Whisper Destiny

Chapter 7

  ~ Natasha ~
 
I was on my way to the New Year's Eve party hosted by my family. I chose to ride with Chase alone rather than with my parents to avoid the attention from reporters. Personally, I'm not a fan of them.
 
I had learned my lesson with reporters in my early teenage years. Back then, they often captured me at my worst, never hesitating to cross the line for a sensational story. Now, I made a concerted effort to stay out of their spotlight.
 
In fact, I hadn't been in the spotlight for years, ever since I went abroad to pursue my studies. Thanks to my father for sending me away which I despise before, but it was a decision that ultimately proved to be for the best. It was during this time that I met Nick, which was an unexpected bonus. Oh, I miss Nick so much by now.
 
According to the plan, my parents would arrive at the venue early to play the role of gracious hosts. I was certain that Catherine would be by their side as well.
 
They just wanted me there to complete the 'happy family picture' for Grayson, I believe.
 
"Natty, I'm nervous. There are going to be so many famous people from fashion industries. My heart isn't ready for this. Tonight, I might even meet my future boss," Chase rambled.
 
"Oh God, how do I look?" He could be so exasperating, sometimes.
 
"You cleaned up nicely tonight, Chase. That tux looks great on you," I said, hoping to calm his nerves.

"Doesn't it? Thanks to Cate," he replied with a satisfied smile. During the fitting, he hadn't been able to stop talking about how grateful he was to Catherine and how incredibly talented she was.

"You look stunning too, Natty. It's Nick's loss for not being here with you," he added, flashing a wide grin. "Trust me, there'll be plenty of men tonight who'd happily volunteer to be your date."

"Thanks, Chase," I replied, glancing at my reflection in the car's rear-view mirror.

I had to admit. I did look beautiful.

Still, I refused to acknowledge that Catherine had played a significant role in it.

The dress I wore tonight had been designed by Catherine Ortiz specifically for me. It was a black and nude tulle creation with a sculptural neckline and shoulders, a daring cut-out waist, and intricate beadwork layered with sequins. The design accentuated my slender figure, making me feel both elegant and confident.

With every movement, the delicate beadwork caught the light, casting a soft shimmer around me.

My long chestnut-brown hair fell in soft waves down my back, complementing the dress's sophisticated allure. Diamond drop earrings sparkled like tiny stars at my ears, drawing attention to the line of my neck. My makeup was flawless. Smoky eyes hinting at mystery and lips painted a deep, inviting red.

The moment I stepped out of the car, I could feel the attention shift toward me.

Without warning, cameras turned in my direction, flashes capturing the moment.

Tonight, I would undoubtedly attract attention.

I only hoped I was ready to embrace it.

I wanted them to see it.

I was no longer the reckless teenager splashed across the tabloids. I had grown into a woman who could command the spotlight with poise and elegance.

Though, truthfully, I wasn't sure I cared what they thought either way.

Chase and I were quickly escorted inside as the attention from reporters and onlookers became overwhelming. Flashes from cameras erupted around us while murmured conversations rippled through the crowd.

Please save me tonight, I prayed silently, drawing in a steady breath before stepping further inside to find my parents.

The moment we entered the main hall, the air hummed with distant voices, laughter, and the delicate clinking of glasses. The room was filled with influential figures, many of them engaged in animated discussions with the Graysons.

Amid the sea of people, my parents stood out effortlessly. Like a lighthouse in the middle of a stormy sea, impossible to miss.

"Let's go, Chase. I just need to greet my parents quickly, then we can slip away and find something more interesting to do. I don't want to be tethered to them all night," I said, tugging Chase towards my parents.
 
"There you are, my lovely daughter."

My father's booming voice instantly silenced the nearby conversations, drawing every eye in the room toward us. My mother turned, her face lighting up before she wrapped me in a warm embrace, my father following right after.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight, darling," my mother beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride.

"Yes, you do," my father agreed with a wide smile. "The most stunning...after my wife, of course."

"Let me introduce you all to my daughter, Natasha Grayson," he proclaimed proudly to the circle of friends and business associates gathered around him.

Compliments flowed as freely as the wine. I basked in the attention for a moment before quietly slipping away in search of something to eat. I hadn't eaten much all day, too busy preparing for the evening, and now my stomach was starting to protest.

As I scanned the room, I noticed Catherine was nowhere to be seen. It was unusual for her to miss an event like this, but the thought quickly faded from my mind.

Right now, food felt far more important.

Making my way toward the buffet, I could feel the eyes of several men following me. I ignored them. I knew perfectly well their interest had less to do with me and more to do with the name Grayson.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly realised I had lost sight of Chase. He must have wandered off somewhere. Just as I began scanning the crowd to find him, a commotion near the entrance of the hall caught my attention.

At first, I paid it little mind.

Until Catherine, the woman I despised most stepped into the room, making a grand entrance as she walked toward my parents.

As she stepped into the grand ballroom, all eyes were drawn to her as if by magnetic force. She wore a breathtaking yellowish-white dress, totally opposite of me. The fabric shimmered like liquid sunlight, flowing with every movement she made as though it were alive. The neckline plunged tastefully, framed by tiny, sparkling gemstones.
 
Her waist was cinched by a band of the finest silk, accentuating her slender figure. Her radiant blonde hair was styled in a low, wrapped bun that rested elegantly at the nape of her neck.

She moved with the confidence of someone who knew exactly who she was. Every gesture composed, effortless, almost theatrical in its poise and charm.

I knew she was a successful fashion designer and businesswoman, but tonight made me realise just how immense her influence truly was. Catherine wasn't merely a designer. She was a trendsetter, a force within the industry whose creations seemed to dictate entire fashion seasons.

My parents exchanged warm greetings with her as she arrived. Cate, in turn, acknowledged the others around them with casual ease.

Most of them, however, seemed less interested in pleasantries and more in waiting for their chance to speak with her.