CHAPTER 21: An unexpected Surprise

CHAPTER 21: An unexpected Surprise

The grand launch of the Luxury Haven hotel, was nothing short of unparalleled affluence and influence. It was truly spectacular. Crystal chandeliers cast a dim golden glow over the grand ballroom, and the air hummed with the clinking of crystal champagne glasses, and the murmured conversations of the city’s elite, or creme de la creme.

The evening was an absolute flawless blend of power, wealth, and influence. It was exactly the kind of event that demanded attention.

And that night, Sarah Marie Tanner commanded attention effortlessly.

She had chosen a halterneck gown of dark red color, that made her skin glow, and brought out the piercing intensity of her blue eyes. The sleek silhouette hugged her curvy figure, while the delicate slit at the side revealed just enough to turn heads. She was a perfect picture of unbridled elegance and poise, perfectly wrapped up in an air of quiet confidence.

Cara, equally stunning in a champagne-colored dress that flattered her hourglass figure, greeted her at the entrance with an appreciative whistle, and took her hand, giving her a full spin.

"Damn, Sarah. If you weren’t my best friend, I’d hate you. You look stunning, girl!"

Sarah smirked, but before she could reply, Cara leaned in and whispered, "I have a surprise for you later. You’ll love it."

Sarah drew back, and frowned slightly, her brows drawing together. "What kind of surprise?"

She didn’t really like surprises, plus she was aware that with Cara, she was never sure what to expect.

Cara winked. "You’ll see. Just enjoy the night first. Catch you later."

With that, she was gone, slipping into hostess mode as she moved to greet other guests.

Sarah was still confused and suspicious of what the surprise was as she watched Cara disappear into the throng of guests.

She sighed, gripping tightly on to her clutch. She was left alone in the huge ballroom that was filled with people she had probably never met before.

Sarah found herself missing Benicio’s presence once more. He was always her date and company to events like this. They had become a package deal. One never going without the other.

At the thought of Benicio, her fingers itched to check her phone again. She had also been trying to call him all day, but still she had not been successful in reaching him.

The worry sat heavy in her chest like a huge weight, but she refused to let it show.

This night was for Cara.

Instead, she maneuvered through the crowd, expertly dodging lecherous gazes and the occasional man who thought they stood a chance.

As if.

She found a table that was empty, and was at a less crowded part of the ballroom, and sat down. She was retrieving her phone from her clutch when the room shifted.

The arrival of Edward Van Huxley was an event in itself.

The man carried an air of command so effortless that the crowd instinctively parted as he entered, his formidable and imposing presence sucking the air out of the room.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored black tuxedo, he was the embodiment of cold, ruthless authority. His jaw was set, his piercing onyx eyes scanning the room with detached indifference.

And perched on his arm, clinging tightly like a trophy, was Mabel.

And they were making their way towards her.

Sarah didn’t flinch. She didn’t let her expression betray the way her pulse skipped for a fraction of a second. Instead, she lifted her chin and turned back to her phone, as if their presence was of no more importance than the cocktail in her other hand.

Mabel,who had long since noticed her half sister, was however, not one to be ignored.

"Sarah, darling." Her voice was sweetly venomous as they approached. "I almost didn’t recognize you. You clean up well."

Sarah looked up from her phone, her gaze flicking to the couple. Her lips curved in a polite, unimpressed smile.

"Dear sister. I see you still haven’t learned the difference between a compliment and an insult."

Mabel let out a tinkling laugh, squeezing Edward’s arm as if to remind Sarah of her place, and position—something her eyes screamed that it could never be taken.

"Oh, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just surprising, seeing you at an event like this. Despite the last one, it's still a new sight to me. You must be adjusting well to your new… status."

Sarah tilted her head, an amused smile playing on her glossy plumpy lips. "And what status is that?"

Frankly she could never be bothered with Mabel’s veiled insults, and not too subtle jabs.

Mabel’s smile sharpened. "Well, you know. A woman like you… no legitimate family name or background, no old money connections. I mean your mother was only a lowly mistress. You must feel out of place among people who’ve lived practically their entire lives in circles such as this."

Sarah took a slow sip of her champagne, unfazed, as she nodded slowly with a look akin to one who suddenly realised something she never knew.

"I suppose all that you just said would be true, if I spent my time leeching off of powerful men all my life, instead of actually making a name for myself."

