Chapter 17

Through the night

I found myself nodding my head in agreement and I might need to knock my head to check what's inside. What about your meet-up with CareLikeGoldFish? Uh, RIshel, you messed up!

From CLGF: 'Sorry, I might be late for our meet-up. I am invited to a party tonight. If you can wait for me, then we'll meet.'

I bit my lip while looking at CareLikeGoldFish's message. Tonight's the party night and I sent a message to my favorite author. Those sleepless nights with me bombarding his message board with 'I love you's paid off. CareLikeGoldFish noticed me and agreed for a meet-up, but tonight's just awfully not the right time. He and I are attending parties.

I sent him a message.

To CLGF: 'I also have a party to attend tonight. If you're in the city, you probably know about the congressman's birthday party.'

A few minutes passed before I received his reply.

From CLGF: 'I'm attending that party too.'

I blinked when I read what was on the cellphone screen. That means... I'll see him later? My eyes lit up as I typed a reply.

To CLGF: 'We'll meet at ten then. At the top floor.'

From CLGF: 'Sure'

It took me seconds before I realized his reply. My palm flew up to cover my mouth as I internally screamed. Biting my lips to contain my wide smile, I put the cellphone aside. I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

Right now, a make-up artist whom Mama recommend is fixing me up. It was not my style to dress up flamboyantly but upon knowing that I would see my favorite band and author tonight, I urged the artist to make me more prettier.

"That's for sure, Miss," he promised with a smile.

Satisfied, I nodded to him and let him do his work. After hours of hair dos and make-ups, he stood me up and made me wear the evening gown I had chosen. It was a sapphire dress with sparkling laces parnered with pearl earrings. Upon seeing myself in a full-body mirror, a satisfied smile appeared on my lips.

"You did a great job," I complimented before stepping out of the room.

I carried my high heel in right hand, not planning to wear it before I arrived in the venue to reduce the risk of tripping over myself. It's difficult for me to walk especially since the hem of the dress was low.

I planned to wear it in my car so I only wore a pair of sandals.

Walking out of the mansion, I drew a breath and stepped outside only to halt in my steps when I saw Lyndon in front of a fancy car. He was leaning on the hood and was on the phone. My smile froze on my lips as I made my way towards the car with a few maids following behind to lift the hem of my dress.

Mom and Dad were already at the venue. They left me in El Grande telling me that Lyndon's the one to drive me to the city. The corner of my lips twitched. The pink bubbles of happiness I was seeing around disappeared.

"Let's go," he said when he saw me coming. He even opened the passenger door for me.

I looked at him but saw that he was frowning and I believe it's because of that phone call. He didn't even look at me while calling someone on the phone. I guess, he's that busy. It's not a bother but I couldn't help frowning a little because he didn't seem to notice my beautiful appearance. What a gentleman!

I sat down in the passenger seat as he turned around in front. "I'll sign the papers after the party. Don't be reckless and never agree to his whims," ​​I heard him say before hanging up the call. He drove the car out of El Grande Lat.

I looked out the window but was surprised when he spoke. "You look gorgeous tonight."

"T-Thanks," I said awkwardly. He complimented me when I expected it not. The corner of my lips twitched. "You look handsome too," I uttered under my breath.

He just smiled. An awkward silence enveloped us, but I didn't want to engage myself in a conversation with him. I'm just too lazy to think about what to say when I'm busy thinking of what I'll do later at the party.

I pursed my lips when I remembered something. I don't have a gift for CareLikeGoldFish! My eyebrows met and I looked at Lyndon, asking him to pull over when the car passed by Sea Side, a large mall in town. Well, he could do nothing but obey.

I went to men's wear and looked for a good gift. I knew that he was a guy since he told me so, so I just bought a nice necktie. He might be one of the big shots since he is one of the congressman's guests. But nah, this little thing will do.

"You brought a gift?" Lyndon said, raising a brow while staring at the paper bag in my hand.

I just gave him sidelong glance before sitting in the passenger seat. In that party, every household will give a collective gift to the congressman and my family's gift is in my father. So I understand his confusion but I have no plans to explain to him. He did not insist asking and continued driving towards the city.

Soon we reached the Waterfront. There were a lot of guests and fortunately Lyndon was here to guide me. We entered the Hall after showing the invitation card to the guard.

"Where's my parents?" I asked him and looked around.

There were a lot of unfamiliar faces but I knew that these people belong to elite circle and all of them should not be offended. Since I was attending a party with Papa, this scene was not new to me. I just smiled in return when someone greeted me with a smile.

