Astrid's eyes narrowed. "I think he said some vulgar words, that's why she's laughing." Diego's anger flared up. "Doesn't she know I'll be announcing my engagement with her today?"
Astrid's voice was laced with fake concern. "Diego, have you changed your mind already? I know you still love her. It's never too late; you can just forget about me. After all, I know I can never be like my sister. I know you pretend to love her. It is okay. I won't take it to heart. I was the one who gave my first to you and everything. It is really nothing. I hope you find happiness with her." Diego snapped back to reality, reassuring Astrid by secretly holding her hands.
The party continued, with guests introducing themselves. Diego took the stage, drawing the crowd's attention. "Hello everyone. I see a few of you know why I'm hosting this party today which is to thank my employees and celebrate with all of you. But I actually organized this party for a special reason and that is to introduce you to someone. Someone I've been waiting too long to introduce you people to. I hope you guys can accept her as I did"
The reporters were abuzz, wondering who this person could be. Diego paused for dramatic effect before announcing, "So, let's welcome Astrid Hale, my fiancée!" Astrid glided onto the stage like the white lotus she is embracing Diego.
The crowd applauded, but both Astrid and Diego's attention was focused on Esmery, who was clapping and smiling seemingly unfazed with the announcement just made. This wasn't the reaction they had expected from her. They had anticipated anger, yelling, and accusations of cheating and a way to tarnish her image.
As Diego and Astrid basked in the spotlight, a quiet, powerful figure in the crowd observed the scene with interest. He was never the one to be interested in people's affairs. But, the actress had really caught his eyes the moment she stepped on that red carpet. He had been observing her and the others she's been interacting with since then. He had always been a lip reader and where he was sitting was really the perfect spot for seeing everyone.
Astrid and Diego approached Esmery, wearing bright smiles. Astrid intentionally feigned sadness, as if she wasn't responsible for Diego announcing her as his fiancée. Esmery, however, remained calm and collected. As if she wasn't even part of them, much less knew of them.
"I never expected that," Esmery said, her voice even. "Well, congratulations to you both. I wish you a wonderful wedding and good luck. You two are a perfect match made in heaven. I just hope everything goes well for you both. I can't wait to have my niece in my hands" She congratulated them, gave them a hug and walked away, leaving Astrid and Diego looking perplexed.
Esmery headed to the bar and ordered a drink. As she sipped her alcohol, Damien approached her. "What do you think you're doing, Esmery? Are you really that sad? Did you really love Diego that much" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
Esmery laughed. "Oh no, I'm not sad. I just want to drink and forget this night so I can go to sleep. And love, seriously, if you think I really loved him, then, you have to sign a resignation form as my best friend. Even though I didn't love him, knowing that I was betrayed still hurts. Imagine if I didn't see the truth. I'd have been stuck in the dark like a fool" She continued drinking, her eyes locked on the glass.
The powerful figure in the crowd continued to observe Esmery, their gaze fixed intently on her.
Damien also took a sip from his whiskey and ruffled Esmery's hair affectionately.
"Goddamn…How many times have I told you not to ruffle my hair? Do you know how many times I had to style this hair?? Two whole hours? And now, it's all scattered. Thank you so much for the trouble" Esmery huffed and puffed with anger. Her cheeks were so red that Damien thought they'd explode.
"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…" Damien said, cackling up with the laughter he was trying so hard to suppress.
"Fuck you! Now, I have to go to the bathroom and fix it. Thank God I also feel like taking a piss" Esmery claimed and stepped down from her chair.
As she made her way to the bathroom, she stumbled slightly, her movements a bit groggy from the alcohol. She finally made her way into the bathroom stall after looking for the door many times. She stood in front of the mirror and tried to style the hair the way she wanted since the hair was proving to be stubborn. After 30 whole minutes, she was done and made her way to the exit of the bathroom.
When she came out from the bathroom, she bumped into someone.
Frowning, she took a step back and glared at the obstacle in her path.
"Woah," she mumbled. "Why does the wall keep stopping me from going to the bathroom?"
She squinted, confused, and lightly pressed her hands against the 'wall,' as if testing its sturdiness.
Then, as if offended by its existence, she began pushing against it, mumbling, "Move... stupid wall. I'm so drunk I can't see well. Who the hell even asked me to get drunk. All the alcohol tastes like piss"
A deep chuckle rumbled above her.
"You are cute," the 'wall' said.
Esmery froze as her breath hitched. No matter how much she was drunk, she knew there was no way a 'wall' could talk. Unless it was a Disney movie. "Or maybe, have I teleported into a Disney movie. Oh God…I hope I was teleported into Frozen. I know I will certainly be Elsa. Because, I'm such a sassy bitch" Esmery though will glee smiling in a daze but then, she reached out and pinched her arm as if trying to see if it was real or not. She raised up her head slowly only to be met with a storm of grey-blue eyes looking at her.
It was a man.
A very tall, very powerful man.
And he was staring at her like he had just found something worth keeping.