The Fancy Pants Club

Daniella

"Put me down!" I yelled, my voice straining, but my order fell on deaf ears as the stranger continued to lift me as if I weighed nothing and marched down the stairs of the center stage.

I flung my hand in the air and squirmed from his hold, but he tightened his arms even more, insisting the bridal-style position he had put me in.

"Put me down I say!" I ordered again, this time feeling myself in panic yet in deep blush.

We passed the spacious dance hall, disregarding the look of surprise in my team's eyes. I gave them a silent look of help, but it seemed they were too engrossed with the drama that they failed to see my desperation.

"Wrap that damn wound of yours with the end of your blazer, woman. I don't want it dripping blood in the floor, " he grounded without looking at me.

His face, although fine-looking, was set in a hard scowl. He was angry over something or probably angry with me and that's the problem because I don't even know why.

I, however, wrapped my wounded fingers with the hem of my blazer, but I did it not because he commanded me to, but because I was worried seeing the gushing crimson liquid soaking the table napkin that I had temporarily used to bound it.

"And who the hell are you?!" I asked, glaring at him like I had the sharpest knife in my eyes.

Still, he didn't glance my way. He continued to the nearest exit door of the function hall and there, finally, he released me.

Before my feet could touch the carpeted floor, I jumped out from his hold and stepped back a couple of feet away. My bleeding fingers were nursed by my other hand and pressed against my chest while I clenched my teeth in irritation.

"Sheeshh, you're so noisy, " was his calm statement whilst massaging the bridge of his nose. It failed to soften his stone face though.

Swiftly, he reached for my uninjured hand and attempted to pull me towards the hallway leading to the main second floor foyer, but I stood my ground and made myself impossible to be towed.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked with one brow lifted to show my resistance. It was just a facade though for in truth I really was shaking inside. Although he looked like a guest in the chateau I am in, he was still a stranger to me and strangers definitely raise up a red flag.

"Just come with me, " was his cool reply acting as if he knew me. He pulled my hand again. I quickly stepped back to secure it. It left him clutching air instead.

"Uh no, " I voiced out, shaking my head. "Thank you Sir, but no, I will not go anywhere with you."

You might be a murderer or a rapist or something for all I know!

In my viewpoint, I saw his brow twitch and then he pressed his lips into a hard line as if it wasn't hard enough in the beginning.

"Suit yourself, " he calmly replied and then he pulled my arm with force.

With a huff, I remained still and unbending, but in the end, it was pointless for effortlessly, he used his advantageous masculine strength and pulled me again, leaving me stumbling and catching up my balance.

"Unhand me!" I cried out quickly, but he continued to drag me along the hallway, looking determined as hell to complete whatever he had planned on me....

Hold up.

Pause and rewind.

You are probably asking what the hell is going on, right?

Well, just as you have initially guessed, I am being held against my will by a stranger and it all started because of one unfortunate accident that happened minutes ago....

"Are you sure you want me to leave, boss?" Ericka, my ever-so-reliant assistant, asked whilst descending the portable metal ladder.

We were in the center stage of a function hall called the 'President's Hall' in Le Chateau de Esclavette decorating for a wedding reception that will happen four hours from now. We are best of friends really but when we are working, she prefers to call me 'boss' for purposes of respect and seniority. She was after all my mother's employee and under my supervision.

I nodded and stood up from squatting. Boxes of elegant decorations were on my feet ready and waiting to be glued and stapled on the stage background.

"Yeah, I can manage Kee, " I said, using her nickname. "Just leave the buckets in the platform. I'd like to handle the stage decor all by myself."

She looked at me, unsure, but nevertheless, nodded in surrender. "Alright, " she took one box labeled 'table decors' and stated before walking out of the stage, "Call me if you need anything boss."

"Thanks, " I smiled at her and watched as she walked down.

"Oh, by the way, " she paused and turned to look at me again, "Are you sure you want to wear that loose ring?"

My brows furrowed in confusion and then watched the said object nestled in my ring finger.

Of course, she'd be worried about it. It was bigger than my finger.

This loose ring was given by my mother as the Rosecraft family heirloom. Since I'm the only daughter, I became the undebatable recipient of it. She gave me this during my nineteenth birthday nine months ago. She says it brings good luck, charm on the holder, and untold romance - NOT that I need it. She called it 'The Emerald Flower' with diamond petals and an emerald stone in the middle.

