JOAN’S POV
The kiss lingered on my mind, stealing every ounce of focus I had. Derrick’s lips against mine, so unexpected, so electric-it was all I could think about as he led me by the hand into the hall. His grip was firm yet gentle, like he didn’t want to let go. My heart raced, not just from the memory of the kiss but from the interioe of the hall we stepped into.
The room was breathtaking. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals scattering light like tiny stars. The elites were all here-politicians, business associates, and socialites. Women wore shimmering dresses adorned with jewels, and men were well dressed in tailored suits that screamed wealth and power. It looked like a scene straight out of a movie.
Derrick stopped to speak with the governor, a man I had only ever seen on television. My awe must have been obvious because Derrick leaned in and whispered, “Breathe, Joan.”
The governor turned his attention to me, and brought out his hand for me to shake.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Joan,” he said.
I smiled “It’s a pleasure to meet you too”
His wife turned to me, looking at my dress “You look stunning, my dear. Absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you,” I managed to say, my voice shaky. I felt Derrick’s eyes on me, and for a brief second, his touch on my hand tightened. I could tell he was trying to calm me.
As we moved through the room, Derrick continued to greet people with the ease of someone born for this kind of spotlight. He was magnetic, commanding respect with a simple nod or a handshake. I, on the other hand, felt like a fish out of water, smiling stiffly as I stood beside him.
My thoughts wandered to the proposal. My nerves tightened with each passing moment. It was supposed to be fake. Yet, the idea of him slipping a ring onto my finger in front of all these people had my stomach in knots.
Finally, we reached our table. It was positioned perfectly, offering a clear view of the stage. Derrick sat so close to me that I could feel the warmth radiating off him. My mind, already a jumbled mess, couldn’t process much beyond his proximity.
Scanning the room, I spotted Irene in the corner. She waved excitedly to me and I waved back. She looked stunning in her blue fitted dress with a high slit. Her dress was adorned with jewels and her red hair fell in waves at her back. She looked beautiful as always.
The event began with the MC taking the stage. He thanked everyone for coming and commended the charity efforts.
“I would also like to specially recognize the presence of someone special” the MC said “The man of the moment himself, Mr Derrick Stonewood”
When the MC singled out Derrick, the applause that followed was deafening. I looked around and saw how people looked at him with admiration in their eyes. Derrick deserved the recognition; he had worked tirelessly for this.
He leaned back casually in his chair with an unreadable expression. He wasn’t fazed by the applause or the attention he was getting.
“Sir Stonewood will be making a speech soon” The Mc announced.
“Did you practice for your speech?” I asked Derrick.
He glanced at me “I don’t need to.”
His confidence caught me off guard, but it was so undeniably Derrick. Before I could respond, his name was called, and he stood to take the stage.
I watched him. I was mesmerized by how easily he moved. He didn’t need notes or prompts. He took the stage and owned it effortlessly. He spoke with authority. His words commanded silence to everyone in the room.
His voice was deep, smooth. It wasn’t just the tone that captivated me-it was the way he delivered his words. He spoke without a single pause for thought, as though the speech was flowing directly from his soul.
“As many of you know,” he began “this cause is more than just a headline for me. It’s a mission. It’s a responsibility.”
I couldn’t look away. His voice captivated me that much. His gaze occasionally met different parts of the audience, and when it landed on me, I felt pinned to my seat, like he was speaking directly to me.
“What we do here tonight,” he continued, his voice rising slightly, “is not just about generosity. It’s about building legacies. About being the change we all claim to want in this world.”
The applause that followed each of his pauses was automatic, like the audience couldn’t help themselves.
There was no much gesturing, no excessive theatrics. Derrick didn’t need them. His presence, his voice-it was enough. He spoke with a tone that made you believe every word he said, even if you’d doubted him before.
I wasn’t the only one drawn to him. The women at the table behind me whispered loudly.
“He’s so handsome,” one said.
“Too bad he’s stuck with her,” another added.
“That plain jane” another scoffed “Why is he with her anyway?”
