Chapter 3 The designs of the venue

Chapter 3

The driver opened the car and at the same time I felt nervous. I don't think I can rest until our event is over. Why did I go? I think I regretted my decision several times.

I walked down the red carpet, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The elaborate event was a far cry from my usual surroundings, and the elegant crowd made me feel like a fish out of water. As I took each careful step in my heels, my mind was a swirl of thoughts about whether I truly belonged here.

The designs of the venue are mesmerizing as if I was inside a luxurious palace. Several eyes were also looking in my direction which disturbed my mind. Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing? Why are they looking at me?

Suddenly my foot tripped on the edge of the carpet. My heart seemed to dance in fear as I was about to fall but before I fell to the floor a strong hand suddenly appeared to hold me. My eyes widened when my gaze met the man who saved me from falling.

He held me firmly and I felt his grip on my waist. "Are you all right?"

His low voice makes my knees tremble. His voice is so deep!

"O-o, thanks. I-I'm fine." I answered and my face felt red.

I thought it was an angel who became a human and then I was picked up. It's okay with me if you pick him up. I suddenly slapped my cheek. Why am I thinking like this?

I think he was surprised by what I did but it was only for a few seconds and he laughed softly.

"S-sorry, there's a mosquito." I want to fuck myself. What reason is that?

He steady me completely because he was still holding my waist so I blushed even more.

He smiled at me. "It's quite the glamorous maze, isn't it? Takes a bit of getting used to."

Gradually, the shame I feel is disappearing as I calm myself down, I think I am more reassured by what the man said. "Definitely a change from my usual routine," I admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Well, you're not alone," he chuckled softly. "Shall we navigate this maze together?"

My embarrassment began to fade as his presence eased my nerves. I realized he was just a person, after all, and I wasn't the only one feeling out of place.

I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his offer. I nodded, grateful for his unexpected kindness.

As we walked side by side, I couldn't help but steal glances at him, I knew this man was rich based on his clothes. It is very muscular and I can see the hidden muscles inside the clothes it is wearing. I blushed at the thought. Why do I worry about such things? After an hour I will leave. I'm just curious about our event and nothing else.

The man and I parted ways earlier because I think several women approached him and introduced themselves, but for reasons unknown to me, when our eyes met, he felt as if a thorn had been pulled out.

I only smiled at him when he approached my destination several times but some women would also pull him and talk to him.

I noticed the waiter approaching my direction and carrying glasses full of wine, so I took them and gulped them down immediately. It's up to them to look, I don't have time to be elegant.

All of a sudden, the lights on a large stage changed. The whole room was silent, and someone walked towards it. I tried to see through the crowd, feeling curious. I placed my glasses of wine on the table and focused my gaze on the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, and potential supporters, welcome to an evening of unexpected discoveries and building relationships." The people stopped what they were doing and looked at the man on stage.

"Tonight, we're here not just to celebrate wealth but to cherish the value of connections that go beyond limits. Our matchmaking service is dedicated to uniting individuals in search of genuine companionship. Our goal is to create a space where people can form meaningful bonds that enhance their lives. Through thoughtfully chosen matches, we aim to connect those who have enjoyed life's comforts with those who have aspirations yet to be fulfilled."

My heart raced as the speaker's words resonated within me. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I exchanged bewildered glances with a fellow guest.

I thought. They aim to pair people. Is it too generous for the supporter, or does it have more profound intentions behind it?

I immediately realized what was happening around earlier. Some men and women were talking and as far as I could hear they were just new acquaintances. And what I also noticed the most is that most of the time here are rich old people, I can only count on my fingers the ones like the man earlier.

So does the woman seem aggressive to introduce herself here? Because they pull the men they trick that I didn't know at first what their purpose was for doing that.

Wait, if I'm not mistaken, I heard about this event from my classmates and they even have a website. I didn't pay attention to it because I don't care about such things.

My thoughts were interrupted when I saw an old man approaching in my direction.

Just by its stance, I can say that it is arrogant. "Ah, my dear, you possess a rare charm," the man said, his eyes assessing me with a predatory gleam. "How would you like to be taken care of? I can offer you a life of luxury you've only dreamed of, my dear sugarcane."

