The Gala

“You can close your eyes to things you don’t want to see, but you can’t close your heart to things you don’t want to feel.” ~Johnny Depp

Bianca

“Wow permit me to say you’re more beautiful in person” A man commented more like a whisper beside me and that heaved my nervousness even though it was a joke.

I cleared my throat.

“G-Good morning Mr. Alcantara and everyone seated. I’m Bianca Bennett, the designer of the dress.” Everyone applauded at my introduction well obviously excluding Stefano as his eyes was glued back to his tablet.

The whole room went deafening in silence.

“Mr. Alcantara?” Giovanna said trying to get his attention... He looked up with the ‘what’ look

“I mean she’s done with her introduction” She said as Stefano’s eyes twisted with disgust.

“So? Let her go ahead in introducing her sketch to us” He said as if I wasn’t standing here.

I was hurt at his words but I have to suck it in for the better future of my designs.

“Uhmm Ms. Bennett, you can go ahead and show us your sketch for the project.” That same man that complimented me said.

I made my way to the screen and changing the slide to mine.

I could feel so many eyes popped out at my sketch even Giovanna couldn’t hide her feelings well as usual Stefano didn’t look up.

“This sketch, I hope you can look into it deeply and tell me what you feel about it?

It’s yet to be named because the name alone must soothe the consumer’s taste.” I said as everyone attention was on the screen and of course except the Devil.

“Wow I don’t even know where to start from” a man answered as I looked at his table tag Mr. Dmitri. “ But I must say it’s amazing I mean different from every other sketches I’ve come acrossed” I smiled at his gestures.

“Looking at the other side, it seem to me that the sketch talks more on self-confidence” another woman responded with a table tagged Ms. Collins. I nodded my head with a wide smile.

I think I mean this people are smart wait what was I even expecting in the Alcan’s group? Of course the smartest among everyone would be chosen to work here.

“The sketch is gorgeous and I think I’ll go with this” Mr. Molotov said adjusting himself on his seat as everyone nodded with a smile making me more relaxed.

“Are we done here?” Stefano’s voice erupted in the hall as the whole room went deafening.

I nodded my head and just when he was about to shut down his tab, Mr. Molotov cut in “What did you think Mr. Alcantara?” Stefano went emotionless looking straight at me, making me uncomfortable not like I was the one who asked the question.

“I think nothing!” He stated in distaste with his eyes fixated on me before turning to Mr. Molotov. “I didn’t see anything special about this, too plain!” Mr. Molotov tried to counter him back.

“But…”

“Get a better sketch!” He glanced at me incoherently. I nodded.

“Excuse me” He stated swiftly before leaving the Boardroom as everyone followed silently.

God did he even know how many hours and days I spent on this particular sketch?

Mr. Molotov walked up to me...

“Please don’t take it to heart, everyone knows how Mr. Alcantara is difficult to please.” He patted my shoulders.

I smiled if only he knew about us then he’ll beg me to quit the job because I know Stefano will give me the toughest time of my life in the 6 months of staying here at Rome.

I heaved a sigh before packing my stuff to leave the hall.

Getting to the elevator, I met a strange good looking man inside who’s face beam with a smile as he notion for me to come in then I smiled too before elevator shut in our faces.

“You must be new here!” He turned his head to my side as I nodded with a smile.

“I’m Raphael Trent, the Director of social resources here at the Alcan’s group” He informed offering his hand for an handshake as I took it with joy.

“Nice meeting you Mr. Trent, I’m Bianca Bennett” I smiled back in response.

“Wow beautiful name for a Beautiful lady” I tucked my hair backward trying to cover my blush from his sentiment.

“Also it’s Raphael” He added with a smile as I raised my eyebrow in confusion.

“Call me Raphael.” He said still maintaining that smile as I nodded just then the elevator opened.

I bowed slightly as we said our good byes.

I trolled out of the gigantic building trying to get a cab to take me to the suite given to me.

I was checking around for a cab, my eyes landed on a Cadillac at a far end as Stefano walked inside without looking around before the vehicle drove away.

Getting inside my suite, I flanged my heels because my legs were hurting badly and made my way to the fridge to get out my orange juice with a snack to go for it.

