Once Belen stepped foot within the hall, she confidently walked down the aisle, following behind the waitress. She passed the families on her left and right without even glancing at them. She could sense their eyes on not only her, but what looked like strangers following behind.
She's used to this kind of reaction, and instead of submission, she held her head up high as if she were mimicking a royal. Belen is a massive fan of royalty in terms of title, ancestry, and giant castles. Ever since she was young, she'd often watch shows that included monarchy. It's safe to say that she learned how to hold her head up high despite many spiteful hungry glaring snakes from trying to drown her in fear.
Her bold actions were accompanied by skillful elegance that is nowadays difficult to uphold unless engraved in their upbringing.
They finally sat down at their table, which happened to be the worst spot possible, the center. Perfect, just where everyone can visibly watch them and nowhere to hide even if they wanted to.
This made Belen grit her teeth when displaying a professional smile to the waitress, "thank you."
As she sat down, she glanced at their seating arrangements, "hmm," she thought, "Everest is on my left but then why is Iris on my right? And next to Everest is Mabel, and next to her is Noah. I guess it's not that bad. It's a good thing Iris's boyfriend is far away from me. I honestly can't handle his stupidity," she lets out a deep sigh as her temples wrinkle.
Everest notices, "are you alright?" he leans worriedly, whispering into her ear.
Belen straightens her posture, "yes, I wonder if we're the last ones to arrive?" she casually glances around, noticing the many eyes highly focused on her table. She slowly fixes the distance between herself and the table when glancing at Iris and Mabel.
"Are they comfortable?" she observes their facial expressions. Though as soon as her eyes trailed to Noah's face, her eyes suddenly sharpened.
Noah felt a chill down his spine. He glances around but gets lost in a daze as his gentle eyes trailed to Belen's face becoming softer.
A man and woman who look about in their mid-30's walk up to the stage holding a microphone. "Good evening everyone present, families, relatives and guests. Tonight is our annual family dinner gathering. There are many more families here tonight compared to the last couple of years," the male MC explains as the female continues, "You're correct. I see many new families joining us this year as well! As much as we'd love to notice them, I'm afraid we're running out of time. As you can all see, on your program is a schedule of today's performers. Accompanied by a charity orchestra from Manchester high school. We hope you all enjoy this wonderful evening with your families!" the female MC lastly remarks after walking off the stage.
Suddenly the conductor walks up, bowing in respect to everyone in the hall, turning to the orchestra as he raised his hands in the sky and suddenly dropped them, the orchestra began playing in the background.
Belen is searching the table for the menu. Everyone was already placing their orders with the waiter and waitresses. On the other hand, Belen couldn't help but groan at the sight of pork in almost every ingredient.
Everest leaned against Belen, blocking her view of the menu, "what are you doing?" she asks coldly.
He flinches, "hmm, I was just wondering if perhaps you and I have different menus. But I guess they're the same, huh, haha" he awkwardly laughs.
Noah was busy explaining to Mabel every dish and the ingredients she had trouble with understanding. On the contrary, Iris and her date were ready to order. Once the waitress came over to take their order, they were the first ones.
Belen asked, "instead of pork, is there a way to replace it with chicken? Or avocado oil?"
"Yes, we can do that if you wish to, Miss," the waitress respectfully answers.
"Great, then I'll have that and Everest?" she turns to see him leaning against the table, "I'll have the same. Nothing else really appeals to me right now, thank you."
The waitress went to the other side to get Mabel and Noah's order and immediately left, though as they did, Belen kept staring at the orchestra musicians. Her body is unknowingly swaying to the rhythm of the classics. It somehow calmed her mind and helped her relax as if she were at home listening to it.
"They're only high schoolers, yet they're playing this piece without a problem? I can tell their director must've trained them hard to get the perfect results," she grins, closing her eyes, admiring the sound of the musical instruments.
The more intensely she focused on the instruments, the better she could single each instrument from one another. Each had their part when playing a specific piece together.
She felt the harmony within their instruments. It made her faintly smile when recalling the old days when she used to play the alto saxophone with her fellow bandmates.
Their food is quickly served, having such a beautiful presentation that anyone can tell its high quality "rich" food.
Everyone in the hall started eating, but their attention and murmurs towards the Astares center table was their primary focus.
