Miss Gray

~A Year Later~

“Welcome, everyone to the grand anniversary ball of the Hank family.” Melissa’s voice echoed confidently from the platform. “On behalf of my soon-to-be-husband, my mother-in-law, and the entire Hank family, I express our gratitude for acknowledging our invitation.”

Claps and cheers reverberated in the large hall as everyone gazed admirably at her.

“We also want to use this means to announce that our biggest project and deal is taking place soon and we can't help but add this to our celebration. Tonight, we also celebrate the Hank Corporation partnership announcement with the Grays. Cheers everyone.”

The audience applauded again and Melissa raised her glass of drink in a toast followed by the guests and at the count of three, they all took a sip.

“Melissa Johan?” One of the guests whispered to another.

“Yes. I heard that she got engaged to Mr Hank a few months back. You don't know that? Everyone does.”

“I’ve been out of the loop lately. She must be so happy. Despite being a mean girl, she managed to pull Mr Hank,” the murmur continued. “Plus she doesn’t even walk normally.”

“True. Even arrogant and spoiled girls get love these days. Mr Hank must truly love her a lot to let her speak on behalf of his family.”

Melissa’s smile broadened at the attention of the guests. What more could she ask for? Holding the microphone to herself, she continued.

“My fiance and Mr Gray are not here yet but don't panic. They are definitely going to be here. Before that, why don't we play some music and dance? It's a day of celebration.”

With that, the hall erupted in a happy flow of music.

“Have you called him, Melissa?” Melissa heard a whisper from behind her. She turned her eyes on her soon-to-be mother-in-law.

“He’s not answering his calls, mother,” she grumbled, fishing her phone out of her pockets.

“Where has this son of mine gone? We can't upset the guests with his absence today.”

“Not to worry. I’ll go that way and give him a call again,” she volunteered.

She stepped down and limped towards a quiet corner in the hall. She ignored the judging eyes of the guests as she confidently limped in the direction.

Her lips twitched. She knew that they knew the cause of her damaged legs and for that, she got all their love and support, not caring if some only pitied her.

As she dialed Noah’s number, the intensified murmuring of the guests caught her attention and she cocked her head to the side, to find out what exactly captivated them. She frowned as she watched them stare at the entrance of the hall in shock. Following their gaze, her frown deepened at the sight.

“What the hell?” Melissa gasped, slipped her phone back into her purse, and began stepping toward the newcomers who’d stolen the spotlights from her with their appearances.

“Oh my. Who is this with a red dress? Did you perhaps come to the wrong place? And even a mask?” She gritted her teeth as she stepped before the woman in the stunning red dress who had her upper face hidden behind a mask. “You’re clearly not on the invite list.”

“Excuse me?” The newcomer spoke for the first time.

Her voice only made Melissa roll her eyes, pushing back the familiarity.

“Yeah excuse you. Ignoring the instructions of the host is rude. The invite clearly specified black and white attire. What is this?”

“I don’t think that should be a problem.” The woman stepped forward with a serene smile. “I’m Brent Gray. Nice to meet you.”

Melissa’s face drained of color, her eyes widening in utter shock, almost popping out of their sockets. “What? G…Gray as in..”

“I’m the daughter of Mr Gray of Gray corporation. I’m representing my father here. He’s not in good health. What I did not know is that this is how you welcome your guests. I’m hig….”

“No no. That’s not it,” Melissa quickly interrupted, forcing a smile to mask how shaken she was. “Haha. I…I thought you were just another lost guest.”

“Oh really?”

“Of course. Oh my. It's really you. Thank you so much for attending our family’s ball to celebrate the company’s anniversary. You can call me Melissa.” She stretched her hand forward for a handshake. “I am Mr. Hank’s Fiance. Nice meeting you.” But her outstretched palm was only ignored and overlooked.

She faked a laugh, dropped her hand in embarrassment, and rubbed them on her black dress, her palm suddenly sweaty. Was she supposed to be feeling the way she felt? She pondered inwardly. Yes, the woman before her was intimidating but no, she didn't feel so intimidated so easily.

“Nice meeting you, Melissa.” Her thoughts were cut off by the woman.

“Oh, the pleasure is mine. Please come on in. I decorated this hall myself and I do hope that you like it. My husband… I mean my fiancee had asked me to take care of you specially. You're our biggest guest.”

“Indeed.”

“Right.”

“I haven't seen the host of the party anywhere. He doesn't attend business parties?” Brent Gray pondered out loud.

“My husband? I mean my soon-to-be.” She waved it off with a laugh. “You understand. I'm just not used to either of the titles yet. He'll be here soon. He normally doesn't attend parties but he definitely will come. You know, we never expected that you would come in place of your father.”

“Father is sick. He sent me here.”

“He’s so nice for that.”

“By the way, congratulations on your engagement. Nice ring.”

“My fiance is so sweet. This thirty-carat ring must have cost a fortune. You know, right?” she flashed the ring before everyone.

But got ignored by Brent Gray who only shook her head and continued. “I should see the others. We’ll meet again.”

But before Brent Gray could leave, Melissa watched as she took off the mask from her face and with her hands, brushed her hair backward. She could swear that the sight she was met with was one that almost made her drop to the floor in utter shock. There was no mistaking who it was and for a while, she felt her soul leave her body.

“Wh…Wh..what the hell?” She roared. “Stop!”

****

A/N

Welcome to my new book, dearest gentle readers. Please leave a comment/review and vote for this book!

Love,

Suxi