Contagious lies

15 | Company anniversary

Ezhil Sirju

My tight red dress left me shivering in this freezing weather. Brenda smiled as she grabbed her camera equipment and placed it in her car. Shot me a wink as she closed the trunk. I rolled my eyes at her as I tried to pull down my dress.

"You look very hot." She compliments me.

"Thank you but I don't understand why I have to tag along." I complained.

Getting paid extra was always nice however I'm not sure if it was worth freezing for. The layers of makeup I had on my face didn't make it any better.

"Our boss knows someone that knows someone celebrating their 10 year anniversary. I never say no to money and you are a people pleaser, which is a topic for another day." Brenda comments as she grabs the keys from my hand and gets inside her car. I followed her lead and took a seat in her passenger seat. She starts her car and we drive to our destination.

"Where are we going again?" I asked her tiredly as I tried my hardest not to rub my face.

"Bellingstreet." She answers, causing me to sit up straight and stare at her with wide eyes.

"Why was I not informed?" I questioned her, confused. Bellingstreet is filled with wealthy people. Their wealth is from generations back. Setting their kids and their future great grandkids for life.

Brenda laughs softly. "I told you but I guess you didn't hear half of what I said when I called you."

I sigh as I glance out of the window in awe. An old castle came into view. Huge towers mesmerizing me completely. On the floor laid a red carpet for people to walk on. Brenda parked her car. My might slightly open as I scan the cars in the parking space.

"Ezhil, close your mouth." Brenda laughs softly as she opens the trunk of her car.

"You have wealth and then you have whatever they are." I whisper as I watch a couple leaving their expensive vehicle.

"Let's go." She tells me as she hands me her camera.

Nervously I tailed right behind Brenda. The amount of people looking at me had made me feel tense. Brenda placed her camera equipment on the floor. I helped her set everything up. While she focused on capturing every moment I found myself growing curious of the man that appeared on stage. His hair pulled back and thick glasses sitting on his nose.

"Thank you all for being here tonight. It has been a difficult journey building up my company but 10 years later and we are still here." The man with gray eyes spoke with a smile plastered on his face.

I scooted closer to Brenda. "I thought it was a 10 year marriage anniversary."

Brenda glanced at me dumbfounded. A sigh left her lips as she shakes her head lightly. "You really were half asleep." She whispered more to herself than to me.

"A lot of sleepless nights and never ending hope. But in the end it was all worth it." The man smiled to himself showing off his dimples, as he raised his glass. "Again thank you for being here and enjoy the rest of the evening." He left the stage with confidence.

We took a few pictures of the guests. I learned that the man that appeared on stage is the CEO of Tec IN. A man that accomplished many things at a young age.

Once we took the pictures Brenda seemed a bit distracted. I turned around to see what she was possibly looking at. A huge table filled with all kinds of delicious food. I laughed softly to myself as she gave me those puppy eyes.

"You will manage on your own, right?" Amused, I nodded my head.

While Brenda was indulging in sweet pastries I took this opportunity to check the photographs we had made so far. It looked decent but I wasn't a professional photographer so I wasn't all too sure. My guess as to why I was asked to be here is to simply accompany Brenda. I must have been her plus one. Happily I let my eyes roam around again. Everything was beautiful from the decorations to the paintings that graced the walls. The entire space was simply so mesmerizing making me forget about my troubles and nightmares. I'm glad Brenda brought me along with her.

I put the camera away and looked into the crowd for my friend. Her bleach hair should have been easy to spot yet I couldn't find her anywhere. My eyes widened instead as I made direct eye contact with Alvize. His light brown hair was now cut short and styled neatly. Surprised, I look away, not wanting to look at him any further or give him the wrong notion.

My thoughts I desperately tried to bury resurfaced upon seeing him. The idea of him having anything to do with my ex-boyfriend's disappearance tugged at my heart. Alvize has always been so kind to me, so considerate. I felt guilty for thinking so lowly of him. Accusing him of murdering my ex-boyfriend is insane. Alvize would never do that, he isn't a criminal. I stole a glance of him while he was busy conversing with a blond haired man. A smile graced his face, something I was too familiar with.

"Excuse me?" A voice from behind me calls. I turn around slightly taken back, not sure who it could have been. This wasn't the type of event where I would know anyone.

"I believe it was you that wrote an article about me."

I offered him a smile instantly recognising him. His dirty blond hair and electrifying eyes were something I could recognize from far away.

"Mr Reed, nice to meet you." I told him as I faked my smile. Fear building up in my stomach.

"I wanted to thank you for your work." His words confused me. I painted him in the wrong light yet he was thanking me? Before I could reply he walked away. I bit my lip as I watched him disappear in the crowd. My heart is pounding inside of my chest.

"The food here is so good. I'll probably go back for seconds." Brenda appeared from behind me.

"Euh...I need to go to the bathroom." Before she could respond I left in a hurry.

My hands were trembling uncontrollably by the time I entered the bathroom. Still in disbelief that I just met the man accused of unthinkable things. My breath hitched inside my throat. Deep breaths escaped my lips while I glanced at my reflection. My brown wavy hair cascading down my back. The lipstick I refused to put on but was forced by Brenda was still in tacked. I brought my hand through my hair as I placed my hand on my chest, trying hard to calm my nerves down.

The bathroom door opened slowly. From the mirror reflection I could see Alvize standing there. Leaning against the door with his hands buried deep inside his pockets. His eyes fixated on me only making me more uneasy.

"This is the woman's bathroom." I tell him in hopes he doesn't approach me. Hoping that he will stay right where he is.

His eyes glued on me as he pointed to the sign on the door. "Actually, it's a shared bathroom." He corrected me, causing me to look down in embarrassment.

I quickly washed my hands.He handed me a few tissues. "Thank you."

He took a few steps closer to me. Alvize dark eyes were staring right into mine forcing me to take a few steps back. He pushed a strand of hair out of my face. "You seem nervous. Is it because of me? Should I leave?"

I heavily shake my head. "N-No, I'm not used to events like this." I lied through my teeth. The more I looked at him the more I could feel my guilt eating away at me. "H-How was Italy?" I questioned him.

Alvize smiled to himself. "It was nice to be home." In understanding I offered him a smile of my own. He was far too close for my liking yet I couldn't find it in me to tell him to back off.

"You didn't stay for long, I don't think it has been 3 weeks." I stated making him raise an eyebrow.

"You were keeping tabs on Mia Cara?" He asked below his breath.

The hairs on my arms stood up. "N-No I just remembered."

He laughed softly at my reaction. "I'm joking Mia Cara."

Alvize stretched out his arm. "We should probably head back." He told me which I agreed with and interlocked my arm with his.

"I must say you look beautiful, Ezhil. Breathtaking."He whispered in my ear, taking me by surprise.

I stared at him dumbfounded, unable to pull simple sentences together. My heart beating increases as he never averted his gaze.

Brenda approaches me causing Alvize to let go. "I must go now." He whispers in my ear as he leaves me. My mind races to a few explanations as to what just happened.

"Who was that?" Brenda questions me as she watches Alvize approach another man.

"I-I'm actually not so sure."