Reminiscing

Muhatti Pt. II

Candice's POV~

"Sit," Emerald instructed while pulling the chair out for me.

"Such a gentlewoman." I laughed.

"Oh you know, just one of my many virtues."

I scoffed and took a seat. I glanced around me and I realized just how many people had their eyes on Emerald. Both men and women seemed captivated by the dazzling woman that was so oblivious to the attention she was drawing towards herself. She was possibly the most attractive person in here and she was so nonchalant about it. I wondered if she even realized this or not.

I began to feel uncomfortable by this attention she was getting because when people spotted her out, their eyes immediately fell upon the lucky woman that was accompanying her tonight—me.

I was conscious of the stares I was receiving. Some were curious, others envious and many were judging. I'm sure they were trying to deduce my intentions or trying to break down in their minds how Emerald could possibly be into me. Or simply to try and convince themselves of just how unfitting I was for Emerald.

I began to tap my fingers against the table nervously. My leg was bouncing up and down and I had begun to feel jittery. My stomach was churning and I seriously wanted to leave this place.

"Are you okay?"

I looked up into Emerald's face and I saw the worried expression on it. I smiled timidly and nodded. Her hand then fell on top of mine and she began to rub my knuckles soothingly.

"Candice, are you sure?" She asked for reaffirmation.

I blew out a nervous breath and opened my mouth to answer her question honestly. "I—"

"Emerald!" A voice bellowed near us, completely startling me and almost making me jump out of my seat.

Emerald gave me an apologetic smile and faced the man that had approached our table. He was a very tall man with broad shoulders. Although his white hair screamed out his old age, he seemed pretty well built. I started to wonder how much he actually worked out. His white tuxedo clung to his impressive biceps.

"Mr. Jaole, good evening." Emerald began right before introducing us.

I then learned that he was the main coordinator of the Muhatti event and that he had come with the sole reason of asking Emerald a huge favor.

"You are—without a doubt—the most stunning woman tonight. Many people have proposed the same idea and I must admit it's a very good one indeed. Besides the priceless objects being bid tonight, there's another thing we could include that will definitely bring in a huge amount of income for the fundraiser." Mr. Jaole began. Emerald nodded attentively. "We could bid a night out with the eccentric Emerald Perez!"

What the hell?!

"Excuse me?" Emerald looked completely taken aback.

"Yes, we could offer a night out or dinner with you. I'm sure people would happily bid generously considering it's you we're talking about."

Emerald laughed awkwardly and shook her head. "It's very disrespectful of you to ask me this in front of my date."

Mr. Jaole laughed heartily.

"I'm sure it wouldn't be that bad, considering all the money will be donated to those poor children in need. Surely you can understand?"

"You're right," I answered shyly considering he had directed the question at me. "Emerald, I think you should do it."

"What?" She glanced at me bewildered.

"Do it for those kids in need."

"But—"