The perfect timing | completed ✔

⋘ Chapter 43 ⋙

43| DINNER

"You will forever be my always"
-Maddie-

"Hold still, I am almost done." Leah says, dusting my cheeks with a bit of blush. I felt her put something on my eyelids. "And there. All done." She states. I open my eyes to examine my makeup.

"You look stunning." Valery comments. I flashed them a smile before standing up. I was wearing was a sleek black dress with heels and gold earrings. My hair was slightly curled at the ends and my makeup was the definition of elegance. Smoky eyes, perfectly curled lashes and to top it off, the look was finished by wine red lipstick.

"I'd better get going." I say, grabbing my coat. "Good luck!" Capella shouts from the living room. I laugh before waving goodbye. I take my phone and purse, heading out of my apartment only to be met by Ren.

"Hey." I see Ren leaning onto his car, shooting a casual smile, his hands in his pockets. He looked great in a suit, hair swept to the side and the signature grin that was enough to make my heart melt. My cheeks flare up as I remember the events from the past night. "Hi." I smile sheepishly, walking towards him. "You look beautiful." He compliments, leading me inside.

"You don't look so bad yourself." I say coyly. "My, I am highly flattered." He states dramatically as the starts the car. "Oh please." I snort.

We arrived at the venue earlier than expected. As soon as we stepped outside, the paparazzi immediately bombarded us with questions. "How did you manage to finish this project under two months?" "What is your view on Mr. Enrique's statement?" "Are you both dating?"

We were immediately surrounded by bodyguards assisting us as we walked inside the venue, When we got inside, I let out a sigh of relief. "They are quite pushy aren't they?" Ren says, scratching his neck. "J-Just not used to it." I stammer.

We were ushered to a table near the large stage. There were quite a lot of people already. Different people with high positions chatter amongst themselves, discussing about business and such.

"Congratulations!" I hear someone say. I turn to see Mr. Enrique, flashing us a warm smile. He shakes both our hands as we exchange pleasantries. "I am thankful for everything you've done for our company so far." He says professionally. "How can I ever repay you?"

"No need for that." I say, shaking my head. "Don't worry, you'll receive a pleasant surprise later." He assures, his eyes turning darker. I felt a cold shiver go down my spine. The way he looked at the both of us was almost terrifying. There must be something wrong.

"Well, enjoy the rest of the party." He says, going back to his former self. Before I know it, he was gone.

I felt goosebumps rise. I felt my stomach churn as I recall his words. "Are you okay?" Ren asks, staring at me. He holds my hand, squeezing it. I look at him, plastering a fake smile.

"I'm fine."

I walk towards our table as the food was being served. "Some wine ma'am?" The waiter asks, holding our a bottle. Maddie, you're overthinking. It's probably nothing. I smile at the waiter as he pours some in my glass.

Taking a small bite out of the food, I sip on my wine. It was strangely sweet compared to other kinds of wine. Aside from the occasional glances I received from Mr. Enrique, the dinner went smoothly. There were several people who came to congratulate us. As soon as I finished my glass of wine, my head began to ache. I felt like I was out if breath and at the verge of throwing up.

"May I have your attention?" Mr. Enrique says, clinking his glass. I watched him go up the stage and lock eyes with me. "I would like to present this award to Miss Madilyn, who built this skyscraper. Miss Madilyn, please come on stage."

Despite my headache, I force a smile and walked up the stage. I was handed the trophy and for a moment, I saw a dark look spread across his face. "The stage is yours." He says before stepping away.

My head hurts like hell as I tried to compose a proper sentence. The feeling of nausea was growing worse, I was afraid of puking at any moment.

"I..I."

Suddenly there was a loud bang and all the lights and electronics were shut off. There were sounds of panicked screams everywhere. The guests were evacuated immediately, leaving me alone on stage. A light was casted on the familiar girl who walked into the room. Her heels clicked against the ground as she giggles like a crazed woman. She was holding a gun in her hand as she hums to a tune.

"Missed me?"
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