"They're conversing with the congressman," answered Lyndon and guided me to an empty table. I sat there and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

After a while, the party started. I saw Papa and Mama walking towards the table where Lyndon and I were sitting. Ah, I knew it. This table was for my family and Lyndon. That's why it was vacant earlier.

I looked at Lyndon. I saw him also looking at me so I nodded to him. "Not bad," I said. If he wasn't here, I might not know where to sit and I might end up occupying the table intended for other guests. It's embarrassing when it'll happen.

So I thank him but the corner of his lips twitched as if he was holding back a laugh. I restrained rolling my eyes because it was not good for my image to be a brat at night.

"Rishel," Mama greeted with a smile. I smiled back at her.

And we enjoyed ourselves in the party. Later the emcee introduced the guest band which made my smile wider.

"The most anticipated band of today's generation is here to give a performance gift for our beloved congressman. Let's all welcome, the Vine!"

I caught my breath when I heard the name Vine. I looked at Tiden who walked to the platform where the musical instruments were ready. My eyes twinkled. Lyndon wasn't bluffing. Vine's truly a guest performer tonight!

"Close your mouth," Lyndon warned.

I closed my gaping mouth and glared at him. He chuckled and shook his head. I snorted before looking back at the stage. I was surprised when Levi looked in my way and our gazes met. I smiled sweetly at him. Even if I didn't see it, I know the edges of his lips curled up. Just then the band started playing.

Because it's a formal gathering, there were no screaming fans. It's good since I could clearly hear Levi's voice. My breath stopped when Levi glanced at me again. I thought it was a coincidence but every minute, he'll at my way.

I secretly looked at Mama and Papa but they were both secretly whispering to each other. They're most likely conversing about business proposals since there are many corporate figures that night who can become Larica Corporation's new partners.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe out of the four of us, Lyndon and I were the only ones who noticed that Levi was looking at my way from time to time. Not only Levi, even Tiden was looking at me. June and Ariel were busy with their instruments. And Nicole? Err... she's glaring at me since they started.

I secretly raised an eyebrow when we locked gazes. Annoyance crossed her eyes but because she was on stage, she couldn't let out her frustrations. I pursed my lips to stop myself from grinning widely especially when Levi glanced at my way again.

"Why is he staring at you?" Lyndon suddenly asked, leaning closer to me.

I sat straight when I felt his hot breath fanned my ear. I glared at him. "Don't get too close," I warned.

He smirked at me and glanced at the stage. He and Levi looked at each other. I didn't know what happened after but Levi stopped looking at me, which I found absurd. I suspected that Lyndon did something and I wanted to confront him but Papa glanced at me to stop me from making a scene. I pursed my lips.

I knew that my parents knew Vine. Tiden once visited El Grande so Mama was familiar with them except Nicole, while my father knew who Vine was for me. So I know that he's warning me not to make a scene.

I saw Lyndon's smile out of the corner of my eye. I secretly reached for his hand and I pinched him hard. He winced but his smug expression didn't disappear even for a moment. Annoying!

At ten o'clock I said goodbye to Mama. Even though she's hesitant but she calmed down especially when I said I'll just check on Tiden. Well, she knew they're my friends. Papa warned me again with his look. I just smiled and gave a peace sign.

"I'll accompany Rishel," Lyndon suddenly said.

My smile froze and scorned at him. But Papa smiled at him. "Thank you, Mr. Davies."

I walked out of the hall with my shoulders slumped as Lyndon followed behind me. I never thought that he'll be so thick-skinned that he would follow me away. My lips pursed into thin lines but when I thought of something, my frown disappear.

I walked through the crowded place and then hid while peeping at Lyndon. He looked around before walking past the place where I was hiding. I breathed a sigh of relief before running to the elevator that had just opened. I pushed the tenth floor button and not long after, the door opened again.

Walking out, I headed to the end of the hallway. I drew my cell phone out of my purse and sent a message to CareLikeGoldFish.

To CLGF: 'I'm here. Where are you?'

I waited a few seconds for his reply. From CLGF: 'On the way.'

My heart beat faster and I took a deep breath. I went to the open veranda where I could see the glowing city lights from where I was standing. The gentle and cold breeze brushed past me.

Soon I heard footsteps coming towards me. I held my breath and turned around to face him.

The moonlight shone on his face when he stepped on the veranda and I saw his face. And it made me gasp. "L-Levi?"

He stared at my face before nodding. "Is it you?" he asked.