Chapter 5 Attending an event together

Diana woke up to the first buzz of her alarm clock. She groaned softly, rolled over, and checked the time It was 6:45 AM. She exhaled got out of bed and walked into the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, took a quick shower, and brushed through her thick, hair carefully. She walked to her wardrobe and picked out a pink fitted gown that hugged her body in all the right places. She paired it with a clean white heel and a matching clutch. Satisfied with her looks, she winked in the mirror and headed downstairs. The house was quiet. Everyone was still asleep. She made her way to the kitchen, helped herself to some coffee and samosas, she rinsed the cup when she was done. She scribbled a note and placed it on the dining table. "Off to work I love you all. Diana" She grabbed her bag and quietly slipped out the door. At the bus station, she had waited nearly 30 minutes for the bus to arrive. She hopped in and settled into a seat. She got off right in front of the SpinTech building, paid the driver, and walked off. Inside, she was greeted by Clarissa at the reception. "Good morning Dee" she greeted warmly. "Morning Rissa baby" Diana replied, grinning. "I will be in my office," she said walking off. At Emma's house Emma was the last to wake up She took a warm shower, pulled on a black simple gown, and tied her hair into ponytails. She headed downstairs and everyone was already at the dining table. "Morning, Mum" she greeted sitting down. "Morning dear. How was your night?" her mum replied. "'Twas splendid," Emma said casually as she buttered her bread. "Morning, Sis!" "Morning big sis?" Vanilla and Brian chorused. Emma nodded, with a small smile. "Big sis, what of sister Diana? It's been a long time since I saw her. I miss her," Vanilla asked, pouting. "Diana is fine, you won't get to see her as often now. She has a job now." "Ouch, that's sad" Vanilla muttered. "Please send my regards" "I will" Emma promised, though her mind wandered elsewhere. As she got up to leave, her mum handed her a lunch pack. "Give this to Diana when you get to the office." Emma nodded, grabbed the pack, waved at her siblings, and left. At her junction, she boarded a cab to work. When she arrived, some were already outside chatting. She greeted them and headed straight to her duty post. Joan, the junior manager, was already there sorting through files. "Good morning girl" Joan greeted. "Morning" Emma replied, her voice low. Joan looked at her closely. "Why is your face so gloomy?" "I'm fine. Maybe just mood swings" "Well, if you say so," Joan said returning to the files. Back in Diana's office Diana came before the boss and she was pleased. She went to her office to rest waiting for the arrival of her boss. Minutes later, the intercom buzzed. "Diana to my office," Kane's smooth commanding voice echoed. She stood up, adjusted her dress, and took a deep breath. The moment she stepped into his office, her breath hitched. He looks like a demigod, she thought. His well-tailored suit fit him flawlessly, his silver eyes just as intense as ever. "Good morning sir," she said, trying to steady her voice. "How was your night Diana?" he asked, his voice softer than usual. "My night was fine sir" she replied. He nodded, then leaned back slightly. "Cancel any meeting for today. I have a function to attend later, today and you're coming with me." "Me?" Diana blinked. "Yes. is there a problem?" "No no, sir she stuttered. Kane tilted his head. "Are you scared of me Diana?" She shook her head. "No sir. I mean why would I be?" "Good your dress will arrive later today. You can't attend the function dressed like that." Diana glanced at her outfit flustered. "Yes sir." "You may go" She nodded and left. Kane watched her walk away his eyes lingering a second too long. He blinked and slapped himself lightly. Get a grip, Kane. Later during lunch break, Diana texted Emma: Going for lunch with the boss But Emma didn't respond. "Weird, Diana thought. She waited another 5 minutes. Still nothing. Shrugging it off, she headed to Kane's Office. "Afternoon, sir. It's time for lunch." Kane immediately stood up and led the way Diana followed. At the reception she spotted Emma and Joan walking toward the canteen Emma glanced at her.... Then looked away pretending not to see her. The phone was clearly in her hand. Something's wrong, Diana realized her heart sinking. On getting to the car Kane opened the door for her again before entering the driver's seat. He drove off to a different restaurant from the day before. Once seated a waitress approached them. "Good afternoon" what may I offer you please?" "I'll have rice and stewed beef Diana said," "I will have whatever she's having," Kane added. The waitress smiled and returned shortly with their food. They dug in without hesitation "Mmm... the taste is heavenly," Diana mumbled through a mouthful. Kane chuckled. Diana paused. Did he just... laugh? She stared at him like he'd grown two heads. Did Ice King laugh? After eating Kane settled the bill and they returned to the company. At the entrance, a man waited with a delivery. "Package for Miss Diana," he said. She took the bag, thanked him, and the man greeted Kane before leaving. Kane turned to her. "You can change in your office" "Alright sir," she said and walked off Inside her office, Diana opened the bag and gasped. Inside was an expensive elegant white dress with delicate diamonds. She carefully unwrapped the second package Golden heels that sparkled under the lights. "Wow..." she breathed. How does he even know my size?" She couldn't stop admiring the dress. Time flew. She hastily changed and restyled her hair and looked at her reflection. She looked.... Divine. Like royalty. She texted the family group chat: " Going for a work event with my boss will be home late" Then she sent a quick message to Emma. Still no reply. Diana sighed, then walked to Kane's Office He was stunned. The moment he saw her, his lips parted slightly. "You look...stunning," he said before he could stop himself. Diana smiled, cheeks warming. "Thank you, sir." "Let's go. We shouldn't be late". Kane led the way and they walked out together. Whisper erupted the moment they passed the staff. A girl named Magdalene who has been crushing on the boss since she started working there was fuming" "I hate this girl," she said with a scowl, "Who does she think she is ? Following the boss around like she's his shadow". "She's his assistant" Stella replied flatly. "Assistant my foot. I will make her regret ever working here." Emma was quiet all through. She just stared blankly at the elevator doors. " I don't hate her" Joan offered "But I don't like her either." "Left for you," Emma replied. Back in the car, Kane opened the door for Diana like a gentleman. She stepped in silently. He joined her, and they drove off. An hour later, they arrived at the grand event hall, already buzzing with guests. The moment Kane stepped in with Diana by his side heads turned. Men stared with awe and admiration, others with hunger in their eyes. Women glared, lips curled in envy. If looks could kill, Diana would have dropped 6 feet under. Kane leaned towards her. "Stay close. Don't wander off" "Understood sir." But as Diana nodded, her heart was already pounding, not from fear... but something entirely.