[Tavia’s Point of View]
I didn’t realize that today was the day already, but time is up and the dance is coming. This was probably the very first formal dance I’m going to, and I just have this small, gut feeling inside of me that something will happen tonight. Whether or not it will be in my favor is still a mystery, but I’m sure something will happen. I sat back in the chair as Nancy helped pull a loose strand of hair back to where it was supposed to be. We haven’t been this close for a while, and I’m glad that we finally can be back to our old friendship.
“Jesus Tavia, you’re shaking!” Nancy pointed out, as if it wasn’t noticed enough already.
I laughed, nervously of course. “This is my first dance…beside a bunch of well known people will be there…and I’m just me.” I replied.
She finished, placing the comb to the side and sat down beside me. “Look…we’re all human, and no matter what they think, you’re still my best friend. Besides…those other rich girls are all looks no brains. They’re as dumb as a stick…and if you still feel bad… just look at yourself as my cousin who came back from America after studying abroad.” She smiled.
I let out another soft laugh. There was a soft knock on the door and we both turned to see who it was. Raymond was standing there, peeking his head in to see if we were done.
“There’s a possibility that one of us could still be changing you know!” Nancy exclaimed in a joking manner.
I smiled, Raymond smiled. We haven’t seen her like this for such a long time, and I was starting to miss her obnoxious side. I’m glad Nancy was okay again, and that she’s back to her old self, constantly picking on my boyfriend, and now me included.
“I don’t care.” Raymond replied. “It’ll just be you and my girlfriend. I wouldn’t mind.” He laughed.
Nancy sighed, pretending to throw in a bit of frustration. “I’ll leave you two love birds alone… seems like Raymond wants to talk to you more than I do.”
Nancy left the room, and Raymond sat down beside me where Nancy’s spot was. He held my hand gently in his hand and smiled. His eyes were like the shining stars in the sky as we lost ourselves in the hopeless trance. What seemed like a million years of happiness for me was a mere five minutes in Earth’s space and time continuum.
“You look so beautiful tonight.” He complimented.
I smiled, fixing his crooked collar as he pulled me closer to him.
“Hey…just a thought…how did you and my friend Bernice come to know each other?”
I stopped, careful not to let my expression change or even show an ounce of surprise in my face. I simply looked up at him and smiled, knowing I’m about to heartlessly lie to him without a second thought. I didn’t like the fact I have to lie to Raymond constantly, but what more can I do? I just can’t simply tell him the truth and expect nothing between us to go wrong. I wasn’t willing to give up what was between us, I was selfish that way at times, but it was too hard to even think about.
I pulled a fake smile. “Bernice and I knew each other from some clubs we go to.” The lie was straight and simple, and it didn’t take much to convince Raymond.
He nodded. “I didn’t know that.” He laughed. “Well…what were you two discussing then? I drove by and saw your faces all bunched up.” He asked, making a mock face of depression, trying to lighten the mood between us.
“Just some girl stuff that you shouldn’t know about…well not yet anyways.” I replied, adding in a small, soft giggle at the end to make it believable.
He nodded again. “You girls are so confusing!” he sighed, resting his head in the crest of my neck.
Bernice Liu, I knew she was Raymond’s ex girlfriend. Something else I know was that she’s the heir to Liu Banking Co., one of the largest and most powerful, influential bank in the business world. I had lied to Raymond that Bernice and I knew each other, in fact I’ve never noticed her before, until now. Yesterday, when she asked me out for a conversation, I was well prepared. I knew it wouldn’t be any normal conversation after checking her bio online, but what I didn’t expect was how relevant and how ironic our entire discussion was. It seems that Bernice is acquainted with Damian Lau, my so-called uncle. She gave me an envelope yesterday, and I only got a chance to peek a look, and I’m still not exactly sure what was inside. Though I know as a fact that Damian had written in clear words on a piece of paper inside that envelope not to look through the USB Flash Drive until after the dance, I still desperately wanted to out of mere curiosity. Damian Lau, what is he planning to do? I can slowly piece the puzzle together with the pieces he had given me. First he was working hand in hand with Dominic Lam, then he revealed to me he was my uncle, that fact I’m still on the fence whether it’s the truth or not, and finally, he and Bernice Liu are acquainted somehow, for some reason still unknown.
~*~
[Ron’s Point of View]
It was six o’clock. I was thinking that Bernice and I had come a bit too early, but looking around, it seems like half the guest list had already arrived. She linked her arm with mine as we walked around, greeting some old friends and talking to some new business partners. Bernice was all smiles tonight, and I was happy to see her like this. She never looked more beautiful in a dress, as she played the floor as if it was some fashion show and she was the star. I smiled, knowing that she’s my fiancé, my beautiful soon to be wife.
“Ron…you have very…interesting friends.” He whispered in my ear after we walked away from Johnson.
I laughed. “That’s just Johnson, don’t worry…he doesn’t go after girls.”