Another girl sighed “Gold digger. I envy her anyway. She’s got the most eligible bachelor in the continent”
“She doesn’t deserve him. Not one bit”
The words cut through me. My chest tightened, and tears formed in my eyes. I tried to focus on Derrick, on his commanding presence on stage, but their cruel comments hurt me.
When he concluded, “Together, we can create a future that’s not only better but brighter for generations to come,” the applause was deafening.
Some people gave him a standing ovation as he stepped down. I stood up too, trying to distract myself. I cheered for him as loud as I could. His speech was amazing.
He returned to his seat, and I quickly wiped my tears, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
“You did great,” I said as I sat down.
Derrick looked at me intensely, like he could see through me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I said “Why do you ask that?”
His eyes searched mine. How did he always see through me so easily?
“Joan,” he said, his voice softer now, “don’t lie to me.”
I looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze. My heart raced. I didn’t know what words to say to make him back down.
“It’s nothing,” I insisted.
Derrick didn’t buy it. His sharp eyes scanned the room till it landed on the table behind us where the group of women giggled and whispered amongst themselves. He turned back to me, his expression hardening. “Was it them?”
I blinked, surprised. How had he figured that out so quickly?
“No,” I lied again, shaking my head.
“Joan,” he said flatly. His tone made it clear he didn’t believe me. Then, without another word, he motioned for Ace who was standing nearby.
Ace stepped forward immediately. Derrick leaned in, whispering something in his ear. Ace nodded once before retreating into the crowd.
“What did you tell him?” I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.
Derrick leaned back in his chair with a small, mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Oh, nothing.”
“Derrick,” I pressed.
“I might have told him to put snakes in their cars,” he said casually. His smirk widened just enough to make my stomach flip.
I stared at him in disbelief “You’re joking.”
“Am I?” he replied, arching a brow.
The absurdity of his response made me laugh, and to my surprise, Derrick let out a low chuckle himself.
I froze, staring at him. “Did you just laugh?”
Derrick immediately straightened and his face returned to its usual cold mask. “No.”
“Yes, you did,” I teased, a grin spreading across my face. “I just heard you.”
“You’re imagining things,” he said.
“You’re not as scary as you think you are,” I said playfully, nudging him lightly with my elbow.
His lips twitched, but he didn’t respond. Still, I couldn’t help the warm feeling spreading through me. Derrick’s rare moments of softness felt like tiny glimpses of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. It’s a cheesy line but it was true.
The event continued, with people donating generously. In total, they had millions for the charity organization.
Finally, as the donations concluded, Derrick stood, picking up his glass and clinking it lightly to draw everyone’s attention.
The room fell silent as he spoke. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for your generosity tonight. Your contributions will make a huge difference, and I’m deeply grateful.”
His voice was commanding, and impossible to ignore. The crowd hung on his every word.
“But before we continue, there’s someone I’d like to thank personally,” he continued, turning his gaze directly to me. “Joan, my girlfriend.”
My heart skipped a beat as all eyes in the room shifted to me.
“This night wouldn’t have been the same without her by my side,” Derrick said. “Her grace, her kindness, and her support mean everything to me.”
I knew this was all part of the act, yet the sincerity in his tone made my chest ache. For a moment, it felt real.
Derrick reached for my hand, pulling me to my feet.
“Joan, you’ve made me a better man,” he said.
His eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made it hard to breathe.
I swallowed hard. My heart pounded as he lowered himself onto one knee, pulling out a small velvet box.
Gasps filled the crowd.
“Will you marry me?”
The world seemed to blur around me as I stared down at him. This was it-the fake proposal. My heart screamed for me to say yes, not just because I had to, but because some part of me wanted it to be real.
“Yes,” I whispered.
The room became filled with applause as Derrick slid the ring onto my finger and stood, pulling me into his arms. Cameras flashed, capturing the moment as he leaned down and kissed me.
His lips were passionate and gently. For a moment, the world melted away, leaving just the two of us. I wanted to believe the kiss was real, that Derrick felt something, anything-for me. But as the kiss ended and he pulled back, his expression was unreadable.
I forced myself to smile, wrapping my arms around him as the crowd cheered. This was all a performance, I reminded myself. Just a game we were playing.
But as I looked into his eyes, I couldn’t help but wish just for a moment-that it was real.