Burning Passion

CHAPTER 44: THE PARTY (ONE)

SATURDAY NIGHT

Chris and Mae dropped me off at the Lee Mansion. They will pick me up if I want to go home later. They planned to watch a film while waiting for me, and go to the park garden after the movie show.

It was Michelle Lawrence's 35th birthday. But, her beauty is timeless. She was a gorgeous mother of five but still looking young and maintaining her curves.

She's wearing a glimmering satin black deep V-neck and backless with a long slit from her left leg cut down to her right knee toward her ankle, revealing her beautiful long legs.

She was greeting everyone. Beside her is husband, Attorney Karl Lawrence, the famous lawyer who gives his talent to winning impossible cases defending ordinary citizens who wealthy people only oppressed. He made countless enemies with his profession, but he doesn't care as long justice prevails. 

Meanwhile, at the gate, a few of the workers in the café help usher the gathering, guiding the guests to the party. When I entered the gate, they quickly greeted me.

"Miss Nikki! You're so gorgeous tonight!"

"Shush!" I place a finger on my lips and then wink at them.

I was wearing a red velvet long sleeve with a deep V-neck, body con short dress. Since my height was only average, wearing short skirts is advantageous to someone like me to look taller. The dress I am wearing is not the one I purchased. But it surprised me to find this dress in my shopping bag. Sister Anna leaves a note, telling me that the dress has only one in the entire world design by someone she knew personally, and she's giving it to me. I wish to meet this person to thank her... such an honor to wear a dress that no one has but mine alone.

I paired the red dress with a red stiletto and a silver pouch in my hand. Following the other guests, who turned head and greeted me, I was really nervous about attending such a gathering. Most especially that I am coming alone and no date. But I don't want to disappoint sister Michelle, so here I am.

I give my invitation card to the ushers, and they welcome me.

"Hello, Miss Nikki."

"Hi, Rod."

"You can now enter. Have fun!"

"Thank you." I thanked and smiled at Rod.

The party was held in the pool area. I glanced around and many of the guests I know personally—either daughter and sons of those tycoons attending Mainland University or our customers in the café.

"Nikki!"

"Hi, Andrea." I greeted this gorgeous pregnant woman, and we exchanged hugs.

"When is your due?" I asked.

"In three months. I can't wait to see him!"

I could see the happiness on her face. She's proud to be a mother. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you." Her smile is broad, and I wish I would be a mother soon, too.

"Nikki! I am glad you've come."

"Happy Birthday, sister Michelle."

"Thank you, and thank you so much for the gift!"

"I hope you like it. I can't think of better gifts."

"Are you kidding me? I love it! One of my fave gifts."

"I'm glad." I tear a soft smile. Then my eyes caught Theo and Min Xi across the pool. They were talking with the CEOs, and they were all handsome with their date tonight. They are all beautiful. Either a famous model and actress, they were from affluent families.

If it weren't for my classy dress, I would look like a pauper.

"Nikki, I'll go greet my other guest. Have fun!"

"No worries, sister Michelle."

"So, you haven't had a boyfriend yet?"

I glare at Andrea in a joking way, and we both laugh. Anyway, she knows my story. Her family helps me to overcome what I got through after that incident ten years ago. I undergo seminars and community service to live a normal life again.

"Nikki!"

"Sister Lorna!"

"Hey! You are so blooming this evening."

"So are you, Mrs. Kang."

Lorna laughs. She's older than us, and I met her working in the foundation back then. She's one of I got close throughout my sessions.

"Hey, girls! Let us take a picture! My God. Am I this awesome?" Anna suddenly showed up behind us.

She may carry her chair and praise herself because she was indeed a very talented woman. She made the clothes we are wearing.

We made a pose and smiled at the camera. A few clicks, and we laugh after. We continued chatting when the program began and introduced the star of the night.

A video playing on the big screen showing photos of her since she was 1-year-old until she reigns as Miss Universe, and then got married and had children.

After that, they served the food. Since I don't want to be around high society guests, I join my coworkers. Even though Lorna dragged me to their table, I am embarrassed to sit with her in-laws, which owners of the Kang-Young International Builders. So I politely decline to her, but I will sit with my co-managers.

We did a chit-chat over dinner until they began having more wine and champagne, which I settled to one glass of wine. I felt a burning gaze somewhere. I glanced across the pool, and my eyes met with Theo's gaze. He's looking in my direction. I nodded at him casually, but I instantly withdrew my gaze after. My heart won't behave. He was too handsome tonight.

One manager went to the powder room, and I joined her.

"Nikki, I'll go ahead first." Manager Kim told me after she uses the cubicle.

