Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Ariana's POV

I walked beside Dylan into the building as his name was announced that he had arrived, eyes turned towards the door, gosh, they even had to announce his arrival, I felt so self conscious as we were led to the seat reserved for him, I sat in a huff and took a deep breath as I tested my wobbling legs, thank God I didn't insist on wearing those heels, the way my legs are shaky, I would have fallen straight on my face and further disgraced myself, "relax, they don't bite anyone in here" Dylan's tone was filled with amusement and I rolled my eyes, he just wouldn't get it, my eyes took I'm the decor if the big room, the high chandeliers and marbled floor, soft music were playing and there are waiters and waitresses all up and doing, just as soon as we were seated, Dylan was approached and asked what brand of wine he would like to have, the women were all dressed in different kind of beautiful gowns, like those shown in operas,I almost smiled broadly when I realized that I was not left out in wearing n expensive dress and it was all thanks to Dylan but even with the dress, I still felt that I was not cut out for stuff like this,I shook my head at the things rich people do with money. I stared at Dylan when the waiter came with a bottle of red wine and filled both our glasses, was it okay for me to tell them that I do not want to drink any wine? The one I drank earlier was awful, I wonder what's in it that the rich enjoy taking it, I was giving Dylan a sign that I'm not gonna taste any such drink again but either he had chosen to ignore me or he honestly didn't see me trying to catch his eyes, I'll bet my last dime that the former was the case.

"Dylan Sabastine, it's been a while, you look good" oh jeez, now the mingling was about to start, I thought as a voice said from behind me, I heard footsteps just a second before a man with a woman on his arm came within the range of my view, while the man and Dylan shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, I caught the woman's gaze accessing me, her gaze ran from my head to my foot, probably checking out my dressing, she must be impressed by my dress and couldn't contain her curiosity because she asked, "I love your dress, what's the name of the designer"

I frowned, what? Designer, oh, please no one should ask me stuffs like that, I stared at her and tried to think of a reply,

"Do you know mine was brought in from abroad, it's the latest release of Donatella Versace and I am the first person to own it in the world as it is"

Oh gosh, what's my concern as to who was the first to wear a cloth or not, others will soon join you, besides, I don't even know who the Donatella Versace was that she was referring to, her cloth designs look good anyways, it looks classy and oh so made for the rich anyway, "er... it's beautiful" I manage to mumble and her lips curved in a smile, "so, what about yours?"

"Oh shit, that again?" I sighed with relief when Dylan interrupted, "Ariana, this is Mr. Jon weaver and his wife, he owns a modeling industry" I had no idea how to respond to that so I simply bowed my head to him and flushed when he laughed, "I was just asking her who the designer of her dress is"

I wondered why she was so bent on getting an answer, I stared at Dylan who didn't look the least bit perturbed by her probing, in fact, he smiled, "Dylan Sabastine is her designer" I watched in amusement as her eyes widened in surprise," it's my company's collection, customize and made solely for her"

She stared at me, obviously wondering about me and Dylan's relationship, "I heard you had taken a slave...." She asked just as her husband asked, "who's she?"

"Oh! She's my...."

"Slave" I quickly chipped in before he could say otherwise, he glanced at me and frowned, I wondered what answer he wanted to give them, "you seem to take good care of your slaves, the way she's dressed in such an expensive customize dress" her voice held a note that I couldn't quite figure out and her husband was staring at me as if he would rather prefer to have me for dinner and that earned him an elbow from his wife as she drags him off

"What the hell was that, you're not just a slave to me" Dylan whispered hotly as soon as they were out of earshot

"Look Dylan, look around you, this is your world and I don't think I could ever fit in here"

"What do you mean by that?"

I shook my head, he could never understand, having me by his side, I'll always bring nothing but an embarrassment to him, I can't even walk elegantly or sip simple wine with such grace

"Welcome distinguished ladies and gentlemen" a voice was heard through the microphone, interrupting whatever he has to say next, "business they say, comes before pleasure, so in a moment, we'll get down to business but we'll need only those sent the invitation to be in the hall, a place has been prepared for the ladies to go and enjoy themselves until we're through, thank you" soft music filled the air as soon as whoever it was, drops the Mike, and the lights were changed into dim soft colors of blue and red rays, giving the hall a romantic setting, "can I have this dance?" I stared at Dylan's outstretched hand and shook my head in protest, "I don't know how to dance, I have never danced before"

"Just follow my lead" he grabbed my arms and before I could blink, I was right on the dance floor with the spotlight shining right on us.

Dylan's POV

I gently guide her through the dancefloor and drew her closer to me, she looked so damn beautiful, she underestimated herself if she thinks she was not beautiful and couldn't fit into my world, she fits perfectly fine, couldn't she see all the men ogling at her? I felt like plucking off their eyes, although she stepped on me a few times, she dances just fine, she easily followed my steps and she fits right in my arms like a key to its lock.

Soon the dance finished and it was time for us to part ways for a moment, a place has been prepared for the ladies to stay while we deal with some business issues, I loathe to leave her but It was necessary, I could see that she wasn't happy with the parting either as she reluctantly left with other ladies.

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We had just finished the meeting and the ladies were called to rejoin us, I eagerly waited for Ariana to come back, I sighted her and was about to walk towards her to meet her midway when I caught the smell, it couldn't be mistaken, hunters! What the hell! I glanced around but before I could see who it was, Ariana dashed past me, pale as a sheet and obviously upset, "Ariana" I called out to her but she didn't even glance in my direction, she ran towards the garden and I quickly followed her.