Unexpected Rendezvous

Meet the Devil

The cameras started to flash when Rowena and I stepped into the clubhouse. Rowena's grip tigthen around my arm, but she stared ahead and gave her most stunning smile to the media. I swore she handled it better than I thought she would be, considering that once she told me that she never attended any charity events nor any galas.

The clubhouse itself was decorated accordingly to the event's theme. There were large banquets had been prepared for lunch and the lights were hanging loosely from the ceillings in preparation for tonight's event. The stage with a podium and spotlight had been prepared for the speeches. The background was covered with a banner that stated "Hammond's Charity Event" with our company logo along with British Heart Foundation's. The chairman of that foundation had made his way towards us with a big smile on his face.

Mr. Alucard Stones was an older man with his silver hair combed neatly to the right side. He was a tall and thin man. I swore you would think he was a member of the parliament from the way he spoke and his charming soothing voice. to the way he dresses. He gave out his hand for me to shake before saying,
"Mr. Hammond. I was starting to wonder if you might show up at all!"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said with a charming smile while shaking his hand.
"I hope your journey wasn't too much of a hassle?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Not at all... Bryan is an excellent driver. I'm sure he's going to be around here somewhere."

Alucard moved his gaze towards Rowena and he smiled once again while giving her a slight bow.
"And who's this wonderful companion of yours?"
I cleared my throat and turned my gaze towards Rowena. She returned Alucard's smile and slightly nodded to him as an acknowledgement.
"This is Rowena Hart. She's..." I stopped as I tried to figure out what to say to him.
I parted my lips and Rowena cut me before I could get anything out of my lips.
"A pleasure to finally meet you Mr. Stones. Alexander has always spoke highly of you. I'm Alexander's partner."
My heart seemed to be moving faster than it should be. Did I hear her wrong? Did she really introduced herself as my partner to a complete stranger? I felt my body froze and of course it wasn't for the wrong reasons, it was a good reason; hell, it was a perfect reason.

Alucard moved his attention back to me and he noticeably winked at me. A playful smirk was formed on his lips as he said,
"My my Mr. Hammond. You're one lucky man, aren't you?"
I returned his grin, but I kept my gaze towards Rowena, "I certainly am..."

We exchanged a few more banters before Alucard excused himself to rejoined his wife and got ready for the opening that would start in 5 minutes. Rowena and I made our way to the golf course and we could see some guests scattered around it. Some were smoking, some were holding a glass of wine while talking, some were merely just looking out at the green view.
"So... partner huh?" I asked Rowena with an arched eyebrow.
Her dark green eyes soon met mine and she shrugged lightly, "I guess we're partners. I mean there are a lot of definitions regarding what a partner really is... it doesn't necessarily means we're a couple... I uhhh don't know." She looked away.
My hands immediately reached for her chin as I turned her face towards mine. A soft smile was formed on my lips and in an instance, my mouth felt so dry. My heart felt like it was to burst out of my rib cage.
"It's now or never," I said to myself.

"Rowena, you do know that I've fallen head over heels for you since the first time we met. I would be honoured if you would want to be my partner. And I'm sure damn proud to call you as the love of my life, because that's what you are."
She was blushing by now and I knew immediately that she felt the same way as I did towards her.
"And I'm honoured that you, Alexander Hammond chose me instead of everyone else. God knows that you can have anyone you want; instead, you want me. So thank you."

Happiness washed over me, because for the first time in forever, I felt complete. The gap in my heart was now filled and I knew that I would do everything in my power to made her happy. She deserved that. This angel was sent from heaven and she chose me - a broken man. I shut my eyes tightly as I pulled her into an embrace. The smell of her was intoxicating and I felt like I was about to faint. Once we broke away from the hug, I gave her a soft kiss on her forehead and whispered,
"I love you Rowena Hart."
And her reply made me swoon once more,
"I love you too, Alexander Hammond." She murmured.