To the Man I've Been Praying For

“Margaret,” Czarina said to interrupt her from her deep thoughts. Margaret is sitting in front of the mirror wearing a radiant smile on her face. She looks like a real princess wearing a royal blue tulle ball debut gown, a tiara in yellow gold, and decorated with diamonds partnered with a glass heel, all costumed and made to perfection, worth almost millions of dollars. She dreamed of this day not because of the fancy things she would be receiving, but for the reason that she could finally step out of their home and live independently. She cannot contain her emotions overflowing at the moment. She had already decided how to approach her parents and ask for their permission. They would be surprised, she thought. A knock from the door finally gets her back to her senses. “Miss Margaret, it is already time to meet the guest,” the debut coordinator stated outside the waiting room. “I’ll be coming,” Margaret answered back. Czarina assisted her in leaving the room. Two men wearing black suits are standing outside the room. She was stunned by their presence but did not bother to ask. While walking, she took a glance at her parents’ chamber and she noticed a man leaving the room. She knew who it was but forgot his name. She was even curious, knowing that this tall, fit and handsome man was approaching her. His visuals are seen clearly as they approach each other. His eyes are ravishing, his straight nose is captivating and his lips are plump and inviting. “Happy Birthday,” the man greeted her as they came close to each other. His voice is calm which makes her heart beat faster. “T-Thank you,” Margaret stuttered. It is very unusual for her to speak like that. “I’ll see you then,” the man stated as they parted ways. Margaret approached the stairs and the spotlights were focused on her. There were lots of visitors who were at the party. Aside from their family, business partners and associates are also invited as this big occasion may not be just beneficial for her but also to their businesses. It is also an avenue to meet new investors and close deals. As she was walking down the stairs, all their eyes were focused on her, but her favorite thing was her father’s gaze. She looks around, eyeing her best friend Kenneth Bamford. Oh, I got you, she thought. But why is that man standing there? But before she told him that he was one of his 18 dances, she was distracted by her best friend’s wave telling her that he was there. And she smiled back at him. Margaret’s response was caught by Mr. Felix Martin Montagu and that made him notice the man beside him. He is about 5’6” with a dark complexion. He has a prominent nose and thin lips that make him handsome, but his strange expression caught his attention. He was about to make a call when suddenly Margarite’s entrance made everyone from the crowd welcome her with applause. She looks like a princess. Everyone was stunned by her beauty and grace. Notwithstanding her dress, Margaret’s shaped figure, slender furrowed neck, bouncy leaf-brown hair, charismatic blue eyes, straight nose, and heart-shaped lips made her an elegant angel descending from above. As the song starts, her father, as her first dance, holds her hand tightly as they move toward the dance hall. She admires her father the most. If she chooses her future partner, she will choose someone like him. Somebody smart so he can help her manage the business, support and understand her, respect her and be ready to listen, share values with her, and most importantly, someone who has a jolly personality and can c***k jokes when times go hard to deal with. “You’ve grown into a beautiful woman, my princess,” her dad started to be emotional. “You are our greatest blessing from above. We are willing to do anything for you-your sake. Remember, that mom and dad love you so much,” her dad said with teary eyes. “Dad, thank you. Thank you for showing me what a perfect man looks like,” Margarite responded with a tight hug. “I am thankful that God gave you and mommy to be my parents,” she avowed while preventing her tears from falling. “Don’t cry my princess or you’ll ruin your make-up,” her dad cheered her up, wiping the small tears gathered in her eyes. She smiled back. She didn’t want to ruin the night, as her uncles, cousins, friends, and she was supposed to be at the last dance that was chosen by her parents, who were still unknown. Her dad leads Margaret to her uncle. The dance continued with her cousins and close friends. Kenneth, Margaret’s best friend, supposedly attended her last dance but was opposed by her parents. “At last, I finally have you in my arms,” Kenneth whispered in her ears. His action made Margaret’s heart flutter. She responded with a sweet smile on her face. “I almost forgot the virtue of perseverance, Margo. I had to toughen my patience and wait for my turn. I plan not to hand you to your last dance,” Kenneth seemingly teasing her. “I also think about that!” Margaret partly agreed with what Kenneth said. Not solely because she wants to spend the night with him, but because she doesn’t know who he is. Both of them laughed, which made the crowd gaze at them, especially Mr. Montagu. Their dance number lasted longer than the previous one. This resulted in Mr. Montagu’s hasty action to approach both of them on the dance floor and wish Margaret's hands as her last partner for tonight’s big occasion. “To dance with our debutant, Margaret, ladies and gentlemen, the most handsome and eligible bachelor in the business world, no other than the debutant’s fiancé, Mr. Felix Martin Montagu!” the master of ceremony announced shocking news not just to Margaret but also to the whole crowd. Margaret finds it dumbfounding. She wanted to rush into the master of ceremony and let her explain what she had just announced. There seems to be a misunderstanding. She wants to leave the dance floor with Kenneth, but she can’t ruin this night. For this