Mabel’s eyes flashed with anger, but before she could retort, Edward finally spoke.

He had been quiet and expressionless all this while, but he had been staring at Sarah since they arrived. He was captivated and stunned with how beautiful and classy she looked. Although he looked impassive, cold and unruffled on the outside—on the inside,a storm was brewing.

He had only asked Mabel to accompany to the event to get his mind and attention off Sarah, because he felt he was becoming too attached to thoughts of her.

"Mabel." His tone was even, cold, carrying the weight of finality.

Mabel, recognizing the warning, immediately composed herself. But she was still determined to get under Sarah’s skin. She will never let the insult slide.

She let her gaze drop to Sarah’s hand, where her phone still rested. "Are you waiting for someone, Sarah? You seem awfully distracted."

Sarah, who was still worried about Benicio, didn’t respond. She had no intention of feeding into Mabel’s petty games, but Mabel had already caught on to her momentary silence.

"Oh," Mabel smirked, with mock realisation. "Were you waiting for someone? A date, perhaps? And they haven’t shown up? Don't tell me that you have just been stood up?"

Before Sarah could reply, a familiar deep, smooth voice cut through the air behind her.

"That would be me."

Mabel frowned, as she stared at the tall handsome stranger.

Sarah turned sharply, her breath catching in disbelief.

There, standing in the golden light of the chandeliers, was Benicio.

He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, the sharp cut of his suit emphasizing the effortless sophistication he exuded. His dark hair was neatly styled, his strong jaw, spotting a new look from what Sarah could remember–a neat closely trimmed beard, and his brown eyes; warm and knowing, locked onto Sarah’s with quiet amusement.

Sarah barely registered the soft gasp that escaped her lips before she moved.

"Benicio!"

The next second, she was in his arms, the familiar warmth of his embrace grounding her in a way nothing else could. Benicio caught her effortlessly, wrapping his arms around her waist, and slightly lifting her off the ground.

His lips brushed the top of her head as he murmured, "Surprised?"

"Yes. You're … you're here—" she pulled back, staring at him suspiciously. "You were the surprise?" She narrowed her eyes, a mixture of disbelief, surprise, excitement and suspicion.

A chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Cara arranged it. I was supposed to be here a few days ago, but I decided to keep it a secret. I wanted to surprise you. Did you think I was going to miss seeing you soon? I missed you."

He finally set her down, and cupped her cheek briefly, his thumb brushing over her skin.

Sarah’s eyes softened. "I missed you too. I was so worried."

His thumb brushed against her cheek again. "I know. I’m sorry."

Their moment of reunion, however, had not gone unnoticed.

Edward had not moved.

He stood rigid, his expression unreadable, as soon as the handsome stranger walked in.

But something had shifted in his eyes. A flicker of something unfamiliar, something dangerously close to emotion. It was so small a change that you would not even notice it, if you did not look closely.

But the almost undetectable emotion in his eyes did not belly the emotions that warred inside him.

He did not like this.

He did not like how Sarah had thrown herself into this man’s arms.

How her voice had filled with warmth for him, and her face shown with happiness and excitement.

How he had touched her with such easy familiarity.

And certainly not how he was looking at her now.

Mabel, sensing Edward’s reaction, clenched her jaw in irritation, and latched onto his arm, her nails digging into the expensive fabric of his jacket.

Glaring at Sarah and the stranger, who were totally lost in their happy reunion— totally oblivious to the attention they were receiving, Veronica decided to break the silence.

She cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the pair. She assessed Benicio with keen interest, then turned to Sarah. “Why don't you introduce your friend?"

Benicio turned to her with a polite, unreadable expression. "Benicio Hawthorne."

The name carried weight. Recognition flickered in Veronica’s gaze.

"Of Hawthorne Aviations? The company in partnership with Edward’s company?" she asked, impressed.

Benicio simply inclined his head.

Veronica smiled slowly. "Interesting."

Edward’s jaw ticked. He had heard the name before. The name that Sarah’s friend had mentioned that day at the hotel.

It was him…the one that she had a very close relationship with.

For the first time ever, Edward knew what he was feeling. Something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time.

Something unsettling.

Something dangerously close to jealousy.

And that was unacceptable.

He was still battling his emotions, when Benicio extended hand in greeting.

“Benicio Hawthorne. We finally meet, Mr Huxley.”