Golden Affairs

30 | I'm gonna go big

Flowers of every style and luxury lie at the wake of every rich persona that walks by — courtesy to my business of course. Though, despite being an event sponsored by us, Daniel asked if I could handle the planning in the backseat. Now, as I'm looking at the event ahead of me I realised why he was so adamant to keep this all a surprise. If I had the chance to take a photo of the look that I have on now, I wouldn't hesitate to do so.

"So this is what you're marrying into huh?" Lexi uttered, trying to keep her mouth closed from gaping at the large fountain that we just walked by. The same fountain that spat golden water — literally.

"Right so, we're expected to act normal for this," I breathed, wiggling in my dress. "That's about to get a little harder than I would have wanted." And of course I was right.

As soon as we walked in we were met with the grandeur of the manor. Greeted by the pearly white steps of the grand staircase, then distracted by the high ceilings that beheld bright crystal chandeliers. Even with the vast amount of people that flooded the marble floor, the space left was still to be filled. It was as if standing inside a palace made for the Gods. Adding to its already jutting elegance was the accents of black wood. Chiseled to perfection on the steps and on pieces of furniture that the guests were simply just glancing at.

"Miss Garcia, Miss Bedford please follow me," a man greeted us. Very poise and very well mannered. Lexi and I smiled back, trying to hide the awe in our eyes as he led us through the entrance and into the open balcony.

"Party is down here ladies, on behalf of the Hearst family, we hope you enjoy." The man hands us flutes of champagne before leaving for another set of tasks. Lexi couldn't help but laugh.

"Holy shit, we are literally standing in a pot of gold." She wowed in disbelief before downing the whole glass of alcohol just as another waiter came around with a tray. Picking up another, I raised a brow at her.

"I would need ten of these to get it in my system that we are in kahoots with these...people. Ooh hotties by eight. Brb." She smiles. I can't even say another word before I watch her disappear down the steps and into the crowd. From up here, she fits in just right. Along with the well dressed rich folks and their elegance.

If this were any other party they would be seen as freakshows yet here, their golden belts and silver dresses and pearl necklaces are nothing but the norm. I look down at myself and I see the similarity. I couldn't help but laugh too.

Just as I had started to make my way down the balcony to join the party below, I heard the sharp feedback of the microphone and I stopped. I've got the best view here. Indeed I was right. Standing there with a glass in hand and a handsome suit, Daniel. Lights shining onto him so brightly his eyes sparkled. The crowd applauded and I did the same, careful enough to not hurt the glass I held or spill the drink in it.

"Welcome to our annual Thanksgiving Gala," he greeted with much enthusiasm and the crowd hollers and applauded. "This year has been quite the ride for all of us I'm sure, I know mine has," A few guests laughed. "But I'm sure in spite of all that we all found something we would like to be thankful for. I know, I know my yearly speeches are getting too sappy by the year—" he paused and his gaze flicks up to me. The smile he already had grew wider and mine did too. My heart jumped at the thought of him recognizing me upon the ocean of a crowd who are probably much more appealing than I am. "But a little poetry or philosophy never hurt anyone. That's why this year, let me start off by saying thank you to the new opportunity of the Hearst conglomerate to expand into the events sector."