Zean Gala

Ethan drove through the parking lot with Thea in the back. The high gates opened quietly as he approached. The cool evening air entered through the window, making Thea's skin tingle.

It was a rather cold evening and she needed to step inside where it was a lot warmer.

As the car pulled up, she saw a black G-Wagon parked by the main entrance. A man stood next to it, a tall figure in the dim light. She recognized his posture. It was Seth.

What the hell was he doing out here, just standing by the car and glancing at his wristwatch absentmindedly. Most importantly, where are the guards? And his driver?

Ethan parked the car and Thea got out. Seth pushed himself away from his car and walked over to her. He did not say a word. He just opened the passenger door of his G-Wagon. His action was a clear command. Thea was to get in.

She glanced at him and then back at the car, confused. “What are you doing?”

“Get in.”

“Where are we going?” She asked, glancing from the car to Seth.

“You'll find out soon enough." He offered.

Thea's eyes flickered from the leather interior of the car to the man holding the door for her.

He could just tell her what was going on instead of keeping it all a…surprise.

Thea did not ask anymore questions and got into the car. The leather seats felt cold on her back and the smell of Seth's cologne overpowered her nostrils.

Seth got in, started the engine, and drove away. He did not say where they were going and the ride continued in silence. It only managed to make her feel uneasy. Nothing great ever comes out of Seth's silence.

After about twenty minutes, he pulled up to a large building. The name Elara Maison was written in gold above the front door. Thea knew this place. It was the most expensive fashion store in Zean, a place where only the most influential people in the city shopped.

Despite her family's fortune, they couldn't afford to buy clothes from this store! It had nothing to do with money but everything to do with receiving a personal invite from the owner of the store to come shop there.

Seth pulled a stop , his eyes watching Thea admiring the building in disbelief.

“How did you..” she asked

He smirked. “I have my ways. Come on.”

As they walked inside, the noise in the room stopped. People who were talking and laughing became silent. They looked at Seth, their faces showing a mixture of shock and fear. They moved away from his path, creating a clear space for him to walk through.

Thea watched the people around her move away, barely making eye contact. What is going on? Why does everyone seem to be on the run, to say the least?

Thea's eyes flickered over Seth, he wasn't making eye contact either. He walked right behind her, but not too far away from her either, eyes fixed on the store he was heading towards.

She frowned, are they avoiding him? Or is there something else she's missing? It made no sense, what was going on. Why would these people be afraid of Seth?

Finally, they walked into the store and were immediately welcomed by a roll of staff members.

A lady in her thrones hurries towards Seth and Thea, a nervous smile on her face. “Good evening Mr Blackwood. My name is Steph and it's an honour to have you here..”

Steph's eyes flickered over to Thea in question, she wasn't informed that Mr Seth had a girlfriend or anything. Maybe this was his assistant?

“Im here to get something for my wife.”

Thea's eyes pounded as her gaze darts straight at him in shock. His wife. Did he just say that out loud? In front of everyone here?

Steph tries to compose herself despite the urge she felt to leave her mouth hanging wide open.

“Yes! Sure! Right this way!”

She led him towards the racks, showing him their latest clothes and designs. Seth walked to a rack of clothes and began looking through the dresses as Steph pulled out one dress after another.

“Can I have an idea of what you're looking for? Maybe I'll be able to make better picks on what works.”

“The Zean gala.” Seth said simply. Thea froze, did she hear him correctly? The Zean gala?!

“Aha! I'll go fetch you our latest releases that would look fantastic on Ms Blackwood.”

Step hurried away.

“The Zean gala?! The same Zean gala?” Thea asked, dumbfounded. How fud ye get an invite to that event? It's super exclusive!

Steph returned with several dresses in hand, trying to catch her breath. “Sir, here are our latest designs..”

He pulled out a green gown and held it up. The fabric of the dress looked expensive.

“This one,” he said, his voice quiet but firm as he faced Thea. “Try this one on.”

Thea was stunned, did he really bring her here just to shop for clothes? If yes, why? Her eyes met his in question, it still wasn't clear why he was doing this.

“Seth, Why…”

“Try it on.” He pressed, his voice calm. She would have to trust him on this one..

She took the dress and went into a dressing room. Her thoughts were racing. Was he being serious? He's got an invitation to the gala? She's never been to the gala but she's heard a lot about it.

Her family never got invited, not even the starlings are anyone in her circle. It was so exclusive, people are willing to pay hundreds of millions in exchange for an invite..

Thea was led into the change room and a few minutes later, she came out, the dress fit her perfectly.

She looked at Seth. His eyes showed a look of satisfaction.

“Do you like it?”

Thea glanced at her reflection in the mirror, it looked like it was tailored just for her..

“How did you get invited to the gala? I mean, it's an exclusive event!” She blurted out. She couldn't hold back her curiosity and he wasn't making things any easier by not telling her what was going on.

“I want you to be my plus one. For the gala.”

Silence hung in the air, is he being serious? He wants her to be his plus one?

“There…there will be cameras there.”

“I know. “

“Everyone will know we're married.”

Seth tucks his hands in his pocket. “Good.”