Chapter 3 HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Sparkling lights glimmer throughout the busy street of Singapore's most luxurious event of the year, The Grand Ball only for the rich and famous. Flashes from cameras everywhere, from paparazzi to enthusiasts trying to capture their favorite celebrities ambling on the red carpet with their sophisticated and elegant dresses, waving at the crowd like royalties, all while masquerading unnatural smiles for the naive public.

The screaming mob surprised the whole area when two men climbed down from a Rolls-Royce Phantom, the biggest roller only the fortunate can buy, shining from all the flashing lights surrounding it.

The son of the CEO of Crown Jewels, one of the largest jewelry creators in the world and number one in entire Singapore, the 29-year-old Darren who is second in command to his father as the President, strolled down the grand carpet dazzling like a prince like those in fairytales. All smiles for the camera, he waved at the screaming ladies with playful laughter, enough to make the women go crazy. Walking beside him is the fashion designer known for his mystifying beauty and charm which celebrities, especially females envy, Christian.

Not from a prominent background but popular among the wealthiest of the wealthy. Christian, the same age as Darren, made a name for himself with his incredible designs which can be compared to the top designers such as Chanel or Armani. But, his name was acknowledged worldwide when he designed the wedding gown of a royal couple which made his whole career blossom even more.

People screamed their names and the two who stopped in the middle of the runway, posing for the cameras, glanced at each other and giggled, exchanging words with their eyes only they can understand. Security was surrounding them as they started to walk towards the stadium and both quickly with their feet moved along like flash enough to reach their designated waiting area within seconds.

Both entered the same room and reasoned with the staff that they had something important to discuss, ordering both the guards and personnel to not disturb them until he asks them to since plenty of time was still available before the party started, which they politely obliged. The moment Darren locked the door, his body language changed, eyes became vicious like that of a lion as if ready to catch his prey who was behind him, and the other who instantly sensed the danger, sexily giggled which made the hungry creature turn his head for him. Darren bit his lips as soon as he saw the other's alluring stare, scanned his prey's exterior from toes to the chest in thought what to devour first while the target, teased the eager one by slowly walking backward, pretending to run away from his fierce predator.

"Daddy's hungry. Would you mind feeding me?"

Said the titillated one while removing his coat, then unbuttoning his shirt, slowly walking towards his victim.

"What do you want to eat first?"

Teased the playful man, already sitting on the couch waiting for his captor to come around and strip him down to nothing. By the time Darren reached for him, his clothes were already scattered on the floor, showing off his muscular physique which made his lover more excited, stroking his body way down to where his hard toy is located while looking seductively at each other.

Breathing heavily while Christian is fondling him, he pulled the man up which made the other gasp, and landed those sweet lips with a passionate but harsh kiss while slowly peeling away the man's upper garments.

Then, the other abruptly broke away from the kiss and whispered something to his lover's ears.

"Baby, what if someone hears us? Can't you wait until we're home?"

Questioned Christian who continued to lay kisses on his lover's neck.

"Don't be too loud. We'll be quick I promise."

"If it's too good, what if I can't control it?"

"Then by tomorrow, anticipate for our faces to be on the front page."

Darren chuckled but Christian's face all of a sudden turned serious.

"But what if one day they find out about us? Would you stay with me?"

The kissing halted and the questioning man instantly understood why. He already knew the answer to that matter but for some reason, still decided to implore hoping for the response to change, but, left embarrassed again instead. His lover stared at him in a dissatisfied manner and he just looked down then simply deliver a pessimistic smile.

"I know, Darren. I'm sorry for asking."

"Baby, we already talked about that."

"Yes, and I'm sorry. I won't ask again."

The unhappy face of Christian brought dismay to Darren's face and quickly let go of his lover's still body, which eyes were still attached to the floor. Christian did the same, withdrew his hand from Darren, and slowly pulled up his sleeves without looking up or uttering anything. The disappointed one who was just staring at his lover with hurting eyes just heaved a deep sigh not knowing what else to tell him except for another sorry.

"Chris."

But he, who is tired of hearing it, looked at Darren and interrupted him with a forced smile, squeezing his hand gently.

"It's okay, baby. I really should get used to it. I'm sorry for making this hard for you. Put on your clothes. Time for us to go out."

Christian drifted his eyes away and let go of his lover's hand but Darren quickly catches his arm, not wanting another misunderstanding.

"Chris, it's not like that."

"Darren, I know. It's better this way anyway. Just know that I love you."

Hearing the man say how much he loves him made Darren's heart ail for a moment. Firstly because for the past three months, he had been cheating on him with a woman, and secondly, he knows how much their lives and careers will be at risk if their relationship comes out. He is in love with him, yes, but, Darren doesn't see a future for them especially because they are both men and the rest of the world is not as open-minded as their mentalities are.

Christian noticed that Darren suddenly was not himself and didn't wait for him to answer back so he gently took away his arm from Darren's grip and grabbed his coat from the floor.

"I'll wait for you outside, okay?"

The night went on as usual for the two of them, conversing with top stars here and there, bragging off how much fortune everyone has and just all about riches and fame Christian struggles to get used to. Darren on the other hand was effortlessly confident to show off his fortune as the others for it is all he has ever known since childhood. Unlike Darren though, he had to work hard to get to where he is now.

Nine years ago, he was just a nobody trying to make it to the fashion industry which was his dream since he was a kid. He loves to draw and knew he wanted to become a designer thanks to his mother who showed him and taught him to make his first piece out of old pristine drapes. Bringing to life his sketches made him feel a sense of fulfillment and joy he knew he can never find at anything else. A pencil and a piece of paper were enough for him but as he grows older, he wanted to evolve to something much greater and so decided to do something to achieve it.

He worked several jobs to have the money for the fashion course he so wanted to take and sent them an email some of his designs which fortunately became his ticket to becoming a scholar at one of the top universities in Singapore. Since he has saved money from working, he didn't need to ask his mother for it and instead urges her to just save it, promising her a better life when he becomes successful. Unfortunately, his mother didn't get the chance to witness him coming to be the person he promised her he would be for she passed away two months after he moved out. He was devastated but he has a promise to keep and so continued his journey with great focus and determination, all for his mother.

Two years into the University, he would meet the man whom he will fall head over heels for.

Darren, the typical "most popular guy in school" type who was taking a management course, captured his eyes when he saw him walking along the packed path of the school entrance wearing only a simple smile which the man found attractive.

TO BE CONTINUED..