"Yeah, you know this is my lucky charm Kee, " I stated with a lopsided grin.

"It is intended to be that, but will you be able to work properly with it?" she asked knowing that many times in our wedding decorating activities, the said ring had limited me from doing my best.

"Mmmh, you mean managing the ribbons and the glitters?" I clarified.

She nodded.

"Well, I'll manage, " I answered, pretty sure of myself.

"Right, " she said and then turned heels towards the half-decorated tables.

I am an advanced Fine Arts graduate. My eyes are keen on artsy details and decorative styles which kinda suited well with the family business of organizing weddings and other events.

My mother is the CEO and I am the sole heir of our business. Since she thinks that I am of right age to be given a project, she gave me this: as the head of the wedding reception of one of our very important clients: Ms. Elaine Mckenzie, a ten-time Grammy Award Winning actress and major socialite and her outrageously-rich beau, Mr. Aaron Roslin.

They chose to hold their wedding reception in Le Chateau de Esclavette - my ultimate wedding destination.

For me, it is my crème de la crème of all wedding receptions. My ideal dreamland where the haut monde and elite especially gathers during a party. Picture the interiors of Palace of Versailles, the facade of Hotel de Paris - Monte Carlo and the Drummond Castle gardens joined in one.

Everyone wants in, but not all has the opportunity to graze its halls. It is owned by the Fancy Pants Club. Only accessed by either its members, or those permitted by the Club council, or if the person or the couple are rich enough to pay for the outrageous rent payments.

Yup! Think about nine and five and add four zeros after it. That's the rent. Outrageous right?

But anyway, it is so worth it. The place is just hands-down magnificent.

The Fancy Pants Club considers the chateau as basically their clubhouse. It is located in Beverly Hills, California and that unfortunately is where my knowledge ends. Since I was born in London but raised in the Big Apple, I have no idea who the members of the club are. All I know is that I just adore their clubhouse ever since I saw it in one of my mother's hanging photos in her Manhattan office.

Now, I am no elite and so is my family, but because our business is the most sought-after in London and the US, and because my current clients are popular people, we are able to enter the chateau.

I have been here for almost five hours busily setting up the things that are needed during the star-studded party. My team is with me, provided of course by the Company, but in this occasion, I personally chose to decorate the center stage all by myself.

"Alright, here I go, " I uttered to myself before climbing the ladder that was secured against the background wall.

It wasn't high really, just about ten feet. Next to it was a makeshift platform set up earlier with two buckets on top that I instructed Ericka to leave. She had been using these to paint the ceiling cherubs with gold luster dusts.

Now, I will do the same, but before doing that, I took out a cutter next to the bucket of glue and trimmed the cherub's ribbons first.

With the loose ring, it took me quite a few minutes to do the trimming. I had thought of taking it out and putting it in my slacks pocket, but I opted to keep it in my hand instead. Like I said, it brings good luck which was something that I am praying for in a big project such as this.

I was so intent on doing it right that I lost focus on other matters. What happened next was me feeling a sharp slicing pain in my forefinger and thumb.

"Owww."

The cutter had made a deep cut on them.

I immediately placed the object down and on impulse, shook my left hand vigorously to ease the pain. Noticing my blood oozing excessively and staining my white slacks and cream top, I quickly took a table napkin from my blazer and wrapped it around the wounds.

"Shoot. Oh God... This is not good." I winced again, gritting my teeth as I felt the stinging sensation. Tears actually collected in the corner of my eyes but I blinked it out.

'Why must this happen to me now?' I cried out loud. I thought the ring brings good luck? Why is it not worki-

Oh no...

A red flag immediately appeared on my head. That's when I realized that my ring wasn't on my finger anymore.

Not good.

"Oh God, where is that ring!" On top the ladder, I was torn between nursing my wounds and finding the heirloom. Panic rushed through me when the thought of my mother's angry face popped out.

Then, in the middle of my dread, a cold hand suddenly touched my right ankle.

"Shit!" I shouted, jerking in surprise. I whirled around, arms flailing unceremoniously in all sides and because of that I accidentally hit the buckets. The contents in them spilled quickly and guess where it all landed?

In the head of a stranger looking murderously at me. Yup, no biggie really.

He was wearing an expensive-looking suit, well-ironed and not a speck of dirt in its white cloth. (Well, that's if you don't count the glitters in his shoulders.) The coat was half-buttoned. He would have been a perfect male apparition if not for the mess I had created on top his head - in his glorious, messy yet stylish brown hair.

