Serenity Meets Chaos (Rewritten)

Ch 5

~The Emerald Serpent~

𝓐𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻

The jewelry store buzzed with elites and media , the hushed laughter, clinking of champagne glass and the soft hum of classical music in the background. Golden chandelier hung on the ceiling, bright and shimmering, silk curtains of violet and gold were draped on the frames of huge window panes and velvet lined showcases lined the walls like silent sentinels displaying the delicately crafted masterpieces. Earrings crafted from shiny, expensive gemstones, necklaces spun from sapphire and pearls, rings and bracelets everything screamed regality and brilliance. More guests began to trickle in dressed in tailored fits, arrogance and power as the flashes of camera went off clicking pictures. A glass dome stood at the center slightly elevated like a throne displaying a gleaming ruby ring sitting royally as if sculpted straight out of the fiery red flames.

Mr. Henry Wallace, the owner took the stage to greet the guests when Adhiraj stepped in, his eyes cold and dominating as the air shifted in the room. His lethal charm drawing gazes of the people and he enjoyed it, he thrived on the attention because he knew he owned every bit of it. He stood near his designated table, with a glass of champagne in his hand. He breathed deeply tired from today's work and this gathering was nothing but a barrier from keeping his thoughts wandering back to today's highlight. A brief meet up with Anvika.

He wished she would just magically appear out of nowhere and grace him with her presence at least the meaningless chatter and hollow laughter would become bearable as people began to approach him for their own purposes with extra sweet smiles and honey dripping tones screeching his ears. He replied back in his usual cold tone and cunning charm.

Adhiraj's eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of someone standing near the dome, her lithe figure and black wavy hair facing him. Her attire was similar to the woman he met this morning.

Is it her? Did he become the universe's favorite?

And then she turned and he was sure the universe loved him. His heart beat thudded loudly in his chest, her brown eyes locked with Mr. Wallace. Adhiraj noticed their subtle interaction, mysterious and knowing smiles.

Mr. Wallace approached Anvika his hands bind together in front of him, he noticed the way her eyes shone and lips curved in a triumphant smile.

"Congratulations." He spoke in a hushed tone gaining her attention.

"It wouldn't have been possible without you buying the temporary rights." Anvika replied gratefully.

"Pleasure is all mine, helping the Royal Jade and you is a great honor." Wallace beamed with a slight dramatic bow earning a gracious laugh from Anvika, on the other side she was unaware that it coiled something in Adhiraj's chest what could possibly be the old man saying to make her laugh like that?

They moved away from the dome as more and more people gathered around it finding solace in the spacious long balcony, Anvika splayed her arms on the marble railing, leaning forward letting the cool breeze caress her skin and the smell of impending rain fill her nostrils.

"You should not stay here for long, the disappearance of owner will cause a commotion." Anvika connoted.

"Well, the jewelry pieces out there are much more interesting and appealing than this old man." He pointed at his silvery hair and laughed standing beside her making her chuckle.

Wallace moved his hand inside the coat pocket and brought out a matte black box with silver lining and handed it over to her. Away from all the glitter and gold in the jewelry exhibition, in the silence of the secluded balcony under the moonlight Anvika opened the box revealing the legend costing more than the combined worth of the jewelry pieces out there.