My eyes widened at the audacity of his proposal. I felt my cheeks flush with anger, and I tightened my grip on the wine glass.

"Thank you, sir, but I am not interested in such an arrangement," I replied firmly, my voice laced with a mixture of courage and discomfort.

The old man's face contorted with anger, his tone turning harsh. "You foolish girl! Do you know who I am? You're nothing but a penniless brat. You should be grateful for this opportunity!"

My heart raced, my resolve tested by the man's aggressive response. Just as my discomfort began to escalate, a strong presence materialized at my side. I can't help but to turn my gaze to it.

"She is not interested, and her choice deserves respect," His voice rang out, his tone authoritative and unwavering.

The old man's expression changed from anger to shock. "Mr. Montgomery, I... I had no idea."

"It's clear you're unaware of the purpose of this event. She is already spoken for, and her choice was made well before tonight. I suggest you respect that."

I felt a mixture of gratitude and relief wash over me as he came to my rescue. I also don't know what will happen if he doesn't come. He saved me for the second time and I am thankful for that.

The old man immediately apologized before turning away. As he walked away, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I've been holding it for a while.

"Are you all right?" Alex asked softly, his concern evident.

I nodded, offering him a small smile. "Thanks to you, I am."

His lips curved in response "Remember, you're here by choice, not circumstance."

I smiled at what he said. Shena is right, I will also have a friend here and I am happy to meet this man.

"Oh, I haven't introduced myself to you yet. I am Alexander Montgomery." He extended his palm in front of me and I extended it too.

"I am Isab-" my introduction was interrupted when I spotted the familiar figure of two people. My eyes widened and I couldn't believe seeing them here.

Why is this girl here? Of all the places we will meet again, why this event? How can they say that I'm desperate and I actually go? I was nervous and took back my hand that was still holding Alex's palm.

"Wait? You're Mr. Montgomery, right?" I bowed down when I heard the woman's voice. I don't want to be embarrassed again and I don't want to experience it now in front of a man.

"Yes, and you are?" Alex formally answered the woman.

"I'm Jessie Vlomder. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you searching again for a new sugar baby?" It's not Alex's first time. I'm the only one who assumes we're the same but we're not.

"I cannot answer that. I happened to be invited here." I decided to step back and not to face them especially and I don't know what they will say to me. I was about to turn around when I heard what the woman said next.

"Really? So, who's that woman beside you? Not a new one?" I swallowed several times before facing them. I also have no place to hide, why am I still avoiding?

"N- no, We're not like that.. We just happened to meet here too." I noticed Alex's gaze on me so I just looked away.

"Ms. Heyes? Is that you?" My heart feels like it's going to come out because of the look my former manager gave me as if he was judging my personality now. I want to run away but I don't know where to escape.

The woman also took a breath and she still had a hand on her mouth that you thought was really impossible to see me here. "Really? That crew you fired? What a pity" my former manager didn't answer and just looked at where I was standing. I averted my gaze and bowed again.

The woman walked closer to me but I didn't even look at her because of the nervousness I was feeling right now. "Oh, wait, shouldn't you be washing the dishes right now?" It's a laugh like I see on TV. Those villains with devilish laughs?

I couldn't help but turn pale at what he said especially and the volume of his voice when he said that made many people look in our direction. "Good evening. I hope you all had fun being here," I really dared myself to say that word.

Alexander raised an eyebrow at the events after hearing our exchange "Is there a problem here?"

"Oh, nothing, he's just an ex-crew with a bit of history." The woman was the first to answer so I didn't say a word.

Alexander and I looked at each other.

His eyes were full of interest and concern. "Thank you for letting me know." he said while looking at me with a smile that I just avoided. I don't know what's going through his mind right now. All I wanted was to be able to go out peacefully after an hour, but today I was really looked at.

"They really are quite impressive, aren't they? You'd think that just because Alexander brought you here, you'd suddenly become a 'socialite.' But who would have thought, right?" she added, a smug satisfaction evident on her face.