He was like a pancake, all sauced up with white glue and topped with luster dusts. I wanted to laugh then because he kinda looked funny appearing like a bedazzled Olympian God, but I remained as still as a stone. My mouth just jammed open; unable to produce any words of apology; horrified and at the same time mesmerized by him.

Such magical eyes.

Bluish-green ringed with hazel was their color completing the handsomeness of his face. He was tall; I reckon about six feet? His shoulders were broad, abdomen flat but he was standing ramrod straight with an air of self-importance in him.

That didn't hide the fact that he looked silly though.

Sexily, he combed his hair with his fingers. In the process, his hand greased up with the glue, but he didn't seem bothered at all... or maybe he was just too stoic, too excellent at hiding his expressions. I saw him put something in his pants pocket quickly. If he was hiding it, it was useless because I could see the tiny object protruding in his pants.

He released a sigh, a very long sigh, and as I watched I could detail out an angry twitch in the corner of his mouth.

"Ignorant woman, " he drawled, I arched a brow, "you are staining blood in my expensive carpet."

Toss him in the cliff! Impale him with a pitchfork! Burn him alive! Those were my brain's furious commands. The hell he think he is?! Tsk! Disrespectful bastard calling me an ignorant!

Before I could voice out my callous remark, he pulled my leg out towards him and I, the comely, refined Daniella Rosecraft, came tumbling down onto his wide arms.

I gasped midair; my heart pounding like crazy and my eyes constricted in fear.

Once he caught me, I thought I was safe, but when I looked into his glittered face, I realized I was nowhere near heaven. This devil was scowling at me....

Pause.

And that's how it all started.

Now, focusing on the present, the handsome, but outrageously rude stranger continued the path towards the second floor foyer. His hand was tightly holding my arm while I struggled to keep up his long strides with my four-inch heels.

"Hey asshole!" I cried out loudly. "I demand to know where you are taking me?! I understand I bedazzled and glued you, and I'm sorry for that. Really. But it was an accident! You startled me!"

My complain fell on deaf ears again.

Many of the soul's present - mostly staff of the mansion putting up vases of white orchids - gawked at us. They seem to find our fiasco unexpected, but one tall man wearing a red turban and black tuxedo showed quite an opposite expression. He was actually smirking.

The stranger continued to drag me into another hallway to the right and then he turned to a path towards a closed white door. Although confused still, I felt fear start to climb its way into the surface. With his gloomy aura and the psychopath silence, who wouldn't be right?

He opened the door, but before he could push me inside, I raised my free arm (the one with the deep cut), made an iron fist out of it (amidst the slicing pain) and gave him a strong uppercut! (Or at least what I think is strong.)

"Dammit woman!" he spat, touching his chin with his free hand. I bet I did a good blow because I could see him wincing slightly.

Huh! And look at that, a small part of his lovely chiseled jaw showed an early bruise!

I grinned in triumph.

"I said let me go! If you won't, I will punch you again! Stronger this time! I can do that you know!" I threatened, lifting up my fist in between us.

But damn... he didn't even look affected at all with my- (okay, let's face it) my mediocre threat. With my slender, feminine hands, I doubt I can accomplish that and he seemed to see right through me.

"Get inside, " he simply commanded.

"Uhh, no way. Why would I do that?!" I exclaimed, wriggling my arms to try to loosen his grip.

He scowled at me again. "Look what you've done, " he drawled again. What's with him and the drawling thing?! "You are staining the second floor's carpet now. I might have to let you pay on the damages, Wild Woman."

He watched my wounded fingers still dripping with blood and leaned closer to me, ultimately trespassing my personal space. I leaned back; giving him another dagger-like glare.

"Now, go to the nurse and have that bandaged up and disinfected. Don't complain, don't go Super Saiyan on me, and don't do reckless things, or I will glue a six-zero cheque on your sexy ass right now for you to pay later after your client's wedding. Capisce?"

What the- Just who is this man in front of me?

But wait, did he just say nurse?

He released my arm and crossed his arms on his chest, looking at me with a slight curve of his mouth.

With wide eyes, I peeped on the inside of the room and found two females wearing matching white nurse uniforms talking to one another. In their front desk, there was a sign with the words 'Le Chateau de Esclavette Clinica' in bold letters.

My mind immediately registered the facts.

"Oh, " I said, embarrassed with myself. Although it was hard, I gave him a lopsided smile; my only meager way of showing my gratitude.

