Chapter 2: Under The Lights
1202 Words
On my way home, my heart was still racing from the news. So I decided to call my mom. I dialed her number and she picked up at the third ring
“Mom, guess what?” I asked, unable to keep the giddiness out of my voice.
“You sound excited”, she said. “What is it, honey?”
“You know the gala I’ve been telling you about? The one that Daniel’s family is hosting. It’s is going to be at the Metropolitan Museum”
“Whoa!”, she exclaimed. “That’s big, honey”
“Uh huh”, I nodded, a smile forming on my lips. “Two other families will be hosting with the Montogmery’s. And Daniel said a mystery billionaire donor is going to be present”
“Really? Who’s that?”
“Mystery, mom!”, I emphasized.
She laughed. It was a warm, motherly sound that made me feel like a little girl again.
“Right, right. I guess we’ll all find out”, she said. “I’m so happy for you, Aria”
“Me too, mum”, I said. “And Daniel and I are going to celebrate tonight”
“Awwn. I hope you two have fun.”
“We will. Talk to you later mom”
“Bye honey”
I hung up just as the car pulled into the long driveway of Daniel’s mansion. It was a massive cream-colored building that stood three stories tall with arched windows that glowed like amber in the setting sun
I stepped inside, feeling the cool of the marble floors of the foyer even through my shoes.
“Daniel”, I called out, as I set my bag on the velvet couch in the living room.
The house was quiet, but the delicious smell of roasted beef, bread rolls and a sweet scent of dark chocolate.
I follow the smell into the dining room expecting to see the chefs at work. Instead I saw the table, perfectly set with white linen and candles.
Suddenly I was swept off my feet by strong arms from behind me. I let out a squeak of surprise as I was lifted into the air
Daniel planted kisses on my cheek before gently setting me down to the floor
“I got us some takeout from the restaurant downtown you love so much”, Daniel said, his lips still close to my face.
I turned in his arms till my eyes met his. His dark hair was slightly messy falling over his forehead and his silk tie was loosened at the collar. His eyes were steady and fixed on me. His gaze made my heart flutter in my chest.
“You’re just the sweetest, Daniel”, I said, reaching to take his face in my hands.
We moved to the living room and sat on the oversized velvet sofa. I always loved that sofa. It was deep and soft, the kind you could disappear into.
Daniel poured two glasses of champagne, the bubbles rising up to the rim of the glass.
“To the Met,” he said, his voice soft as he clinked his glass against mine. “And to the woman who is going to make the Montgomerys better than they ever have”
I couldn’t hold back the laughter. It felt so good to be us.
“To the Met,” I echoed. “And to me”
Daniel leaned in his gaze tracing the lines of my face. He was every bit the prince that the media portrayed him to be.
“I have another surprise for you”, he whispered
He got up and walked up the grand staircase. A minute later, he’s back carrying a tall black bag with a gold zipper.
“Something for you to put on for the gala”, he said, handing it to me.
My eyes widened.
I got up and took it from him. I zipped it open and peeked inside. My breath hitched.
I reached inside and pulled out a shimmering silk silver gown. Just beside it was a box of matching heels with tiny sparkling crystals.
“Oh my gosh, Daniel!”, I exclaimed, holding the dress up “This is too much”
Daniel laughs, stepping closer to wrap his arms around my waist. “Well, get used to it.”
I pulled the dress in front of my body. It looked like it was made just for me. I let my mind be filled with the thought of me walking into the gala wearing a dress like this.
I threw my hands around him, burying my face in his chest. “How did I get so lucky?”
He tilted my chin up. “Because you’re Aria, the woman I love”
What started off as a soft celebratory kiss quickly deepened. His hands moved from my face to my waist, pulling me till there was no space between us.
He picked me up again and carried me to his bedroom. The door clicked shut behind us as the rest of the world faded into the bakground.
…
In just a few days the night of the gala was already upon us.
I was dressed in my silk silver gown. The fabric felt cool on my skin. The crystal heels clicked against the marble as I walked.
Daniel stood by the door, wearing a tailored black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a silk bow tie. He looked handsome and powerful.
We arrived at the Metropolitan Museum. The sight was breathtaking. The building was lit up in soft gold lights and stone steps were covered in red carpet.
When we stepped down from the limousine, camera lights shot like fireworks. Reporters lined up behind the velvet ropes, shouting questions over the noise.
One reporter thrust a microphone towards Danial, “Mr Montogmery, any idea on who tonight's mysterious donor is?”
Daniel smirked in confidence.
“No idea. Tonight we’re all in for his big reveal”
I held Daniel’s arm feeling the strength through his suit. He smelled like fresh citrus tonight.
Two large security guards in suits walked ahead, parting the way through the crowd for us .
As we walked through the doors, the hall was decorated with lilies. Long tables were lined with glassware and soft string music filled the room.
Everywhere I turned, people were chirping about the mystery donor.
“I hear he’s a tech genius from Silicon valley’, one woman said.
“I heard he’s a prince”, another whispered.
Daniel stayed close to me, his hand never leaving my waist, but I noticed his eyes darting toward the entrance more often than usual.
Finally the master of ceremonies took over.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment we have been waiting for,” the MC announced. “Our generous donor. The man who made all this possible. Please welcome CEO of Zenith Global”
The donor stepped onto the stage, walking slow and confident.
As soon as the light fell on his face, my champagne glass slid right through my fingers.
- Writer
