Every black Tie Charity Gala is a work of art. For a typically grand ceremony like this, an equally grand venue in New York takes precedence: the who-who from this gala extends from CEOs all the way down to celebrities, that mix of power players that have fashioned this city into one of wealth and influence.
Photographers lined the entrances, illuminating the red carpet stretching toward the double doors of the ballroom with their flashes.
Roxanne sat inside the limousine now almost slowing down. She shifted uncomfortably, the cool sliding sweat slipping between her fingers and the fine cloth of her dress.
The dress had been selected out of a whole list drawn by the sebastien family, especially for occasions like this. It was a very elegant piece-black and clung to her curves, then flowed effortlessly onto the floor. It was the kind of piece designed to turn heads, not that she was quite sure it was a good thing exactly right now.
Ciel was seated beside her. He wore confidence like a cloth, as he was in a perfectly cut suit, his posture was relaxed but commanding. He had not said much when they were being driven here. He had come here today to solidify Roxanne's presence as his wife in the eyes of the world.
Now, as they got near the flashing cameras, Roxanne felt so frightened.
"Are you nervous?" Ciel asked, almost feeling amused with a smooth voice.
She looked at him, trying to force an even tone. "Should I be?"
He smirked lightly. "No. But people here will be watching us. Every expression, and every of our movements, you will be judged before you even speak."
Roxanne breathed in and out. She had expected that. The media had already started talking about their sudden marriage, throwing speculations around about her. Who was she? Why had he married a woman with no real influence or power?
She was definitely sure she would be scrutinized here tonight.
The limousine drove to a stop.
Ciel looked at her, trying to assess her resolve. Then, without saying anything, he opened the car door and stepped out.
There were different flashes of cameras.
Roxanne breathed in and out again as he turned and extended his hand towards her.
She hesitated for few second before placing her fingers in his. He has a firm grip, and it was steady. At that moment, there was a silent understanding between them as they looked at each other, which translates to, play your role.
She stepped out of the car.
The noise that erupted was enormous. Voices were calling Ciel's name, as questions started rolling in from all directions. Cameras were clicking pictures in rapid succession. But it was not him they were actually focused on.
It was Roxanne.
The nobody that married a billionaire.
She tried to keep a straight poise, putting on a neutral expression as Ciel guided her through.
When they got inside, the ballroom was a breathtaking view. It has golden chandeliers, silk covered tables, and they were plenty guests. The was laughter in the air, as conversation buzzed, and the underlying power play rich people are known was also subtly obvious.
Roxanne kept her steps measured, her fingers lightly curled around Ciel's arm.
Roxanne kept a measured step, as her fingers were wrapped around Ciel's arm.
it was at that moment she saw them.
Reina and Devian.
She almost tripped, but she caught herself just in time.
Reina was wearing a crimson, and her signature shade of seduction and confidence. Her curls were blond, and styled perfectly. While her lips were painted sultrily in red.
Beside her, Devian was standing with his usual arrogance. He had a tailored suit on, which emphasized his presence.
Then, their eyes met.
And just like that, they started the game of power.
"Well, well," Reina's voice came to her ears as she approached her.
"I did not expect to see you here, dear sister."
Roxanne tried to force a polite smile. "Reina."
Devian looked all over her, lingering more than normal, then he smirked. "You clean up so nicely, Roxanne. You were almost unrecognizable."
Ciel gripped her waist more tightly. To reassure her of his protection, but Roxanne did not need it.
She turned her head slightly, pretending to be ignorant. "Oh, Devian, you sound surprised. I suppose, your standards must have changed after spending so much time with Reina."
Reina's smile slowly disappeared, same as Devian's.
Ciel, on the other hand, chuckled under his breath.
"Excuse us," he told them in the smoothest way possible, his voice filled with dismissal. "We have some more important people to entertain."
With that said, he led Roxanne away, leaving Devian and Reina with their irritation.
The night went on, with introductions, small and polite talk, and strategic social meetings. Roxanne played her part well, as she observes and learn.
But then, the moment she feared the most later came.
A reporter finally managed to get close to her, as she was moving through the crowd, with microphone ready.
"Mr. Sebastien! Mrs.sebastien!!" the reporter's eyes was filled with curiosity as the questions rolled in. "rumors have been circling about your sudden marriage. Some say it was an arrangement, others say there is no real love between you too. Can you tell us. Was this a truly a marriage of convenience?"
The question caught them off guard and there was silence.
Roxanne's heart raced. This was it. The moment all of them have been waiting for.
Ciel did not try to answer immediately. Instead he looked at her.
He was going to let her handle this.
The crowd's attention was now on her, waiting for an answer.
She could also feel Devian and Reina watching, hoping for her say something that could be used against her.
So, she smiled.
It was a slow, and confident smile.
"If it was a marriage of convenience as being peddled by rumors," she said smoothly, "Then I must admit, I have been so spoiled since it started, after all, most arrangements do not come with a husband who is as attentive as mine."
The crowd started murmuring in renewed interest.
The reporter raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Are you saying Mr. Sebastien is a very romantic man behind closed doors?"
Roxanne let a short and soft laugh,as she looked towards Ciel.
"I think some things are better left to one's imagination, don't you think?"
The audience was quite intrigued.
Ciel's smirked the more as amusement was written all over his face. He wrapped his arm around her waist, leaning in.
"Some things," he said, loud enough for the reporter to hear, but low to keep it between themselves, "are meant to be experienced. It can not be understood through explanation."
Those close to where he was standing heard it and started laughing.
Roxanne tried to hold herself from laughing.
Well played, Ciel. She thought.
The reporter backed off at this point, clearly satisfied. And just like that, Ciel and Roxanne had changed the narrative.
As Ciel led her away, he murmured to her ears. "You handled that perfectly."
Roxanne exhaled. "Did I?"
"You did not just handle it well, You won." he said with amusement.
She looked at him, trying to understand his expression.
And for the first time, she thought she understood.
He admired what she did.
And for once, she felt like she had not just been a pawn in someone else game.
She had played her own part.
And it felt great.