Chapter 47

As Mel and Ethan walked towards a seat at the right corner of the room, Mel couldn't help but feel self-conscious under the scrutinizing gazes of the other attendees. She had expected the attention, of course, since Ethan was a well-known billionaire, but she never imagined it would feel so awkward.

As they took their seats, Mel tried to remain composed, but she couldn't help but wonder if the eyes that were peering at her could see through her act of pretending to be Ethan's date, or if they all believed she was actually dating him."

Meanwhile, still seated on her dressing chair, Lisa heard the unmistakable sounds of the dinner party beginning, signaling that it was time for her to make her grand entrance. She had intentionally waited behind, wanting to ensure that all eyes, especially Ethan's, would be on her as she walked into the ballroom. However, what she failed to realize was that this wasn't like a high school prom, where a few people might pay attention to her. This was a high-profile event, and she was just one of many attendees hoping to make an impression.

Lisa strode into the hall, her head held high as she took a seat at a table in the middle of the room. She sat there for a few moments, scanning the crowd for any sign of Ethan. Her eyes darted from table to table, taking in the elaborate decorations and the elegantly dressed guests.

Finally, her search led her to a corner of the room where she saw Ethan seated with a lady by his side. Lisa felt a pang of jealousy, but she tried to push it aside. However, as she looked closer at the lady, her heart skipped a beat - it was Mel. Lisa squeezed her eyes shut, trying to process what she was seeing. Her assumptions had been right all along.

As she opened her eyes, Mel coincidentally met her gaze and gave her wink which Lisa couldn't quite comprehend. Lisa felt her anger rise up within her, but she managed to compose herself and forced a smile.

Sitting by herself at her table, she felt alone and out of place. Suddenly, a man from earlier who had tried to take advantage of Mel joined her table. Brook offered to be her date since they were both at the party without one. At first, Lisa tried to brush him off, but Brook proved to be stubborn and insisted that she loosen up.

Curious about how Brook had managed to attend the dinner without a date, Lisa asked him.

Brooks smirked in reply. "I actually had plans for a date. I promised to bring someone along, but it seems like my date ran away."

Lisa couldn't help but chuckle. "Looks like we have something in common then. I was also supposed to have a date, but he picked someone else." she replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Brook raised an eyebrow. "Why would he do that? I mean, you're quite stunning." he complimented.

Lisa blushed, feeling a mixture of flattery and annoyance at the reminder of her failed plans. She glanced over at where Mel and Ethan were seated, wondering if Ethan was looking her way.

Brook leaned in closer. "So, since we're both dateless, how about we help each other out? By being each other's date for the night?"

Lisa hesitated for a moment. She knew the program organizers expected everyone to come with a date, and being caught without one could reflect poorly on her. Plus, there was the chance that Ethan might see her with Brook and get jealous, she thought dreamily.

But then again, why not have a little fun? "Sure," she finally said, smiling. "I'm Lisa, by the way."

"Brook," he replied with a charming grin. "Pleasure to have you as my date for the night."

-Ethan and Mel's Table-

As they are their meal, Ethan turned to Mel and asked, "So Mel, how are you finding the party so far?" he asked sounding concerned.

Mel took a sip of her drink before responding, "It's quite strange, to be honest. I haven't been to an event this huge and organized in a long while."

Ethan nodded in understanding. "Which events did you attend before?" he asked politely.

Mel hesitated for a moment before answering. "When I was younger and still had my parents around, we used to attend events like this together. They were prominent figures in their respective fields and were invited to these kinds of parties all the time."

Ethan's curiosity was piqued. "Sorry to ask, but how come you're working under me now? Aren't you supposed to be leading their firm or did your parents push you out for being stubborn?" he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Mel's smile faded as she looked down at her hands. "Sadly, they're no longer with us. We lost them to a car accident some years back, and all the finances they left behind were used in trying to save them. But eventually, we lost them." Her voice trailed off, and she blinked back tears.

Ethan's heart sank upon hearing Mel's words. He regretted bringing up the topic, he initially planned to ask more about her parents' company, but after hearing that they were no more, he decided to withhold his question, not wanting to upset her further.

Feeling the need to offer some form of comfort, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief, holding it out to Mel. "I'm sorry, Mel I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories. Please take this handkerchief." He said in a gentle tone.

Mel took the handkerchief and wiped her tears. "Thank you, Ethan," she said, looking up at him with a grateful smile. "It's okay. I've learned to cope with their loss over time."

Ethan nodded sympathetically. "I can't imagine what you've been through. But I'm here for you, if you ever need anyone to talk to." he said with a smile

"Thank you, Ethan," Mel said, feeling comforted by his kind words. "I appreciate it."

They sat in silence for a moment before Ethan spoke up again. "So, Mel, what do you do for fun outside of work?"

Mel smiled, glad to change the subject. "I love to read and watch movies. I also enjoy hiking and exploring new places."

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Really? I love hiking too! We should plan a trip together sometime."

Mel smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of spending more time with Ethan outside of work. "That sounds like a great idea," she said. "I'd love that."

