Page 35 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

I’m jolted from my thoughts. “Come again?

“I said, nice tuxedo. I fancy luxurious male clothing.” She stretches out her hand to feel the material, but pauses, then withdraws.

“Thank you, Melissa. Your dress is fantastic as well.”

“Oh, this? Well, it’s one of my best. I have to look good for my escort, don’t I?”

I rub my fingers together. She made herself look this good just for me.

“Well, If that’s your aim, then it’s mission accomplished. You look amazing.”

“Thanks, Richard.”

Silence hangs in the limousine once more, in contrast to the world outside the darkened windows, of pedestrians passing by, buzzing like bees, and honking cars facing the evening traffic.

“You never told me the venue of the occasion.”

I turn to face her. “I didn’t?”

She nods in the affirmative.

“The Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts. Manhattan.”

“I know that place. It was originally an old church, yeah?

I nod. “That’s right. An old synagogue to be precise.”

Again, a pervading quiet fills the limousine.

“Champagne?” I ask, after long minutes without any words.

“One glass, please.”

I open the limo’s mini-bar and pull out a bottle. I place two cups on a cabinet and give the cork of the champagne bottle a pop. The lid flies off. Once the cups are half-full, I hand one over to Melissa.

“Thank you,” she says in a low voice.

Music filters through the speakers.Tonight’s The Nightby Rod Stewart. I sip my champagne. There’s nothing more to be said.

The limo comes to a stop. Soon, the doors are opened by stewards. I step out first, then give Melissa a hand.

Camera lights flash around us like stun grenades as we walk through the entrance, coming from the various reporters that are gathered. I pay them no heed, however, my mind on the woman I’m walking with, arms locked. As a guest of honor, I give the cameras a routine smile.

The moment we’re in the hall, Melissa excuses herself. She’s withdrawing from me. Again.

I make some light talk with a few notable people here and there. As a server passes, I get a glass of champagne from him and down the contents in a go.

That’s when she comes into view. She's talking to a middle-aged man, a glass of champagne with her. It's clear from where I am that he's trying to woo her.

Walking over to her, I set my hands on her lower back. She jumps, before turning to me.

“Good evening, Dr. Brent. I see you've met my date for the evening.”

“Ah, evening, Mr. Burnes. You have yourself a wonderful woman there.”

“Thank you, Doctor. If you'll excuse us,” I say, leading Melissa away.

“What was that about, Richard?”

---