Chapter 7 Fundraiser Event

• Ann-
• My pulse was still racing with anticipation as I lay on my bed. Being invited to be Alex's plus-one for the fundraising event was something above my expectations, and I mentally replayed everything he had said. I was getting excited at the possibility of spending the evening with Mr. Alex.
• I got up to pick a dress for the event when I heard a knock on my room door. I stopped, wondering who that might be. When I opened the door, I was surprised to see that there were several individuals there, each with a case of makeup, a bag of clothes, and hair supplies.
• "Hello, Miss Ann," the man in a white shirt said, We are here to help you get ready for the event tonight.
• Surprised, my cheeks flushed and my eyes widened."Oh my goodness, I wasn't expecting this.
• The man grinned broadly. Mr Alex made all the arrangements. He wanted to guarantee that you look amazing this evening.
• I couldn't stop smiling,” That is incredibly kind of him, please come in”.
• The team entered my room quickly and easily, setting up their equipment like pros. The stylist, a gregarious woman named Coco, started setting out a variety of gowns, each more exquisite than the last. Lily, the hair stylist, and Jenna, the cosmetics artist, set up their work areas by the vanity.
• Coco raised a sleek, delicately beaded emerald-green gown. "I believe you will look amazing in this one, Ann. What do you think?"
• Feeling a little overwhelmed but immensely appreciative, I nodded. It's lovely. Let's go with that. While Coco assisted me in getting dressed, Jenna and Lily talked about the ideal costume to match the dress. I felt like a princess, I was nervous but also felt special because of all of the attention and care.
• After I finished getting dressed, Jenna started applying my makeup. Ann, you have such beautiful features. We'll maintain its sophistication and elegance. Beginning with my hair, Lily styled it into a classic updo and framed my face with a few loose streamers. "This will show off your neckline and the dress beautifully."
• Feeling at ease, my anxiety subsided as I rested under their skilled care. Thoughts of Alex kept coming to my mind while they worked. My heart was filled with love at his consideration in setting up everything for me. Anticipating his reaction upon seeing me, I experienced a surge of excitement to see him in the evening.
• An hour later, the team took a step back to appreciate their efforts. I looked in the mirror and struggled to recognise the lovely woman staring back at me. My emerald gown hugged my form wonderfully, and my makeup and hair looked immaculate.
• "You look stunning," Coco replied with a happy smile. "Alex won't know what hit him."
• I laughed softly, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you so much.”
• As the team collected their belongings and prepared to leave, I took a deep breath and felt a surge of confidence. I was prepared for the night ahead, I was a bit anxious and curious about what the evening was going to be like.
• With a final look in the mirror, I smiled, ready to face whatever the night had in store. Alex's driver arrived shortly and picked me up. I entered the limo and we drove away; shortly, we arrived at our location. The entire venue was packed with guests, all of whom were stylish and elegant. As the usher led me to my seat in the front row, I could see that everyone's attention was on me. Soon Mr Alex joined me.
• Alex-
• When I looked up, my breath was caught in my throat, she looked magnificent. The dress hugged her body wonderfully, emphasizing her contours and falling to a lovely train behind her. Her hair, often in a basic ponytail or loose waves, was done in a classic updo with a few tendrils framing her face. Her makeup was light yet effective, emphasizing her eyes and giving her a bright shine. A pair of dazzling earrings dangled from her ears, capturing light with each movement. She radiated grace and beauty as if she had come out of a fairy tale.
• For a little moment, I lost my voice. My eyes widened and my mouth opened slightly, but no words flowed out. Ann's gentle, amused smile finally snapped me back to reality.
• "Alex?" she inquired with a note of humour in her voice. "Are you okay?”
• I blinked and shook my head as if to clear it. "Ann, you... you look stunning," I eventually said, my voice full of real appreciation. "I mean, you always look great, but tonight... wow." Ann flushed, her cheeks a delicate pink.
• "Thank you," she murmured. "You don't look bad either."
• I sat down and poured us a glass of wine “So tell me more about yourself, I mean we are getting married I think we should know more about each other.”
• We got talking, our conversation flowing endlessly from one topic to another, unaware of what was going on around us. The crowd seemed to fade in the background.
• "Well, if it isn't the star couple of the evening," Kat said, rudely interrupting her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Ann, you certainly know how to make an entrance."
• “Kat, don't embarrass my guest”. Alex replies his voice calm but firm.
• “Hello, Kat”.Ann greeted.
• Kat barely acknowledged Ann’s greeting, her attention shifting to Alex. "Alex, darling," she purred, stepping closer. "I hope you're not too bored with all this small talk."
• Alex stiffened, “Actually, Kat, I’m quite enjoying the evening,” he said.
• Kat's eyes flashed with annoyance. “Oh, come on babe, you are joking, right?
• “Kat, don't do this here, Am here with Ann, and I'd appreciate it if you respect that.”
• Kat scoffed, She was already getting pissed off. “Ann this is all your fault, you stupid hoe.
• They were already creating a scene, catching all the guest's attention. Ann felt humiliated, She hadn't been this embarrassed her whole life.
• Alex’s jaw clenched. Kat, that's enough. I’m warning you to stop this now.”
• There was a tense silence as Kat stared at Alex, her expression a mixture of surprise and anger. She couldn't believe Alex was taking Ann’s side, she blamed Ann for it. “This is not over yet.” with a temper, she turned and left.
• Ann let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Sorry, I have to leave she said with tears filled in her voice. With that, she turned and left.