Chapitre 9: Glimmers

"So Mallory do you wanna sneak in the back or go through the front?"

"Is there a reason the back might be better?"

"Well there is a high chance of interviewers towards the entrance as this event is normally frequented by them."

"Umm ... Whatever you want."

"Mallory now is not the time to lose that spine. I want you to stand tall with your decision whatever it may be."

"Mind giving me a moment then."

Mallory couldn't help but wonder what in the world she was doing in this situation. A quick back and forth with Valerie over text just ended with Valerie messaging you got this followed by a heart. Valerie offered no true help but was still able to steady Mallory's mind enough to offer up a response.

"If we are doing this, let us do it right. What are a few cameras?"

"Exactly!'

Almost as if timed, the car slowly came to a stop in front of the main entrance to the Bellarosa Hotel which served as the venue for tonight's event. With a deep sigh the pair looked at each hoping to find a point of stability on the other.

Stella just gently slid over as she made sure her fingers were securely intertwined with Mallory as the driver came around to open the door. The normal beacon of confidence Stella portrayed was dimmer than usual as she mustered up a quivering smile.

Taking their first steps on to the stage the pair was bombarded by the clicks and dazzling lights. Mustering everything she had Mallory puffed her chest out as Stella took her arm in a more formal sense as the pair with a confident gate made their way to the expansive dining hall.

The whispers of the crowd seemed to follow them as the glances of the upper echelon kept darting towards them. A new piece had entered their usual game and with varied amounts of curiosity followed this new player.

The rumor wheel had already begun to spin and many folks began to make assumptions but the pair kept their heads held high as they strutted towards the central point of the event. Mallory's mind was clouded as all her cognitive ability was constantly being utilized in keeping her emotions in check so much so she hadn't realized the porcelain doll-like figure of the velvet haired lady dress in a dazzling red dress in front of her.

"Mallory, this is my mother Amelia."

"Pleasure to meet you!" squeaked out Mallory.

"Pleasure to meet you Mallory. Seems like Stella has attracted a rather delightful beauty."

Mallory couldn't muster up any words as her eyes looked over to Stella pleadingly. With a smile that Mallory had grown to hate Stella turned to face her mother.

"Yes my new girlfriend is just so delightful I don't know what I would do without her."

"Oh it seems my daughter has found a new partner. Well Mallory I truly have high hopes for you as I personally don't wish for anyone to taint the beautiful star that is my Stella. Do I make myself clear, little missy?"

All the while Mallory held in the squeal that wanted to escape her lips from the pinch of her cheek Amelia was happily inducing onto her.

"Yes Lady Amelia I will never do anything that would dim Stella's light."

"Good girl. Now you two should go enjoy the festivities."

With a gentle smack on Mallory's cheek by Amelia the pair were free to leave. If Mallory learned anything it was that Stella and especially Amelia were a lot scary that their outwardly appearance may portray. Mallory gently led Stella to a corner of the room just out of earshot of most of the guests so she could recollect herself.

"You didn't tell me your mother would be here."

"I guess I never did specifically say that." said Stella with her signature annoyingly smug smirk as she twirled the edges of her chestnut brown hair.

"Also did you really need to state it like that?"

"I mean that is what we are right?"

"You are fully aware of our situation but I have a feeling that was a bit uncalled for."

"Maybe? Well all well that ends well. My mom is just a wee bit overprotective okays."

"A little is an understatement. My cheek still stings."

"Don't worry I will fix that right up."

Mallory's confusion was quickly replaced as her eyes widened in surprise as Stella's soft lips pressed firmly on her cheek. The rosy red of cheek was soon scrawled across her whole face as Stella stifled a small giggle.

"You are going to be the death of me. you know that right?"

"Is it really a bad way to go?"

"Anyway our terms still apply."

"I understand. I'm just making our little ruse more believable."

"Sure~" said Mallory with a squint.

"Anyway Stella, what do you do at an event like this?"

"Well we can mingle with various people but to be honest I much rather just stay right her with you."

"Anything else?"

"Well we can always try dancing."

"Nope I have never done that before and I really don't wanna embarrass myself more than I already have."

"Hmm? What's wrong you seem a bit nervous."

"It seems like every eye in the room is on us."

"I mean you are dating a princess and that is probably the hottest gossip at the moment."

"I am not gonna enjoy this am I."

"Nope but I did warn you. Also it is probably not going to get any better."

The pair's little banter continued on as the night drew on. Eventually the pair slowly made the rounds as Stella began introducing Mallory to the various important families. However after their small little talk Mallory was a bit calmer and talking to these strangers just came a bit naturally. Mallory was able to at the very least keep up appearances while putting for a delightful first impression.

The night quickly began to pass as things slowly began to dwindle down. The pair's confidence built and built until they felt on top of the world. I mean what could possibly go wrong