Quickly schooling her features into a dazzling smile, Maëlys waited with her brother Malik patiently until the wolves in sheep's clothing made their way off to enter the glamorous architecture.
Watching their backs as she and her brother made their way to the red carpet, she focused herself to look at the cameras flashing nonstop. To say she was nervous would be an understatement.
Though she was once a part of the Walker Empire family, she was never really invited to any events the rest of the family went to. When her mom died, her dad didn't go to events like these anymore. He usually sent his younger brother to represent himself and the family. After her father died it was like she became a stranger. Though she still had the house in her name, she couldn't live there. The maintenance was way too expensive for her to keep up. She was qualified but she was never hired for any high paying job she had ever applied for. Maëlys was now wondering if that had anything to do with her family. Specifically her grandmother.
Though she had her inheritance of almost everything her dad owned and his savings, she didn't have access to a penny of it. Not a dime. Her witch of a grandmother had told her, "Maëlys, your father had given me the authority to give you the inheritance when I think you're wise and strong enough to keep it without wasting a single penny. So I've set a test. If you can by any means save the capital to start a business of your own. One that is successful. I will grant you access to the inheritance. Any business will do." And with that she started looking for jobs with a resumé that would blow your mind yet she was turned down for every single one of them. Having no choice, she had to search for any job available and one as a cleaning lady was the first to accept her job request.
Stepping into the building, she couldn't help but marvel at the sight before her. Truly a spectacle. High ceilings with crystal chandeliers spaced out every few meters, beautiful paintings on the walls, shiny waxed floors. Circular dinner tables wrapped with white table cloths and decorated with wine glasses and utensils adorned the floor with a stage decorated with a stand set before them. Some tables already had their seats filled with the affluent guests invited.
"Are we at the same table?" Maëlys asked her brother.
"Mhmm." She couldn't help but roll her eyes at his response.
"Don't you know any other words? Most times I ask a question all I get is that response."
"Mhmm. I have other responses, but when it's not someone or something to do with business, I have no reason to actually open my mouth. So live with it. You've never complained before. Why now?"
"Because..."
"Because what? Hmm?" An eyebrow was cocked at this question. Maëlys let out a sigh.
"Because it's only beginning to annoy me now. Don't think about it too much." Making their way towards their seats, they joined the people already seated at the table. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen." The people who were speaking to each other all looked up at the newcomers.
"Maëlys, how are you? I haven't seen you for around three months. How are you?" an elderly woman who was in the seat beside her asked her in a strong voice unbecoming of her age. Her bright red lips spread into a wide smile at the sight of Maëlys while her arms were outstretched for a hug from her.
Maëlys racked her brain and finally recognized this woman as someone she had a good rapport with that would give her guidance and someone she see as her third grandmother. "Hi Isabel, yes it has been a long time. You know how it is. I've been busy recently. A lot of modeling and college and all those extra curricular activities. Takes up a lot of my time. I'm always tired these days. How are you?" moving in to give Isabel a tight hug as she would normally do, she pulled back and sat at the seat her brother pulled out for her while thanking him. "I've been doing fine dear. I hope you get enough time to sleep. That's very important. That's what kept me looking so young and fresh. You can get anything you want in life as long as you're beautiful, dear. Oh, also my grandson will be coming here tonight, you know the one I keep telling you about?"
"Yes I remember him. You're always saying how handsome he is and the likes. I hope he's as good as you keep boasting on about."
"Oh dont worry dear, I'm sure you'll absolutely love him. He's a total sweetheart. I cant wait to introduce you two."
"Don't get your hopes up too high. I'm not that easy to impress."
"Maëlys, hello." Looking up towards the direction of the voice that just spoke to her, Maëlys was speechless as she didn't expect to see that person here.
"Alexander, what are you doing here?"
"I thought this was an invite only charity?"
"Right."
"Oh! I can see you guys are already acquainted with each other! That's wonderful news. But let me formally introduce you two to each other. Maëlys, this is the Alexander I keep telling you about, my beloved grandson. Alexander, this is Maëlys, the beautiful specimen of a woman I keep telling you I want you to meet. She's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet in this lifetime. So... how did you two meet?"