Just then my phone rang and it was a video call from Tirana, I picked, sitting on the couch.

"Babe! I trust you got a lot of gist for me." Tirana started before Claire’s head popped up on the screen as I rolled my eyes at them sipping my drink.

'Yeah start from the beginning girl' Claire chipped in.

We talked for about 2 hours telling them everything and how nothing special had happened yet except the fact that Stefano doesn’t like my design and want it to be done again.

They all laughed and I was wondering what exactly was funny.

Later the evening, I was sleeping when a knock came on my door.

I forced myself up to answer the person.

Opening the door, I was greeted with a big smile from a young man who’s muscles were almost popping out from his shirt .

“Hello” He said and I smiled back in gesture.

“Hi”

“I’m sorry to disturb you… I’m here to give this to you from the HAY Group” He said and I smiled briefly at him.

He brought out a paper looking like an invitee. I stretched my hands to collect it with an arched eyebrow.

“You’re invited to the Gala party tonight” He said… my eyes widened I mean why are they inviting me?

“Why me please?” I stated stupidly looking confused.

“ You are now an important icon of the HAY Corporation and everyone is invited there” He supplied still maintaining that big smile on his face.

I wanted to ask more question but I didn’t want to scare him away so I nodded closing my door as he said his goodbye.

I was still yet to regain the fact that I’m invited to the Gala I mean fucking Gala??

I was happy but at the same time sad because I’m sure Stefano will be there too which I'm not sure it'll end well.

AT THE GALA, getting to the entrance of the majestic building.

My legs became stuck as everyone especially the billionaires I mean if I’m not mistaken this people are filthily rich looking at the majority of them in Black Armani and Tuxedo and it’s only the people in high class that can afford that suit with their dates.

I glanced at myself… oops I got no date well not like it mattered.

I walked inside the building but just before I could step inside a security stopped me with a smile.

“Ma’am mind I check your invitee?” He asked and I smiled

“Sure”

He collected it to check with his eyes not leaving my body as I suddenly became conscious of myself.

He handed it back leading me inside and said “May I say you’re beautiful.” He said with a smile as I tucked my hair back feeling shy all of a sudden.

“Thank you” I smiled because I didn’t see that coming not like I overdressed.

I put on a Scarlet red bubble gown just above my knee with tiny straps showing little of my cleavage with a golden stiletto and I curled my red hair releasing it to the back which is reaching my waist.

I applied little nude make up with a light red lipstick to go with it.

The more I move, the more eyes settled on me making me insecure.

I went to a corner were the bartender is to take a sit to reduce eyes pairing at me.

My eyes roamed about the beautiful and well-designed place with music booming everywhere.

I watched how some probably important icons at a corner with ladies dancing around them and how everyone with a partner dancing with their date on stage.

“Mind I say you’re beautiful” A voice said cutting me off from my thoughts, I looked back only to realize it’s the bartender. I smiled politely.

“Hi beautiful” A familiar voice got my attention as I turned briefly to the person…

“Hi Mr. Molotov” He frowned.

“it’s Zeus… call me Zeus” He corrected and I smiled

“May I have a dance with you beautiful?” He asked stretching his hand, forming a pout on his cheek... I wanted to laugh but I just nodded my head as he led me to the dance floor with his hands on my waist and mine around his shoulder.

I smiled, He's really a good looking man. I mean so many good looking Men here at Rome!

We continued to dance as everyone kept switching partners because it’s the rule.

I got to switch even though Zeus didn’t want to leave me, he had no choice.

I danced with another Man who’s scent speaks money too…

We made little conversations as he kept saying do I know that I’m beautiful? I blushed as we switched again only to land on the last person I expected in fact not even on my list…

STEFANO. Before I saw his face I already knew from the way my body reacted to his touch because only him could make me feel that way and his lovely scent that I can’t seem to forget for the past years now.

His grip on my waist tightened which was surprising but got loosen eventually as his face went cold.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He whispered but I could feel the sharpness in his voice.

I wanted to tell him I was invited but I don’t know why I chose to be silent. Actually I think I’m terrified at his presence or no I don’t even know as I shut my eyes.