Two tables upwards from Belen's is a family of three kids with 7, 15, and 20 years old. Their father was absent due to an urgent matter. So they were with their mother when the three daughters comment, "Mother, why is everyone giving those three the most attention," asks the 15-year-old daughter.
"Stacy, hush! They will hear you!" the 20-year old hushes.
The seven-year-old coldly responds, "we aren't the only ones talking about them. Listen," she point, "everyone is talking about them ever since they came in. It's not like they care anyway."
They all stare at her, stunned when their mother fiercely breaks the tension, "quiet girls," she takes a sip of water, "we're not here to frolic about. This is our second year in attendance. Let's not forget what happened last year," she glares at Stacy making her gulp.
"Sorry," she looks down nervously when the oldest, Serene, asks, "but mother, how can we form any connections when those three have everyone's attention. It's not fair. I've only heard about the youngest, Belen Astares. But I know nothing about her older sisters."
Sarai, the youngest, asks, "mother, can you please tell us what you know about the Astares family?"
Their mother stares at their puppy-like eyes and sighs, "very well. The oldest is the one next to the Asian man. Her name is Mabel Astares. From what I know, she was gone from the media for almost a decade, I believe. She would become the next CEO of A Star Is, but soon she decided on backpacking across the world. Honestly, I never would've thought she'd appear out of nowhere so suddenly," she narrows her eyes while staring at Mabel.
Serene interrupts, "mother, why do you look angry? Did she do anything to you?"
The mother continues, "nothing, it's just odd for her to show up when she was supposed to inherit her father's business. That woman, Mabel Astares, was a genius. She was naturally smart, had great communication skills, and was a lively, beautiful girl. But"
Stacy asks, "but what?"
"Hmm," their mother wonders aloud, "But she's changed somehow…and their other sister, Iris is an oddball as well. She was always the outgoing party girl, which is how you youngsters would refer to one. That girl never cared for anything, and as far as I know, she too went into hiding or rather, the media did not care to report on her."
Sarai comments, "that's not strange at all. Every family holds at least one of each mother."
Their mother heartily laughs, "you may as well be right, my darling Sarai, but the strangest one of the three is Belen Astares."
"How come, mother?" Stacy asks, "I think she's gorgeous," she blushes, staring at her back view.
Her mother smiles, "well, yes, she is indeed beautiful, but she is reticent and very perceptive. Ever since she was young, that girl always had good," she clears her throat, "I mean, she always possessed great luck."
"what are you saying, mother? I don't understand?" asks Serene.
"What I mean is, Belen was the one who brought her father the greatest luck in prosperity and wealth. Ever since her father introduced her to the media, she gained power over anything. It's as if she were blessed with such luck when it comes to the business world."
"What about their father, mother?" Stacy asks.
But before their mother can continue, Sarai is called to prepare for her solo performance. They all turned to give her their best of luck up on stage.
Sarai, the youngest of the Jaden family, made her way to the waiting room to warm up. She scarcely walked past Belen noticing her radiant air and elegant movements when Belen slightly notices her stare. Sarai coldly looks away with her chin up high.
Belen thought nothing of it and looked to Everest, her eyes widen in shock to see Joseph Thompson approach Mabel.
"Nice to finally see you again, Mabel Astares," he says chillingly.
Mabel shudders at the sound of the voice when turning from her seat, "J-Joseph?" she asks in disbelief. Though as she said his name, Joseph's eyes glimmered, feeling a bit excited at the fact that she still remembers him.
Noah turns and remembers him as the guy who said nasty things to Belen, but because his father is a massive benefactor to A Star, he has to suppress his anger.
Mabel's eyes widened in shock when finally forming into a fake smile, "H-how are you Joseph?" she asks casually, trying to hide her discomfort.
Everest also notices him and openly reveals his disgusted face to his presence since he was the one who was causing Belen the most trouble. In that instant, Everest glances around the room looking for someone when finally a familiar figure stuck out like a sore thumb, "there he is, that old man!" he thought to himself, gritting his teeth.
Belen trailed his gaze, noticing Joseph's father when their eyes met. Belen struck a professional, charming smile at him. He merely smiled back with a nod.
