The Ball

MAYA

"Do not put that there!" I snapped for the third time that evening, and the decorator looked at me as though I had grown two heads.

"Where do you want it?"

"On the tables! I've told you this many times. The guests will be arriving in thirty minutes. This place better not be a mess when I get back in twenty!" I snapped before storming towards my cabin.

Was it so hard to follow simple instructions?

It was the team's biggest charity gala, and everything needed to be perfect.

I quickly changed out of my clothes and applied a light layer of makeup before letting my curls loose. They'd been up all day, and my heatless curls never disappointed me. I brushed my fingers through my black, voluminous hair before putting on my glasses.

Damn! I looked fine.

I grabbed the task board and headed for the boys' room. You think handling a toddler is hard? Try being the PR manager of a set of ungrateful boys.

I pushed the door open without bothering to knock.

"Yoh! Can't you knock?" Aaron jumped, clutching his briefs, but I couldn't care less.

"When you start being on time, I won't have to!" I snapped, beginning roll call as the others groaned.

"Gareth, Kiel, Peter, Aaron, Henry, T-Twins, Brian..." I looked up from the board. "Where are Olin and Liam?"

They suddenly found the ceiling and floor more interesting than answering me.

Jesus Christ!

I loved my boyfriend to death, but he couldn't afford to miss the gala, even if he hated parties. And God knew where Olin was.

I left the room and headed towards the captain's. The dread creeping through my bones was unbearable. I hated this man more than I hated creamy pasta, and I'd rather die than eat that.

I called Liam, but he didn't pick up. Same with Olin.

I rubbed my temple. Liam had been acting suspiciously for two days now. What was he up to?

Unless...

Did he want to propose?

I pushed open Julian's door and stopped.

Lo and behold, Captain Julian was receiving lap dances from two girls.

My excitement about a possible proposal vanished.

"Out!"

The girls grumbled but hurried out, leaving him glaring at me through the mirror.

"Why are you here?" His deep, rough voice made me cringe.

God! I couldn't stand this man.

"You're opening the ceremony, you fool. I don't like being here any more than you want me here, but I need that promotion, and this team needs that charity. Get dressed and make sure Olin and Liam are found."

He smirked, licking his teeth.

Disgusting!

"What's wrong? Can't find your boyfriend? Maybe he's sick of you already."

I tightened my grip on the board. Every part of me wanted to throw it at his head, but I took a deep breath.

If I hit him, he'd get injured, and we couldn't have that happening before the ceremony, could we?

"I really hope I get rid of you."

I glared at him, but his smirk only widened.

I stormed out and headed straight for the hall. I was already late, and thankfully, everything looked exactly as I'd imagined. Guests had begun arriving, one wealthy guest after another.

The boys made their entrance shortly after, but Liam was still nowhere to be found. I checked my phone again, only to find no missed calls or messages.

"It is with great honour that I welcome you to the biggest charity gala of the year. All thanks to Maya for pulling this off. I know I would never."

The crowd chuckled, but I knew better than to be flattered by Julian's speeches.

I barely had time to enjoy the moment before spotting my parents walking in. I immediately made my way towards them.

"Where is your sister?" Mother asked, not even bothering with a greeting.

"A hello would be nice. I don't know where she is."

"She came here earlier. Go find her," Father added with a huff.

I took a deep breath.

How wonderful!

I made my way through the crowd, already knowing she was probably somewhere she wasn't supposed to be.

"Maya..."

I turned at the familiar voice. Olin was walking through the front entrance.

"Where have you been?"

"Family issues. I might have forgotten the box of awards in the VIP room. Could you help me get it?"

"I swear, you boy..."

He cut me off with a kiss on the cheek.

"Love you, and thanks!"

He walked away before I could smack him.

The nerve of these boys!

I hurried towards the VIP room. The award announcement would begin soon, and the last thing I needed was another delay.

My heels clicked against the floor as I made my way down the quieter hallway. I pushed open the door and flicked on the lights.

Then I froze.

I recognised that golden hair anywhere.

Liam.

My boyfriend was sprawled on the sofa, with my sister riding him like a rodeo.

For a moment, I couldn't move. My eyes remained fixed on them, my mind struggling to make sense of what I was seeing.

Nop.

Absolutely not.

"Maya, baby, it's not what it looks like!" Liam scrambled to pull on his clothes as I grabbed the box of awards.

He reached for my hand.

"Get your filthy hands off me!"

I dug my heels into his toes and turned towards the door.

"Mum and Dad are looking for you, Clara."

I didn't wait for an answer. I walked out, shutting the door behind me.

I couldn't deal with this right now.

The gala was still ongoing. People were everywhere, the awards were yet to be announced, and I had no intention of giving anyone a reason to start asking questions.

I tightened my grip on the box and kept walking.

But the further I got from that room, the harder it became to breathe.

Liam?

My Liam?

And my sister?

My steps faltered. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, blinking rapidly as the image of them on that sofa replayed in my head.

How long?

How long had they been doing this behind my back?

I bit down on my lip and forced myself to keep moving. I couldn't cry. Not here. Not now.

I reached the hall and dropped the box of awards before heading straight for my parents' table.

"I've given that ungrateful girl everything. Is she so jealous that she wants everything I have?"

I kept my voice low, my eyes fixed on them.

"Don't call your sister that."

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"I work every day of my life, and all you two care about is that spoilt brat who can't even lift a finger!"

"Maya, watch your..."

The clicking of paparazzi cameras cut him off.

I turned, and my heart dropped.

There he was.

My loving boyfriend, with my sister wrapped in his arms.

I pushed myself up, but Mother grabbed my hand.

"Do not humiliate your sister!" she warned.

I yanked my hand free.

Tears filled my eyes as the paparazzi descended on me.

"What do you have to say about your sister's achievements?"

"Five awards in two years and a hockey player on her arm. Aren't you jealous?"

Their questions came from every direction. The camera flashes blinded me, and I struggled to keep my composure.

I couldn't do this.

I couldn't stand there and watch them turn my humiliation into entertainment.

Suddenly, someone grabbed me and pulled me to the side. I stumbled, crashing into a pair of strong arms.

"Smile for the cameras, sweetheart," a deep, icy voice rumbled against my ear.

"What are you doing?" I hissed as the paparazzi continued flashing their cameras.

"Saving you," Julian murmured, tightening his grip around my waist.

Then he turned towards the cameras.

"My fiancée and I would appreciate some privacy."

All colour drained from my face.

What did he just call me?