SWEET, SWEET, NIGHTMARE.

CHAPTER FIVE

   DANIELLE'S P.O.V

"Good evening, everyone" Alfredo Valentino's powerful voice carries in the dimly lit room.

Everyone turns towards the podium where Alfredo and my dad stand, microphones and champagne flutes occupying their hands.

"We thank every one of you for honoring our invite to join us in celebrating the partnership of our companies" dad says.

"They're about to announce your engagement" Sofia gushes excitedly.

I glance across the room at Adrian who stands with Umar, his hands in his pockets as usual. As if sensing my gaze, he looks at me and our eyes lock. I smirk, subtly wave my left hand and watch in smug satisfaction as his facial muscles strain into a scowl.

"We appreciate that you took time out of your schedules to felicitate with us and we would like to use this opportunity to announce a further alliance of our families." Alfredo says.

"The forging of our families into an eternal bond through the marriage of our children, Danielle and Adrian" dad finishes.

The entirety of the ballroom looks at us in awe and starts to clap. I and Adrian, taking that as our cue, walk across the room towards each other. We meet at the middle and Adrian, for the sake of our ruse, pretends to be a perfect gentleman by offering me his arm. I go along with the flow and take his outstretched arm. We then make our way to the podium where our fathers await us with beaming smiles on their faces.

  Pretending to be the perfect couple for the sake of the media is easier than I expected it to be. Adrian and I beam at the crowd and smile for the numerous cameras that flash. I even wave my left hand on which the slim band that holds the beautiful giant diamond sits. I watch as the female guests gasp and whisper. Some stare at me in awe, clearly wishing for the fairytale life they think I have, while others have jealousy painted boldly on their faces; they glare at me and scoff while I look each one of them in the eyes and give the sweetest smile I can muster.

"I think you're enjoying this a bit too much" I hear Adrian whisper beside me.

"When next will I have such fun?" I say, my perfect smile not once leaving my face.

"Tone it down a notch,will you? I'm starting to think you actually want this marriage" he says.

"I must be a very good actress,then" I retort.

Adrian scoffs as we step down from the podium. The guests start to approach us, taking turns to congratulate us.

Umar Zayn walks up to us next, a smile gracing his handsome face.

"Congratulations" he says.

"Thank you" I reply with a sweet smile.

"You're one lucky chap, Adrian, to have bagged this beautiful a bride" Umar teases.

  Adrian scowls at his best friend, obviously not appreciating the joke.

"Why, thank you" I say, laughing.

"I do not believe we have been properly introduced" he says.

"We do not necessarily need introductions now, do we?" I ask.

"I'd like to know you properly because I would like to be friends with anyone who torments Adrian"

"Then let me introduce myself. I'm Danielle Dawson"

  "Umar Zayn. Pleased to make your acquittance, my lady" he says.

He takes my left hand in his hand and kisses it as he gives a playful bow. I laugh as he straightens and gives me a dashing smile.