He raised a glittery brow and said, "You're welcome."

"You could have just told me we were going to the clinic, " I said with a frown, wrapping my fingers with my blazer again, "we could have avoided this...misunderstanding."

"You are the only one who misunderstood the situation, Ms. Rosecraft, " he answered me, now with a blank expression. "I suggest you don't overthink simple things, and next time, do your research. You're temper and ignorance is way too deadly in a place like this."

What are you freaking saying? I wanted to ask that one, but decided not to. I instead just simply surrendered and walked inside to the front desk without giving him a backward glance. The nurses inside however when they noticed the man, widened their eyes briefly. Then, as their composure regained, they gave him a low bow which I found a bit odd.

Maybe it was a sign of greeting to their guests? Maybe it was.

I heard the door close and realized that he left. Good. My bedazzled stranger is finally out of my sight. I seriously don't want to see that arrogant, acting all-high-and-mighty man ever again.

"Good afternoon Madame, " greeted the older-looking nurse.

"Hi, good afternoon too, " I answered sheepishly.

"What seems to be the problem?" She took out a form and handed it to me.

"Well..." I said and then showed them my bleeding forefinger and thumb, "I just needed this bandaged up and disinfected."

Oh, God. He knows my name! He knows my name!

Wait. Why does that stranger know my name?

I asked myself that a couple of times already since I returned in my guest suite. After having myself treated inside that clinic -slash- spa, I thought I wouldn't get haunted by thoughts of that manipulative guy, but I guess I was wrong.

God, his glittery face kept on poking at my brain telling me to do this and to do that. What the heck! Who is that man anyway? Why does he boss me around and why does he know my name?

There, I asked it again...

Anyway, I am standing now in front of a full-length mirror assessing myself. Many of my friends say that I am gifted with a curvaceous body. They said to flaunt them whenever necessary and to flaunt them with the right dress. That's the reason why I'm wearing a white lace knee-length dress now. The neckline is low but just enough to provide a small peek of my cleavage... just enough that I look presentable and at the same time glamorous. Since I am the organizer of the reception and not the bride, I chose to be as modestly dressed as I can be.

Why choose white you may ask? That's because it is the color motif of the wedding: all white or silvery.

I wore no jewels except for a thick silver bracelet and stud earrings. Like I said, I am the organizer. No one would care to mingle with me in the party which by the way starts thirty minutes from now.

After doing my long auburn hair into a simple braid and twisted it on top my head with a diamond flower clip, I was ready to do my job. My room was on the third floor, so when I arrived at the second floor foyer through the grand staircase, my mouth immediately dropped seeing the many Stars shining in my eyes.

Really.

There were Holywood actors and actresses, famous fashion designers and movie directors all lounging in the spacious area. Some were talking merrily while others helped themselves with the refreshments in the long snack bar my team had set up earlier this morning.

With a deep breath, I strolled into the crowd with my head held high. No one knew me except for the members of my team, so I was lucky to be spared of any awkward conversations.

Funny that with all of these famous people under one roof, there was no paparazzi around. It seems that the Club Council made it sure to make this gathering media-free huh?

Just like me, two people of my team were also star-struck when I saw them in the main entrance door towards the grand ballroom.

Ericka was holding a serving tray with wine flutes on top, while Mason, her hunky beau, was holding a bottle of expensive champagne. They were wearing matching tux that complimented their genders.

Kee is a straight A student, but needed income so she applied in my family's company for a part-time job. She met Mason there who is her senior and they became instant friends and eventually lovers. If we aren't busy, we get to spend time during Saturdays relaxing and having fun in our favorite nightclub back in NY.

"Care for a glass of champagne Miss Daniella?" Mason said when I neared them. He tilted the bottle towards the mouth of the flute, attempting to pour the sparkling liquid on it.

"Sure, I would love to taste that, " I said, nodding at him.

"By the way boss, Mr. Ross was looking for you awhile ago, " Ericka informed.

I took the flute from the tray, "Why?" and asked, after sipping on it.

"He said Madame Mckenzie wants you to join the party. She doesn't want you running frantically around the grand ballroom like most organizers do."

"Oh?" I cocked a brow, "did she say that?"

I honestly was surprised. Mr. Ross is Ms. Mckenzie's talent manager and I know for a fact that whatever the star actress wants, the manager grants it. It is only unfortunate that she wants me to join the party instead of doing my job. Yeah, I called it unfortunate because I would rather find myself at the backstage than in a table sitting and chit-chatting people higher than my class.

