His Obsession

Chapter Sixteen

Charlotte

“I passed by the venue with Fred, and the place is so magnificent.” May said as I curled her hair.

“I can’t wait to see it.” I said.

We had our mood boards out, hoping the inspiration would match our dresses. I gave May soft bouncy curls, which fall on her back.

“Beautiful,” she whispered, happy with the results.

There was a knock on the door. I answered, letting Pat and Max in, carrying two boxes.

“Your dresses are in.” Pat said. “We’ll leave you to get ready.” He added, winking.

“Thank you, Pat.”

He nodded, leaving the room with Max. May and I opened our boxes, our breaths catching in our throats. I pulled out a mask, my fingers brushing over the gemstones and pearls.

“Do they have a spy in here?” May asked, admiring her mask.

The dresses and accessories matched our mood boards.

“I really love an intentional man,” May said, pulling out her dress.

I styled my hair, adding some curls, letting my layers frame my face. I helped May zip her dress up. She twirled, giggling softly.

“Fred should be ready to throw hands at anyone trying to get close.” I said, making May chuckle.

“Or prevent him from killing someone,” she said.

I pulled out my dress, putting it on.

“The dress is chef’s kiss,” May said as she zipped me up.

I smiled, giving May a three-sixty turn. I picked up my mask, a small detail catching my attention.

“Does your mask have any initials on it?” I asked, my eyes wide with shock and surprise.

“Let me see,” she said, picking up her mask. “Yes, it does,” she responded. “It has M.L.S. for May Lynn Sinclair.” She added.

I nodded, taking mine in.

“What does yours have?” she asked, her voice laced with concern as she saw the look on my face.

“It has C.R.S.…Charlotte Rae Smith.” I whispered.

“What’s wrong?”

“I never mentioned my middle name to anyone.” I said, my eyes glossy.

May hugged me.

“Let’s look at the positive side; he cares so much, he wants to know every little thing about you.” She said.

I nodded, trying to not let the tears spill.I smiled, my fingers brushing over the initials. You won’t really see it until you’re up close, and I don’t really mind at all.

My royal blue dress matched my black and blue mask, with silver stones and ice blue pearls decorating my mask, while May’s navy blue dress matched her silver mask, with beautiful white and pale blue gemstones and pearls decorating hers as well. After adding finishing touches and using some perfume, we were ready.

“God help us,” Pat said, catching the attention of the others as we descended.

“Do you think we have the strength to hold the don and his right-hand man from killing someone?” Max asked, earning nods from Sly and Fynn.

Pat held my hand, twirling me.

“We have to keep an eye on the dons.” Sly said, twirling May as well.

“Exactly. This time, we’re not protecting the dons and their queens from the people; we’re protecting the people from the dons’ wrath.” Pat said, the others chuckling in agreement.

I started to fidget with my fingers, getting nervous all of a sudden.

“Hey,” Pat said, taking my hand. “Everything will be alright.” He added.

“Yeah, we’re always around; no one is getting close without our say-so.” Max added, all of them nodding.

I nodded.

“Thank you, but I can’t help it.” I said.

They all hugged me, May inclusive.

“The event will go as planned, and Damian and Frederick won’t let anything happen to you.” Slyvester said.

I melted in their embrace, letting myself calm down.

“Shall we?” Pat held out his hand for me, and Fynn to May.

We smiled, taking their hands as Max and Sylvester led the way. Let’s get on with it.

Damian

“Okay, everything is on point,” Fred said as we checked security.

“Have you checked if there are blind spots?” I asked, catching the attention of Sebastian.

“Right, let me check that quickly,” Fred said, checking and assigning guards and subtly armed men. “Done and dusted,” Fred smirked.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Sebastian placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry, hopefully there won’t be too much chaos.”

“Come on, old man. Let’s make you appreciate the beauty and handiwork of our loves.” Fred dragged me, Sebastian chuckling behind.

“I’m not that old,” I said, rolling my eyes.

As we walked into the ballroom, I took everything in, my eyes scanning every corner. The way the chandelier is reflecting the lights. The polished floors caught the light. The tables were draped in deep velvet, and crystal glasses shimmered beautifully. Everything screamed power, wealth, and influence.

“Whose work is this?” Sebastian asked, his fingers tracing the centerpiece in admiration.

“The handiwork of Charlotte and May,” Fred said, smirking.

The corner of my lip lifted, Sebastian looking at Fred.

“You’re serious?” He asked Fred.

“Yes, they went all out, and it is perfect.”

