Chapter Eight - Rich And Splendour
The ballroom was magnificent. It was rectangular in shape, on the first floor of a spectacular hotel hailed for its beauty and splendour. The ballroom had golden square-patterned walls that merged into a huge barrel-vaulted ceiling, decoratively painted with a rich mural of planets and the night sky. Twelve crystal chandeliers twinkled and shone overhead making the effect look even more dazzling.
I was watching the staff continue their setup while I listened to the event planner explain all the emergency procedures and where the exit doors were stationed in case something - heaven forbid - went wrong. I wasn't the only one here, as Mr Black wasn't the only man in the city who required his own security. But as the hotel had its own hired guards, each man in attendance had agreed to only allow one member of their personal detail to be brought along with them, and Mr Black had chosen me. I knew I would be here strictly for Bella's sake. To watch out for her and make sure nothing happened, but I was also anxious for another reason; what if she used this opportunity to escape?
Mr Black must be confident in his own skills to allow such a flight risk out and about as long as she was under his watchful eye, but it still bothered me. All these guests here tonight, wouldn't it be as simple as running up to one of them and explaining she was kidnapped and needed help? But as soon as I had the thought I wanted to laugh at myself. Mr Black was an incredibly powerful man. An influential man. Who practically owned every major police department in the city. Who could Bella really run to? Still, the thought didn't exactly quell my belief that something was bound to go wrong tonight, so I resolved I'd stay on high alert, and continued paying close attention to the man as he took all one hundred of us 'privately owned' security men down a flight of stairs and showed us the fire escape doors that led out to the side of the street.
The party wouldn't be starting for another few hours, and it gave me enough time to go home, shower, dress in one of the more expensive suits Emmett had forced me to purchase, then drive back to the venue where I'd wait for Mr Black and Bella's arrival. Mr Black had already affirmed that my only job tonight was to keep watch over her and that is exactly what I was going to do.
After getting out of the shower, I made sure to look my best by styling my hair back and spraying myself with cologne. Adorning my overpriced plain black suit - which admittedly fit like a fucking glove - I made my way into the kitchen where mum was standing on wobbly knees, attempting to make herself a cup of tea. I swore I saw a tear drip down her cheek when she looked up and laid eyes on me.
"Oh, Edward, you look wonderful! I just wish you were going to that party as a guest instead of for work."
I chuckled lightly, leaning down and placing a small kiss on her hairline. "A little far out of my paygrade mum, but I'll sneak you back some cheesecake if I can get away with it," I joked. She giggled tiredly.
"When's Seth getting back?" I asked, finishing up her tea while she sat back down with a grateful look on her gentle face.
"In a few hours. I swear, that boy. Signing him up to volunteer at that place was supposed to be a punishment for getting suspended. I didn't expect him to keep going back after he went back to school."
That caused another bout of laughter; Seth really was a maliciously compliant little bastard. Mum had insisted he do something with his days off school, forbidding him from staying home and being 'comfortable.' She had decided to offer his services to a local animal shelter, explaining the circumstances to the owner, who happened to be an old friend of dads.
Seth had gone, very reluctantly, but after the first day, he was gushing about how much he enjoyed the work. Playing with the animals and socialising all the ones that had been in the shelter for too long. Mum and I both thought he was talking out of his ass, trying to convince mum he was having a great time to snub her for attempting to punish him, but no. He kept going back, even after he was reinstated in school. Mum was simultaneously annoyed and impressed with the kid, and so was I.
After bidding my mother farewell, I started my drive back to The Palace Hotel, gearing myself up before flashing my security pass and driving through the throng of eager reporters and bystanders trying desperately to look into my car, hopeful to see anyone of power invited to tonight's festivities. The ball was a yearly occurrence, I had learned, and only the most elite were ever invited. Not just people from the city either. Powerful men and women from all across the country had a place at the ball, and with every invite coming with a plus one, there had been quite a lot of precautions taken in case something went wrong.
Parking where I had been instructed, I presented my pass to yet more security manning the back door, and stationed myself at the entrance ready for Mr Black and Bella's arrival.
The place was swarming with paparazzi, all excited to snap a picture of the cities elite. Limousine after limousine pulled up to the front entrance, and all kinds of powerful men and women walked to the hotel doors like they were movie stars at a worldwide premiere.
Finally, the fancy armoured vehicle approached the sectioned off entryway, and out stepped Mr Black, looking powerful and intimidating as ever in his full black attire. The only thing that wasn't black was a dark purple tie that was pinned to his immaculate dress shirt. Amidst the dozens of flashing lights and reporters screaming questions, did he reach into the car, and pull from its contents a very timid Bella.
And she looked beautiful.