"Yes, and he said that she said that you should sit in the table near the wedding cake, " continued Ericka.

I gulped hard then. If I remember correctly, that particular table is reserved for the Fancy Pants Club members as their special guests. Why would Ms. Mckenzie want me to sit there?

"I don't think that's a good idea, " I said, but then from behind me, a hand tapped my shoulder.

"It is a good idea, Ms. Rosecraft, " Mr. Ross said, showing the wrinkles of his face with his old-man debonair smile. He was wearing a moss green tuxedo; his hair brushed up neatly creating a youthful version of him, but seriously, he can immediately pass as my father if need be.

"Mr. Ross! Why are you still here?" I exclaimed, wide eyed. "You are supposed to be in the sponsor's table right now. The program will start any minute you know."

He assessed me with twinkling eyes. "And you, beautiful lady, are supposed to be in your own table too, " he boomeranged. "The bride insists you should sit there as a temporary companion of the Fancy Pants Club President. Unfortunately, his members didn't sent a confirmation if they will show up in the reception. As all seats are prearranged as you already know, it would be embarrassing if the president sits in that table alone."

I sighed. "She has a point, I guess."

No, it wouldn't be embarrassing, it would be catastrophic! Imagine a powerful man such as the President of the Club alone in a table where around him would be famous people of different stature. The whole of society might think there's a problem with the guest list or the seating arrangement which I, as an organizer, don't want to happen.

"Then, I think we should enter the ballroom now, " said Mr. Ross who quickly slid an arm around my back.

"Wait, " I raised a hand. "Ericka, don't hesitate to come to me if there are any problems okay?" I said to my friend before I was whisked away by the talent manager.

Once we entered the ballroom, my breath just paused. I couldn't believe the place now. It was better than I envisioned it to be. Juliet roses were placed in the right spots - in the pathways particularly - while hybrid white orchids were blooming beautifully in every table, nestled inside every elegant silver vase. The ceiling was lit up with four huge crystal chandeliers while my center stage was completely decorated on time (thanks to my ever-dependable Ericka). I actually texted her earlier to finish it since I was still in the clinic.

"Enjoy the evening, Ms. Rosecraft, " said Mr. Ross before he left me alone in the Club table.

The lights were dim to create a romantic atmosphere just like what I instructed the Lights Director. Perfect.

The scented jasmine candles were lit in every circular table just as I want them. Perfect.

The table napkins, crocheted doilies and utensils were in their right motif color and placing. Perfect.

All of the elements of the wedding reception were in their intended places. Perfect. Just perfect.

I subconsciously patted myself on the back. Good job, Daniella. Mom is going to be so proud of you! Right now, no one can ruin my seventh-heaven, nothing can possibly deflate it.

I was smiling from ear to ear observing all of the happenings around me, but then my eyes fell on my own table and I felt a sudden sense of loneliness.

'Sitting alone really is awkward...' I thought to myself.

Where is the President anyway? He is not supposed to be late because he basically lives in this chateau. The program is about to start and yet he is not here!

Scanning the details in the back of my head, I remembered that he is included in the wedding program. He is expected to give a message to the bride and groom before dinner starts.

So, where the hell is he?

On cue, the introductory music played to signal the newly-wed couple's arrival. All of the guests stood up including me as the entourage started their grand march.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome our main celebrants for this magnificent evening, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron and Elaine McKenzie-Roslin, " the voice-over announced.

Many were clapping when they entered with big smiles on their faces. A greeting here, a greeting there, they waved their hands in each of the table when they advanced towards the right side of the center stage where their presidential table was. Ms. Elaine saw me when she passed by my area and gave me a wink. I nodded back and smiled on her way.

After the minutes long well-wishes and greetings, we all sat down and the program started immediately. First was a doxology dance, then a welcome remark from the father of the groom and then the highlights of the bride and groom's relationship where the video showed how Aaron proposed to Elaine.

I was beginning to fidget in my chair as I was aware of the program flow. If my memory serves me right, what would come next after this montage of videos is the President of the Fancy Pants Club's message to the celebrants. Since he isn't sitting in his reserved seat now, I seriously hope the stage director had him waiting at the backstage.

Oh, God. I wouldn't be able to handle it if he doesn't show up!

