"Liana we are here "Joy's voice sounded.
Liana who was still angry about attending such an occasion sat up.
"Remember to smile when you meet him and please don't drink too much, " Joy said.
Liana pulled up her dress stepping out of the car, "Yes mom I won't " she said giving her friend a lame smile.
Joy chuckled and waved her goodbye, "We will pick you up by eleven," she said.
Liana took deep breaths before walking inside. The smooth music, black suits, and different gowns filled the room. Scanning the room Liana noticed her target and started moving toward him.
She wanted to get it done so she could early.
"Miss Arkness " a voice stopped her. Liana stopped turning to where the familiar voice came from and scowled. It was one of her ex-boyfriend.
"Why is he here, are my exes ganging up on me?First William now this fool " she muttered under her breath as she pulled one of her charming smiles.
"Jonathan " she exclaimed.
"I never thought I would ever see you attend such gatherings," he said as his eyes moved over her body.
Liana always shone in anything she wore. Tonight she had opted for a half-emerald green dress with her red hair tied into a side bun. The dangling earrings made her skin glow and her makeup was light making her look natural but beautiful .She smiled back at Jonathan.
" I don't intend to stay long, so excuse me will I attend to the business that bought me here," she said walking away. she didn't look back but knew her attitude had pissed him off. Liana didn't care, he wasn't important right now.
"Excuse Mr. Loule, "she said
Mr.Loule turned from his guests to her, a smile broke on his face instantly. " You came," he said hugging her.
"I could not refuse such an offer," she said.
He smiled turning back to his guests, "Gentlemen meet the future " he said pointing at her.
The men all laughed smiling and greeting her.
"Is she the famous cosmetic producer in the country " one said.
"Ohh, now I know where I saw her. Her pictures are all over the city " the other laughed.
"Am pleased to be noticed by such well-known figures " she laughed.
"Am going to sponsor her next product launch, that they I invited her here. I want you all to support her " Mr.Loule said.
"Of course, we will. Such young talents need to be supported to benefit our country " they said.
Liana smiled thanking them for their generosity. After a few glasses of wine, they excused themselves with Mr.Loule.
He led her lounge area where they signed the contract. "Am sorry for having invited you here, I know it's not favorable for such a meeting but it was last minute, my friends what to meet me before I leave tomorrow" he said.
"It's alright, we are glad you gave us such a chance to partner with you," she said.
"Please enjoy yourself, I will be going back to my guests," he said walking out.
Liana nodded and after she placed back the documents she walked out too.
"Now I can leave, those old bastards made me drink so much, my tummy aches " she mumbled.
"Leaving already?" Jonathan's voice stopped her.
"This fool still bothering me " she breathed ignoring him
"Yes, my business is done," she said and walked off.
Noticing her still walking off he followed her, "You're still a bitch, even after we broke up I thought you would change but it seems your still the same whore as always " he shouted behind her.
Liana stopped, "Jonathan, I think you forgot that you have no right over me anymore so I can do as I please "
"By sleeping with other men, he old enough to be your father. But I guess you don't care cause he will help you achieve your goals. You didnt change at all Liana" he barked.
Some guests noticed the noise and moved closer.
Liana didn't want to cause trouble at such a place, especially where she had just been invited by her new sponsor.
"You can say all you want Jonathan and I will still not care about it. Cause we both know who the whore is among us two " She smirked.
"You bitch, how dare you " Jonathan spat out the words as he jerked forward with his hand raised.
Surprised Liana moved aside and Jonathan being drunk stumbled falling flat.
She chuckled looking down at him, "I think you drank more than you can handle " said Liana.
They could hear the giggles coming from other guests. Jonathan feeling embarrassed sprang up in anger grabbing Liana's hand.
"Let's go right now you asshole " she blurted out trying to pull away but his grip tighten.
"I never showed you my rough side while we dated 'cause I loved you but I guess it's time I teach you some manners," he said raising his hand to hit her.
The sound of slap sounded across the room and everyone turned to where it came from.
Silence after it sound but then another was heard and another.
Liana who had closed her eyes waiting for the slap opened them to see Xavier hold Jonathan's hand and slap him instead.
"Xavier " she muttered. He ignored her and slapped Jonathan again and again till he dropped balance and collapsed to the floor.
"Mr.Gorkn, what is going on here?" Liana noticed Mr.Loule appear next to Xavier.
Xavier turned to him with a frown on his face, "I think he should leave " he calmly said.
The host nodded and motioned two waiters to help Jonathan up. They dragged him out, Liana noticed the gazes on Xavier as he chatted with Mr.Loule.
"Am sorry about that Mr.Gorkn I didn't know he was such a person. I apologize " she heard him say.
Xavier turned to Liana, "I think you should apologize to her instead " he said.
She flinched turning to her new partner.
"Miss Gorkn, am sorry about what happened, I hope you are okay," he said politely holding her hand.
She smiled embarrassed, "It wasn't a big deal, he was just drunk but am alright thanks to Mr.Gorkn "
"I didn't know you two knew each other, but am glad nothing happened to you," he said rubbing her hand.
Xavier moved closer to her and gently moved his hand from Mr.Loule's grip.
"Please excuse us, Mr.Loule "Xavier lead Liana away.
The guests had dispersed and the music was back on.
Liana followed Xavier to his table, he sat next to her and gazed at her.
" If it wasn't for your voice and hair, I would have thought it was someone else," she said looking back at him.
"Why is that?" he asked motioning a waiter over.
"Your eyes are different " she pointed out.
The waiter arrived, "Get me some ice cubes and a cloth" he said. The waiter nodded and left.
He didn't answer and waited for the waiter. He wrapped the ice cubes into the cloth and gently placed it on her hand which Jonathan had grabbed.
It had swollen but Liana was too fixed on Xavier to notice. She wondered why he looked a little different from who she knew.
"Stop staring lustfully at me Liana," he said.
"I can't help it, you looked so cool saving me it made my heart flutter " she smiled.