reason, she acts cool and pretends that it was true. “Are you okay, Margo?” Kenneth asked, who was still standing beside them. “She’ll be okay,” Felix Martin stated with command- as if he was telling him to go back to his place. “Make sure, Mr. Montagu,” Kenneth sounded it clear and dashed to his place. Margaret acts as cool as she can be. She remembers her mom invited media men from a different company and she doesn’t want to be in the headlines tomorrow morning for getting back to her party. She looks at Mr. Montagu. At this point, she could now recognize him. He is known as an extroverted and egoistic bachelor in the business world. “I know you have many questions right now piling up in your head, but you have to make believe that we are a real couple – because we will soon,” Felix Martin demanded. She could feel his breath towards her ear. “I don’t know your number but I’ll play with you,” Margaret huffed. “Then how about a good smile for our first couple photo,” he whispered, looking at the group of reporters who were waiting for a good spot. “Want to try?” “Sure thing,” Margaret said. “It’s no big deal, anyway” she added sarcastically, wearing a sham smile. They faced the crowd trying to please everybody. She wasn’t sure about the reason behind this but she knew it was business-related. She will ask for clarification when the party ends. She needs to know what’s going on. She must know. After the song, she wants to approach her mom and ask about it but many well-known business tycoons congratulate them. “Congratulations to both of you!” some mid-’40s approached them. She wasn’t sure of whom they were, but just enough to know that they were prominent in the business world. “It was unexpected. It is very unlike you, Mr. Montagu.” A man said, sounding very thwarted. “It just happened,” Mr. Montagu responded, not minding what they said. Whoa. He should have asked him what the matter was if they got engaged suddenly, she thought. “Mr. Williams, I asked Mr. Montagu to keep their relationship lying low, seeing that My Princess isn’t ready for so much attention yet,” her dad responded, who was standing beside her fake fiancé. “I should have bought more stocks,” another man devastatingly said. They laughed at the man’s statement. Yeah, I knew it. Mr. Williams was annoyed because their announcement would greatly affect the stock’s price at the moment. But still, he should have kept it on his mind. She assumed. “Thanks for congratulating us!” Margaret joined the conversation. “Please excuse us,” she added, holding her fiancé’s hands. She held his hand and went to the spare room nearby. She was dying to know why this was happening. The moment they were alone, Margaret released Felix Martin's hand from her. “Now tell me who you are,” Margaret demanded. “No, tell me first the reason why?” she suggested. Instead of answering Margaret’s questions, Felix Martin drew near to her ear and whispered. “Later Margaret,” his voice is commanding. “There are still people outside. You agreed to do the act, then do it properly,” he added. He holds Margaret’s face and kisses her on the forehead. Both of them head back inside and entertain the guest. Felix Martin lets her meet some of their business partners. She did act properly by responding to their queries while stitching up stories to please everyone. “Margo, can we talk?” Kenneth approached them and asked her. She almost forgot her best friend. She smiled at Felix Martin as if getting his permission. “Yeah, sure!” Felix Martin responded, getting her reaction. Margaret hastily leaves the group with Kenneth. Not far away from them, Kenneth grabs a glass of wine and hands it to her. “What about the engagement thing?” Kenneth asked Margaret about the announcement. He knows he’s shocked like her, but his voice is guttural. Margaret is about to answer back when the master of ceremony calls for the Keener family to deliver their message. Her parents, who were at the table next to them, approached her and went to the center stage. “I’ll call you later,” Margaret replied to Kenneth while making the call sign. “Dad mom,” Margaret murmured, asking for an answer. “Later sweetie,” her mom said, pressing her palm. Her dad grabbed the microphone and delivered his message. “Thank you for celebrating my daughter’s debut and engagement. And to my future son-in-law, welcome to the family,” Mr. Keener started with a grateful heart. He handed the microphone to his daughter, Margaret. Her dad held her hand tightly. She can alter all the misunderstandings at this very moment. She can say that she is not in any relationship and Mr. Felix Martin Montagu is not his fiancé, but at one point she doesn’t want her parents to face massive publicity to explain. Margaret decided to put a good final message for everyone. Yes, they have issues to deal with and these guests had nothing to do with them. “I deeply appreciate all your warm wishes and congratulations. It was nice having you all here sharing your precious time with us.” Margaret unleashed. “Although our engagement announcement was sudden, I still hope that you’ll continue to support Keener e-commerce and, of course- Mr. Montagu as well,” she added. After all, she needed to fulfill her duties as their only daughter. Margaret raised a glass of wine for a toast. The hall was hemmed in by the sound of clinking glasses and cheers from the crowd asking for a kiss. She did her best and couldn’t entertain such requests anymore, but the crowd was screeching. Felix Martin Montagu, who was at the corner, walked toward her. His steps seemed so fast that at any moment he could grab her. He looks at his parents as if asking for permission. Felix Martin Montagu, the extroverted and egoistic bachelor in the business world, held his right hand towards her nape while his left hand was around her small waist and kissed Margaret delicately with his soft and plump lips – subtle enough to feel his sincerity and honest intentions.