Ethan leaned backwards and stared on as his worker made a presentation. She pointed at the projector every now and then and made sure to look at her boss to drive home a point.
When she was done, everyone held their breath in anticipation of what the boss would say. They sincerely hoped that he would be pleased with the work Olivia Morgan had put in so much effort to do. She always tried to please him, in whatever way she can.
She blinked nervously and waited for Ethan to say something.
Ethan, on the other hand sat limply, thoroughly scrutinizing the project discussion.
"It is good, Olivia." He finally said.
A big smile broke on Olivia's face as she curtsied and said "Thank you sir,"
The others applauded and Ethan made a brief speech before leaving the large room like a king, with his personal assistant behind him.
It was some minutes past four and Ethan, done with the day's work, walked to the garage. "Sir," He heard a tiny voice say behind him, it was almost as if the speaker was scared of him.
He turned to see Olivia Morgan, the talented artist who had just recently begun to work in one of his companies. He stared at her quizzically, She had brown curly hair that nearly covered a part of her lined eyes. Her cheeks were rosy, just like Victoria's or maybe they're not. Girls do a lot of cosmetic these days, he looked at her shoes and back at her face.
"May I help you?"
"Uh, I... I just want to let you know that I won't disappoint you. I want to be like you in the nearest future and want the best for this company," she drawled, keeping her meekest facial expression.
Ethan thought she looked funny. He nodded like an Alien and pressed the remote to his car. He drove out of the garage without a second glance at her.
Olivia frowned and mused "What's up with him?"
Ethan on the other hand drove slowly, relishing the evening. He thought back to what Olivia said and smirked. If only she knew how pathetic his life was, she would not even think of becoming like him. He is like a living dead, with human body and a dead soul.
************
The clock chimed loudly when 6pm struck. Lora stared at the letter in front of her, on the table. Emma had still not come and it was getting a bit dark.
"There you are," Emma's voice startled Lora and she fidgeted.
"Gracious God! You startled me!"
"Sorry about that," Emma grinned, not feeling sorry at all
"You alright? You were lost in thoughts when I arrived."
"I'm perfect as always, hun." Lora flashed a tight smile.
"So, why have you make me come all the way here?"
"Yes, that is the most important thing right now. Here," She pushed the letter on the table to Emma, who stared at it and back at Lora.
"Remove the seal and read it," Emma did just as she had been told and read the content in seconds.
"Congrats Lora, Your entire family has been invited to the prestigious Art Exhibition Gala mask party. This is going to be one big party,"
"Yes, and I want you to come with me," Lora deadpanned.
"Wait, what?" Emma said almost immediately "Is that even possible? It's meant only for the elites."
"That's where you got it wrong, sweets. My daddy says one person can tag alone with any elite family if they want," Lora explained to a bewildered Emma.
Emma refrained herself from squealing for joy at the news. She held Lora's hands, tears welling in her eyes at the opportunity to see the Renowned artists of all times.
"I can't thank you enough, Lora. I feel like screaming," She laughed amidst the little tear that dripped through the corner of her eye. She found it hard to believe that she would be privileged to go into the Art Exhibition Hall and party with Elites.
"And that's not all, Emma." Lora grinned "Anyone is allowed to participate in the Art exhibition exercise if they want. The slot is available for 30 lucky persons. The earlier you arrive at the scene to get a slot, the better. But you don't have to worry about that, I already told my father to make one available. The winner goes home, thousands of dollars richer, as accustomed," Emma enfolded her best friend in a bear hug before she was done.
She felt hope, once again.
**************
Days flew and it was finally the day of the Charity Gala night.
Emma counted the days as they passed like a child, her excitement knew no bounds.
It was 6pm, Emma stood under the dim light, in the middle of her room which looked like a mess, due to her search for a perfect dress for the event, when someone knocked on her door.
She sighed and wiped off the sweat above her brows, it was a dispatch rider.
"Your order, ma'am," He stretched a big white box toward a puzzled Emma.
"I didn't order anything," She furrowed her brows.
"As sent by Ms Lora Brandson," He added and brought a sheet showing that Lora had ordered for the package.
Emma collected it and the dispatch rider went on his way. She knelt after settling the big box on the floor and carefully opened it.
In it, lay a perfect black sequin gown. It was almost wild, it's sharp designs making it bold and beautiful.
Emma gasped slightly and covered her lips while her eyes welled with tears.
She fumbled for her phone and made an appreciative call to her best friend for always showing up when she needs her most. Lora dismissed it with a carefree giggle and said the chaffeur would be there to pick her in an hour.
Soon, Emma was behind the wheel in the Jeep that was sent for her, her paintings beside her and her heart in her hands.