“That’s what I’m worried about!” she replied, laughing half the sentence. “I’m worried he’ll chase after you. Then I’ll have competition.”
I simply smiled, leaning over and kissing her softly on the cheek side, quite close to her lips. I didn’t want to lure in any unwanted attention, so this was all, for the moment.
After a few minutes, my cell phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. Excusing myself from Bernice’s conversation with her five million friends I still have to learn the names of, I walked outside the ball room, standing at the door as I answered my phone. I checked the caller ID as I always do, and this time the caller was someone I had not expected. Taking a quick glance to see if anyone was near me, I lowered my voice as I answered.
“What do you need?”
“I was just monitoring the rates on my phone…and it seems that your company, Wu Enterprise and AVC Insurance had dropped over 5%. I think you might want to take a look for yourself.”
“I trust you…what do you suggest we do about it?” I asked.
“I’m sorry…there’s nothing we can really do at the moment. The third party involved is still lurking in the shadows…and if I did my homework right then we just have to wait until they reveal themselves.”
I sighed, rolling my eyes in frustration. “How long?” I asked.
“I’m not sure…I’m sorry. I have to go now…there’s a pretty woman waiting for me.”
My eyes widened as we hung up the phone. I shoved it back in my pocket, still surprised from the news and wondering what I could do about it. Unlike other situations, the options weren’t laid out in front of me. As the caller had said, the third party responsible for this is still lurking in the shadows, and theoretically there is absolutely nothing we could do. Frustrated, I turned and kicked the trash can beside me.
“Is something the matter Ron?” Raymond’s voice intervened my head as I looked up.
He was standing there, smiling childishly at me, his arms around a beautiful woman that I finally recognized after a second look. “No…” I smiled. “Everything’s fine.” I lied.
“Well…Nancy told me you and Tavia already knew each other, so we don’t need any formal introductions do we?” Raymond asked.
I looked at Tavia, and she smiled, waving slightly. It was true I talk to her, we could be considered very good friends. The only difference is we’ve probably seen each other five times total in our lifetime, and this was the sixth. It was a weird friendship, but seeing Tavia with Raymond made me glad. At least Raymond is over Bernice, and I can go on without a worry. Now the only problem left for me is choosing. Though whenever I think I’ve came to a sound decision, something always happens or gets in the way, causing me to rethink and come all the way back to square one, again and again.
“Ron…I haven’t seen you for so long! You’ve changed so much!” Tavia exclaimed, though her outwardly spoken tone seemed less annoying than most other girls I expect to be Nancy’s friend.
“Well…I guess we better go in.” Raymond interrupted. “We’re late already.”
I nodded. “Have fun.” I added, feeling a bit more comfortable seeing Raymond with Tavia.
I walked in shortly after them, and it seems like everyone was here already, but I know as a fact that someone was still missing. Actually two people haven’t showed up, but again, just like everyone else here they will make their presence pretty soon through the two main doors of the ballroom. I picked up two glasses of wine, walking over to Bernice who was still chatting back and forth with her friend. Easily, I pulled a smile on my face as we held each other’s hand, me taking a long sip from the glass.
~*~
[Tavia’s Point of View]
It’s been an hour already, and I still couldn’t find Nancy and Kenneth anywhere. Perhaps they are just standing somewhere, hiding from easy view as they enjoyed themselves. Raymond suddenly took my hand and pulled me out in the middle of the dance floor, holding me close for a slow dance. I didn’t mind standing next to Raymond, and after one hour I’ve grown comfortable in this environment, but in the middle of the dance floor with prince charming of AVC, the spotlights all on me wasn’t something I would like to happen.
He simply smiled, and without a word twirled me around, holding me gently by the waist and hand as we made our way around. I tried to follow his steps, but there was a constant fear in me of tripping up.
After a few short minutes, I’ve finally gotten used to the rhythm and felt a bit more confident and coordinated. My eyes then began to scan the crowd, searching of course for the faces that affect my life too greatly. First I easily found Dominic and Michelle, standing in a crowd of older business men and women, chit chatting back and forth. Next was Damian, conversing with Anthony Wu of course, as if I hadn’t predicted it already. After what Bernice told me and peeking into the envelope, I was sure that Damian also knew Anthony. What I still need to find out is the relationship between these three men, Damian, Anthony, and Dominic.
Finally I spotted Nancy and Kenneth, both intimidate and close to each other beside the large grand windows. I smiled, wanting to watch these two strengthen their bond, but unfortunately Raymond didn’t get the memo and wanted to twirl me, yet again.
This time though, Raymond did something I wouldn’t even imagine. My coordination seemed to have vanished when I realized I was on my way of falling backwards, but suddenly his strong arm stopped me gently, pulling me closer to him, closer than ever. Then, in the very middle of the dance floor where clearly everyone was watching, he kissed me. His kiss was long and passionate, and even though I didn’t enjoy the attention we were getting, I didn’t mind the fact that he was willing to go this far just to get my name across to everyone, and to let everyone know we’re one. I love you Raymond, love you, love you. Those were the words I wanted to say to him, if my lips weren’t locked with his.
