Chapter 8: The Banquet.

The car stopped in front of a carpet, and as we stepped out, flashes from cameras filled the air. Isaiah's hand was carefully entwined with mine, guiding me through. The flashes of the camera continued and I could feel myself getting overwhelmed, my head felt like it was spinning, it was all just too suffocating, I suddenly felt a light yet firm squeeze around my waist which immediately made me jolted for a millisecond. I turned slightly over to Isaiah who gave me a somewhat reassuring nod and I instantly understood. I took a deep breath and composed myself.

Even though everything was planned, my heart raced with every step we took. The paparazzi bombarded us with questions as their cameras flashed continuously.

"How does it feel to be married to Mr. Lyon?" 

"How does the sudden change in lifestyle make you feel?" 

"What are your thoughts on Mr. Lyon's past relationship with Miss Sung?"

"How are you planning to face Miss. Sung?"

"Do you still have any feelings for her Mr Lyon?"

Questions flew at us one after the other. I could feel the weight of all their questions pressing down on me. It was asif the multitude of people were closing in on me and my head was starting to spin.

We finally made our way into the Grand banquet hall with light flashing from every corner of the room.

Isaiah leaned closer, his lips just above my ear. "Don't mess up," he whispered.

I wasn't sure if I should be offended by his words or shaken by how close he was. But instead of protesting, I simply nodded, choosing to stay quiet this time.

We made our way through the crowd, Isaiah exchanging greetings with everyone as we passed. The room was filled with important people, clearly of high status. I felt completely out of place. The people, the designs, the atmosphere—it was all so different from what I was used to.

We finally reached a table at the far end of the room. A man in his mid-50s stood up to greet Isaiah with a warm but brief embrace. I immediately recognized the resemblance between him and Isaiah—the same sharp jawline, the same dark hair, although the latter much older. There was no doubt it was Isaiah's father –John Lyon.

Ah, Isaiah! You've finally arrived!" Mr. Lyon said, his voice booming across the room. The two engaged in a quick brief discussion before Mr. Lyon's eyes finally rested on me for a moment, scanning my appearance with a look that felt both critical and curious. But then, his stern expression softened and was immediately replaced with a smile.

"You must be Emelia," he said, opening his arms for a quick hug. 

"Yes, Mr. Lyon," I replied, returning the hug with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

He pulled back slightly, looking at me with a more welcoming look. "You'll make a lovely addition to the family, Emelia. I've heard a lot about you," he added, his tone sincere but with an underlying edge of formality, as if he was still processing something.

I smiled nervously, unsure of how to reply." Thank you sir." I finally said.

Before Mr. Lyon could speak again, someone on stage called the attention of the crowd and with a slight smile he walked away, making his way to the stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," The man on the stage finally spoke." Let's welcome, Mr. John Lyon. Founder of Lyon Enterprise."

And with that the crowd started an applause as Mr. Lyon made his way majestically up the stage.

The loud applause ceased as soon as he brought the microphone to his lips. "Evening everyone, Today I'd like to announce my retirement as CEO of Lyon's Enterprise and my son Isaiah's ascension into this position" He gestured towards Isaiah who now made his way to the stage.

The crowd erupted in applause once again, their cheers filling the air as Isaiah moved confidently toward the stage, his posture calm and composed. The spotlight followed him as he walked, casting a glow over his tailored suit. As he stood beside his father, the two of them looked like an unstoppable force, a powerful lineage of business moguls ready to take the world by storm.

"Thank you," Isaiah spoke his deep voice cutting through the multude. The room fell silent, all eyes now on him. "Tonight is a milestone for both my family and me. As many of you know, my father has dedicated decades to building Lyon Enterprise into what it is today. He has created an empire—a legacy that we all hold in high regard."

He paused for a beat, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, his eyes met mine briefly before turning back to the audience. I froze from the sudden eyes contact before composing myself seconds after.

Although I was still feeling out of place but Isaiah's somehow managed to make me feel some sort of calmness.

"It's an honor to be a part of this family," he continued. "But tonight, I'm more than that. I'm proud to take the reins and continue the work my father has started. It's an honor to lead Lyon Enterprise.'

The applause that followed was even louder than before, the crowd visibly excited about the new direction the company would be taking. The lights dimmed slightly as the spotlight remained on Isaiah.

I felt a s mixture of emotions—Just some days ago, I never could have imagined being here, standing in a room full of influential people, attending the launch of Lyon Enterprise. I would have been anticipating a new life with Jermaiah but yet, here I was—married to Isaiah, a woman in a world so from the life she had once known.

Isaiah stepped down from the stage, with the spotlight still settled on him as he strolled through the crowd. He stopped in front of me, and in a swift motion he hands wrapped round my waist, he leaned in closer but this time placing a quick kiss on my cheek. The entire crowd turned to look, and I was caught completely off guard. My whole world seemed to stop at that moment.

I stood there, stunned, unable to fully process what was happening. The soft murmurs of the crowd filled the air, but in that instant, I was lost in the feeling of Isaiah's lips on my cheek, the attention of everyone in the room suddenly on us.

"Play along." His voice echoed in my eyes before pulling away.