Arduos - K.N.J X Y/N 🔞

2. Eyes Off You.

A/N: This chapter starts off with an event Y/N attended that happened a month prior. It then flows early into the night of the same event and then finally ends at the end of the night. Sounds confusing but it will make more sense as the story progresses!

Enjoy!

...

[ ' 1 month ago. ' ] 

[ .... ]

"I don't know if I can do this." Your lips twisted to the side as you fixed a stack of portfolio pamphlets on a greeting table, "It's been a long time. I want everything to be perfect." You adjusted the packet of papers detailing details of who you were, and the schedule of the event being held tonight.

Your assistant followed behind you quickly, fixing the pamphlets back into their rightful place after you had adjusted them. Knowing you well enough to understand that you would come back and fix them exactly the way they once were by yourself all over again,

"You deserve to do this. To show everyone how strong you are." She reassured you with a confident smile on her face, "You've been through so much these few months. Created beautiful art too. Everyone needs to see it." She nodded enthusiastically, "Now let's go head in. You shouldn't be out here doing what the other assistants are supposed to do." She encouraged you to step through the large doors leading into the venue, "Everyone's waiting for you." She whispered from behind your shoulder and you took a deep breath, nodding your head at the venue assistant as he opened the doors to the hall entrance for you to enter.

"Here goes nothing."

[ ... in the auction hall ... ] 

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this grey, rainy evening. It's an honor to welcome you on behalf of our foundation to tonight's gala."

You groaned under your breath and your assistant nudged you gently with her elbow before leaning in close to your ear, "You got this." She whispered, and then you groaned a bit louder in response when your assistant asked you if you were ready, shaking your head as a silent 'no' with your lips pressing together tight to refrain yourself from making anymore obscene noises while the announcer continued,

"Tonight's event is sponsored by the Art Institute of D.C. with special guest contributions from the Artists for a Cause organization." The announcer took a moment to smile at the crowd and you took that chance to gulp the rest of your champagne swirling around in your glass.

Swallowing down the fizzing liquid, you glanced around to see if you could catch the eyes of any waiters. You spotted one a few feet away and you did everything in your power to get their attention. But it was out of your luck as they were too far and too busy serving other guests to notice your intense gaze on the back of their head. It was worth a shot though.

So, you stared. Stared some more. And then stared at their back until they turned around. Then you began to raise your hand whenever you thought they were headed your way, blinking several times when they finally faced you. Fuck, of course it was of no use. They could hardly see you from your stance at the front of the stage. How shitty. You couldn't even have a shot of anything before making your way onto the stage as your assistant already gave you a heads-up that the announcer will be calling you to the stage soon.

You started fidgeting at that. Fingers playing with the expensive fabric of your dress. And then the set of diamonds clasped around your neck. You didn't want to draw any more attention to yourself. Which was hard. It was hard not to have anyone looking at you when you were the reason they were all gathered in this hall anyways.