ETHAN
The day had finally come. The launching of empire suites hotel, Florida and as usual, the hall was packed. My dad was best in inviting the whole world to minor branch lunching. The paparazzi took pictures of the guest coming in, their cameras flashing every second like it was some red carpet event. The event planner girl had done a good job on this one because the hall was outstandingly beautiful, decorated with the colors my father picked, gold and white. The hall and the people in it reeked of luxury.
I moved to greet my dad when I saw him from a distance. He was with Zoe and she wore a smile when she saw me approach. She looked neat in her royal blue dress while my father wore a three-piece suit on.
"Hello Ethan" Zoe smiled at me.
"Hey." I managed to say. "Welcome Dad"
"Thank you son, the place is nice"
"Thank you Dad"
"You are really making me proud, Just that...."
"Dad let's go, we'll be called to sit soon" I interrupted him, knowing exactly what he'd say next.
The ceremony started and my dad continued signalling me to go introduce Zoe as my wife, threatening to do it himself if I don't. I shoved it off till it was time for my speech, I climbed the stage and made my welcome speech. He wanted to embarrass me tonight but I had other plans. At the end of the speech, I introduced my 'wife'.
"I'd like to introduce my wife to you all". My voice boomed across the hall, as everywhere went silent. Looking around the hall, I saw Zoe smile proudly, waiting for her name to be announced.
I saw eagerness on guest's faces. "Meet my wife," Zoe stood up.
"Luna Suarez." The guest applauded as Luna walked into the hall from behind, opposite where I was standing. She was dressed in an elegant flowing silk dress, escorted by two guards. She looked gorgeous. Zoe stood in shock and embarrassment. My father stared at me in utter shock.
***
"We've been married for a while now, we decided not to have a public wedding. " I managed to continue my speech amidst the crowd's strong whispers. "While celebrating this new achievement, I decided to make it known to you all that I'm married." Some of the guests clapped as I ended my speech, while some stared at Luna, admiring her beauty, as we walked to the table in the middle of the hall reserved for the family. Zoe stormed out of the hall with a crimson face. I didn't care a bit. I felt satisfied.
"Good evening sir." Luna greeted my dad
"Evening my dear." He smiled at her in admiration. It was obvious he already liked her. "I never knew my son had such a good taste."
"Thank you sir. " Luna smiled.
"You're welcome" He turned to me, "Son, you owe me an explanation."
"I don't dad, you asked me to introduce my wife to you and I did. "
"But you never told me you were married all these while, and I kept Zoe's hopes up.
"I didn't ask you to help me, if I had feelings for her I'd tell her myself. "
"You should have told her you were married"
"I never said I loved her, she kept throwing herself at me, she should have seen the signs, never knew she was that dumb. "
My father cleared his throat. " Let's focus on the event."
Luna and my father quickly got along, they talked and laughed as though they were age long friends.
"Where have you been, I didn't notice when you left". My father asked Zoe as she entered.She felt disappointed.
"I needed to use the restroom."
"Okay."
My father continued trying to entertain both ladies, but Zoe wasn't feeling the occasion anymore but she pretended to be okay, she kept staring at Luna at given intervals.
The launching ceremony came to an end and the guests started leaving, some stayed back to welcome Luna into the family. While they were welcoming her, I kept an eye on her to avoid any bad incident whatsoever.
Lucas also came over and said hi to Luna.
They
" Thank you" she waved. Her phone vibrated in her purse, she brought out the phone but it seemed the call ended before she could pick up.
"Jeez, how can I forget to call her." She whispered under her breath but I heard as I walked up to her close to the table. I was done talking to guests and was ready to leave.
"Urhm, Ethan?"
"Yes?"
"I'd like to use the restroom."
" Alright." I searched around for a worker and spotted a female one.
"Hey, come here". The lady quickly came.
"Good evening sir." She bowed.
"Show her to the restroom."
"Okay sir." She bowed and spoke to Luna.
" This way ma'am"
Luna followed her.
After all the guests left, my father and I, Luna, and Zoe were left in the hotel with the workers. I and Luna were about retiring to our separate rooms when Zoe stopped us.
"I thought couples are supposed to sleep in the same room?"
" That's none of your business" I knew exactly what she was insinuating.
"I know, but why do I feel like you're faking it?"
"Same way you're faking happiness, let's go"
I pulled Luna by the hand along to my room, Luna stared at me in a confused way as I held her hand. Zoe chuckled as she watched us climb the stairs.
On getting to my room, Luna finally spoke.
"Don't hold me in that manner." I released my grip on her.
"Neither do I want to hold you." Seeing Zoe made me pissed. Luna scoffed.
"You and I are not going to sleep in the same room are we?"
"You must be sick to think that I'll let you sleep in my room, get back to your room, the acting is over."
"How am I supposed to find the way to my room?"
"Suit yourself" I walked to the wardrobe and took a pair of pyjamas. "I want to change."
"Grumpy." Luna muttered.
" Pardon?" I dropped the clothes in my hands on the bed.
"I said, good night husband." She teased and hurried out of the room.
"Nosy." I spoke to myself. I was already tired from everything.
I laid on my bed, drifting off to sleep.