The master of ceremonies, a well-known male T.V. personality, appeared after the video presentation ended. My heart was thumping loudly in my chest as he started to speak; silently praying to the heavens that everything would turn out the way as planned.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce to you the President of the Fancy Pants Club, Mr. Erik Romano Fancii."

Yes! Thank the heavens for answering my prayer!

A thunderous clap resounded in the room thereafter when a man appeared from a dark corner away from my line of sight and into the stage. The bright spotlight immediately focused him and that's when my jaw dropped.

Like, drop.

In front of me, a couple of meter's away, was my bedazzled stranger, looking all fancy and attractive - (no, scratch that) - very attractive, wearing a black tux of the recent fashion. Thankfully, his hair was cleaned of the glue and gold luster dusts.

He smiled a shining smile towards the audience and my heart just leaped out of my chest.

So he could actually smile huh?

As he stood near the mic stand, the audience went silent. If I'm not wrong, I think they were eagerly anticipating for him to speak. I think I was too because I found myself holding my breath.

Even though I am this far from him, I can actually sense the air of superiority in him. His overall bearing commanded full attention and respect in both genders whatever status they were. I believe this guy doesn't joke around at all.

"I won't keep my speech long as I know these two lovebirds here want to escape this wedding reception as soon as possible, " he then said in a panty-dropping voice.

Yes, I said it right.

In a panty-dropping voice.

Similar to those adjectives authors normally put in a romance book such as velvety, sexy, honeyed, husky, silvery and whatnot. Any girl would certainly do that in front of him (drop their panties I mean), but me?

Well... uhmmm... let's not get into that path shall we?

Anyway in my head, after hearing him said that statement, I was like:

He made a joke... Right? God, he made a joke! And all of the guests are laughing! Huh! I stand corrected. So, this man is capable of joking around!

"I would like to extend my thanks to Ms. Mckenzie and my friend, Aaron, for choosing the Le Chateau de Esclavette to hold their wedding party, " he continued, looking at the audience with straight eyes. "It is always an honor for the Club to host fancy parties such as this with all of these wonderful people here." He turned to face the newlyweds and said, "Best wishes to both of you and may you have a dozen kids someday."

And the deafening clap followed.

My hands though were still on my lap. Why? Because I was daydreaming again...

Dozen kids... hahhh... I sighed. I could certainly see myself having kids with him inheriting his beauteous face.

Wait.

WAIT. WAIT. WAIT! Where did that come from???

I straightened myself up and cleared my throat. I think I need a drink to delete those dangerous thoughts out of my head.

Luckily, I still have my wine flute with me so I drank in as much as I could.

I watched the attractive Mr. Erik Romano Fancii approach the bride and the groom and shook hands with them. Then, I saw Ms. Elaine pointed a hand towards my table and that's when it hit me.

Oh, God.

This is the man I am to accompany with the whole evening?!

As I saw him approach my table, I felt heat rush my face. My heartbeat quickened, my back tensed and my feet shot tingles up my leg. The people around me seemed to disappear and all that's left is this man looking at me with an unreadable face.

For a moment, even though the light was dim, I saw his brows twitch and his eyes thinned as he saw me, but it was so brief, so fast that it felt like I was just dreaming it. When he arrived in the table, he didn't care so much as to say 'hi' or 'hello' or even some damn greeting to acknowledge my presence. He just walked straight and sat in his seat that was at least two chairs away from me.

I gulped hard. I wonder if he still remembers me and that incident we had this afternoon.

"Ah, so Ms. Wild Woman is my escort, " he then said without a head's up.

Yup, he still remembers me alright! But of all the nicknames he could pick out, why that?

I hauled a deep breath and bit the inside of my bottom lip before I released a word. Knowing that he is the President of the Fancy Pants Club, I think it is wise that I should act properly and talk to him in a civil manner no matter how infuriated I am inside to be called a wild woman.

He was sitting regally with one arm in the table and his hand pressed in his chin. His face was turned towards the stage but I could feel his gaze riveted on me. His lips were in a neutral line; no hint of a smile whatsoever. Our eyes met and thanks to the close gap that we have, I could see that his were cold and calculating.

This man really puts people in their knees huh? But I am not just any normal person, I am Daniella Rosecraft, and I won't let this man bully me with his mesmerizing blue-green hazel eyes! I shoved my thoughts away, down into the deepest part of my brain and summoned the femme fatale within me into the surface.