"What does he want? If I walk over to his table, it'll make everyone think I'm kissing up to him. But if he were to come here, I don't know what he might ask. Damn!" she quietly contemplates.
"Hey, Belen!" Joseph calls out, making Belen turn in his direction, "what does this moron want?!" her expression coldly shifts, "what?"
"See Mabel? Your little sister is so disrespectful," he sighs, "where have you been this whole time? I've missed you!" he obnoxiously claims, making everyone stare at their table.
Just then, a few women approached their table, intending to converse with Belen. She was caught by surprise because now she has no choice but to entertain them and only hoped, "please do something, Noah, get this bastard away from Mabel."
"Who is your secretary Miss Astares?"
"I heard you've got yourself two, is that so?" they wink.
"My, what a gorgeous dress you're wearing! You have to recommend to me to your stylist!"
"I love your eyeshadow! And Jewelry!"
"I've been to A Star in Korea and might I say, absolutely love it!"
"I'd love to invite you over to my villa if you happen to travel to-"
"No way, Miss Astares, I will gladly show you around my private villa on my island."
Belen felt the muscles on her face cramp up from faking a smile and trying to reply to each of them politely.
Joseph continued bothering Mabel with all sorts of interrogating questions, "you have no idea how many times I'd visit your fathers' office before it became your little sisters, to ask about you. I mean, you do remember, right?"
He blushes, scratching the corner of his lips, "we, umm, were supposed to be engaged," he coughs.
Mabel's eyes widen, alarming herself of his possessiveness and disgusting obsession he had with her in the past. It made her wish she could've just told him off and reject him, but Noah sensed her discomfort and interrupted, "Mabel, your mother called me. Do you happen to have your phone off? Should I call her back on mine?" he says gently caressing her shoulder.
Joseph caught sight of this, making him furious, "ah, I remember you." He rudely points, "you're that annoying secretary, gosh, what a bother! Why can't you just leave us alone, right Mabel?" he turns sweetly.
But Mabel worriedly believed Noah and rummaged through her purse while getting up from her seat to walk out the hall. Joseph noticed her rush and was about to follow until Noah blocked his way with a stern expression, "she does not need you right now, forgive my rudeness Mr. Thompson but Mabel is here on account of the Astares family. It'd be best you leave time for breathing."
Joseph arrogantly snorts, "ha, what's so wrong about me wanting to see her after so long? I was her betrothed!"
"You're incorrect, you were, but now you are not. Mabel is no one to you, Mr. Thompson, so I'd advise you to stop," Noah says seriously.
"Or else what?" Joseph closes the gap between them with a menacing face, "what can a nobody, orphan like you do?"
Noah clenches his fist, digging his nails into his palms. This is the only action he can take to prevent himself from exploding when Everest pulls Noah away, "hey~ hey," he says brightly, "people are staring, you wouldn't like that now, would you MR. THOMPSON!?"
As soon as he emphasized his name loudly, the families began murmuring amongst one another. Joseph glanced around, embarrassed, he notices his father glaring at him. He shook in place, shivering from his father's intense stare when retracting a step, "we'll see then, Noah," he walks away whispering underneath his breath, "and you too, just you wait. Everest Fox!"
Meanwhile, dessert is served, the children listed in the program perform as either soloists or duos. This is the main highlight of the yearly dinner gathering because it's when children display their talents in the arts. Each year the themes vary from art, dancing, theater, music, and singing.
At the Astares table, everyone is enjoying their dessert, but Belen is paying close attention to the performers on stage. It's not a requirement, but children are usually recommended to show-off their talents without the promise that everyone will be paying attention.
Belen knows this all too well when Everest leans in to whisper, "are you not hungry?"
She chuckles, "shut up. I'm trying to listen."
Everest stares at the child on stage playing the violin, "mm," he tilts his head sideways, "is there something important?"
She side-eyes him with a glare to shut up when he sighs, "but it's boring. Why are you paying so much attention?"
Belen sighs, crossing her arms "because I debuted like them."
"what?" Everest whispers, bewildered.
"Years ago, my dad brought me to this dinner gathering, and I made my debut as a musician. Upon that stage," she carefully points with a smile.
Everest gasps, "wah! That's cool! So this is where you got discovered?"
