Delectable Benefits

Sixteen

Anya took several deep breaths as they planned their exit from the limousine. They had to make their grand entrance as her mother-in-law said.

"We cannot let the press think our men will come to the party alone and dateless. We are a family held company and we need to uphold the family image," the grand woman said. "You cannot stay inside, Anya, you have to meet Nick outside."

Anya nodded and adjusted her shawl. She looked at herself one las time in the mirror and made sure her diamond hair clip stayed in place. Ann said it was plastic glass, but Anya knew it was made out of real diamonds, it wouldn't come out of the vault if it was.

"Anya since you're the new member of this family, you're going to come out last," Ann instructed.

Anya winced still unsure. She had a bad feeling about this. She and Nick had an agreement not to go public in their relationship. But then again, some marriages that end after a short time has become extremely common. But she had to keep in mind Nick didn't belong to her. Well, for now, he did. But she wished... She couldn't even think it, she knew it would just not come true.

"Are you ready Anya?" Nick asked, he was looking at her she realized with his hand held out.

Anya looked up and realized she had been thinking for quite some time and had not realized she was the one left. She took a nervous breath and took his hand. "As ready as I will ever be," she said and stepped out of the vehicle.

As if on cue, cameras flash rapidly taking a million photos a minute. Anya swallowed hard and stepped aside allowing the valet to close the door so the limousine can drive away. She looked up and saw her husband's encouraging smile. She bit her lips and gave herself a determined nod and looked at the paps. "There seems to be more of them now than my inauguration."

"Well, we didn't tell the,pm you married the right St. Anthony," he remarked. "Rumor has it, you married a dead beat guy and you plan on divorcing him."

"Well, Mr. Kingsley, those rumors are groundless. And besides, I do believe my husband  is content staying out of the lime light. He wants normalcy and protection for his family not this ridiculous fanfare."

He smiled at her he glanced at his mother as they approached the family. "You have to give an interview, you know," Marcus said. "At least to satisfy the press."

Nick glanced at the members of the press and held onto his wife's hand as they walked towards the members of the press.

"Nicholas St. Anthony, I'm from the Daily Tribune, you surprisingly have the youngest Federal Judge as your date for your family's Thanksgiving Gala tonight. Any comments on the idea that you are dating a married woman?"

Anya actually laughed at the question she glanced at Nick saw he was frowning. "What makes you think she's married?"

"I think the ring says it all," the woman said pointing to the gold band on Anya's wedding finger.

Then ring showed the woman the ring that matched hers. "This says everything, doesn't it?" He asked winked at the shocked reporter and pulled his stunned wife away. Questions spouted from the woman's mouth after regaining her composure but the couple ignored them and entered the ballroom. Anya was amazed  at the elegance of the venue. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling at the center of the ballroom making the focal point. The majestic stairs were painted in gold the and the frames of the stairwell were lined with fresh flowers giving the room a floral scent.

"Everything is beautiful, Nick. Your mother must have spent a lot of money on this event," Anya said and frowned at the realization.

"Don't worry, this fan fare only happens once a year. Besides, this is also a charity auction," he said and squeezed her hand.