"Mr. Fancii, I do have a name you know. I am Daniella Rosecraft, the event organizer of this wedding reception. I am pleased to meet you and oh, just to clarify it, I am not your escort, " said I with my chin lifted. I chose not to offer my hand to him as a handshake. He didn't seem to mind it anyway.

"Hmmm... still feisty I see, " he remarked and shifted his eyes to look at the stage where the host was announcing the start of our dinner. "I do know who you are Ms. Rosecraft, quite very well might I add, but that is beside the point. If you are not here as my escort this whole evening, then why bother sitting on this table?"

Oh, God, help me. I want to strangle this man! Does he even have girlfriends? Because I don't think any woman would want to be with him with that kind of mouth. His string of words is like a barbed wire that quickly wraps a woman's frail heart and bursts it open.

The good news for me however is that I consider myself unlike any other women, and I have a barb of my own.

"First, " I pointed one finger in front and stared coldly at Mr. Erik, "I don't like the word escort. To educate you, the term escort in our generation right now is defined as a woman paid for sex. I believe we have just met and in no way am I going to let you touch me by the end of this evening."

What can I say, I've gotta be honest you know.

"Second, " I raised my middle finger following it and said, "I prefer the word companion because it is proper and it makes sense. Why? Because in this evening only, I am your companion for conversation purposes; conversations that might bore you sooner or later I think. I would however prefer to watch the program presentations after our dinner. And third-"

I saw amusement curve in the president's lips then.

"I am sitting in this table because the bride requests me to, because apparently, your most-esteemed club members didn't have the kidney to show up in a beautiful party such as this. If you don't like my presence, Mr. President, then I would be more than happy to leave you here alone. It would not be a big deal for me at all."

I was already fuming inside, but thanks to my yoga classes every Tuesdays, I was able to bring them down with just two measured breaths. With all those points I have highlighted on him, I hope he understood what I was trying to say.

"Your mouth is quite full huh?" was his simple reply then. This time he turned towards me; body and face together, and looked deep into my eyes.

I squared myself up, showing no clue that I was one bit intimidated by him.

"It seems Ms. McKenzie was right to make you my companion. I don't think our conversation will bore me at all."

The way he looked at me changed then, it flickered mischief and danger all at once. "However, the first one sounds good too."

What? What first one?

Ohhh, that first one...

My mouth dropped again and my face heated. Is he freaking flirting with me?

Five minutes. He had just sat in this table for five minutes and he is already hitting on me?

"No, Wild Woman, I am not flirting with you, " was his remark then. Does he read minds or my reaction was too easy to read?

I think the latter is the right answer.

"I am just confirming how much our conversation wouldn't bore me. See? Look at yourself. Your reaction amuses me so."

Overbearing bastard! The devil! Why oh why am I sacrificed to this emotionless dickhead?! I so need my lucky ring right now, but where is that heirloom anyway? I hope someone was able to pick it up and submitted it in the Lost-and-Found Section of this chateau. Speaking of which, I need to visit that section tomorrow morning.

Our 'fun' conversation was cut off when our very-own assigned waiter approached us with the night's dinner menu. As I was present when Ms. Elaine and Mr. Aaron decided the food selections with my mother, I knew already what the waiter will serve.

Deviled eggs and mozzarella cheese sprinkled with dried basil leaves and Beluga caviar as the hors d'oeuvre, pear and pecan salad as the second course, cream of asparagus soup as the third, supreme cheese lasagna for the pasta course, two main types of meat; one beef and the other lamb for the main entrée, and lastly, Guinness Book of World Records most expensive dessert, the 'Frrrozen Haute Chocolate' as the last course which is to die for.

The whole time I ate, I was silent and so was the man some few feet away from me. I felt like we were back to being strangers for he didn't give one damn glance towards my way. Here I am fretting on how to make another good conversation while he was just there, looking all-too-superior even while dismantling the perfectly-grilled lamb chop.

When I noticed him drink his newly filled glass of champagne, that's the time I grabbed the opportunity for an entry to erase the awkwardness between us.

"I am not ignorant you know, " I said making a shaky eye contact.

"Come again?" Mr. Oh-I'm-The-King-of-the-World said with a raise of his brow. He placed his glass down and eyed me in confusion.

"I said I am not ignorant, " I leaned back and crossed my arms in my chest. "It is just unfortunate of me that Google or Wikipedia, or any other God-forsaken website doesn't provide any information about you and the club."

