Chapter 3 : Rich Met Gala 2

She clutched the rail as she cried her eyes out... The icy wind whipped against her face as sobs wracked her body.

"Who dares to make a goddess cry?" a voice rang out boldly.

Thersa quickly wiped her face and turned sharply as her heart pounded.

There he stood leaning casually against the doorway, the wind ruffling his dark hair. His suit was slightly undone which give him a careless charm, and his sharp eyes held a playful glint.

Thersa's eyes widened unknowing what to say as she moves backwards but her back met the rail…

"Crying alone in the cold? That doesn’t seem fair for someone as beautiful as you." he said as he walk forward to her...

"I..." she struggled

Its okay…he said as he didn’t press for an answer… As the wind grew stronger, both of their hair started swirling in the air.

With a swift motion he strugged off his jacket and placed it gently over her trembling shoulders…

The warmed of the fabric mixed with his fabric made her freeze.

"Much better," he murmured with a low voice...

Then, without warning, he reached out and wiped a stray tear from her cheek with the pad of his thumb, his touch lingering just a second too long..

Thersa's breath hitched. Her lips parted in surprise, but she was left speechless.

He smirked slightly as if he had read her thoughts. "No need to thank me," he said and stepped even closer. "But if you insist… a dance would do."

He extended his hand confidently...

Thersa stared at him as her heart pounded louder than the wind.

"Come on… no thinking," he said as he tilted his head with a smirk. "It’s either this or you keep crying… and I hate seeing a goddess in tears."

The way he said it was smooth...teasing...yet strangely sincere....and it made her chest tighten...

And just like a charm her fingers trembled as they hovered over his palm..

And then she took it...

His grib was firm yet warm....he stared deeply into her and without missing a beat he pulled her close...his one hand slipping to her waist while the other guided hers to rest against his chest...

And just like that he moved...

Thersa's heartbeat quickened as she didn't know what to do

“See?” he murmured near her ear. “Not so bad.”

And with that, he spun her gently, making her lose herself just for a second.

….

In the hall

Mr Monadrogon kept sending his gaze to where his wife had pass as they continued as the main events was about to happen…

One of the man who sat close to him chcukled and swirl the drink in his glass.

"She will be here soon… women love to take their time."

Mr. Mondragon gave a tight smile, but his fingers tapped lightly against the table.

"I don’t particularly like waiting," he muttered.

Just then the light dimmed slightlywhich drew attention to the stage as the host stepped forward with a micrphone in his hands

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the highlight of the evening!” the host announced

….…..

Their faces were inches away as his grip on her tightened.

"I should go," she whispered, suddenly feeling like she was playing with fire.

But he didn't let go just yet...His eyes scanned her face as if memorizing every detail....Then a slow smile spead on his face and he released her…

"As you wish," he said simply and stepped back.

She took a shaky breath and slowly removed the jacket around her and handed it to him before turning to leave....As she walked toward the exit....she could feel gaze on her

….…

Inside the hall

A once in a lifetime opportunity that only the wealthiest and most ambitious among us can dare to claim.” the host said…

A hush fell over the crowd with tension crackling in the air. Some leaned forward into seat while others glance at each other..

Mrs Mandrogon walked in and slowly made her way to her seat...

"This project is the ultimate luxury getaway," the host said with a smile. "A private island complete with an elite business hub, exclusive residences, and a state of the art entertainment district.”

A buzz of excitement spread among the attendees…

This was more than just a business deal. It was a chance to shape the future, leave a lasting mark, and claim a piece of history.The host continued..

Mr. Mondragon smirked and adjusted his cufflinks. This was his territory, and everyone in the room knew it.

“The bidding will start at two hundred million dollars,” the host announced. “Who dares to take the first step?”

Without hesitation, Mr. Mondragon raised his hand, his voice cool and sharp. “Two-fifty.”

The room erupted into soft gasps and nods of approval. As expected.

Another billionaire joined in. “Two-seventy.”

Then another. “Three hundred.”

The numbers climbed steadily, and Mondragon remained unbothered. He knew he’d win. He always did.

Then, just as the bidding seemed to slow, a voice cut through the air like a blade.

“Five hundred million.”

And there was immediate silence...

Every one head turned toward the back of the hall.

The host straightened in shock before quickly recovering.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… Mr. Rafael William Wood!” she announced.

Thersa’s breath caught in her throat as She knew that voice.

And beside her, Mr. Mondragon’s smirk faded into a clenched jaw as he felt challenged...

Rafael walked with natural assurance to the middle of the stage. His piercing eyes scanned the audience before settling on the host.

“I believe you were discussing the most ambitious deal of the night?” he said smoothly...