Her long dark hair was intricately styled in a flurry of curls that fell past her shoulders and danced around her cleavage, the top of her hair pulled away from her face in a large fancy braid that was pinned to the side by a pretty purple blossom. Her dress wrapped around her chest in a flower-covered corset, then flared out in an array of lilac, dark purple and green sheer. She looked like a mermaid. A fairy. Something otherworldly. And she took my breath away.
Quickly regaining my senses, I approached, assisting the security team in escorting them to the hotel without getting swarmed with cameras and screaming reporters.
"Good evening sir, Bella." I greeted respectfully. Boss gave me a small nod. Bella didn't acknowledge me at all. As usual.
I followed behind as Mr Black led Bella proudly through the entranceway, his name still being screeched by the crowd gathered outside. Once we had successfully made it to the reception area, did the boss finally speak.
"Edward, your only job tonight is to keep an eye on Bella. If something happens, your first priority is to get her to safety. Do not waste any time trying to find me. Just make sure she stays out of harm's way. Am I clear?" His deep fear-inspiring voice practically echoed through the fancy hotel. I bowed my head in submission.
"Yes, sir."
"Good," He turned to Bella, "And you, remember what I told you in the car. You had better behave yourself tonight, or you won't be seeing the outside of my room for months."
"I'm not going to do anything." She defended forcefully, fear clear on her face despite the strength of her words. Mr Black smiled and leaned down to give her a small peck on the lips.
"Very good. Come now pet, let's go and enjoy the festivities. Edward, stick to the sidelines and inform me immediately if you catch anything suspicious."
Giving him another bow of obedience, I slunk into the dining hall and stood by the wall at my designated spot. This was going to be a long night.
The first few hours dragged. The opening half of the event was being held in the dining area of the hotel, which was filled with large elegantly decorated tables where only the charity guests were permitted to dine tonight. They would be served their fancy five-course meal, then the auction would be held where one-of-a-kind art and jewellery would be put up for sale, eighty percent of the proceeds going to the buyers prefered charity. After which, the party would be moved to the ballroom where they would spend the rest of the night dancing, socialising and doing whatever rich people did with their evenings. I had the schedule memorized, but I'd, of course, be on the sidelines for all of it.
Watching dinner was a boring affair. After the owner of the hotel and organiser of the charity event - an older gentleman with a full head of grey-white hair and a slight Boston accent - welcomed everyone and encouraged them to enjoy their meal, the food was served. Mr Black shared a ten-seater table with other guests who he was animatedly conversing with, while Bella, on the other hand, looked just as bored as I was. Of course, they were too far away for me to make out what was being said, but her disinterest was obvious as she picked at her food and kept her eyes downcast.
By the time the meals were finished, two hours had already passed. I watched the servers take the plates and discreetly clean any messes. Watched the security team around me be just as still and inactive as I was being. Watched as the owner of the hotel stood from his table once more and was quickly handed a microphone by the event planner standing close by. A spotlight was shone on the man as the mic made a slight screeching sound before his Massachusetts twang surrounded the hall.
"I hope everyone has enjoyed their meals, and now its time for the part you've all been waiting for; a chance to give us all of your hard-earned money." A series of laughter was heard throughout the room as various event workers moved to the large object covered in black fabric sitting behind red velvet rope in the centre of the dining hall. In one single, gentle motion, the fabric was removed, and several large cabinets filled with a variety of items were exposed to the public. Everyone awed in interest.
"Every piece on sale tonight is unique. Graciously donated to us through the amazingly generous Museum of Splendour. Why don't we give them a round of applause!"
A wave of polite cheers echoed through the room and the older gentleman continued.
"Now sadly, the founder of this charitable organisation could not be with us tonight, so his son is here to take his place. So, without further ado, please welcome, Riley Biers!"
Another round of applause sounded as a skinny young blond man with round glass spectacles stood, taking the microphone from the host with a kind smile.
"Thank you, everyone, for attending this event tonight, I just cannot tell you how pleased we are that so many of you have taken your time to be here. Now, most of you already know how this works. You will have twenty minutes to view the items before us, then return to your seats. I will then explain what each item is, where it was found and then the bidding will begin. Each of you will be given a number. If you want to bid, merely hold your number up, and if you win, you can collect your prize at the end of the evening. Now I'd love to stand here and talk about my father and the history of my families organisation, but even though it may be hard to believe, what's sitting over there is a lot more interesting then I am. So, if everyone would please make their way over to Bree for your number, we can begin!"
Practically everyone stood from their seats, so many making their way over to the display case that I lost sight of Mr Black and Bella, but I tried not to panic. If she was safe with anyone, it would be with him.
