Chapter 47 The Gala
I successfully grabbed one! But then, I slipped and fell into the pool as I tried to grab the second!
I couldn't swim, thus, I started drowning.
When I woke up, I was in an ambulance.
My vitals were being checked and I got a little bit of rest at the lake house!”, Isabella replied.
“What, why are you looking at me like that?!”, Isabella asked Mia as she looked at her like she had seen a ghost.
“You couldn't swim?!”, Mia asked out of concern.
“Still can't, but, I'll be fine!”, Isabella answered.
“Are you okay?!”, Mia asked again.
“I am completely fine Mia, I just need a little bit more rest!”, Isabella assured.
“Are you sure?!”, Mia asked as she scanned Isabella’s face.
“Yes I am sure Mia! I'm completely fine!”
“Okay! Have you had anything to eat yet?!”, Mia asked.
“Uhmmm, not yet, we only had breakfast, and then we came over here!”, Isabella answered.
“Okay, you get some rest! I'll fix up something for you now!”, Mia said, leaving Isabella to her own.
\~~~
In a very big hall, a woman with exquisite features walked around, admiring the decorations.
“Is there anything you'd like to change madam?!”, one of the staff following her around asked, seeing her face scrunch in displeasure.
“Hmm…!”, she drawled as her fingers traced the flowers which decorated the tables.
“Yes ma!”, The staff urged.
“I would very much like this in gold! Rose gold to be specific!”, The woman answered.
“Any other thing ma?!”, The staff asked.
“No, not at all! You did a spectacular job with this space!”, she commented.
“You may leave now! But, get my assistant on your way out!”, She continued, giving an order to the group of staff that took note of her reaction to the design of the hall.
She continued to take in the design of the space alone till she heard a familiar set of footsteps.
“Madam!”, her assistant called out as she came to a halt behind her.
“Have you sent it out?!”, She asked as she turned her head slightly.
“Yes ma'am! His assistant got the invite!”, The assistant answered.
“Very well then!
How about the room!?!”, The woman asked again.
“Yes ma'am, it's been reserved!”
“Hmm, go on now, I'll be by the car in a few minutes!”, The lady said, dismissing her assistant.
Mei Ling stood in the middle of the massive hall she had allocated for the purpose of the “random” gala she was hosting.
Except, said gala wasn't random!
She had a lot to gain! Very much to gain from the gala which she was planning for.
\~~~
Over the following days, Isabella had steered clear of The Don.
She thought she was doing a good job as Luciano hadn't paid her any mind at all.
If only she knew that she couldn't avoid the owner of the house in his own mansion.
\~~~
Isabella had no prior idea Luciano wasn't going to be having dinner in the mansion, or the fact that he was attending an event.
Quite surprised by Luciano in an actual tuxedo with his hair slicked back, Isabella couldn't help but take secret glances at the Mafia Don.
She finally saw the side to him the rest of the world saw.
“What happened?!”, Mia asked Isabella as she kept looking towards the living room.
“Nothing!”, Isabella answered, simply shaking her head.
“Do you think The Don is having dinner tonight?!”, Mia asked Isabella.
Feigning ignorance like she hadn't been looking at the man since he came downstairs, Isabella stuttered as she asked.
“What, what do you mean?!”
“Can't you smell his perfume?!”, Mia asked in return.
“Oh that!”, Isabella said, her mind going to the signature smell of The Don.
“Well, I don't think so!”, Isabella continued.
“Do you think he's going out?!”, Mia asked, genuinely curious.
Feeling guilty for staring at him the way she did, Isabella Shook her head before she proceeded to talk.
“Well, he's wearing a suit so, possibly!”
“Good point!”
~~
Luciano was indeed going out.
He was headed to the gala Mei Ling had invited him to.
The one he didn't want to go to.
The one he had no other choice than to go to because of a good deal she offered.
He might hold such a position, but social gatherings weren't really his specialty.
His mind drifted back to the host of the event, Mei Ling.
The woman always made advances at him.
Avoiding her seemed to become even more tasking as she wanted to know about practically everything that he did.
She had classical asian features, and she looked very beautiful.
However, unlike the stereotype one would assign to her unconsciously when you see her, the woman spoke very clear English.
Very versed in the arms market, Mei Ling was someone you didn't want to offend because of her deeply rooted connection to the Chinese Mafia.
For the sake of peace, Luciano wasnt intent on crossing a line.
The car came to a halt right in front of the hall.
He watched as the guests entered one by one, readying himself for what to come.