The host cleared her throat. “Y…Yes, Mr. Wood. The floor was just open for bids on the Black Mirage Project...a high-stakes, multi-billion-dollar deal for the most exclusive luxury resort in the world.”

Rafael felt a slow, knowing smile tug at his lips. He took his time before speaking again.

“I’ll offer triple the highest bid.”

The room felt in a collective gasps which was follwed by whispers..

Thersa’s breath hitched fearing what was to come ...

“Impossible,” Mr. Mondragon said coldly his voice cutting through the noise.

But Rafael didn’t so much as glance his way. Instead, he turned his attention back to the host. “You were saying?”

The host was nearly breathless. “W-Well… if there are no higher offers, then....”

Mondragon slammed his glass onto the table which made everyone flinch. “I’ll match it.”

Rafael finally turned to face him, and his eyes fell on Thersa. His sharp gaze softened, and he gently smiled at her.

Thersa looked away awkwardly.

“Whatever he matches,” Rafael said smoothly, his voice unwavering, “I will double.”

Mr. Diego stood still, even more shocked, as his anger boiled over.

After a moment of silence…

"Going... going... the host said gone!" she announces, "Mr. Rafael William Wood is the winner!"

The room falls into stunned silence again and the some guests began murmuring in disbelief, while others exchange impressed glances.

No one had ever dared to outbid Mondragon until now.

Then to make things worst.. He moved through the hall as everyone's gaze followed him ready to see what he's up to..

Even the Cameras clicked furiously as it captured history in the making...

The golden boy of the elite had just dethroned a king...

Then he stopped...right in fornt of Diego Mondragon

The room ceased and even the cameramen held their breath...as their lenses fixed on them…

Rafeal slowly extended his hand as his sharp gaze locked onto Mondragon's...

Mondragon’s eyes widened ever so slightly. His fingers twitched as it clenched at his sides.

Then Rafael's voice smooth deep voice cut through the silenec

"Fair play," he said, and without waiting for permission, he reached for Mondragon's rigid hand and clasped it firmly.

For a split second, their eyes clashed.

And camera flashes exploded.

Mondragon’s jaw clenched as Rafael dropped his gaze, releasing his hand with a subtle smirk. Without hesitation, he shifted his focus, effortlessly dismissing Mondragon as he turned to greet the other men seated at the table.

Each handshake was firm...

Then, his gaze drifted downward.

To her.

Thersa.

Her chair was right beside Mondragon, her presence nearly swallowed by the storm of power between the two men. But Rafael saw her. Truly saw her.

He leaned down and took her delicate hand in his with knowing gleam in his eyes. Her breath caught as the room seemed to close in around them, the warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her....

His slow, low voice was reserved just for her as he leaned in slightly. Then, he lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles....slowly and deliberately.

The room tensed.

Mondragon’s eyes darkened with barely restrained fury.

And just like that, Rafael straightened, releasing her hand as if savoring the moment before stepping away, his departure just as effortless as his arrival.

As Rafael strode away

A beat of silence passed before one of the men at Mondragon’s table let out a low chuckle.

“Haha… I like him.” He mused and swirled the drink in his glass.

Mondragon’s head snapped toward him, his glare sharp enough to cut steel.

The poor man cleared his throat awkwardly, suddenly finding his drink incredibly interesting as he looked away.

“And with that, ladies and gentlemen, we close tonight’s auction! Congratulations once again to Mr. Rafael William Wood!” the host said

A polite round of applause followed, but Mondragon remained eerily silent, his jaw tight as he stared after Rafael’s retreating figure.

Meanwhile, Thersa’s hands were still trembling slightly under the table...Pictures were taken as the display continued.

As the gala wound down…

He pushed the door open forcefully, not bothering to wait for the guards. The heavy doors slammed against the walls as he stormed inside,with his steps echoing through hus grand walls…

"How dare he! How dare he challenge Diego Alejandro Mondragon!" he roared as his voice shakes with fury..

Never in my life have I been humiliated he said as his coat slid off his shoulder and he yanked away onto the marble floor…

Thersa stepped inside quietly, her heels barely making a sound. She watched as Diego paced back and forth, his fists clenched, his chest rising and falling with every furious breath.

She knew better than to interrupt him when he was like this.

He raked a hand through his hair before grabbing a glass of whiskey, downing it in one go. "That bastard thinks he can walk in and take what’s mine? I will send him away the same way he came" he muttered under his breath, slamming the empty glass onto the table.

Without another word, he stormed out of the room of the hall.....

As he walked away there was a small, satisfied smile curled on Thersa’s lips and she quckily wiped it away....