90 The Business Gala

We went back to our apartment unit after leaving Lara behind. I am in a cloud nine. I couldn't believe what I have heard. Colin accepts everything about me and he is never scares to defend me in front of other people, not even to his ex-wife whom he used to love so much. I feel sorry for Lara. She lost a great man just because she thought another man can make her happier. We were both quiet inside the elevator. He never let go of my hand which I find very sweet.

That night, everything went back to normal. No one talked about Lara. Even Colin looks unaffected by what happened. Sometimes I still feel worried whether I should fully trust him or not. I guess this is the effect of having a bad relationship.

That week, the news about the upcoming Business Gala became a hot issue. Every one seems to be excited with the event since all big names, not only in business field but also in entertainment normally attend this gathering. This is also where some rumored dating couples were seen together and officially anounced their relationships. This is usually a night of not only a party for the elite and the rich but also for those who want to be part of them.

Colin is also invited for the event. He showed me his invitation once and like the past years, he will receive an award for the top ten business figures in the country. He explained that he doesn't enjoy attending such parties but since he is one of the awardees, he didn't have a choice but to go.

"I wonder how this party would turn out this year. I normally go there with Lara but this time, I will be with you." He once said be fore sleeping.

"I don't want to attend to that party. I'm sure Geoff and Erica will be there too."

"But I'm planning to introduce you to everyone as my wife. It's time everyone knows that I now belong to a new woman, and that is you."

"You know I don't like getting attention. And besides, I haven't been to any big event in my whole life. I don't want to embarass you in front of others."

"Nothing will happen. You are with me, do you think I will make you feel alone and be swarmed by other men? No way!"

"You're really my husband." I said laughing.

"That is the perfect time for your ex-husband to know that he can't touch you anymore because if he lays a finger on you again, I will be the one to bring him down."

"That will be a big issue, you know. No one knows that we already got a divorce. And I'm sure most people would think that U married you because of your money, like what they thought about me when I got married with Geoff."

"I allowed you to do what you had to do in the past and I never questioned your decision. This time, I want you to trust me. Let me do my part in protecting you and Athena, okay?"

I was touched with what he said. I could sense the sincerity from his voice. I indeed married the right man this time. I nodded as a reply.

That night, I couldn't sleep thinking about the gala. I saw some news about it in the past years and during those nights, there were many reporters taking pictures of all the people arriving and attending and they pay more attention to those coming with a man or a woman, checking whether they are in a relationship. Even I will go there with Colin, the thought of being in the same place with Geoff and Erica still makes me shiver. I'm not that scared with them anymore, but still I could feel the anger building inside of me everytime I see anyone of them.

In the next days, a trainer visits the apartment unit to teach me how to walk properly with heels and how to act in a formal setting. The business gala is a formal event and I never had any experience attending one. I have seen some in dramas but it's still different when you are in a realy situation. I was the one who requested from Colin to have such classes because I don't want to embarass him in front of others. The trainer taught me how to walk properly and how to eat using different utensils.

I also had to go to a customized tailor shop to have our clothes for the event. According to Colin, the designer is one of the best in the country and many celebrities ask her to make a design for their gowns in special occassions especially for wedding days. She helped us choose a dress and a suit that match together. She made sure that our clothes for the event will match.

We also had to choose new shoes for the event.

"Why do we have to prepare so much for it? You have already spent a lot of money. I said while we were choosing shoes.

"This is an important event for the two of us since this will be our first night to be introduced as married couples. Of course, I want you to look the most beautiful that night. And besides, you picture will be taken more than a hundred times, I'm sure of that. So you should kook your best."

"I still feel uncomfortable to be in front of other people. I guess it would a long time before I can get used to it or maybe I would never get used to it." I explained.

"Stop worrying. I have everything in control."

"What's your plan anyway?"

"Secret, Don't be impatient, honey. We will soon get there. You just have to trust me." He said with a smile on his face. I never asked nore questions. As he has said, I should just trust him.

...

D-day. The day for the Business Gala has finally arrived. I started feeling nervous since last night. In fact, I wasn't able to sleep well. I wonder if I can stay in the party until the end. I'm sure I would feel sleepy tonight.

The dress and the suit arrived yesterday. The dress looks very elegant and sexy at the same time. The dress' color and style matched with the color of the shoes very well. Colin has to go to the office in the morning but promised to be at home before noon. He keeps reassuring me tgat everything will go out according to his plan which makes me more scared since I don't know anything about it.

Makeup artist and some of his assistants arrived after lunch. They are accompabied by a photographer and his assistant. Colin said he wants to document this event since it is my first time to attend such gathering and also according to him, he wants to remember this day.

The makeup artists and her assistants were busy doing my nails and makeup when Colin arrived, still in his casual attire.

"Excited for tonight?" He asked.

"Scared. Not excited."

"Don't be. I'll make sure you will enjoy it." He said with a smile. I wanted to ask him badly about his plan but I don't want to sound impatient so I kept quiet. Tonight willcbe the first time for me to be introduced as Mrs. Colin Andrews. This is also my first time to attend such an event. Though I trust what my husband said and I'm sure he will never let anyone hurt me, I still can't help but to feel nervous. What's in store for me tonight?