They ride back to the office was filled with eerie silence Amara went straight to the her cubicle when they got back with turning her back not once.
The rest of the day Amara spent it avoiding Lucian because it was so weird after what he did, it wasn't bad but a kind gesture however it was Lucian he's never this kind to anyone. Tuesday came and Amara spent all her day avoiding Lucian then came Wednesday the day of the charity gala.
Everyone and everywhere was busy, Amara leaves work around 12PM because she didn't buy a dress prior.
She meets Tess at her office for the shopping
"Look what your procrastination has done
I've said this since let's go shopping
No… you said you are busy, busy, busy and now we're running on a tight shift with lack of options"
"Tess don't be feisty
It will all work out"
"Work out Amara seriously"
"Yes I promise, let's go time is ticking."
Amara and tess goes shopping from shop to shop mall to mall
"Why can't we just buy what's available" Amara says
"We are going to D'Artois charity gala and you want to look ordinary
Baby we are going to pull up
we don't have the type of money to put low effort and still be praised."
They go to few more stores and finally pick out their dresses
"Finally we are done, we can go home and rest" Amara says yawning
"No no no honey we are not going home"
"Tess what is it, what did you do"
"Nothing I just booked us a nail, hair and makeup appointment" ( in a high pitch tone)
"you did what"
"Don't worry the place offers all the services"
"You're joking right"
"I kid you not plus I already paid deposit"
Why?
"We could have each other hair, make up and nails"
"Amara please…. you are not getting the whole concept
The event is one of a kind
why should I look odd
It's not that deep okay honey now let's go."
They go to their appointment get their nails, hair and makeup done
"Amara don't you like the way you look
eye catching"
Amara tries to hold her smile to no avail
Amara and tess goes home to put their dresses and add finishing touches
"Babes you look stunning"
Amara blushes
"Well, you look gorgeous" Amara replies
They take a cab to the event
They lights on the red carpet could be better seen from a mile, camera flashes more than eyes could keep up. Amara and tess got down from the cab and went to security for invitation verification while waiting for the verification Lucian shows up
"Ms. Banks"
Amara turns around
"Mr. D'Artois"
"You look amazing" Lucian says
"Thanks"
"Join me on the red carpet"
"I came with my friend
I can't leave her alone"
Tess interrupts
"It's okay
I'm fine
Go with him"
"No no no, I can't leave my friend
Its not nice"
"It's fine babes I'll be fine" tess says
He's handsome Tess mouths to Amara
Lucian holds Amara and takes her to the red carpet, the minute they stepped on the red carpet the atmosphere changed, whispers began and tension arose Amara eyes couldn't keep up with flashes Lucian notices grabs her waist and holds her firm then whispers in her ear
"it's okay
You look stunning
You're shinning like a star"
Amara confidence increases and more camera clicks follow.
Inside the hall was screaming nothing but wealth and exclusivity, Amara hands on Lucian arm walks around the hall greeting people she spots her friend
"Mr. D'Artois that's my cue" pointing to tess
Lucian nods in agreement
Amara walks towards Tess
"You threw under the bus"
"I didn't
A handsome man wanted to take you on the red carpet
What's the big deal"
"He's my boss that's the big deal"
"Not technically, you work for dazzle"
"Oh please you know what I'm talking about Tess"
"There's nothing wrong
I personally think he has a soft spot for you."
(Bombastic side eyes Tess)
"Don't give me those eyes Tess says
There's pastries over there"
"Don't try to change the topic Tess vough"
"I can't hear youuuuu"
Amara shakes her head the follow Tess to the pastry section. Lucian lightly taps amara
Ms. Banks
Can I have a dance
I don't to how to dance Amara says
It's okay I'll lead you follow
Lucian holds Amara hand and takes her to the dance the slow music starts and the dance began, there was close proximity, eye contact Amara begins to slightly tremble he grips around her tightens then the people in the room began to face conversation slips in
You really look young stunning Ms. Banks
Thank you but you've said this before
Everyone is staring at you because you look stunning
You don't realize what you are doing to everyone in this room
He scans her body with his eyes from head to toe slowly
Amara notices and becomes uncomfortable
The dance finally ends as she was about stepping away Lucian grabs her and whispers in her ear
Come with me
Amara without thinking follows him to a quiet place inside the building
Lucian leans in close, voice low enough for another ear not to hear
Amara
I want to call you Amara Lucian says
A faint pause
His gaze lingers longer than usual then faint smirk appears on his face
Your hearts racing Lucian says
He steps closer, closing the space between them grabs her waist firmly, Lucian began to stare at her lips and lean in Amara didn't move away like she was dozen.
Lucian grabs her jaw and tilts it suddenly a knock came
Mr. D'Artois It's time for your speech
Amara snaps back to reality and dashes out of the room without looking back, she couldn't understand her inability to move, control her body or think.
Amara enters the main hall and everyone was already seated Amara looks for test and joy is her at her table
Amara where have you been
This question shook Amara
Nowhere in particular
I've been around I just needed fresh air so I went outside
The main part of the event started Amara brought out her notepad and recorder and began to jot down and record the events, Lucian gave a wonderful speech and there was a lots of fun at the event, celebrities performances and yet everything remained elegant at the end of the event they announced the money they collected from the event.
Everybody was in shock in shock when it was announced that the auction had brought in $700 million which is wild because it is unheard off at the end of the event Lucian came thanking people that attended and he announced to the money donated will be for youth entrepreneurship fund.
Lucian steps on the podium, the room gradually went silent as he's presence alone he commanded attention he adjusted his cufflinks and tie he lowers his gaze to the ground crowd
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen
Tonight is not just about elegance or influence or the privilege of being in a room like this
it's about responsibility."
His voice was Lou come steady every word was said deliberately he continued
"Every empire, fortune represented here started with an idea a moment for someone to believe is something before the world did
it has given us the upper edge in life"
He paused for a minute
"Not everyone is given that chance to have an impute for a greater tomorrow
Not everyone's born with the same thing someone born with brilliance, ambition and nothing else they have no access or support no doors opening long enough for them to walk through
This initiative changes tonight and here"
There was rapt attention at this point
"The D'Artois foundation for youth entrepreneurship provide funding, mentorship and opportunities to young visionaries who have been overlooked by the society for far too long
Bear in mind we are not offering charity
we are investing in potential"
His voice became firmer
"This is because giving the right resources to the right people you don't just change their lives alone you change a generation.
Tonight I invited all of you here to be part of something bigger than yourself to not just witness a change but to create it."
His voice became almost intimate despite the crowd
"The most powerful legacy isn't what we keep it is what we choose to give away
Thank you."
The hall erupted in applause