"Okay, ma'am. I'll follow in a sec," I said. I fixed my dress and tried to pull the end of the cloth, but it will bare my neck. So then, I leave it looks too short. The fabric is rolling up to my bottom. It seems too short on me now. I sighed, then ignore my daring dress.

I was about to get out when a group of other guests entered the powder room.

"Oh, Nikki! Wow. That dress looks expensive, and you look lovely."

"Hi, Brianna." I greeted her. She was my classmate in English during college, but not close. "Excuse me."

I tried to get out, but they blocked the way.

"Oops, sorry."

They said and stepped to the side.

"Oh, Nikki, wait!"

Brianna halted me. "Oh, sorry. I thought there is something in your neck."

She said, and they smirk. I ignored them and left the powder room fast. I was walking hastily when I bump into someone.

"Oops, careful."

I feel a warm arm holding my waist.

"Theo! I—"

"Did something happens?"

"Oh, no. I was not paying attention, the usual." I excused and laughed nervously. It happens; my heart flutters at being held by him.

"Um. You can let me go now."

I said. I wonder if I was blushing as my cheeks felt burning. Also, I worry that there are guests who saw us in this position and misunderstood.

"Oh, sorry."

"Mm, thanks. Glad I have carried no drinks, or else I'll surely pour it on you." It was a trying-hard joke, yes, to distract myself from awkwardness.

Theo laughs sexily, and my heart passes out. But then, I saw Brianna come out of the powder room, so I excused Theo.

"Hey, why is your face flushed?"

"Ah, I put some blush on."

Gladly they accept my reason. I sighed. I was not comfortable with this gathering. Everyone must talk about businesses and investments. I wanted to go home when I have an opportunity.

Also, I can't enjoy it as I can't drink too much tonight. I am avoiding getting drunk like the last time. But one thing that made me uncomfortable is Theo keeps looking in my direction. I began wondering if he wanted to come to me to talk, but Min Xi was all over him. She never let go but held Theo on the arm.

"Hey, Nikki! Come with me," Lorna grabbed me.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Blaire wants to talk with you."

Blaire Williams Ivanov? Isn't she's the sister of the Chairman of the Crow Corporation? I thought.

"Blaire, remember Nikki?"

"Hi!"

"Hello, Miss Blaire."

"I was looking for a Receptionist. Michelle highly recommends you to me if you are interested."

"Huh? The receptionist of?"

"In the Peninsula Hotel. I'm looking for a competent employee with a brain and a pretty face."

Just hearing the hotel's name, my head was in a daze, and I give less attention to what Miss Blaire told me.

The Peninsula Hotel is one of the busiest hotels in the city. Each week, there are important gatherings at the Castle Glass Garden which means almost every day I would meet famous singers, bands, models, actresses; and even wealthy people held parties such as weddings, birthdays, engagement parties, and companies anniversaries, and everything.

Just to imagine it, I can't take this excitement already filling in my chest. I have been dreaming of working at any of these 10-star hotels in the world.

"So?"

"Am I not dreaming?" I said, want to pinch myself.

Miss Blaire laughs charmingly. "Fortunately, you are not, honey, and this is real."

"Oh, my gosh! Really?"

"Yup! And Michelle has told me you are still on leave, so after it's over and you officially resigned from her café, you can come to me with your resume for signing a contract."

I glanced at my sister Michelle, and she winks at me. I can't believe it! Gladly, I did come to her birthday party. I am sure mama would be happy to hear this great news.

Now I cannot wait to work in the hotel. So then, I was not in my mind again while I'm heading back to my table.

"Hi, Nikki."

Someone holds me on the elbow, and it surprised me to see someone from college. I look up, and my neck stiffens. "John? Hi!"

"Hey! It's been a while! Wow. Look at you."

John scanned me from head to toe. And before I forget to introduce him, he is a football player back in college, and he is now playing for the National Team. Also, he is Brianna's ex-boyfriend, and she was just somewhere in this gathering.

"Um, congratulation on being qualified to FIFA World Cup 2023."

"Ah, thanks."

John tears a massive smile on his face, and I admit, he's super handsome. I glanced at his body, and he's more fit now than from college. And about his team, Crow Corporation has supported them. Soon, I'll be working at Crow Corporation, being a Receptionist to one of its hotels.

"Nikki—"

"Oh, did you say something?" I asked John.

It surprised me when he leaned at me and whispered.

"I said if I can have your number."

"Oh, my number?"

Wait, why is he asking for my phone number? I froze to my feet.

It is not because he was whispering close to my ears.. But my gaze caught Theo's dark glare.