SECRETS OF THE BILLIONAIRES DIAMONDS

The chandeliers of the golden hall twinkled like constellations caught in crystals. Black curtains framed the stage, and emerald green banners bearing the Green Global crest rippled above the crowd. It was the night of the year, where industry giants, policymakers, and visionaries gathered to toast the future of business—though everyone was aware that deals made here weren’t for trees and oceans, but for power. I stood at the edge of the crowd in my black silk ball dress lined with gold thread and flower patterned with clear crystals that reflected in the golden lights, clutching a glass of champagne I had barely sipped. I had grown used to rooms like these—rooms where men in expensive tailored suites spoke of ‘’innovation’’ while cutting corners behind the scenes. But tonight I wasn’t just a strategist of the hundred-year-old company. Tonight I was the belle of the ball, the envy of woman, tonight I was the honouree, finally recognized for the crucial initiative that turned skeptical investors into believers. But I wasn’t there for the prize, I wanted him. Desmond Green, the prince of the city of angels. He entered the hall with the confidence of a man who knew every camera would bend to his presence. As a twenty-five-year-old he was the heir to the multibillion-dollar empire his family had built over generations, a company that had its grip on the energy market across continents. His tuxedo was made to fit his broad shoulders, as did the bow tie that sat underneath his perfect jawline, his light brown eyes that reflected from the flashes that began as he stood for the cameras, flashing a kind of smile that made people lean in just a little too close. And tonight, his eyes were set on me. I could feel it even if I wasn’t looking. He crossed the ballroom, each step carrying the hush of speculations. We weren’t strangers, there were even rumors that insisted we were secretly in a relationship, but neither of us had spoken about the matter. Desmond wasn’t a man for relationships. I was sure of that, his private life had always been a mystery to the public and only his close friends had insight to his personal details. But he was charming as he was handsome, his aura filled the air like expensive cologne. But this was different. He walked like he was certain the night belonged to him. ‘‘Samantha Williamson,’’ he said, his voice low, warm. ‘’you look wonderful this evening,’’ ‘’ Thank you.’’ I replied, to the praise that felt rehearsed. ‘’ as do you Desmond,’’ ‘’ Congratulations. I read your report on the possibilities of offshore wind capacity. Brilliant work.’’ ‘’ Thank you, it means a lot hearing that from you.’’ ‘’ You deserve it and much more. Please sit at my table tonight, I would be an honour to have you with us,’’ ‘’ Of course,’’ He held his arm out and I wrapped my hands around his biceps and we both walked to the table that faced the podium that sat on the stage. Before the event officially began we spoke for a few minutes, small talk punctuated by the camera flashes. I knew everyone was watching us and I loved the attention, not theirs but his and I made sure he knew it. ‘’ excuse me a moment,’’ he said to me before leaving the table to get on stage. ‘’Good evening everyone,’’ he spoke into the microphone, his voice drawing everyone’s attention.’’ I would first of all like to thank you all for coming to join us here tonight on this very special occasion, a night to celebrate the triumph of our great business and the very special people here tonight who made everything a dream come true for my family and me, but one person in particular I would like to appreciate personally, she has been a beacon to this company and has proven to be not just what the company has always needed but someone I really got to enjoy knowing and having around, please join me and welcome to the stage Mrs Samantha Williamson,’’ The crowd cheers and camera lights flashes like a lightning storm as I made my way to the podium and took my place beside him and he continued. ‘’ Tonight we are not only celebrating the great mountain this company has conquered, but the light this very special woman has brought in my life and without that being said I would like to ask you before everyone here tonight,’’ He dropped to one knee. Gasps rippled through the crowd, champagne glasses froze mid sip. My breath suddenly begins to shorten as Desmond withdraws a small black box, opening it to reveal a diamond that seemed to ignite under the chandeliers. ‘’ Samantha,’’ he said, his voice bold and charming like a hypnotist. ‘’would you do me the honour of being my wife?’’ The hall went silent, everyone waiting in anticipation for the words to fall out of my lips. My heart pounded so loud I could hear it, and for the few seconds I blanked out I asked myself, is this real?, was this really happening? We had never spoken of romance, let alone marriage and although it was the dream I had never imagined it to come so suddenly without warning or signs and to refuse a man like Desmond would be pure foolishness. Accepting him would tie me to the most scrutinized man in the room. Yet the crowd stood waiting for my answer. My lips parted before my brain caught up. ‘Yes,’’ The word sneaked out and fell into the microphone. The hall erupted into applause. Desmond slipped the ring into my fingers, rose and kissed me, it was a moment out of a fairy tale it was perfect. I glance at the ring and gave him a hug. The camera lights flashed endlessly as we made our way back to the table were we shared another kiss The hours that was filled with the chatter of many congratulations from colleagues that pretended to be happy for me, women I knew for certain wished to be the one wearing that diamond ring that glittered under the spotlight as the all requested to have a look, ladies that whispered envy by the side as men clapped my shoulder, already discussing alliance’s the marriage could secure and somewhere in the background, the prestigious and ruthless Christian Green- Desmond’s father and titan of the green empire- watched hooded eyes and a thin smile that was almost sinister. When I finally escaped the army of reporters and paparazzi I sneaked away to the balcony, the city lights of Los Angeles stretched far and wide like an ocean of gold water. I grabbed the railing and inhaled a large amount of night air. What have I done? I know this man, I worked with him for years, and he wouldn’t do this, especially not like this. Behind me I suddenly hear footsteps approaching, someone was coming to me, I turn and find a tall dark skinned man standing and staring at me. ‘’have to get home before midnight?’’ he asked, his voice deep and calm, leaning on the door frame ‘’ excuse me?’’ I ask. ‘’ what a night you must be having, I’m certain you didn’t expect this evening to turn out like this.’’ ‘’ certainly not, but I’m glad it did’’ ‘’ sure you are, who wouldn’t be, but I wouldn’t be so happy if I were you’’ ‘’ what?’’ ‘’ it’s not what you think it is’’ ‘’ who are you?’’ ‘’ a friend, probably the only one you may have’’ he says, closing the gap between us. I move sideways trying to sustain a certain distance. Desmond into the proximity and instantly notices the uncomfortable look on my face, he comes to me and wraps his hand around my waist and draws me to his side. ‘’ Isaac,’’ he calls, ‘’ Desmond,’’ the man replied. His eyes return to me. ‘’congratulations’’ he tells me before walking away. Desmond lets go of my waist. I look at him and ask. ‘’ who was that?’’ ‘’ someone I never want you to speak to ever again, do you understand?’’ he tells me, his voice laced with anger and authority. ‘’ why?’’ He inhales deeply, using the air to dampen the words he was about to yell at me and in a calm voice he says to me: “because he’s an enemy of the company and my family, and now that you and I are engaged that means he is also your enemy’’ He draws me to him and kisses me. ‘’ do you promise me?’’ I nod and he smiles at me. “Come, return to the party and dance with Me.” he tells me, holding my hand and we both go down the stairs.