"One will always meet the ones they are trying to avoid the most more that they wish for. Face them if they ever come." My grandfather's anecdotes are becoming more like talismans now.
It was time for the annual gala for foreign business owners and corporate bodies. Socialising with the men, their bodies covered in different mixtures of perfuming after all the hand shakes and polite hugs and strong smell of alcohol was nauseating. I try as much as I can to avoid such parties but I couldn't miss this year's gala. It was time to meet the new faces who have just joined the business world and investors who are lurking trying to be inconspicuous while seeking the most promising ones.
With family connections l didn't have to be that cautious yet I had made the foundation for obstacles when I obstinately refused help. Not that I regret it. I have grown.
The evening dress the Alfred's picked was a low-key black gown. It has a low neckline with roses all round the off shoulder sleeves. Small sparkling diamonds form a heart shaped on the chest from the v- neckline t the burst closing at the diagram. There's a slit running down from above my knee down and a small trial at the back coupled with a small heart shaped diamond pendant and matching ear studs, my latest creation.
The couple had chosen a Hermes bag but I changed that to a purse from a small brand, a gift from a friend. Afterall, it was just a small gala.
I was unintentional late because the Alfred's as usual had decided irrespective of my persuasions and coaxing to follow me to the gala. When it was thirty minutes to the gala, we finally reached an agreement for only Mr. Alfred to drive me over. The man as if taunting me refused to speed up even if we were going to be late. I couldn't throw a fit because I knew they were worried about the previous accident. It was not until thirty minutes when almost every other person who wanted to had walked the red carpet that Mr Alfred finally pulled over and I was forced to walk it.
"Who is that?"
"Who's she?"
"What the..."
" How can she walk the red carpet after the chairperson had done so"
"All this rich second generations, always thinking highly of themselves."
"Keep it down, she's not just anybody"
"What if she is? She broke the rule."
"Yea, who doesn't know that the carpet is off limit after the organisers have walked it."
"She might be trying to show her prowess"
"She's the heir from China"
"What heir"
"Oh, I remember now. The one whose husband impregnated a native."
"So, that's her?"
I couldn't but hear since I was right in the middle. My pride got the better of me and I implored all the aura and charisma that I ould push out until their words turned to murmuring and murmurings to silence.
At the end of the carpet, I walked up the stage and signed my name. The host was too shocked to ask me for an introduction.
"Let the gala begin" this brought back all those who had zoned off.
Everyone sat down leaving only me who had just arrived. I stood by the podium looking out of place.
I saw a few raised hands, among them was An Qiao whose hand Desmond was trying to bring down, Mr. Kumar an Indian friend and three other people that might be acquaintances.
I took two steps forward and bumped into a thick wall, my nose hurts so much that I almost screamed.
"What the... Mo Jinsheng!"
"Hmm"
"How... Why are.."
"Why I'm I here? Just passing"
He reached out and I instinctively took a step back. He reach out and held me in place, rubbing my nose.
By then the murmurs had reached my ears.
"Who's that?"
"Who knows"
"He is so handsome"
"They look good together"
"What good? She is a divorcee"
What a night!
"Mo Jinsheng people are watching us"
"Hmm"
What does he mean by hmmm?
"Excuse me there" a very beautiful European lady with the perfect figure walked over.
I looked up at the Mo Jinsheng who kept his eyes on me. He must not have realised she was talking to him.
"Let's talk"
"Hello" I tried to be polite
"I mean him" I was like a slap on me.
"Oh, my husband doesn't talk to strangers"
She looked shocked and angry
"He's your husband?"
"Yes, we've been married for sometime now."
She didn't look convinced
I reached out for a Mo Jinsheng who looks stoic and pecked him on the lips.
I'll rather peck Mo Jinsheng and get into his bad books than allow a woman humiliate me in the presence of my man.. I mean husband.
Mo Jinsheng held me so close that I could almost not breathe. His eyes fixed on my lips. Fear and anticipation filled me simultaneously. A little closer and he'll take them.
She turned to leave.
He let go.
I felt... I can't remember the feeling.
Just when I thought all was over, An Qiao came over. Thankfully though or I might have to feel awkward.
"Mr Mo, it's been a while" she smiled sweetly
Mo Jinsheng didn't even look at her.
She stood there for a while not knowing wether to leave or stay.
"Mr. Mo I..."
"I don't talk to strangers"
He held my hand and dragged me, we were walking but I could hardly match his pace, towards the first table by the right. My name was coincidentally on that table along with Mo Jinsheng's
"Did grandma ask for this?"
"Hmmm"
As expected.
"I had something doing"
He should mean that he was just passing by like he had said earlier.
"Eat" he put some food on my plate which I reflexively ate.