****

Lisa sat across from Brook, enjoying her meal and occasionally glancing over at Mel and Ethan who were giggling together. Meanwhile, Brook observed Lisa quietly without saying a word.

Some minutes later, Lisa overheard a lady sitting nearby talking about Mel and Ethan, they were wondering who Mel was to have found favour with Ethan enough to become his girlfriend. The lady stressed how professional Ethan was and how he never associated with ladies, while being only focused on work. The lady's partner, a man, who looked like he was in his early 30s replied that he was surprised Ethan finally got himself a girlfriend. He mentioned a time when his company needed a collaboration with Ethan's company, and the meeting was held at a club room. After the meeting, other investors stopped by to catch some fun with the girls around, but Ethan did not look back once.

"She must be perfect to have gotten accepted by him," the lady said.

"What if she was the one who accepted him?" her partner replied thinking deep.

"Do you think so? Come to think of it, I don't think Ethan would date someone below his standard," the lady spoke sounding quite sure.

Lisa, who was sitting close by, was already feeling jealous of Mel, so she didn't appreciate hearing others praise her. Not able to withstand it any longer, she got up and walked over to their table, interrupting their conversation.

"Can you stay quiet, lady?" Lisa said in a commanding tone.

"Why would I?" the woman replied, wondering who Lisa was to ask her to stay quiet.

"Because you're disturbing my peace, especially when you keep saying things without knowing the truth about it," Lisa answered curtly.

The lady was taken aback by Lisa's sudden intrusion. "Who's this nonchalant lady butting into my business?" she asked feeling annoyed.

"I'm not butting in your business. I just have to tell you to keep your thoughts within you, especially if they aren't worth listening to," Lisa said firmly angering the lady the more.

By now, the woman's partner was also triggered by Lisa's statement, unable to watch Lisa spew what he considered trash anymore, he answered her curtly "How dare you get up from your seat and try to display your crazy attitude in our faces?" he said. "What exactly are you referring to anyway?"

Lisa didn't hold back. "The lady and President Ethan, stop shipping them. You're a CEO too, you should be well aware of how whores like the lady over there with Ethan are paid to carry out one fake act and another. Who knows if that's what you're doing with your pathetic girlfriend," Lisa said, landing her gaze on the lady.

The lady was furious upon hearing Lisa's accusation "How dare you say such things to me?" she said angrily, almost getting up from her seat. But her partner kept on calming her down until Lisa added, "Why are you getting so mad? I'm telling the truth. Wasn't it just now your so-called boyfriend stated how he and Ethan were at a business meeting and while they stayed back with the girls, Ethan left the venue. Your supposed boyfriend is cheating on you. Well, who knows, you might just be one of the girls he met that night," Lisa said with a smirk displaying on her face.

Now livid and in a fit of annoyance, the lady had heard enough, standing up from her seat, she grabbed a glass of juice and poured it over Lisa. But Lisa simply smiled and turned to the man, "It doesn't seem like she is your girlfriend. Sorry for the wrong assumption,"

she said with a smirk before turning around and marching towards an entrance.

"Your behavior is disgraceful, barging into other people's business like this," the man called out after Lisa.

While walking away, Lisa could hear the lady arguing with her partner. This was precisely what Lisa wanted. She had observed the woman and had noticed that she was the quarrelsome type and her anger was easily triggered.. Lisa had a similar attribute, and she could easily identify people who shared that trait. Satisfied with herself, she walked through the hallway until she finally reached her room, she walked in and shut the door behind her.

As Lisa entered her room, she realized with dismay that she had no backup dress to wear to the party. She cursed under her breath, blaming the lady who had spilled juice on her for ruining her evening, with a dress like this, there was no way she could look presentable to Ethan who's attention she still hadn't been able to bring to herself. Suddenly, there was a knock on her door. Surprised, she hesitated before answering, but the voice on the other side reassured her. "It's me, Brook. I brought you a dress."

Lisa was taken aback by his sudden appearance at her door, but now wasn't the time to think, she got up and rushed to the door, flinging it open. There stood Brook, holding a well-packaged box.

Lisa couldn't believe her luck. She had just been cursing her misfortune a while ago and now a brand new dress was in front of her. "Brook, how did you know I was in need of a dress?" she asked, confused letting him in.

"Well, you guys were having a loud argument. And I saw and heard the whole thing," Brook said with a sly smile.

Lisa's heart skipped a beat. She had engaged herself in such argument totally forgetting the fact that Brook was there. "Wow, that was quick," she said, still trying to process everything.

As she opened the box, she gasped at the sight of the beautiful red evening gown inside. "It's a red dress too," she exclaimed.

"Well, I told you my date ran away. That was the dress I kept for her. I love my ladies in red, so that's why I picked this. Hope that answers your question," Brook said, his voice trailing off.

Lisa's excitement waned as she sensed something was off about Brook's demeanor. "So tell me, why are you helping me out? You didn't seem too interested in me earlier. I feel like you need something from me. Am I right?" she asked slyly.

"Yes, you are. I do need something," Brook said, his eyes darkening.

Lisa's curiosity piqued. "What is it that you need from me?" she asked, heart racing as she waited for Brook to reveal his true intentions. What exactly did he want from her?