She simply nods "mhm."
Everest notices her sincere gaze, "so out of respect, she's giving them the attention they don't have?"
He turns around, noticing the other families talking in the background, "sheesh, talk about rich. They don't care about who or what is on stage, they're just talking to one another without a care. I wonder" he stares at Belen's intent gaze. "Does she know how those children performing up there feel more than anyone who's just sitting here like me?"
He sighs, "too bad I know nothing about music, or else I'd be the same as her. But the most I can do is at least clap once they finish, right?"
Soon after the child finished their performance, everyone started clapping as if they were paying attention. Still, Everest, on the other hand, was the only one clapping with so much enthusiasm that it nearly shocked everyone, including Belen.
He didn't care and threw two big thumbs up at the kid as it walked down the stage. Belen couldn't help but let out a laugh, "you're so weird," she comments, casually pushing Everest away.
Noah's eyes kept observing them when Mabel let out a deep sigh, "thanks, Noah, for lying."
He stares at her, confused, "oh! You mean earlier? Eh, it was nothing. I just don't like him," he smiles.
Mabel nods, "me too," she giggles, "but you sure worried me when you mentioned my mom. Goodness, I thought it was probably about Emma."
"did you call your mom?" Noah earnestly asks.
"I did, but she scolded me for calling," she laughs, "I guess I can't help but think about Emma," she looks down.
Noah pats her shoulder, "don't worry. She'll be fine," he warmly reassures, "how do you feel so far?"
"Hmm?" she stares at him confused, "Ooh! You mean right now? Well," she pauses, "it's okay, I thought it'd be worse, but fortunately everyone has their eyes on Belen than on us."
"Is that bad?" he asks.
"Well, I want to say no because luckily no one has approached me other than Joseph, but at the same time, I can't help but feel bad for her because she's diverting everyone's attention to herself so that we won't be bothered."
"Mm, I did not think of it that way," Noah comments when suddenly Iris asks, "wow! Belen, how does it feel to be so popular?"
Her date comments, "for reals, this is like the fifth time another person has come over to get your information about what's it called? Your dad's business."
Belen coldly responds, "A Star. MY business is A STAR," she strictly emphasizes as if she were teaching an elementary child to speak.
Iris pats his back, "okay we get it," she rolls her eyes at Belen.
Everest notices the tension when Mabel softly asks, "do children always perform in events like these?"
Belen sharply replies, "you'd know Mabel if you were to attend with father in the past. Since this is your first time attending this dinner, you're new to the programs."
Iris tries to make Mabel feel better, "don't worry, Mabel, this is my second time attending. I remember coming here with Belen and our dad. I still don't feel comfortable, but Belen~" She turns, "you seem natural here, you're so popular!"
She ignores Iris as soon as the next performer walks up on stage. Belen narrows her eyes, "it's that girl from earlier, hmm," she smirks, "so she's an alto saxophone player as well?"
Their attention turns to Sarai, the 7-year-old girl upstage playing her alto saxophone beautifully.
Mabel and Iris silently squeal, "she is so cute!"
"And tall too!"
"Isn't the saxophone too heavy for her?" Iris asks, "now I remember! Belen! Didn't you play the saxophone here too?"
Belen raises a brow, "I was the first one to. Anyways can you be quiet? I'm trying to listen," she says coldly.
After Sarai's performance, the male and female MC's walk up the stage to announce, "and that concludes tonight's dinner gathering. Thank you to everyone who took their time to attend. Now, if a parent can make their way to the private reception behind the door on my right, you will receive an amazing gift bag beneficial for your businesses and families. Thank you all!"
As they walked off the stage, the Manchester orchestra began playing as everyone got up from their seats, and families were trying to decide which of the parents will be the one to receive the gift bag.
At the same time, over at the Astares table, Belen is getting up from her seat when Iris and Mabel comment, "so which one of us will go receive it?" they stare at Belen, perplexed.
Her brows furrow, "no one," Belen sternly replies, "our father isn't here, so there is no need to."
Iris interrupts, "too bad my mom isn't here. She would've been able to come, right, Mabel? What was she doing last?"
Mabel sighs, "I-I don't know, but if you'd like, I can go pick it up, Belen?" she asks cautiously.
