"Ah, Mr Marshall, it's good to see you again. Congratulations on your engagement." A short robust man said as he shook Gabriel's hand.
Gabriel flashed a professional smile at the man.
"Thank you, Mr Brown. I'm delighted you could make it." He replied politely.
The robust man let out a heavy chuckle as he turned to his wife that stood beside him. "We couldn't miss this for the world. After all your father and I have been good friends for a long time."
"Of course, this is something we couldn't miss." His wife reaffirmed.
Gabriel could see her eyes were on him, checking him out, sizing him up in a rather indecent manner. She flicked her blonde hair away from her shoulders and finally looked up at Gabriel.
"Your fiancee is rather lucky if I may add." She cooed.
Gabriel chuckled lightly and smiled, the characteristic and professional smile.."Why, thank you."
"Speaking of fiancee," Mr Brown piped in.
"Where's the wife to be?"
"She's occupied entertaining visitors at the moment."
Mr Brown gave an understanding nod. "You both must have a lot of guest to attend to. Why don't we give you some space to greet the other guests?"
"Thank you sir."
Mr Brown gave him a light wave and walked away from him, hand in hand with his tall wife. Gabriel sighed to himself. The engagement party was here already. It came within a flash, before Gabriel could blink an eye, he was standing in the crowded hall, filled with extravagantly dressed people and fancy golden lights hung up on the high ceiling.
Waiters were spread out everywhere, trays in hand filled with glasses of expensive wine and hordevours. They scurried around the hall offering the guests wine and snacks.
He looked around, trying to find the next person that was going to congratulate him on his engagement. He unfortunately sighted his mother among the crowds of people. She stood tall and elegant in her stilettos that were so sharp, you could use them as a weapon. She looked young in her light make up, dangling diamond earrings that matched the necklace on her neck and handless gown she wore that hugged her slim curves tightly.
She was smiling slightly and chatting away with the CEO of Red Pint, a wine based company that had supplied wine to them for years. He looked at her side, expecting to see his father, but he was nowhere to be found, probably in his villa, lounging with a young girl.
"Hey."
Gabriel spun around and saw Selina, her glamorous features gracing his eyes. 'The perfect couple indeed.' He thought with a scoff.
"Seems like you're done greeting your guests."
Selina shrugged and linked her arms with his "Well, yeah more or less."
"I see."
They took a few steps forward when a young man walked over to greet them. "Gabriel! Or should I say, Mr Marshall?" The young man said and burst into a chuckle.
Gabriel couldn't help but chuckle too. "Selina, this is Steve, an old friend of mine, and Steve, this is my fiancee, Selina."
Steve stretched his hand out dramatically and took Selina's hand, kissing the surface, his light brown hair swaying as he did.
"Its nice to meet you too M'lady." He said and winked at her.
Gabriel broke Selina's hand away from Steve's and glared at him. Steve chuckled and raised his hands up in surrender. "What a jealous fiance we have here."
"You haven't changed one bit, flirting with every attractive woman you see."
Steve gave him repeated pats on the shoulder and grinned. "You know me too well."
They both laughed.
"Hows your new company going? Heard you opened up a new branch in Oklahoma."
"Yeah, business has been doing quite well. I even..."
Selina couldn't keep up with their conversation and zoned out. She looked around trying to distract herself, trying to find something interesting.
".....And come visit sometime. Ohma's been asking about you." Steve said.
Selina had zoned back and turned to look at them.
"Sure, I will."
They shook hands and Steve was off, wriggling through the crowd of people.
"Seems like the both of you are close. He's an old friend?" Selina asked as they walked forward slowly.
Gabriel looked down at her.."Are you suddenly interested in me? This is a contract marriage and you don't have to feel obligated to me or anything." His voice was as low as a whisper.
"Oh, don't get me wrong Mr Marshall, I'm just trying to make conversation here. I know you can't be bothered to tell me about it, but humor me this once, I'm bored as it is."
Gabriel gave her a thoughtful look and sighed. "Steve and I go way back, as you can tell. We've been friends since high school and for some reason, we've been friends till now."
"I see."
Selina swiped a glass of a tray from a passing waiter and gazed at the sparkling liquid.."And you're a good actor by the way Mr Marshall."
"What do you mean?"
"Earlier, you played the role of a lover so well when you acted jealous. I have to say, I was impressed. I don't think I'd be able to pull something off that well."
Gabriel scoffed and shrugged lightly. "It was nothing. Anything for the company."
Selina took a large gulp from the wine glass and nodded slowly. "Yeah, anything for the damn company." She muttered.
The line of men and women piling in to greet them were increasing by the minute. Gabriel couldn't feel his lips as it had gone numb from smiling to much. His hand had started to tingle from shaking sweaty hands. He gave Selina a quick glance and saw her forehead wet with a bit of perspiration. It seemed like she was just as tired as she was. Oh uh. He was getting nauseous again, the nauseating feeling he got each time he was around a large crowd. But he held it in. He had to look professional. Smile. Greet your guest. Don't look tired.
"Hello Mr Marshall." A voiced boomed from behind.
Gabriel felt Selina's grip on his arm tighten and turned to her. She was trembling. They both turned around and a loud shattering noise filled Gabriel's ears.