Golden Hour [H.S]

Ten

This chapter is a direct continuation from the last one, feel free to go back and remind yourself what happened if you need to!

A whirlwind of flashing lights and frantic shouts of paparazzi hit Marigold the moment she stepped out of the car and she forced herself not to get swept up in the overwhelming chaos of the moment. Clutching onto her handbag, she smiled sweetly and took Alessandro's hand as he offered to help her into the restaurant - making sure to focus on not tripping in her heels instead of the swarm of questions being hurled at her by strangers.

Elio followed close behind, muttering words of encouragement that helped calm her anxiety and prevent her from spiralling into another anxiety attack like a few days prior. It was going to take some time to get used to the sudden attention she was getting but she just had to remind herself that the moment they got inside the restaurant, it would be just like any other dinner reservation. Even if it was at the Chiltern Firehouse, one of the most famous restaurants in the city and a known hotspot for celebrities to gather.

Suddenly, the focus shifted off Marigold as she guessed Harry stepped out of his car with Rosa, the amount of flashing lights increasing as everyone scrambled to get the best picture of him to sell to the newspapers. His name was all she could hear as the hostess asked Elio to confirm their reservation and she could barely hold back the scoff at the thought of how much this attention must be feeding the supermodel's ego.

Sure enough, as she turned to watch him step through the entrance, Harry was visibly lapping up the attention with an arrogant smile. He gave a small wave to those calling his name and walked with a certain confidence that was obvious he knew the photographers were getting the best pictures of him. If she didn't find him so insufferable, Marigold would have found it incredibly attractive to watch.

But it wasn't. Because she wouldn't let it be.

Harry was a Dad with a young daughter and most likely with a girlfriend waiting for him back at home. She couldn't let the confusing swirl of emotions from being in a new country with a stressful job blur her perception of Harry and get blindsided by his good looks.

"You just gonna stand there all night or can we get something to eat." He instantly rolled his eyes at Marigold who was standing like a deer in the headlights, breezing past her to follow the hostess to their table.

Rosa was quick on his heels, evidently unable to relax for the night like everyone else because of Harry's reputation in public. Even though there had been an improvement in the supermodel's behaviour, it had been a long time since he had to constantly be aware that he was working, even in moments of downtime such as going out for dinner.

Elio gave Marigold a reassuring smile as he gestured for her to follow in front of him and she allowed Alessandro to accompany her through the courtyard. Instead of focusing on her anxiety in an unfamiliar environment, she allowed herself to admire the decor of the restaurant as they were led to the table. In the darkness of the night, the open courtyard was decorated with beautiful fairy lights to compliment the tealights on the tables. Heaters were dotted around the space to stave off the winter chill of the evening and a gentle hum of chatter filled the air as various models and celebrities enjoyed their evening.

Inside, the entire group had their coats taken before being shown to their table by the polite hostess and Marigold was in awe at the classy environment. The dim lighting gave off a cosy atmosphere while greenery surrounded the tables, each one with crystal glasses and perfectly polished cutlery. Everything was subtly expensive and Marigold found herself relaxing at the thought that it wasn't a stiff and proper environment - it was simply a place where people who had enough money went to enjoy some an evening meal.