Drop-dead gorgeous

Just as Karlos said, the dress arrived for Berlin along with shoes and a bag to go with it.

At exactly 9:26 pm, Karlos arrived at the house in a black Range Rover and waited for her to arrive.

When it was 9:30 pm, he stepped out of his car to make a call and inform her he was outside and it was time for them to leave when his eyes caught a figure in the distance, waiting near the entrance of the building and looking down at something.

He stood frozen a bit, knowing full well who she was. Karlos narrowed his eyes at her as he took a complete look at her.

Berlin was wearing a peach crystal mermaid bodycon, sleeveless, high-neck dress. The peach crystal mermaid dress hugged her body in the right places while accentuating her sexy curves and making her look like a starlet.

It was as though she knew he was watching her and just like that, Berlin raised her head, only to see him staring directly at her and there was a hint of a smile on his face. She forgot to breathe for a moment when his eyes met hers, but she quickly reminded herself how this whole outing thing wasn't his idea. She tried to suppress her feelings.

As she walked, the slit which ended at her mid-thigh on her left leg, exposed her fair legs to his beautiful eyes.

Her hair was let down and her lips were adorned with velvet matte ruby red lipstick, giving her the body glow and making her look intimidating in her outfit.

Her dress was complemented by a black purse, designed with diamonds, further adding to the glitter on her gown and made her look like a shining goddess. And her bruised arm was barely visible.

For the first time that day, Karlos took a good look at her from her head to her toes, taking note of every single added accessory on her.

From her teardrop diamond earrings to the hand which was clutched at her purse and was equally adorned by a sleek silver bracelet with a similar diamond-encrusted pattern to match her earrings.

She looked elegant.

It was not until Berlin got to where he stood and complimented her that Karlos realized he had held his breath all through her walk to him.

"You look... beautiful."

A small smile broke out on her lips at his compliment and she felt happy he appreciated her looks"Thank you. You look nice as well."

As much as he knew she meant it, Karlos brushed it aside. He knew he got the looks and anything he wore, only further enhanced his looks.

But Berlin's transformation was breathtaking. He had single-handedly picked out her outfit and everything was perfect but he never would he have imagined she would look so drop-dead gorgeous.

"Shall we?"

***

Meanwhile...

At the Bane's household, Tasha walked out of her room and headed downstairs to the living room to meet her Mom.

She was dressed in a long red, handless bodycon gown with a slit at her right, reaching up to her hips. She looked stunning.

Her hair was neatly tied into a bun, allowing her exposed back to be viewed and admired by all who saw her.

Her lips were similarly stained with red lipstick to match her dress and when she moved her head, her long golden earrings shimmered and dangled with her.

Her neck was graced with a golden necklace and a bracelet to match. All these coupled with her stiletto gold-strap heels and her sleek black satin clutch purse. She looked marvelous.

She was a real beauty. ' If only Karlos Wayne could see her now, I bet he would readily dump her best friend and come back begging for her to take him back."

"Wow! It is definitely not a crime for my daughter to be this beautiful, no doubt she got the looks from me. The most beautiful princess on the earth." Mrs. Martha Bane complimented her daughter, as soon as she got to the living room.

"Just that?" From her tone of voice, Mrs. Bane knew her daughter wanted more praise.

A knowing smile spread out on her lips and she made her way to where she stood.

"My dear, you look like a sparkling star. No doubt that any man will not be able to resist your charms.

"Now, that sounds better. Thank you, Mom. She glanced at her Mother, smiling.

"You should know already my dear. No one can surpass you in beauty. You are a breath of fresh air.

Now, go and garner all the attention, that truly belongs to you." Her mother cheered her on with a warm smile further making her daughter confident with pride.

"Where is the driver?" She asked her Mom.

"He is out there waiting for you."

"Ok, see you later, Mom."

"Sure, just take care"

"I will" Tasha waved at her mom and made her way out of the house.

*******

A little while later Berlin and Karlos arrived at the party. As soon as Berlin stepped out of the car, onlookers had their hearts in their mouths.

Following Karlos's lead and with her arms tucked in his, both of them entered the magnificent hotel used to house the occasion.

"Wow! Look at how amazing she looks," one of the guests remarked from where he stood talking to another guest.

"That is Karlos Wayne. That must be his wife."

"They both look good together." The third man quickly added

Immediately they set foot into the hall, all heads turned to their direction. A lot of jaws dropped and mouths hung agape at the couple that entered.

Berlin who had started feeling nostalgic, calmed her nerves down and focused on the sight Infront of her, the beautiful designs and the intricate decorations of the lavished furnished hotel, avoiding the several glares she was getting particularly from the single ladies who all had their heart set on Karlos and those that despise her background.

"Who does she think she is?"

"How dare a nobody stand close to a Wayne."

"Wasn't her mother a mistress?"

"How come we have never seen her in our class or even on campus ground?"

"You idiot! She didn't go to college... hahaha... hahaha"

"From rugs to riches..."

Many rude comments started circulating especially among the ladies and in as much as Berlin heard it all, she simply walked on like she didn't care.

Together they walked over to a table where a group of men were standing with glasses of different content and conversing.

As soon as they sighted Karlos, they all turned towards him to welcome him.

"Karlos! How nice of you to grace us with your presence." the first man greeted warmly to him.

Berlin took her time to access each of Karlos's Colleagues and recognized them as well-known business tycoons in the country. It was no doubt that whoever was in Karlos's class back in school, was an equally very important person.

The men continued exchanging pleasantries.

"Karlos!" Berlin's eyes darted to where the sound came from. A tall man dressed in a tailored navy-blue tuxedo with a black satin lapel stood in the middle of the room, a smile plastered on his face as he walked closer to them.

"Hey," Karlos replied. Closing the gap between them, he stretched his hand to Karlos for a shake and said "I thought I would never see you again."

At one look, Berlin recognized him. His company is the fifth most prominent company in the city.

"Oh my God, that is..."

"Nelson Ville, your jokes never grow old do they?" Karlos returned the man's warm regards with his.

"No, I guess not."

Berlin whose hand had since been untangled stood there with wide eyes as she could not believe the presence of the people she was standing in the midst of.

"This is my wife, Berlin" Karlos introduced. She tried to smile as Nelson walked closer. He took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Berlin," he said, then turned his gaze to Karlos. "I never thought our man of the hour, would marry anytime soon

"I would like to speak to your husband for a moment. Hope that's ok?" he asked, looking her way. Berlin was still dumbstruck. When she didn't respond but only nodded her head, he laughed.

"I have someone I want to introduce you to, Karlos. come."

Karlos managed to mouth the words 'I would be right back' to Berlin as he left her alone by herself.

The men with whom he was with previously also greeted her and complimented her on her beauty.

"You look exceptionally exquisite this evening."

"Like a model"

"Stunning if I may add."

"Thank you," Berlin politely replied as her eyes glanced at the men.

After some minutes, she lost sight of Karlos when one of the men turned her attention away from him.

"I could keep you company if you'd like me to." Another man asked.

"Thank you. But I would like to be excused."

"Sure, go on ahead." The third man added and bade her goodbye.

Berlin gave them a charming pleasant smile and walked away.