Belen angrily glares at them, "she is not my mother, anyways. Why do you feel the need to go, Mabel?"
"B-Because I'm the oldest."
Belen cuts her off, "just because you're the oldest does not mean anything. If they asked for a parent, then that is it! No questions asked, our dad isn't here with us, so we can't receive the gift bag, end of story."
She grunts boldly, walking out of the hall when overhearing the family's snarky remarks about them.
"Is she leaving?"
"Well, duh, they didn't bring their parents."
"How sad. I wonder why they even dared to show up."
"Probably thought they could get away with anything."
"It's not fair. They shouldn't be allowed to attend without at least a parent."
"Well, can you blame them? their mother had an affair so."
"Gasp! I totally forgot!"
"They should've at least brought their dad."
"They look like orphans, poor them."
"Haha, I know, right! They only came to embarrass themselves!"
Belen made it out of the crowd of families when entering the nearby bathrooms.
Mabel and Iris sigh, "what do we do now?"
"Did she leave?" Mabel asks, turning to Noah when he says, "no, she's probably going to the bathroom."
"Then what should we do? Where can we wait for her?" Iris annoyingly asks.
"She just left as if nothing, man. Can we just go home already?" her date comments.
By this time, Noah and Mabel are both fed up with his side commentary. It's irritating when Noah guides them out of the hall, "let's wait for Belen and Everest over at that exit," he points.
Mabel realizes, "that's right! Everest left with Belen, didn't he?"
Iris grins, "ahh! Who knows what they are doing, right?" she's referring to some indecent act.
Noah understands what she's trying to say and tries to hide his irritated expression with a fake smile.
On their way to the exit, Noah overhears Iris and her date bickering about already wanting to go home. Iris is trying to calm him down from getting louder while her date is continuously asking her to go home with him.
Noah internally sighs, "now I know why Belen finds her problematic." He turned to see Mabel but is amazed to see her angry eyes while listening to Iris argue with her date.
"What a sight…" Noah thinks to himself, "is she angry? At them?" he slightly turns, staring at them.
***
Belen is in the bathroom, washing her hands when she notices the little girl, Sarai, and recalls her performance.
She comments, "not bad on the saxophone. I enjoyed your selection," Belen says while drying her hands.
Sarai haughtily replies, "Thank you, but I don't recall asking for your opinion Miss."
Belen is stunned by her attitude and roughly says, "quite a mouth you got there, I'm impressed, kid."
"I'm not a kid, Miss. I have a family name," Sarai announces proudly.
Belen chuckles, "my my, what a head you got there. If you so desire respect, let me give you a piece of advice." She bends her knees to match Sarai's height, "treat your elders with respect. That is the only way you'll survive. Unfortunately, kid, you are too many years younger to demand my respect," she straightens her back.
Sarai walks away, but before she could exit the bathroom, "Hey, kid!" she turns to Belen's voice.
Belen gestures pointing down at the floor. Sarai looks at her with a confused expression. She immediately gasps, noticing toilet paper stuck to the heel of her black pearl shoes. Sarai embarrassingly tries to pull it off her shoes with the help of Belen when she steps at the end of the paper.
She looks up to see Belen's warm smile, "always look behind you, kid."
Sarai proudly stomps out of the bathroom, and stops once she's gone farther and places a hand on her heart as her lips curl up into a smile, "she's so cool," she gasps, blushing, "and beautiful."
It seems like Belen just made another fan instead of an enemy. As Belen made her way out of the bathroom, a pair of twin sisters bombard her to the entrances of the women's bathroom.
"Oh my gosh, Belen Astares! We were just talking about you!"
Belen merely raises the corner of her mouth, "you don't say~?" she says in a sarcastic tone.
The twins gasp, "oh god, no! Not in that manner!"
The other twin claims, "we were just talking about inviting you to our after-party," she winks.
She internally sighs, "I am honored to be personally invited by the Clinton twins," she stares at their stick-bony figures, they look so fragile that an accidental punch can break them. Even if Belen wanted to, it wouldn't matter since that'd just give the twins an excuse to get plastic surgery.
