Capítulo 24: A Birthday Party
Chen knocked on Anna's front door the next evening. He was dressed in a nice black tie, tux and penguin suit. Cliff opened the door to let him in. He offered him a cup of coffee, but Chen declined, saying his boss was waiting in the car.
Anna had finished dressing before Chen knocked on the door, but was reluctant to go out of her room. She stared at herself in the vanity and was breathless. She knew she was beautiful, but this?
The dress was gray silk with tiny straps, and a deep V neckline that flirted with her cleavage. It fitted so well and held her shape; heaps and heaps of the dress pooled on the floor, and she worried that it would cause some problems.
She slipped her feet into the shoes Mister Truce had bought for her earlier. She couldn't stop looking at her reflection in the mirror. She never thought looking glorious was part of her until now.
Cliff knocked on her door and she let him in. When he stepped in, he lost his breath at the sight of her and Anna couldn't help but laugh. She wore a big, furry coat over the dress to protect her from the cold. Cliff still stood where he was, monitoring her movements.
Just one look at her and he knew that Truce would take care of her. He would. Cliff held out his hand and she took it. They walked out of her room with her hand in his, to meet Chen, who looked restless in the small living room. He almost fainted when he turned to look at her
"Oh dear lord," was all he could say as she stood before him, smiling sweetly.
"Shall we?" She said, when they had stood for so long.
"Uh-yes ma'am," he stammered, walking towards the door.
"Take care of yourself, okay?" Cliff said, and she nodded. He watched them move toward the black Rolls-Royce that was parked across the street. Cliff was impressed by the car.
He saw Truce step out of the car to kiss Anna's knuckles, before opening the car door for her. Hmm, could be a match made in heaven after all.
He stepped back into the house and closed the door behind him.
Truce looked astonishingly handsome in his neat, black bespoke suit. He had his hair styled so perfectly, Anna wanted to run her fingers through it. They couldn't stop looking at each other and smiling; and Chen kept peering at them from the rearview mirror as he drove quietly.
Truce thought she looked like heaven when he got out of the car. He knew right there and then, that she would be the center of attention and would draw the attention he needed to work on his plan.
He smiled and took her hands in his. The small, soft feel of her hand in his, aroused something familiar in him. He wrestled with it as he spoke in her ear.
"You are beautiful, lady Ruby." He whispered, and she smiled, gripping his hand more tightly.
"Thank you... You're not looking bad yourself," she managed in a small voice. She was even overwhelmed by all this. She had to show her gratitude at least.
"All these are so lovely. Thank you for making me look like a queen." She said, swirling a finger about her face.
He started after a pause
"We're on our way to a friend's birthday celebration."
He said, and Anna looked at him in surprise.
She knew no one in those rich circles, and she didn't look so pleased. She should have gotten a gift at least. But what could she give a rich man? Or was it a woman? She didn't ask.
Truce observed the flow of mixed emotions that showed on her face, and knew what she was thinking. He grinned at her.
"Don't worry about gifts. You're already one."
He said in a low voice, and heat spread into her cheeks as she blushed.
"Don't think too much about it." He said, and frowned slightly. "Ignore anyone that makes advances at you." He said matter-of-factly. Anna knew he meant more than that.
She nodded, and tried to relax as they approached Denver hotel. There was a long line of cars at the entrance of the hotel, waiting to go in. Reporters and bloggers flooded the place, screaming names, flashing camera lights and asking questions at the people who stepped out of their cars.
A tall, stoic-looking guard walked towards their car. Chen said something to him and the guard shouted something to the other guards that were scattered around the premises, immediately, a way was cleared for them to drive into the hotel.
They pulled into an exclusive parking lot, and Chen jumped down to open the door for them. As soon as Chen got out, Truce leaned in to kiss Anna on her cheek, stunning her completely, before Chen opened his side of the car.
Chen held her hand to help her down from the car, and handed her to Truce.
Her dress swept the floor as they walked to a door that had a "VIP ONLY" sign, written in golden, bold letters above it.
Truce stepped in before her and she followed suit. It was a private waiting room, and she was grateful for it, to take a little breath before they stepped into the big room. A man came to her side and asked if he could take her coat for her. She blushed at him before removing it.
The dress revealed too much skin and she looked embarrassed.
When she lifted her head, Truce had the same look Cliff had, when he saw her and she flushed deep pink. Truce drew her towards him, circling his arms around her. The sudden body contact was unnerving, the room suddenly became hot and she shivered as their bodies touched. Truce looked like he was also having a hard time.
He attached a small, black chip that immediately became invisible, to the back of her dress, unknown to her, as he pressed his lips on her temple.
"I fear you're going to be an even bigger distraction than I thought."
He whispered into her ear and she stilled in his arms. Should that be a problem? The night was becoming scarier. He drew back, flashing her a sweet smile that made her heart skip.
Together they stepped into an opulent lobby, the venue of the private birthday party of Nichole, the famous, world renowned owner of Chole's beauty and cosmetics. Anna was amazed and felt honored to meet her.
The hotel's grandeur was breathtaking with crystal chandeliers, marble floors and lavish decor that exuded luxury. The room was abuzz with the who's who of society– aristocrats, government officials, wealthy entrepreneurs, to name a few.
As they made their way through the room, all eyes turned on Anna. Her stunning evening dress drew admiring glances from both men and women. There was a knowing look in the women whose eyes were glued on Truce, and Anna's plastered smile shook at the corners of her mouth. Young ladies batted arrogant eyes at her, and whispered amongst themselves as she sailed by.
The attention was too much, and she snuggled close to Truce, whose hand was permanently on the small of her back.
Truce did look dashing in his tailored tuxedo as he navigated them through the room with ease, greeting dignitaries and socialites with a charming smile.
"Truce darling, glad you could make it." Nichole called out in a rich warm voice as they approached. Her smile froze when she saw Anna clinging to him.
Truce saw her reaction and smiled. His plan was working fine.
"Nic, this is Anna. I suppose you heard the news." There was a cold glint in her eyes.
Nichole looked so beautiful in her dark purple dress. She looked perfect without any make-up on, and Anna tried to guess her age. The way she called out to Truce, looked like they were old friends, and she wondered if she was coming between them. He didn't add any special title to her name and she thought it was better for the three of them
"Anna," she said in a calm voice finally, "you look even prettier than in the photo. I had to drag Truce down here so he could explain, and here you are. You look ravishing, my dear."
She pushed a stray hair away from Anna's face and tipped her chin. Anna couldn't recognize the look in her eyes, she smiled sweetly. Then Nichole turned from her and held Truce's hands, and they rapped about something she didn't know. Looking at them like that, an odd feeling settled within her. They looked like they were a couple. Anna excused herself.
Truce watched her go into the restroom and Nichole whispered into his ear.
"She looks like Miriam. Did you see that?"
"It worries me." He said, and she looked up at him. Truce smiled. He nodded once, and he kept staring at the closed restroom door until someone called his name from the side, distracting him.
Anna struggled with shaky breaths in the bathroom, until she succeeded in finding peace.
"It's just a party, we'll be out of here soon."
She whispered to herself, remembering Doctor Stone's advice on meditation. Oh, she had forgotten to call the man.
When she stepped out of the bathroom, she saw Sam walking in her direction. Her stomach dropped immediately. She turned to look for Truce in the crowd, but he was far away from her. She readied herself for battle as she looked back at Sam.
What was he doing here?
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