Ch-14
Luciana didn't like these socialite banquets. She tried her best to skip it but failed miserably.
Uff… this was going to be tough. The crowd, the chatter, the clinking glasses, the fake laughter, the exaggerated actions, animated talks, the fake flattering, photo snaps…. These things were making Luciana feel stuffy.
And just then she heard it was time for her to get on to the stage to play the piano. If not for the handsome pay… she would have not come here. Right after the performance, she shall leave this fake, suffocating, stuffy, horrible place.
She remembered the words of a wise man, "Have a single drink of alcohol and boost your confidence," She shall do that.
Walking towards the drinking area she took a glass of wine and gulped it in a single go. Placing the glass on the counter, she turned around only to bump into someone. Due to the sudden bump, her leg twisted making her lose balance.
[God! Goodbye, my face!] she said to herself as she closed her eyes.
Just then two strong arms snaked around her waist and were pulled towards a hard chest making her head bump into his chest. The strong scent of musky mint mixed with cinnamon made her feel drunk. Looks like the wine she took paled compared to this man's hot scent.
Man, the moment made her want this man. So muscular and his strong scent. But… forget it. She's broke now. She can only think of dating when she's free from debt and tensions.
"Thank you," she said as she came out of her trance after stabilizing herself.
Lifting her gaze, she was shocked by this arrogant man!
[Jesus! This can't be!] she screamed in her mind.
[It is! First, make some distance! It's a sin to be close to him!] her inner self said to her.
As if a bucket of cold water were poured on her, she moved away as if his touch burned her. Turning around, she walked away, but not without dropping a disgusted look at him.
Oscar: "..."
[I did nothing.] he said to himself.
[Bro… let's get things straight. Stop her. How dare she throw a disgusting look at us?!] his inner self stroked his ego.
[Point!] he thought.
Before he could stop her, he saw her entering the stage and settling herself on the stool in front of the piano.
Oscar could see her pose and stance were like a professional piano player. Looks like a possible rising star in the piano world if she was given resources.
[Oscar! Remember! She threw a disgusted look at you! And even if it's her fault! She made you pay the damages and even made you buy a bike. Do you think she would be willing to join your company? And from the earlier situation… she doesn't even want you near her! You are being wilful with your thinking.] his inner self bashed him again.
Oscar has to say his inner self cannot be any more correct.
First, he needs to know what made her look at him disgustedly.
Second, how did he even become an opening performer in the annual day banquet of Bernadetta Groups?
[Stick to them!] his inner self warned him to make sure.
Oscar nodded to himself.
Earlier when he saw her near the bar counter, he was shocked. How could she be here? He doesn't want this gold digger in his function. Who knows if she's a seducer too?
Oscar doesn't want a scandal about his banquet in tomorrow's news headline. He had no patience to deal with them.
Just because it's the banquet of Bernadetta… almost all the news agencies were here to catch first-hand news, photos, and things that were found at this banquet.
The banquets held by Bernadetta were no less than the Hollywood events. They can be compared to the met gala, Cannes, etc.,
Actors, businessmen, singers, politicians, and every high-profile person would come. Not only the high profile but even the low profile ones. People would spend thousands, millions to buy an invitation for this. Few people prepare dresses, gold jewellery, and many things in advance just to attend the annual banquet.
And a woman like Luciana… wasn't a fit here.
How did she even get an invitation to enter this place?
Wasn't she a poor woman?
And… there's no way she could have an invitation. After all, she was no longer an employee in Bernadetta groups.
Did she do something?
Maybe she did.
He won't be surprised if she has done anything.
She was a gold digger after all.
When he reached, she turned suddenly and bumped into him.
Due to the sudden impact, she lost her footing and almost fell to the ground. In a reflex, he caught her by the waist and securely wrapped his hands around her pulling her closer to him.
The smell of strawberries mixed with jasmine made him feel like he was in heaven. Just then her voice reached his ears. He found himself leaning forward and smelling her more. But just then she peeled herself from him and walked away throwing a disgusted glare.
He was shocked, surprised, and disappointed.
Surprised when she peeled herself from him. Every woman throws herself on him. And she peeled herself. Shocked at her disgusted glare at him.
Disappointed... for missing her softness.
—--
*tong*
He continued to look at her after hearing the piano song. He was surprised at the choice of the song she chose.
She was singing flourishing and longevity songs. Many people would choose the top one trending song all these years but now… she chose this. He wasn't saying he disliked this. But… he was impressed.
Uff.. the irony. See… at this point he even got impressed by a gold-digging selfish woman. His taste is dropping.
Or was it because he's finding her beautiful because he hasn't been with a woman for days?
Maybe that's the problem.
He shall bed a woman tonight at least.
He got out of his thoughts hearing her song. As the melodious music danced in the air controlled by her slender fingers, he lost his senses as he drowned in the pool of music. Every nerve of his started feeling the music she was playing.
It was his first time getting so connected with the song. All because of her.
Wait.. no.. probably the song was a good one.
That's the only possible explanation.
But the thing is… not only him but everyone out there was enjoying the song to the core. It's a slow song…yet not boring but soothing as it caressed their souls gently making them feel relaxed.
When the song ended… Everyone couldn't help but applaud her with a big smile on their faces.
Even Oscar clapped for her.
But… There was someone who squint their eyes at Oscar's action, which was left unnoticed by the rest.