~*~
[Nancy’s Point of View]
“…so…what are you planning to do…now that you find out he and she…” Kenneth began, trying to start a conversation while referring to Ron and Bernice’s engagement.
I smiled, trying to hide the burning pain that had just risen up inside me. Of all people, the only person I can lie to was Kenneth, but I’m starting to think he can tell the difference now. “I don’t know…”
We looked at each other for quite a while. The moment was silent, but something else was going on in between us. I was sure that my thoughts were yelling at me, reminding me that love isn’t something I should get into at the moment. The only thing that held me back was my constant doubt and questioning. I wasn’t sure exactly what my relationship with Kenneth was. It could always be just simple best friend relationship, or brother and sister since we both are single children. I wasn’t even sure if it’s love as in a guy liking a girl way, it just didn’t feel right for me. The question still remains unanswered.
I was motionless as Kenneth moved in closer, using the excuse of staring into my eyes as a cover. I wanted to deny him this kiss, but then, I didn’t want to give it up either. What in the world am I thinking? I’m on the verge, still wondering whether we should kiss or not while he’s closing the distance as each second passes. What the heck, it’s a simple kiss.
Closing my eyes, I pushed in the final distance.
No, something suddenly held me back. I didn’t know if it was a thought, a memory, or what but it held me back. It was because of a simple, unthinking kiss that got me here in the first place. That simple, “just a simple kiss” thought with Ron Ng got me here, and I wasn’t going to let the thought bring me on another rollercoaster ride.
Sad, pity, sorry for Kenneth, I had to pull back. I didn’t want to kiss him until I sort out my feelings, and I could tell that Kenneth knew what was going on. I didn’t smile, unable to face him. I only whispered the two words “I’m sorry” beside his ear, hoping he could hear it because my voice couldn’t raise any higher even if I tried.
I walked away, hoping to sort everything out before I make another mistake. I’m sorry Kenneth, I’m sorry.
~*~
[Ron’s Point of View]
Bernice’s head was resting on my shoulders as we simply embraced. We were standing somewhere close to the windows, because she liked the view of city lights since we’re this high up. I held her tightly, her arms wrapped around my back, proving she doesn’t want to let go. I looked around, wondering if anything else was going on. Apparently nothing for the moment.
My eyes fell on a girl. The girl was of course Nancy, who else in this thick crowd would be able to grab my attention within a millisecond? Her expression was confused, her eyes looking down at the ground as she grabbed a drink from the table, walking away from Kenneth. I could see confusion in his eyes too, but there was more hurt than anything else. Something must’ve happened between them. Though I don’t know Kenneth Ma all that well, he seemed really true to his feelings for Nancy, especially after what we’ve worked out together.
“Ron…” Bernice’s voice interrupted my thoughts. My attention immediately returned to her. “I need to go do something quick…can you wait here for a moment?” she asked, walking towards the direction of the large stage, recently set up.
I nodded, watching her leave. Next thing I saw coming was Kenneth, walking my direction right after Bernice had left.
“Don’t you find that something’s weird with the sudden 5% drop for all three companies?” were the first words coming out of his mouth.
I nodded. “We’ll have to look into that later, there’s nothing we can do at the moment.”
“Still…this third party interference has to have some very thorough knowledge of all three companies, their standings and project plans to be able to pull them down by five percent.” Kenneth pointed out.
My mind suddenly jumped back. Recently, Bernice has gotten more interested in my company affairs. She’s shown a sudden jump in interest, and has been asking me a lot of questions about my partnerships and investments lately. Most of which concerned the safety of my company, if anything was to happen to the other two. I shook my head. No, I can’t be doubting my own fiancée. This matter could probably just a simple coincidence.
“Ladies and gentlemen…may I have your attention please?” Bernice’s voice interrupted my thoughts. This time though, it wasn’t her soft, airy voice she’d always use with me, it was a more strong, and powerful office voice of hers I’ve only heard once or twice. I looked up, and she was standing on the recently set up stage, microphone in hand, and holding the attention of everyone in the room.
I looked around, and everyone was listening closely, waiting for her to speak. Raymond stopped his drink short to listen, Tavia stayed close to him, but her eyes and ears were Bernice’s. Nancy too, she was listening, leaning on a window sill on the other side of the room. Then our parents, their attention was captured also. Nancy’s father, Mr. Anthony Wu had his phone in his hand, and so did Dominic. They seemed more like bracing for impact than listening. My eyes then returned to Bernice.
She was looking at us, taking a breath before she spoke. I saw her eyes move. Knowing Bernice, this sense of nervousness only came when she was about to make an important announcement. It can’t be from her dad’s though, when I saw his face, he seemed completely clueless on what she was about to do. Bernice, what are you doing?
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