CHAPTER 3. 7-NIGHT CARIBBEAN TRIP
EMILY COOPER POV'
I followed, my heart pounding with excitement...
and a hint of nervousness.
The doorman smiled warmly, welcoming us to the Hollen estate.
We walked through the grand entrance – a stunning foyer with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a sweeping staircase that curved like a ribbon.
My dad leaned over to whisper,
"Richard spared no expense in designing this place. It's truly fit for royalty. I've heard the interior designer was flown in from Paris specifically for this project. And the art collection? Priceless. There are Picassos, Monets, and even a Van Gogh or two hanging on the walls."
My mom nodded, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Yes, and the gardens are supposed to be breathtaking too – we'll have to explore them later. I've heard they have a private movie theater, an infinity pool, and even a tennis court! And let's not forget the private vineyard – Richard Hollen produces his own wine label."
My parents mingled with other guests, sipping champagne and making small talk.
The room was filled with laughter and music, everyone dressed to impress in their formal attire. I recognized a few celebrities – a famous actress, a musician, and even a reality TV star.
But I stood silently beside my parents, as they introduced me to guest after guest. I smiled and nodded politely, but my mind wandered...
where was Christopher?
Was he even coming tonight?
I smiled and nodded politely, but my mind wandered...
where was Christopher? Was he even coming tonight?
I glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but he was nowhere to be seen.
I felt a slight pang of disappointment, but pushed it aside – maybe he was just running late?
Just then, the waitstaff approached us, offering a tray of hors d'oeuvres.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Hollen requests the honor of your presence in the grand ballroom shortly. He has a special announcement to make before dinner is served. Please, follow me."
My heart skipped a beat – could Christopher be making a surprise appearance after all?
I felt a flutter in my chest at the possibility.
We followed the waitstaff through the winding halls, passing by floor-to-ceiling windows that offered glimpses of the stunning gardens outside.
The grand ballroom was even more breathtaking – a sprawling space with a live band, a sparkling chandelier, and tables set with fine china and crystal glasses.
The room was filled with people, all chatting and laughing together.
My dad smiled, leading my mom and me to our designated table near the front.
We sat down, and I glanced around nervously – still no sign of Christopher.
The lights dimmed slightly, and a hush fell over the crowd.
Richard Hollen, walked up to the microphone, a warm smile on his face.
"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to our home! My wife, Sarah, and I are thrilled to have you all here tonight for this wonderful cause.
Please, let's take a moment to appreciate the amazing work being done by tonight's beneficiary, Children's Hospital LA...
They provide life-saving treatments and care to thousands of children every year, and we're honored to support their mission tonight."
He spoke passionately about the charity, and I found myself getting lost in his words.
Richard Hollen was a natural orator, and his kindness and generosity inspired me.
"...and now, without further ado, let's move on to the main event!
Our auction features some incredible items, including a private yacht trip to the Caribbean, a luxury car donated by Ferrari themselves, and even a chance to meet your favorite celebrity...
We have some amazing packages up for grabs tonight, so be sure to bid generously!"
The crowd murmured excitedly, and I felt my heart skip a beat again.
Could Christopher be the mystery celebrity?
"...but first, a special performance by the talented singer-songwriter, Alessia Cara! Please welcome her to the stage...
She's here to perform some of her hit songs, including
'Scars to Your Beautiful' and 'Stay' – so let's give her a warm welcome!"
The crowd erupted into applause as Alessia Cara walked up to the microphone, her voice soaring through the ballroom.
I clapped along, still wondering...
where was Christopher?
Alessia sang with passion and energy, her voice filling the room with emotion.
The crowd was entranced, singing along to every word
Alessia sang with passion and energy, her voice filling the room with emotion.
The crowd was entranced, singing along to every word.
I found myself getting lost in the music, my thoughts drifting away from Christopher...
until I saw him.
Tall, broad shoulders, chiseled features...
he stood off to the side, partially hidden by a curtain. Our eyes met briefly, and I felt my heart skip a beat.
He smiled, and I quickly looked away, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Alessia finished her set to thunderous applause, and the crowd began to mingle once more.
I glanced around, hoping to catch another glimpse of... him.
My heart was racing with excitement –
what was he doing here?
And why was he hiding behind a curtain?
The lights dimmed again, and Richard Hollen returned to the microphone.
"And now, it's time for our auction! We have some amazing items up for grabs tonight, so let's get started.
Our first item is a private yacht trip to the Caribbean... Who will start the bidding at $10,000?
This is a 7-night trip on a luxurious yacht, complete with a crew and all the amenities you need for a relaxing vacation.
You'll have the chance to snorkel, swim, and soak up the sun on the deck... it's the perfect getaway!"
The crowd murmured, with a few people raising their paddles.
The bidding quickly rose to $20,000, then $30,000.
Richard Hollen smiled, clearly pleased with the response.
"Our next item is a luxury car, donated by Ferrari themselves.
It's a brand-new model, with all the latest features and a sleek design. Who will start the bidding at $50,000?
This is a rare opportunity to own a truly unique vehicle – it's a limited edition model, with only 20 produced worldwide.
You'll be the envy of everyone on the road with this baby!"
The crowd murmured again, with several people bidding on the car.
I glanced around, still searching for... him.
Where had he gone?
I felt a slight pang of disappointment, but pushed it aside – maybe he was just busy?
The auction continued, with several more items up for grabs.
There was a private jet trip to Hawaii, a weekend getaway to a luxury resort in Malibu, and even a chance to meet a famous actor on the set of his next movie.
The crowd was lively, with people bidding enthusiastically on each item.
Finally, the auction came to a close. Richard Hollen smiled, thanking everyone for their participation.
"And now, I'd like to introduce a very special person... my son, Christopher Hollen! Please join me in welcoming him to the stage. Christopher is a talented young man, with a heart of gold.
He's been involved with several charitable organizations over the years, and we're thrilled to have him here tonight to support Children's Hospital LA."
The crowd applauded as Christopher walked up to the microphone, looking handsome in his tailored tuxedo.
I felt my heart skip a beat as our eyes met briefly – he smiled, and I quickly looked away, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Why was I blushing so hard when he wasn't even looking at me?
Gosh!!
Christopher smiled at the crowd, looking confident and charming.
"Thank you, everyone, for welcoming me tonight. I'm honored to be here, and I'm excited to announce that I'll be supporting Children's Hospital LA in my own way...
by donating a portion of my upcoming modeling contracts to the charity.
As many of you know, I've been fortunate enough to have a successful modeling career, and I believe it's essential to give back to the community. Children's Hospital LA is an incredible organization, and I'm proud to support their mission."
The crowd applauded again, and Richard Hollen beamed with pride.
"And now, I'd like to make another announcement... Christopher and his girlfriend, Alessia Cara, are getting engaged!
They'll be tying the knot on his 18th birthday next month – please join me in congratulating the happy couple!"
The crowd erupted into applause once more, with cheers and whistles filling the air.
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut – Christopher was engaged?
To Alessia Cara?
Wait he was dating...??
I couldn't believe it.
I thought he was...
never mind.
It didn't matter what I thought.
He was with someone else now, and I needed to move on.
I clapped along with the crowd, trying to hide my disappointment.
My parents were beaming with excitement, congratulating Richard and Christopher on the engagement.
I forced a smile, trying to join in the celebration.
But inside, I felt like crying.