"Okay, Mr. Bodyguard, what I would really hope is if you calmed down. I had no idea this prestigious place accepted such lackadaisical and uncalled-for attitudes," she spoke, already getting pissed off at the man.
She knew he was trying to be kind by making sure she got inside safely, but she didn't want that. She also realized she had stayed longer than she intended—and she didn't like that at all.
She knew that once they found out she was the one who had broken it, things would be far worse than they were now. Her heart began to pound in her chest as nervousness crept in, but she forced herself to maintain a calm expression; she didn't want the guard to see through her cover.
From what she had seen of this guard, she was sure that if he suspected anything, he would inform the others—and that would be even worse than she imagined.
Today was just something else. Why else would she meet her dead husband? Do ghosts really come back to life, or was that burial just some theatrical act?
She had seen him in the coffin that day, yet right now she could not even believe her eyes. This would only mean that he had used his money to pay actors to perform that scene. After all He was bastardly rich—but why disappear?
Her head just kept spinning with unanswered questions.
"Oh, ma'am, I understand what this means, but we want to help you, as we would not want you waiting here for your car when one of us could just inform you," he spoke calmly.
Ave could not help but feel guilty. This man was actually being nice and considerate, and here she was… but she was not really a rich lady; that was just an act. She needed to leave, but she could not tell him that—he might even change his calmness into something less pleasant.
She sighed.
What was she going to do? She finally nodded her head. She had not seen any CCTV cameras in that room… or had she?
She didn't even remember anymore. Maybe she could just go inside and stay in a corner. After all, people would hardly notice her.
Oh, but her dress was very beautiful for that.
She sighed again, knowing it was the best way. Continuing to argue with this man would only draw more unwanted attention, so it was better she just went in.
"Very well, then. I see there must be some hold-up stopping my car from coming. Oh… how would I breathe without seeing my car? Who would give me energy when night comes?" She straightened as she flipped her hair, taking a deep breath. She stood up tall, raising her hands ever so elegantly.
She did not even understand her own words.
"Take me in then, and mind you—anything that happens to my car, even a scratch, would be paid for dearly," she spoke, turning to the man who bowed. She shifted her gaze as he led her. They walked to the entrance of the building, where a huge guard stood. He did not ask for a card, seeing Ave being escorted by one of them. He bowed as he opened the door.
Avelina tried her best to maintain a calm composure, but the view in front of her left her lips hanging open. She just stared at the sight: the large chandelier lights casting golden and silvery hues across the hall, many people in different styles of gowns exuding wealth—even the air in the hall had changed. If you asked her, it was like she had stepped into another world.
"Ma'am…" Ave immediately snapped back as she heard the man's voice, shutting her mouth. She had been so caught up in the place that she had forgotten the man had been watching her—and oh no, how her mouth had been open! That had not been very ladylike.
The man's face now carried an almost suspicious look, and that was not what Ave wanted. She smiled, opening her mouth again, then closing it. She looked at the man with an almost angry expression as she spoke.
"Why is your mouth not open?" she asked as the man now stared at her in surprise, she continued.
"Are you trying to mock me and my tribe? Don't you know we open our mouths to show that we hope we are welcomed?" she lied confidently. The man seemed nervous as he opened his mouth, and Ave nodded calmly.
"Sorry, ma'am. I had no idea," he said with a bow. Ave nodded again, trying to stay composed, even though talking here was harder than she expected. Curious eyes were staring at her and her gown—probably wondering who she was.
"That's enough. You may go. I would not want a scratch on my car, would I?" she asked. The man bowed and began to leave.
Avelina finally turned as she could breathe properly, making sure not to open her mouth at how breathtaking this place was. But lord, this place looked magnificent. She had never attended any venue with such high prestige. She looked around the hall; couples and other high-standard people mingled, even their laughter carrying rich, refined tones. Her eyes searched, and a small smile rested on her lips.
In a corner, there was a spread of different snacks and desserts—rich cakes, sweet drinks, and all. Waiters passed with trays of wine, moving in perfect order. Avelina could tell that even the waiters' clothes were more expensive than her full year of university fees.
That didn't matter. What really mattered was that she had finally found the dessert area. Once she had taken something, she would find her way out when they are all busy.
The soft sound of violins and piano filled the hall, adding to its serene elegance.
"Where is the back door?" she spoke to herself loudly as she turned—but before she could move, her body bumped into something hard.
She stepped back and looked up to see the person whom she had bumped into. No words left her lips; she couldn't seem to find one suitable enough.
A man stood in front of her—brown hair swept back neatly, a perfect brown suit that seemed made just for him. He looked… handsome.
Yes, he was handsome, but he was not as handsome as… Avelina's eyes widened. She could not believe she was about to make a comparison. What was happening to her? It seemed she might need a mental hospital—she was now thinking things.
"I see you were looking for the back door. Perhaps… does that lead to your heart?" he spoke with a smile. Avelina forced a smile in return.
She wanted to laugh at his words; even though she knew any woman could melt at them, she couldn't. This was not a drama series—she was between life and death, and here was this man using her words as a pick-up line.
His smile was contagious, though, and she could not help but smile genuinely, even if only for a moment.
"I apologize but It is the front door that leads to my heart, not the back. Follow the entrance, not the exit," she replied. The man halted for a moment before a small smile grazed his lips.
His hazel eyes locked on her green ones, and he then moved her hands to his lips, brushing them lightly. Avelina immediately shifted her gaze; she wasn't used to this.
"My name is Jordan. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss…" he waited for her to speak.
"Miss Billie Blue," she said with a smile, not intending to tell this stranger her real name.
The soft sound of the violin strings circled around the room. Avelina's eyes wandered slightly, just in case she spotted a back door.
"May I have—" His words halted as the lights dimmed.
All eyes turned toward the entrance as the sleek shoes of a tall figure gleamed. A tall, well-looking man stood in the hall. His royal blue suit was perfectly tailored, adding to his maddeningly handsome appearance. His long black hair fell just to his shoulders, and his sharp grey eyes could freeze a soul with a glance.
Avelina's heart trembled. She stepped back. If it were possible to hide, she would have done so. She could not even look away as he walked forward. Her heart thudded as he passed; all eyes followed him. The violin had stopped, leaving him as the center of attention. Avelina's heart stammered—why were they wearing the same outfit?
Thankfully, he had passed. She had nothing to worry about…
And then, as if that weren't enough, his eyes snapped toward her.
Avelina's lips trembled. Before she knew it, the spotlight was on her, and all eyes turned. Her green eyes widened.
'Who was controlling that spotlight? Lord, why me? Whoever you are, count your days,' she thought quickly, but all words died down as he began walking toward her. Every step made her heart pound louder until he finally stopped in front of her.
People were already in shock—Zauriel, the almighty, had finally shown his face after his disappearance. Now, walking toward a lady, he left everyone even more stunned.
His grey-crimson eyes glinted. He took her hands gently, placed a slow kiss on them as his eyes locked on hers, and with a faint, slow smile, spoke in a deep, calm voice—
"I apologize for my late arrival, Mrs. Zauriel."