mike pulled out a little velvet box from his inner jacket pocket and whispered to Blake.
"I think they're right, sir. You need a ring."
"Thanks Mike."
Blake took the box from Mike's hand and walked over to Naomi who appeared to have calmed down.
"The reporter was right in a way..." he mumbled as he took Naomi's bare hand and slipped the ring in dispute - the same ring that was in the photograph - on her left ring finger.
"Now, you are my fiancee. Do a good job."
Blake took her hand and lead her away from the entrance, towards the balcony where his family gathered, sipping on white wine.
=============
William was talking to Jacky when he noticed that Jacky's gaze shifted towards the stairs. There he found Blake and Naomi, stood together, talking to Kiera before she left to greet other guests. Elena tried to hide her surprised gasp at the sight of them, while Frank was beaming with joy.
"Mademoiselle..." Frank took Naomi's hand and kissed her knuckles gentlemanly. "I have never thought someone else than Kiera could fit into this dress and make it look so... alive."
Naomi smiled sheepishly, "Thank you for your kind compliment. It is my honour to be wearing one of your limited edition designs."
"Oh not at all, the pleasure is mine. A beautiful lady like you deserve to wear the best." Frank winked at Naomi and she caught Elena's surprised look. Naomi looked away, did not know what to do.
"Sis." Blake greeted Elena and kissed her cheeks. "What do you think?"
"Fabulous." she hissed into his ear. "So good to see you with a date, brother."
"I think an introduction is in order." William made his way through the crowd and stopped in front of them.
"Dad, this is Naomi Lee. My..." Blake hesistated. "Date."
"Pleasure to meet you, Naomi." William smiled and Naomi returned his smile.
"Please enjoy the party, if my boy tries to do something funny, just scream and let us know."
William shot a cheeky smile at Blake who was stunned at his dad's reaction and Naomi who was puzzled at the whole interaction. As he walked away from them to greet other guests, Blake turned to look at his sister.
"Did he know?"
Elena shrugged, "He's William Carson and Altheda's covert resources is still the best."
"I guess."
Naomi tugged on his jacket, "Does it mean my job here is done?"
"Not quite yet."
William took the centre podium to address the guests and tonight's celebration. They have managed to raise a significantly huge amount of money for the charities that Altheda supported, and so as the president of Altheda, he expressed his deepest gratitude. As he closed his speech, he paused and looked at Blake.
"Lastly, before we continue to enjoy the delicious food and drinks, I have an announcement to make." He gestured for Blake to step up.
"As you may have known, my wife and I founded Altheda together and I have temporarily placed my youngest son, Blake to be its CEO while I grieve." Blake's face stiffened.
"With a great pleasure, I'd like to announce that Blake will be appointed as the main director of Altheda in the near future...." the guests erupted in applause."... only IF he successfully carry out his mother's dying wish." silence swept the hall in a second. "His appointment will fall on the 9th of August, Altheda's anniversary as well as one day after his 30th birthday."
Kiera's eyes met Naomi from the pool of people, she looked worried.
"Blake Jonathan Carson has to be engaged to be married by his 30th birthday in order to be successfully appointed as CEO or else, Altheda's shares will be divided among the stakeholders and someone else will be appointed as CEO.Please continue to support my son and Altheda's good work, in pursuant of this will."
Blake's mouth was zipped shut. He was in panic after his father's sudden announcement regarding his task.
"Won't that be easy!"
Everybody turned to look at the source of the voice. Standing in front of the ballroom entrance was Melissa Winston, draped in a pale lime green dress, not many could pull off a good look in such coloured dress but she did. The Carsons stood stock still on the podium, along with Naomi who was breaking in sweat at her interference.
"Blake already has a fiancee."
She let out a devilish grin as she made her way through the buzzing crowd. She headed straight for Blake, who swiftly dodged her advances.
"YOU dumped me, Mel. YOU cheated on me." He cut her off curtly.
"Oh please, you can't believe I'm gonna walk away from you like that... we've got really good passion going on between us...." Melissa touched Blake's face seducingly, making people around them looking away uncomfortably.
"Don't touch him!"
Before she even realised what she was doing, Naomi spoke up and stopped Melissa in her tracks. Mel looked furious as someone ruined her moment with Blake. Naomi took a big stride and stood next to Blake, grabbing his hand and intertwined her fingers with Blake's.
"What are you doing?!" Blake hissed softly in her ear but it fell onto deaf ears as Naomi confronted Melissa heads on.
"I said, don't touch my fiance."
============
The guests gasped in surprised at Naomi's words. Melissa turned bright red in embarrassment.
"How dare you steal my fiance..."
"Well you did not want him enough by riding someone else's dick even after receiving his love."
oooohhhhh..... people started whispering as they remembered the scandal that Melissa was involved in. Some of them pulled out their smartphones and looked up the news about Melissa's scandal with an American tycoon. Kiera struggled to hold back her laughter as she finally burst out laughing. Melissa made herself looking like a fool in a public function, especially one where high profile guests attended.
"You!" she raised her arm with the intention of slapping Naomi's face but it landed on Blake's face instead. He stepped in front of Naomi in the last second to spare her from the humiliation. Naomi covered her mouth in shock as Blake shook his head slightly, massaging his jaw.
"Blake... I..."
"Shut it, Mel. You ruined this night for everyone. Please leave, we're done." Blake gestured her towards the exit door.
"It is NOT over Blake!! Don't trust this impostor, I AM THE GIRL IN THE PHOTOGRAPH!" Mel shouted as she was hauled away by security guards, instructed by Mike. "I'll prove it to you that I am Blake's lover not some random low class bitc-"
Mike closed the door and drowned her incessant yell. What a spectacle.
Naomi was worried about Blake and checked on his face.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Are you hurt?"
"No..." Naomi shook her head. She placed her cold hand on Blake's cheek, it was slightly swollen.
"That bitch definitely knew how to throw a good punch." He joked.
"You know I can easily snap her into two..." Naomi muttered so softly that only Blake could hear. He laughed as he pulled Naomi into an embrace, in front of everyone.
"You saved me, thanks."
"It's my job..."
Blake was overwhelmed with emotion because no other women had ever stood up for him in such a sticky situation before. He slowly released her and gently picked up her left hand, the one with a ring that glistened under the lights. He did not need words to reiterate the point, he knew everyone could see what he was doing.
And so he did.
He grabbed Naomi by the waist and pulled her closer, placing his lips over hers.
With that, he hoped everyone would be convinced that Melissa was only spouting nonsense. Everyone applauded as the couple separated, Naomi was frozen in shock at his sudden kiss while Blake was blushing pink - not because of the slap but from the adrenaline after kissing Naomi's lustful lips. Their fingers intertwined as they stepped down from the podium, walking away from the crowd. The party continued - the music started and the booze began to flow again. The moment had passed for them but not for the couple. For the first time, they felt a different spark that they have never felt before. Was it just an act? Or was it real?