Once everyone had returned to their places, the light shone on a small brunette who proceeded to remove the first item from the case. The auction began, with multiple men and women across the room paying thousands, sometimes even millions for artwork, jewellery and rare objects I'd never even heard of before. It was mind-boggling how these people had so much money to squander on just one item. But I supposed, if most of the proceedings were going to charity, I couldn't begrudge them too harshly. I wasn't really paying attention to what was happening around me. That was until Biers's voice rang through the dining hall with the words, "Mr Black with eighty thousand," that my head snapped to attention. The woman, Bree, was holding up an incredibly sparkly necklace sitting on a black velvet pillow. It was a long white gold chain with twenty motifs of tiny round diamonds pressed into small clover leaves evenly placed along the dainty shimmery chain.
I looked at Mr Black, wide-eyed and stunned he'd pay so much for one piece of jewellery, only to see Bella beside him looking just as disbelieving. Another man across the room made a bid and Mr Black was quick to counter-offer. Finally, the bidding had reached millions, and Bella's face was beet red. Mr Black, however, maintained his cocky, confident grin as he raised his number one last time.
"And sold to Mr Black for two million dollars. Fantastic choice sir, I'm sure the lovely young lady beside you will look just marvellous adorning this one-of-a-kind Vintage Alhambra masterpiece. And what is your chosen charity, sir?"
A microphone was quickly handed to Mr Black and he smirked before speaking, his confident manner capturing everyone's attention.
"Well, since my darling Isabella here was the one who showed interest in the necklace, I feel its only fair I let her pick what charity the proceeds shall go toward. Bella?" He asked, holding the microphone out towards her. Poor thing looked like a deer in headlights, all eyes on her as she gawked at the microphone as though it would come to life and bite her.
"Oh dear, I think someones a little shy. Come on everyone, let's give her some encouragement!"
A roar of clapping and yells of support followed Biers's request, and I saw Bella visibly gulp as she stared at Mr Black who continued to smile encouragingly. After a few moments, she opened her mouth, but it was too hard to hear with the thunder of the crowd. Mr Biers held up his hand for silence, then the cutest, most timid voice I'd ever heard said, "The American Cancer Society."
I felt my heart soar as applause deafened the dining hall. As the son of a mother who'd been fighting a battle with cancer for the past three years, I couldn't help a surge of newfound respect for the young girl as she quickly handed the microphone back to the hovering helper and proceeded to bury her face in Mr Black's shoulder, eliciting another round of cheers and laughter. Mr Black looked down at her affectionately, before leaning down and placing a tender kiss to the top of her head.
"A wonderful choice! And such a wonderful guest! Mr Black, would you like your purchase now?"
Encouraging applause followed the inquiry, and Mr Black nodded with a grin. The necklace was promptly brought to the table, where Mr Black, in front of everyone, stood, moved Bella's hair to one side, and gently fastened the two million dollar necklace around her neck. The crowd went wild.
"Excellent! A real keeper you've got there Mr Black! And now, on to the next item!"
The man's voice was promptly drowned as my attention melted purely on Bella. Judging by the look of utter shock on her face, I was guessing that, just like the dress she was wearing tonight, it was a situation he'd taken entirely into his own hands. I was honestly so grateful for the charity she had chosen though. That charity did millions of dollars worth of cancer research every single year and I was so appreciative because I knew that without the treatment my mother had been receiving, she would have no doubt passed a long while ago. That money would surely help a lot of struggling families just like ours, and I was so, so grateful.
I watched the rest of the auction without interest, and then the party finally began to move to the ballroom.
It looked even grander with all the extra touches that had been placed around; the thirty piece orchestra set up on stage at the back of the ginormous hall, the gold marble flooring that was so well polished the night sky mural reflected perfectly, really making it feel like you were dancing on stars. The small cocktail bar set up in the corner of the room, the dimmed lighting of the shiny chandeliers and the extra fairy lights wrapped around large marble pillars all bringing the ballroom together as an experience of elegance.
As the abundance of guest began to flood in, the owner of the hotel once again gave a speech announcing how proud he was of everyone in attendance for donating their time and money to the noble cause. He then encouraged everyone to enjoy the rest of their night and indicated the orchestra to begin. Their music floated majestically through the royal auditorium as multiple couples took arm in arm and began their dance around the ballroom floor, Mr Black and Bella amongst them.
I watched as Mr Black held Bella flush against himself, tenderly, like she were a cherished lover, and led her in a dance while she clumsily followed his direction. It was odd, seeing them like this. So close and intimate. An outsider looking in would never guess what was really happening between them. As Mr Black took the lead and Bella obediently followed, you really couldn't tell how deeply Bella despised the man. His desire shone in every single movement, but for her, you could only guess at how she felt, as she hid her emotions behind a mask that must have been so painful to keep up. I couldn't imagine, wanting nothing more than to escape a person, yet in a room full of people there was nowhere to go but his arms.
I could feel my emotions start to get the better of me, and I was practically begging the universe for a distraction, which was why I was simultaneously filled with both relief and dread when a familiar, nasally voice behind me said,
"Well, fancy meeting you here."
