I've always waited for you

Chapter 3

Avanna's POV.

We reach the event and reporters crowd around us. Some click photos of us,and some interview Jay about who I am. Jay professionally turns them all down and proceeds to wave for his fans,who now look heartbroken over how he has a female companion with him. A small grin takes over my mouth as I raise my hand,do a not-so-subtle hair flip,as if saying,Yes people,I'm the one your favourite person is currently with. Smash all your delusions and live in reality. We soon enter the main venue.

As soon as we enter the dimly lit room,all the lights focus on us. It takes a few moments for me to adjust to the light. Even though it feels annoying,it feels good as well, being in the limelight,everyone's attention on me.

People gossip and whisper among themselves, questioning each other who I am,for Jay never brought a woman to such a gathering,a convention. The women mostly turn a bitter eye on me,and girls,dressed in pretty dresses flock towards him, ignoring his words of protest.

The anchor present on the stage announces his arrival.

"Hang in there. You'll soon be the one people fear. And the men will soon surround you. So, don't worry." Jay whispers in my ear.

"Yeah,yeah,sure. I'm not nervous. I'm more than ready for the moment." Of course,as expected,it wasn't true. My nervousness had reached its peak,and my hands had already started sweating.

Jay smirks,as if he knows exactly what I'm thinking. He squeezed my hand,and it feels reassuring. He is probably the only human I feel comfortable with.

We go up on the stage,and the eyes of some 100-150 people are on me. They all watch as Jay confidently checks the microphone to check if it's working,and they all stare as he starts speaking. His voice,low pitched and sharp, echoes over the room.

"Hello everyone. This is Jay Park , acting CEO of Detao Holdings." People stare at each other,and suddenly the reporters start taking more photos and their hands fly over the keys as they take note of whatever he says. 'Acting Ceo?' is all everyone seemed to have heard.

"Yes,I'm the acting CEO. For many years,we have never shown our real CEO,for fear of what the attention would do to us,to her. She's not one for the cameras and the attention,you see. But now,we are very very proud to announce to the world,who our real CEO is. Yes,you all guessed correct. It's the fantastic woman standing beside me,in a sparkling blue gown,with an elegant bun, shining brightly. Our real CEO,Avanna Glynn. She is a wonderful person,and also the reason we are where we all are. Now,Avanna,I would like to invite you to the microphone." Jay ends his speech and extends his hand. I take it and flash a bright smile to the audience.

They all peer at me,some with curiosity,some with amusement,some with doubt and some with respect and admiration. I start my speech,which feels lame,to be honest.

"Hello everyone. I'm Avanna. Today,this auction is important since the company I'm selling, Kota Pvt Ltd,is the company which was my original idea. I had wanted to first start it in hopes of helping blind and deaf people get treatment on time. It enables them to live a better life. This is the concept,and the design of our company Kota. It hurts me to know that it's being sold,but I hope it shall at least be acquired by a company which can value it better. So, without further ado,let's start the auction."

An hour and a half later,it's acquired by the Friar Company,which mainly focuses on apps that help humans. Satisfied with the whole process,I make a beeline for the food. Completely stressed,I take extra amounts of food,and stuff myself with cakes,and other sweet food.

A silvery,singsong voice from behind me greets me.

"Mrs. Avanna Glynn,the new,sorry, original CEO of Detao Holdings, possibly the richest person on earth with the money earned with the selling of her company which helped her gain another 20 million,even though the app has become extremely old and prototypes of it have been produced everywhere. "

Even though the voice was musical,the tone with which the words were spoken had poison in them,and yet I found the voice attractive. His voice was music to my years.

Not looking at him,I reply,"All the money has gone to charity for the cause of helping those who've been abused,for their upliftment. Unless you have a problem with that,I don't see how it's a bad deal."

I turn around to see who he is. And of course,I am unable to recognise him, having no idea about who is who, except for Jay.

But,I'm quite sure that I have never seen such a beauty anywhere. His blue outfit just perfectly matched with mine. I was sure we would be a couple later on. His lips are plump,and his hair, although messy,still contributes to his fun aura. Well,if we can't date,at least we'll have fun some night. But,if I wanted to find him,I would have to  know who he is first. And in order to do that,I'll need to lessen my ego a bit.

"Excuse my ignorance, could I know who you are?"

"Ah,of course you fail to recognise me. I'm a lowly peasant compared to you. You need not know my name."

I give him a nervous smile. Even though I don't know why he hates me,yet my heart feels hurt. Before I know why,Jay appears to help me.

"Edison,stop it. Avanna,this is Edison. He's still pissed I stole his former girlfriend and is probably trying to piss you off on purpose."Jay explains.

"I still hold a grudge,i guess. But that was straight up cruel,you know. Dating my past girlfriend. Is she your girlfriend? I heard that people who initially quarrel end up being married." And he winks at me.

I crinkle my nose in fake disgust, feeling relaxed now that I know that the previous comment wasn't really directed at me. And yet,my brain seemed to think something was off about this whole situation.

"Avanna, everything good? You look a bit pale." Jay, worried examines my forehead and checks my temperature. Edison also helps Jay. His hands fly over me and soon, he's the one supporting me while Jay tries to figure out if something's wrong with me.

A burning sensation at the back of my throat,an urge to vomit, feeling weak, constant stabbing pain in my lower stomach. But it isn't yet the day for my period. I excuse myself from Edison and drag Jay along with me.

Halfway,he comprehends what the problem is, gently takes me to the bathroom,and then disappears. My stomach pain increases and I press my stomach hoping that the pain with subside. Soon,Jay appears again,this time with a sanitary pad. He helps me to the unisex stall,and stands outside.

A few minutes later,I emerge outside,and we walk back to the eating area. I munch on chocolates,and the monster inside my stomach finally is overpowered.

Raising my head,I walk confidently to the stage to announce the start of the dance.

During the dance,I mostly slow dance with Jay,where he helps me recognise who is who. When we shift partners,I'm able to call everyone by their names and titles.

The dance music finally comes to a halt and the guests start departing. Me and Jay stand at the door, waiting for them all to finally disperse.

Finally,when all the guests are gone,we head home.

"It bored me to the spine. How do you even tolerate such events?They only include standing and smiling. Am I a statue?" I complain.

"Hey. Complain later,I've got something to tell you. Remember Edison?"

"Yeah, wasn't he the rude one I talked to?"
"Yes,he is. Well,I just want you to be careful around him. I think he hates you."

Well,that was a big surprise.

"Did he not explain though that that was because you stole his former girlfriend or something?"
"I did,but even if you take me out from the equation,he still seems to hate you."
"Fine,I'll be more careful. But,I think he's the one. The one who'll set me free from my curse."
"Holy shit. Now that's a problem."
"Yeah,it is,isn't it?"

Sighing,we both look out our respective windows. Moments later,Jay asks the chauffeur to drive a bit faster,and the silence reigns again.