“Wow, just wow,” Sebastian said, admiring everything.

One of the ushers approached us, alerting us to the guests arriving. As if on cue, there was soft chatter of the guests arriving. We put on our masks, Sebastian adjusting mine. I took a deep breath. The guests filed in, the organizations and associations in the signature colors and masks. Some walked in like they owned the ground, some lingered on small talk, and some tried to dominate the space. The ballroom breathed with life, soft music filling the air.

A group of people approached, and I could tell from their masks and color they’re my dad’s alliance.

“You look good,” Vance said, patting my back.

He shook hands with Fred and Sebastian.

“It’s good to see you,” I said.

“I need you to hire your interior designer; this place is magnificent,” he said. My heart swelled with love.

“Technically, I’d say no, but I’d ask her.” I said, making Vance laugh.

“Vance Damaris,” I heard my father’s voice.

He hugged my father as he closed. Pamela was there on his arm as usual. She looked at me, batting her lashes.

“Damian baby, I see you’ve gotten rid of that toy.” She said, making my blood boil.

“What did you say?” I asked, feeling Sebastian hold me back.

“I mean,” she said, flipping her hair back, “where is she?”

We heard faint gasps and the whispers. I turned, seeing Charlotte and May make an entrance, the bodyguards surrounding them. A smile tugged on my lips, watching how beautiful she is.

“You’re asking where she is,” Sebastian said. “Hope you’ve seen her now.”

I didn’t even bother to see Pamela’s reaction. I watched as they approached, responding to few greetings here and there.

“Who is she?” one guest asked.

“She’s so beautiful.” Another guest said.

I heard them, my heart filling with love.

A few men catcalled, getting death glares from the bodyguards.

“Well, well, well, I am finally going to see the beautiful woman who got my son’s attention.” I heard my dad say.

I saw her face light up as she saw me. Despite the mask covering the upper part of her face, I could still see the excitement on her face. My heart heard my dad gave her a kiss on her cheek as she greeted him and gave a small nod to Pamela, who was seething in anger. Vance places a kiss on the back of her hand.

“I now know why Damian said he’ll say no when I said I need to hire his interior designer,” making Charlotte laugh softly.

“It’s good to see you again, Charlotte.” Sebastian smiled.

“It’s good to see you too, Sebastian.” She smiled back.

May greeted everyone, ignoring Pamela, who looked like she’d burst soon from anger.

Fred hugged Charlotte as she got to him.

“Hello Damian, though I feel weird calling you any name aside from ‘sir,’” May said, making me laugh.

As Charlotte got to my side, I took her hand, twirling her. Her soft laugh filled the air. Pulling her close, I placed a kiss on her forehead. Her smile made my heart melt. It felt like I was alone with her; everything around us stopped and faded away.Her soft voice brought me back to reality.

“I can’t believe we did this,” she said.

“It’s beautiful, like you,” I said, watching her smile widen.

A few guests broke from the crowd to greet us. Business partners, old allies, and a few curious groups circling to see what this night would reveal. Charlotte welcomed them with a radiant smile, her eyes wide with happiness as if the entire hall belonged to her.

It struck me, that glow, that effortless confidence radiating off her, lighting the air around her like a crown. And though I should have been proud, I should have let them bask in her warmth… … something in me twisted. They could see it. They could all see her. That joy, that light, that sweetness in her eyes. I wanted it only for me. Mine. Always mine….

My chest tightened, possessiveness curling hot in my veins. And as I caught Pamela watching with narrowed eyes, my hand itched to pull Charlotte closer, to make sure they all knew where she belonged. But not now. Not yet. A voice rang through the hall, pulling attention to the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?” The hum of conversation faded. “It is my honor to welcome you all tonight. And now, to officially open this evening, please welcome your host, Damian Johnson.

The spotlight found me as applause filled the air. I straightened, slipping into the role I had been born for.

“Good evening,” I said, my voice smooth and commanding, every syllable carrying across the grand hall. “Tonight isn’t just a gathering… it’s a celebration of alliance, of vision, of the future we’re building together. Tonight, you are not just guests; you are part of something greater.”

The room was still, drinking in every word. I let my gaze sweep over them, but it always circled back, inevitably, to her.

“So let us begin.” I paused, letting the silence stretch, then offered a sharp nod.

“The gala is officially open. Please, enjoy the night.”

Applause filled the room once again, chairs scraped against polished floors, and the music filled the air as the first course was served. And though the gala had begun for me, it was only the beginning of something far more dangerous.