Chapter Five
Natasha stood in front of the mirror, eyes holding so much anger and despair for those who hurt and caused her pain. She's dressed like the queen she portrays herself to be.
She looks stunning in her long, red open-slit dress, which accentuates her curves perfectly. With minimal makeup, her face features bold red lipstick, subtle eyeliner, and a touch of blush. Her hair is styled in a sleek updo, twisted into a bun with loose tendrils framing her face.
She is the definition of 'beauty in the eyes of a beholder'.
Memories of what happened the past few days occupied her mind but she shakes them off with a determined look to be presentable and show how strong of a woman she is
Strong arms wrapped around her waist, bringing her out of her thinking haze.
"You look stunning" his deep voice compliments. Her cheeks flushed with a blush.
Natasha's gaze met with the equally handsome Philip, looking tall, and sexy in his dark blue fitted suit. Their gaze never left the other and it only increased the tension in the air.
"Breathe, you'll be fine" he spoke so close to her ear, she felt her eyes wanting to roll back. His voice was deliciously soothing to her ears and she wanted to lean back on him as he says all manner of na-"
The knock on the door took her out of her hazy thoughts and she adjust herself properly so she was looking and feeling confident.
"You're already doing fine, just remember to breathe" he held his hand out for her and she takes his while they walk out of the room.
The place was packed with so many businessmen and they wives enjoying the party. The men talking about business and planning the next golf meeting. Some of the women, gathered in a corner looking at the dress of every other woman and talking about it.
Natasha's eyes met with one of them and she froze for a second. Remembering Philip's words, she took in deep breaths, smiled and looked away with her head held high.
As if her outfit held magnet, many looked at her as she walked hand-in-hand with Philip.
Some had admiring looks, "Damn, is she hot"
Some jealous, "I wonder how someone could look this good in that kind of clothe"
Some wanting to know the cost so they could compare to their last season dress. "I am sure she got it from a thrift store, definitely not up to my last summer outfit"
Natasha felt nervous deep inside but she didn't know where this newfound boldness came from. She smiled and greeted some as they walked and would occasionally get comforting squeezes from Philp which helped a lot.
"Hello, testing" everyone's attention was given to the man on the stage, holding a microphone and a small card in his hand "If I can get everyone's attention" he glared at a man who was trying to make trouble with a passing waiter after drinking so much from another waiter's tray.
"As we all know, I am Fredrick Hansel host of this beautiful event and owner of Hansel Global Hotels and Suite." Everyone clapped in acknowledgment and he smiles brightly at them.
"I want to personally thank all of you great businessmen and lovely women for not failing to come to my aid when I organize events like this. It's a great honor to have you here, thank you" he bows and the room erupts with more applauds and shouts.
"Okay, okay, this is to kickoff the event and make some announcement. Now, I know no one is expecting this kind of news I bring you all. May I announce to you all, the engagement of Philip Reymond of Raymond Oil group and his lovely wife-to-be, Natasha Allen" he spoke loudly to the microphone and a huge spotlight was centered on the couple.
"Remember to breathe" he whispered in her ear and smiled as people turned to them while moving back to make a big circle for them with hands applauding their union.
Natasha smiled and waves to those who waved and blew kisses their way. She could still hear a few words being said about her and their union.
"Wow, what a catch. She's lucky to get him before I did" one jealously looked at her.
Proudly looking at the ladies talking about her, she tips on her toe and kissed Philp on the cheek which surprised him but he recovers immediately.
After they were all congratulated and everyone went back to enjoying the party. The couple walked to the bar to get something to drink.
"We did pretty well today, I think people are buying to it already" he hands her a cocktail drink.
"I guess." She shrugged and watched the party unfold. "How long are we going to keep this façade going?" she asked.
He looked at her then away from her. "When we get what we want out of it" he said. He saw his ex and her fiancé walking in their direction, his heart skipped a beat and he wondered what he could do to have her jealous or evoke some emotions from her.
Grabbing Natasha by the waist, he collected her drink from her and put it on the counter then brought her closer to himself and crashed his lips against hers, surprising her.
Natasha was taken back by his prompt reaction but gave in to his kisses. They were hot and demanding like they were seeking something she could give and she hope it was enough.
Her hands circled around his neck, drawing closer to him and letting her lips duel with his.
A cough from behind interrupts them and they pulled away to see who it was.
Standing there was Tony and Rose looking at the both of them with smiles that didn't reach their eyes.
"Good evening" Rose smiled in Philip's direction and sends a glare in Natasha's way. Natasha felt satisfied that they saw her with Philip in that way. It made her feel swell.
The next words from Rose's lips brought confusion and doubts to her face.
"Congratulations, I see yo
u found yourself a new candy, Philip"