Chapter Sixteen

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The climate had just began... oh my god, I took so long to reach here. HAHA !

Chapter Sixteen

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[Chris’s POV]

Today was the day. After the long run that the team had finally made it till now. Everyone was working so hard and doing over time just for today’s exhibition. I could see my team mates’ face filled with smiles and absolute satisfaction.

Directing my attention at the lady whom was checking on the display, my heart grew in curiosity. Her expression couldn’t see any sense of sadness. Rachel seems had gotten over me. I wondered how I even had those feelings for such a girl like her until now.

I walked up to her as she followed me gradually. We started greeting the guests that were invited.

Noticing Hilbert whom had walked over, I noticed an inch of his interest towards my ex-girlfriend. Without any hesitation, I gradually introduced them to one another. Somehow my jealousy is not making sense to irrational actions.

“Meet Rachel.” Holding her waist as I dominated my presence towards them, Rachel stares in surprise before she greeted Hilbert with a smile.

I wondered if she had any other thoughts of Hilbert.

“I am Hilbert. My pleasure” He with much politeness greeted Rachel.

“Rachel had been a very attentive personal assistant. A pity she was going to leave Solitaire after the exhibition” Exclaimed at her leaving, I felt myself doing overboard. 

The conversation went on a few minutes before I notice the MC for today’s event hinted for me. Gradually moving in quick paces, I hurriedly left the conversation with much unwillingness.

“Good evening Mr. Chris, I am the MC for today.” She smiled as she greeted, “Call me Lora”

“Evening Lora” I nodded as I smiled.

“After I made a formal introduction to the exhibition, you are supposed to take an approximately ten minutes to give a short speech. We will then let the models to walk up to the stage with the jewelleries that they had been arranged to wear on.” She explained as her eyes locked on the watch on her wrist.

“I got your point.” I gave her my assurance as I watched her stepped up to the stage.

She took the microphone. After few seconds, the noise had gone into silence.  The crowd watched her carefully. Everyone locked their attention onto the stage. My eyes flew to Rachel and Hilbert. They were standing at a corner, seemed close. An adrenaline of jealousy gushed through my whole body. I regretted for my silly and rash action by leaving them alone.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Lora, the MC for today’s event. First, I thank everyone’s presence for this magnificent exhibition of Solitaire. Before we welcome the beautiful models walking in with their dazzlingly jewelleries, let’s give a round of applause for tonight’s In-charge - Chris!” Lora made an exclamation as she eyed at me to walk in.

Walking up to the stage, I held my breath. Though it had been common for me, the nervous veins can’t stop working up. Breathing deeply as I watched the silence.

“Good evening.” I greeted as I held the slip in my hand.

The speech which Rachel had prepared for me

“I am Chris. Solitaire had been working on the theme of jewelleries, women’s best friend for the past three months. Our team had prepared the latest design. Such were along the Christmas theme. In fact, we even prepared a series of New Year theme as well to celebrate this two exciting festive seasons.” Gradually, I read through the slip for the introduction.

‘Before I shall end my boring statement” I looked up, joking a little as I heard the soft laughter from the crowd.

“I really need your much attention” Letting a quick sigh as I feigned being boring to perk the crowd a little.

They smiled as they continued to concentrate on listening to my short speech.

“Let me introduce a list of people to the credits for this fantastic event. We have Rachel, my personal assistant in co-ordinating with the events manager, John, Laura and Richard.” I pointed towards Rachel’s direction where the events managers were standing near her. They waved at the crowd as they acknowledged their presence.

“Our designers for today’s jewelleries -Oliva, Felicia and Tracey” I directed the crowd to the opposite direction where the designers had taken their seats at the corner.

“Last but not least, the group of supporting staffs whom make ends meet.” I smiled and eyed on the whole exhibiting area as the staffs whom stood around to serve drinks, co-ordinating the models and receptionists as well.

“I thank everyone whom came, whom help out and of course - Mr. and Mrs. Greene” I clapped as the crowd landed in loud applause. Bowed to the audiences, I walked down the stage.

Standing beside as I observed the whole performance. The models walked in one by one with different jewelleries. Some were necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other kind of accessories. Just as things were going fine for the exhibition, the reporters fled and focused their attention to the entrance. I switched my attention to the entrance as I led my curiosity.

My eyes stared the person whom walked in. She wore a long white tube dress that led down to the floor. Her hair-do was exceptional classy with diamond earring dangling. Her lip end lifted as she exhibited our focus of the day – that diamond necklace which made up of twenty carats diamond and eleven sapphire of snow flake pattern. I was astonished at the grand walk in. It was not in the plan. My eyes wavered at the staffs. Everyone were shocked and on tense mode. No one was aware about this.

I hurriedly walked up to stop this ridiculous ‘show’ to continue. It might bring down Solitaire or it might worsen today’s event.

Suddenly, she looked at me and grabbed my arms. Smiling at the cameras, she exclaimed “Welcome to the event, I am Grace”

The reporters hurriedly shove their microphones as they started a string of questions.

“Grace, how did you become Solitaire’s endorser?”

“Is the news that you were Mr. Greene’s mistress a hard fact that you are able to be back into the media?”

“What are your future plans in the entertainment business?”

“Are you being kept as Mr. Greene’s property of your sudden disappearance for the past six years?”

“Is Mrs. Greene aware of the relationship you have with Mr. Greene?”

She took one of the microphone and smile. Adjusting her voice, she exclaimed “This is not really the truth. I was in fact not returning to the entertainment business.”

Her eyes locked at me, still holding me very tight.

“I had quit being a celebrity for my beloved fiancé and right now, I am preparing myself to be a bride-to-be which we are planning to get married by any time soon.” Her smile widen of mischief in disguise. My six senses tell me I was in trouble.

“Who is your fiancé?” A reporter asked.

“Chris, one of the Solitaire’s Director and tonight’s event-in-charge” Her eyes fluttered in happiness, circling her hand to my arm.

I froze in moments, unable to react. My eyes stared at her for moments. It feels like she was here for a motive, an ugly intention.

My attention wavered to find Rachel but I couldn’t spot her anywhere. Even Hilbert’s presence was missing as well. I need to give Rachel an explanation. This is not true; this is just Grace’s one sided intention.

(Thank you readers!) :))) That's all for now, folks!

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