My fingers tightened across the clutch. It was heavier than normal. Nikolaos had insisted that I carry a gun for my security. He’d even taken the time to show me the right way to use it.

I assumed it was a bit a lot, however honestly having it made each of us really feel higher.

As I gave myself a remaining as soon as over within the mirror, I felt prepared.

Able to symbolize the Kaligaris household, prepared to face as much as the Secretary-Common, and able to form the long run for myself and Nikolaos.

With a remaining, decided look within the mirror, I turned and made my manner downstairs and out the entrance door. Moving into the ready limo, I took a deep, calming breath, steadying myself for the night time forward.

When the limo pulled as much as the venue of the charity ball, I pulled my shoulders again and made myself the proper image of daring confidence. Stepping onto the purple carpet, I used to be instantly engulfed within the vivid lights and the loud clammer of the group. I may really feel the eyes of all of the attendees on me, curious and speculative. Truthfully, it was somewhat daunting, however I didn’t let it present.

Instantly, a throng of paparazzi swarmed round me, their cameras flashing.

“Maci! Over right here! Can we see the ring?” certainly one of them known as out.

I smiled and held up my hand, permitting the cameras to seize the glowing glint of the diamond. “It’s fairly one thing, isn’t it?” I stated, my voice tinged with pleasure.

“Is there a marriage date set?” one other shouted.

I replied coyly, “Let’s simply say will probably be a grand affair. You’ll have to attend and see.” We hadn’t precisely begun planning something, however they didn’t have to know that.

As I moved to stroll inside, their questions adopted me.

“Will or not it’s in Greece? A giant Greek wedding ceremony?” certainly one of them yelled.

“Who’s designing your gown, Maci?” one other shouted.

“Any hints on the honeymoon vacation spot?”

Their voices turned a blur as I stepped into the venue, leaving the flashing lights and shouted questions behind.

As I entered the grand ballroom, the venue’s magnificence hit me smack within the face. Crystal chandeliers solid a heat, inviting glow over the room, whereas the ornate decorations and splendid furnishings spoke of refined magnificence. It was stunning. Whoever had carried out the decorations ought to get a elevate.

The company, a mix of excessive society and enterprise elite, have been dressed of their best. Amongst them, I acknowledged a widely known Greek delivery magnate, his go well with tailor-made to perfection, conversing with a gaggle that included a well-known native actress in a surprising scarlet sequined robe.

Earlier than I may take all of it in, an elegantly dressed girl in a beaded blue robe approached me and smiled warmly. “Congratulations in your engagement! The ring is beautiful.”

I didn’t acknowledge her, however I may inform from the dimensions of the ring on her personal hand that she was somebody essential.

“Thanks a lot,” I replied, my smile matching hers. “We’re each extremely excited.”

One other visitor, a distinguished gentleman, joined in at her aspect. “I heard in regards to the proposal. Nikolaos is a fortunate man. Any concepts on the place the marriage might be?”

“We’re nonetheless contemplating a couple of locations. It can positively be one thing memorable,” I answered. As we spoke, the sound of a string quartet stuffed the background, including a serene melody to the thrill of conversations across the room.

Politely, I excused myself and took my depart. As I moved via the group, a waiter wearing a fantastic black go well with approached me with a tray filled with drinks.

“Champagne, Miss?” he provided, presenting a flute full of the glowing liquid.

“Sure, thanks,” I replied with a smile, taking a glass.

I turned to scan the group, the glass of champagne in hand. My eyes searched the room till they lastly landed on my goal, Secretary-Common Christos Georgiou. He stood out along with his dignified posture, his go well with completely tailor-made, exuding a way of energy and authority. His hair was neatly combed, and his face bore an expression of cool confidence and sharp calculation.

My coronary heart leapt into my throat.

His gaze met mine throughout the room, a silent acknowledgment passing between us. With a composed demeanor, I made my method to the bar, the murmur of the group mixing into the background. Shortly after, he joined me, his method calm and deliberate.

“Good night, Miss Williams. Wait. I’m sorry,” he paused, “quickly to be Mrs. Kaligaris,” he corrected with a well mannered nod, his voice easy as he sipped a glass of whiskey.

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