What is Love?

Chapter 9

"Before you say anything, there's a gala tonight to announce the change. I'd be honored to have you as my plus one. If you're feeling better,"

"I'd actually love that," I responded, smiling.

"That's great! I already have a dress picked out for you. Hair and make-up will be at your place at 3pm. Roughly an hour from now, let's get you out of here," he said with the world's biggest grin.

The doctor discharged me and sent me on my way. When we arrived at Crawford Mannor, the team of stylists was already there. They rushed me to my bedroom and got to work. They styled my make-up with a sleek smokey look, and styled my hair in a half curled-up do with loose curled strands to frame my sharp jaw line and high cheek bones.

I then went to look at my dress, and I swear this man knew me. It was a slim black dress with black glitter, long black lace sleeves, with a slit in the leg almost revealing too much, and a low drop back. When I put it on, it hugged all of my curves just right. When I looked in the mirror, I was astounded at how beautiful I looked.

A knock sounded at my door, "Ms. Crawford, Sir Nik Montgomery is here," the maid said. "Thank you, Cher. Please let him know I'll be right down."

I made my decent down the long, wide stairs. At the bottom stood Nik and my father, Peter. My father met me and took my hand, "You will be good to her tonight, Nik." "Of course," My father passed me off to Nik, and we made our way to the gala.

We entered the grand hotel, sparkling with beautiful large crystal chandeliers and classical music. "Would you like a glass of wine, my love?" Nik asked. "Yes, thank you, moscato please." He handed me a glass, then walked off to chat with a business partner. I sipped, taking in the scenery when all of a sudden I heard the most wretched voice that belonged to Jessica.

"Oh, Ethan, this is beautiful. We can announce our engagement tonight," "Anything for you, beautiful," he said. "I didn't see you there, Lydia. My apologies if you heard all of that, but it's nothing you don't know already, right, Lydia?" Jessica said smugly while leaning into Ethan's chest.

Smiling and gritting my teeth, "congratulations, Jessica and Ethan. May you never find happiness." "You little b*tch!" She snapped, and raised her hand to hit me. "You wouldn't ruin your reputation this early, will you, Miss Wicks?" She lowered her hand, and said "you got lucky this time. Just you wait! Let's go, Ethan!" She screamed before storming off. Smiling, I turned around and swayed to the music waiting for Nik to return, but just before he did, Ethan took the stage.

"Hello and good evening everyone, thank you for joining us on such a lovely evening. If you don't know, my name is Ethan Montgomery and I am the CEO of M Technologies. I welcome you all here, and hope you all have a great time. I have an announcement I'd like to make, and would like you all to join me in my celebration of the announcement of my fiancé. I am now engaged, to Miss Jessica Wicks," Ethan beamed, and gestured for Jessica to join him on stage.

She was beaming with happiness as well, and joined Ethan on stage, followed by thunderous applause. I scoffed and went to walk away before I heard, "I also have an announcement," I turned around to see Nik on stage with Grandpa Richard. "From this day forward, I would like to announce my son, Nik Montgomery, as the new CEO of M Technology. This is why I have invited everyone here tonight to celebrate the successes my son has made, and the tremendous strides he has taken to make our company stronger than ever," Richard announced.

After he announced this, Ethan stepped back in shock. The crowd ignored him and went wild with applause. There were some whispers about Ethan and how he was a terrible CEO, and they felt sorry for his embarrassment tonight.

"Hello, everyone I am Nik. It is my pleasure to take over as CEO. I strive to be a great leader, and every great leader has a precious person by their side. I'd like to introduce all of you to Lydia Crawford. Lydia, please join me on stage," Nik announced. My eyes went wide, and I slowly walked to the stage to join Nik.

He smiled at me and held his hand out to reach for me. I took his hand, and leaned into his embrace. The crowd roared to life with applause and congratulations. Nik took my hand to his lips and kissed my hand, "all these people here, and I see nobody but you." I smiled with tears welling in my eyes, and he leaned in and kissed my lips passionately.

After, I decided to go out on my own to get fresh air. I was reeling in the emotions I was feeling. I could feel myself falling for Nik. I caught myself holding the flowers, and bending over to smell them enjoying my new life. Just a week or so ago, it felt like it was crumbling when Jessica came back. Nik came along and swept me off my feet. I'm almost worried it's too good to be true. I don't want this feeling to ever end.

"I hope you enjoyed your little moment back there, Lydia," Jessica coldly said.

"Are you stalking me?" I asked.

Scoffing, she said, "Don't flatter yourself. You think you're all high and mighty because you snatched another CEO? Ethan will take back what was his. All he has to do is marry me, and he will be CEO again. I'll love to watch you crash again."

"Do you think you or Ethan scare me? Try again, I just want to be happy. I don't need a CEO to make me happy, I fell for Nik well before the announcement," I replied.

"I don't need you to be scared of me, but don't think I forgot about your slick comments earlier." After saying that, Jessica threw herself into the pond just as Ethan and his mother were walking out. 'Here we go again,' I thought.