"Ah, so you are talking about what happened earlier?" he drawled.

You think? Don't you remember how you called me an ignorant woman?

I rolled my eyes and released a long sigh.

He leaned back in his cushioned chair too and took his wine flute with him, posing like a proud man that he is. Even though I can't see, I bet he is crossing his legs under the table to add more effect.

"You know Ms. Rosecraft, " he started, I was all ears then. "I and the club members value our private lives. We don't wish for the internet world to boast our life achievements. I certainly can understand you were clueless as to who I am. Worry not."

"You could have just told me you were the President, " I pouted.

"I was rather enjoying your ignorance, Sweet Rose. I like it a lot. And also, I enjoy a sense of mystery from time to time, " answered he before drinking his champagne.

Bastard. If he thinks I am a good candidate in the Big Brother reality game show, then he is so wrong.

I chose not to continue our conversation anymore. If I do, I might create nasty wrinkles in my forehead. Hearing him call me that endearment didn't help at all. For all I know, he was just toying with me.

Acting as if my attention was caught in the sultry songstress, Emily West, singing "Chandelier" on stage, I shifted my position away from him.

The whole time I did so, I am clueless of what he was doing, but I seriously could feel heat radiating inside me. I don't know why.

God, I hope he is not burning me alive with his eyes.

Then, after the songstress finished her piece, Mr. Erik suddenly spoke up catching my attention, "Quite a plain set-up you have here."

His unfeeling statement gave me chills immediately. I shifted my face to his direction and said with a raised brow, "Plain?"

"A sufficient word, yes, " was his only reply.

That made my volcano erupt.

"Do you know how many months I have prepared this party so that it wouldn't just be called plain?"

I swear, my voice is tuned to the 'angry preset' now.

"I don't know obviously, Ms. Rosecraft, " he said in a clipped voice.

"Then to let you know, it took me five months okay, including countless sleepless nights just to make sure everything goes perfectly smooth."

"Ahhh, that, is the word I like, perfect, " he interjected, whilst touching the corner of his lips. He doesn't seem to notice how flustered I am at all! "Everything in this reception should be perfectly fancy, but it seems that is the one thing you lack the most. This table cloth isn't fancy. That backdrop isn't fancy. The flowers are too tacky."

"Well, excuse me?!" I gritted my teeth. "For your information, those flowers are those lovebirds choices." I pointed my nail-polished, bandage-wrapped finger towards the newlyweds and frowned. "I don't have a say in them, and besides, I don't think they are tacky at all. They are beautiful in every way! You, sir, doesn't seem to have taste."

He snickered. "My taste is for finer things, Ms. Rosecraft. Just look around you, doesn't that give you a clue?"

I thinned my eyes at him. "No wonder you were so worried about my blood dripping in your carpet earlier, " I rolled out. For a moment there, I honestly thought he was worried about my cut that's why he quickly dragged me to the clinic.

He shook his head and awarded me a faint smile (or at least what I think is a smile.)

"The incident earlier is a different case. I genuinely was concerned with your wound that's why I did it."

Ohhh...really? It doesn't seem that way.

"I however didn't except a woman like you could be na?ve, so much so that you thought I would murder you because of what you did to me."

I didn't say it out loud that time. How did he know? Or were my earlier horrified actions too easy to read?

"You mean glittering you?" I said, smothering a laugh. Really. That was a funny memory, for me at least.

He didn't hold back in showing me his displeasure. "Know that it wasn't easy for me to get the glue out of my hair, Ms. Rosecraft, and because of that, I wasn't able to join the grand march. Lucky for you, I was just on time in giving my message to the bride and groom."

Oh, God. I could see a murderous shadow from behind him!

"I-I didn't mean it to happen, I already told you about it, " I said suddenly feeling guilty, but I won't show that to him. "Why do I feel that you want to prank me?"

"Prank you?" he scoffed. "You must be joking, my Sweet Rose." He leaned towards me, but I guess it wasn't enough for he stood up, motioned our personal waiter to take the two chairs that parted us and place his own chair near mine. "I don't do pranks. It is not fancy at all, " he continued after he sat down coolly inches away from me.

My breathing accelerated.

He leaned again and whispered close in my ear, "I however do worse than that."

"What-what do you mean?" I choked and shivered. Shit! I just showed that I was intimidated by him!

"I seek revenge, Daniella. Sweet, delicious revenge."

Not good. NOT GOOD! This spells doom for me, totally!