"Unfortunately I came with my sisters, and it's such short notice, I don't think we have the time. Maybe next year," Belen sweetly tries to walk away, but the twin's hostility darkens as they corner her into the entrance of the bathroom. Carefully making sure to let a little bit of space between the entrance to the male bathroom that is on their right.
Belen sense's their aggression when the Clinton twins continuously relay their fake sympathetic plans, "oh, please come, Belen~"
"If you'd like, you can come with us right now."
"PERFECT! I'm sure you can send your sisters home without you."
"I just had an idea!"
"Why don't we have the after party at your home, Belen?"
"Sis, that's soooo last minute, won't papa get mad?"
"Come on, Madeline, I'm sure Belen wouldn't mind, right" they maliciously smile as they closed in on Belen's personal space.
In that instant, Everest sweeps up from beside Belen, entangling his fingers with hers. He gently pulls her to his side, wearing a charming smile to smitten the twins, "Sorry ladies, I'm afraid Belen already has plans with me tonight," he handsomely winks at them.
The twins astonishingly step back, looking ghastly shocked but blushing at the sight of Everest's sweet words.
"You're that fiancé!"
"Everest Fox, sis!" one of the twins nudges the other.
"He's devilishly handsome, Belen. You got yourself a charming man," they comment with seducing eyes directed at Everest.
Belen couldn't help but twitch at the sight of these whores trying to go after Everest just because of his looks. She never thought about it, and looks at him, "he is good-looking?"
Everest meets her eyes with a smile making the shy Belen quickly smile back, "then, if you'll excuse us, ladies. We can't wait to get home, right Belen~" he warmly calls her name, making the twins heart thump.
Belen can't help but cringe and feel sick to her stomach by Everest's lip service, and nods, "…yes."
Everest and Belen both walked away, holding hands. From afar, they gave the illusion of a fantastic couple. It wasn't until they turned the corner did the two finally let out a sigh of relief.
That relief didn't last long because as soon as they turned another corner, Belen overhears Iris and Mabel's yelling. As she looked up, her eyes widen, "SHIT!" she spits out furiously at the sight of Mabel losing her composure and yelling at the top of her lungs, "GET THE FUCK OUT! LEAVE HER ALONE! GET OUT OF HERE!!!!" she shouts pushing Iris's date, Reuben out into the exit with such great force.
Before Belen could dash to their side, she overhears a crowd of steps nearing them. In a great panic, she turns to Everest, "Papparrazi!! Everest! Get security here!! HURRY!" she yells in a low demanding tone, scary enough to make Everest move on his feet.
Belen hurriedly dashes to stop the fight from furthering, that is until Mabel did one last push at Reuben. Suddenly they all hear a loud thud along with a shriek.
In that instant, Everest yells aloud, "BELEN!" while rushing to her side. They all look to their left to see Belen has fallen down the stairs.
As soon as Noah saw this, something came over him, and he madly charged into Rueben like an angry bull onto the floor. All hell broke loose, chaotic screaming and shouting were coming from Mabel and Iris as they did their best to pull Noah back. Instead, they got entangled when Reuben fought back. Everest was aiding Belen when he saw blood trailing from her nose, panic-stricken, "Belen, are you alright!? You're bleeding!!!" He shouts afraid of the large pool of blood streaming from her nose "I don't think you can get up!" but before he can stand up, he freezes when the flash of cameras swarm them like a beehive.
***
From afar, many who are still around began to follow the sound of the chaos when the little girl, Sarai, sneaks up beside her mother, who is part of the many spectators, "mother," she pulls on her dress.
The mother flinches at her daughter's voice, "Oh my! Sarai! You gave me a fright!" she hides her surprised smile behind her fan.
Sarai blankly asks, "mama, why did you do that?"
Her mother shockingly responds, "And what did I do dear?"
"You let those paparazzi in," she turns to look at her mother's nervous eyes.
Startled by her daughter's strong intuition, the mother merely hides behind an awkward laugh, "w-why? What makes you say that, my dear Sarai?"
Sarai only side-eyes her mother with a raised brow, "hmph! Now I know why only when father is around do you behave!" she haughtily walks away with her arms crossed.
The mother's jaw drops, speechless, "j-just who did that girl inherit such an attitude?" Her mouth unconsciously displays a proud smile, "my dear Sarai~ you'll be inherent of Jaden Incorporation…"