I remained silent, trying not to allow the woman's words to disturb my mind. I don't want to answer because it will make everything more complicated.

Fortunately, they changed the topic so I was relieved and would just wait for them to finish talking before I left.

Author: I hope everyone is okay. I'm currently busy in my school so my update is very slow. Thank you for waiting for my update. So much appreciated.

"Enjoy the rest of the evening," Alexander bid to the two as if Alex didn't want to talk to the two anymore before he looked at me with a smile on his face.

"Do you want to come with me? There's an interesting art room here that I want to go to. Don't worry, I'll take you later" I nodded while smiling. He supported me until we reached the outside of the big room.

After opening the door, I was overwhelmed by the number of lined artworks. There are also sculptures and of course the paintings will not disappear.

Back then, I didn't pay much attention to the works of art because maybe I was just busy with work and school. I didn't know you had many interests other than work. I looked up at a painting placed in the corner.

The painting depicts a night sky filled with swirling, vibrant blue and yellow brushstrokes. The stars shine brightly against the deep blue background, and a crescent moon is visible in the upper right corner. Below the celestial scene, a small village with quaint houses and a church steeple can be seen, surrounded by rolling hills and cypress trees.

"The painting called The starry night created by the Dutch artist Vincent von Gogh in 1889. It is a famous painting" I heard Alex say behind me.

I became interested in the background of making this painting. I gently hold it and slide my hand down until I see the painter's perma.

"Many think the artist behind this painting expressed his intense emotions through the chaotic sky, while the calm village below might represent his wish for peace and stability. But only based on what I read. We don't really know what the true meaning of what they do. But I only know one thing. They express their true feelings through their paintings."

Every arts has a meaning and I know that there is a possibility that the conversation behind the painting is correct and it is also possible that it is not. Only the creator knows himself and his arts symbolization.

I accidentally looked at my watch, which I think has been with me for several years, but until now, it's still working.

It was eleven o'clock at night and I didn't even realize the time because of what was happening now. I was about to look at Alex when I accidentally tripped again. All I could do was close my eyes because I couldn't balance my stance but that didn't work because someone grabbed me again.

Alex gently held my shoulder so it was like we were hugging each other. My cheeks warmed up again because of our closeness and I could feel the heat of his body.

"You can't walk like this."

I was surprised by what he said. "What do you want m-" I was cut off when he immediately picked me up and held me.

I looked at Alex, who was now grinning at me. "This is better," he said and quickly stepped to his feet. I couldn't stop talking about what he did, especially now, and it felt like something was happening in my stomach.

"You don't have to do this Alex, please let me down," I said softly but he continued to walk until we left the room.

I blushed when all the people in the venue were looking in our direction especially and Alex actually chose to walk in the middle. I couldn't take the shame I felt anymore so I buried my whole face in his neck.

"A- alex, put me down. I can walk," I said in a low voice that seemed to be whispering.

"I will put you down until we reach the parking area. Don't worry we are outside so you can look around you." I looked around and he was right, we were already outside the venue and Alex was about to turn around to walk where the parking area is.

"You don't have to do that, it's embarrassing for you. I'm still heavy," I shyly told him when he put me down.

"Really? But you are light to me." I looked at him but he just laughed at me.

"I'm just kidding but it's okay, I can always lift you anytime you want." he even winked that my cheeks reddened. Why is this man's tendency to thrill?

My eyebrows crossed when I noticed a woman approaching us. It's like a single yank of his clothes will make him undress. He stared closely at Alex and it was as if he didn't even see me next to Alex.

He approached Alex and quickly kissed him on the cheek which stopped my action. I didn't know he had a girlfriend.

"Hi babe, I came here to see you." I bit my lip when I saw them kissing in front of me. I just turned around and walked straight out of the parking area.

Maybe I should get used to it because I know there are other men who are really sweet to others, not because they are interested otherwise, they just want to help and Alex is one of them. He maybe a playboy but he helped me many times today so I'm thankful for that.

I took a deep breath when I finally got outside of the hotel. I glanced at the place where Alex was. I hope we will meet again.

To Be Continued...