Rina felt nervous getting out of the car. She had been doing this for almost half her life, but that moment meant more to her than before. It was her second time in public after being blacklisted by Scottsdale and betrayed by Kayla. The events of the first time still rang fresh in her memories. Rina remembered every moment, the cheers that turned into boos, the eggs hurled at her from the audience, all the paper.
She knew it wouldn’t be like that this time around because people were already beginning to doubt the rumors Kayla had spread. And she would be right by the side of the most powerful man in the country. No one would dare go against him. Still, the nerves ate at her, threatening to pull her under.
Rina knew that the minute she got out, her confidence had to be whipped out too, as high as ever, but when her eyes fell on Zayn, it came easily, wrapping its arms around her in a warm embrace. She saw no one else but him, the way his eyes drank her in greedily like it was his first time setting eyes on her. Rina basked in the euphoria of his reaction, how his lips parted and his eyes narrowed. He was quick to recover himself, walking towards her. But it didn’t matter, as he already made her stomach tingle in anticipation.
They walked to the front of the hall where distinguished guests were seated, and Rina saw Claire amongst them. She waved at her like an old-time friend, and Rina waved back. “You look stunning in that dress,” Claire mouthed, and Rina smiled.
Zayn held onto her arm and led her to the table on the opposite side of his parents, right beside him. He sat down next to her and placed a hand on the small of her back, making a loud statement. “How are we doing?” Rina whispered to him.
“Great. You look amazing tonight. I mean, you always look amazing, but this…”
She looked up at him and grinned. “You’ve been saying so many sweet words today. That is so out of character.”
“I need to be out of character to accomplish what we want today. The red carpet will come last after we have savored the feeling of shocking everyone in the room.” He turned slightly so half of him was facing the other side. “That is my brother over there. Nathan. The footage William handed over didn’t show his face fully in the hallway, but I am certain he is the one. He checked into the hotel in his own name a few minutes after me, and last I checked, Nathan didn’t have a job to get him there. He used my credit card, stupidly, I must add, because then Mia was alerted to its usage, and contacted William right away.”
“So he is the one responsible for the article.”
“Yes. But I believe he is working with someone else. I just don’t know who yet. We will figure that out soon enough. Let’s just get through tonight.”
Rina reached for the can of water, but Zayn got to it before her, twisting the cap open. Retrieving the glass, he poured her a healthy quantity and handed it over to her gently, watching as she brought the rim to her lips and took a gulp. Rina felt parched and desperately in need of water, but she knew it had nothing to do with her perfect cooling system of the hall.
The heat Zayn released each time he stared at her made her body work in a weird fashion and Rina hoped it was nothing more than butterflies. She couldn’t make this worse for either of them.
The host of the launch started the event, just as Mia got there, sliding into the seat beside Rina. She nodded, her expression all professional, even though Rina could see the surprise swirling in her eyes. No one had seen it coming and the element of surprise was one thing Rina was glad she had held on to.
As the event progressed with the serious part done with, the music resumed again and meals were served. Chatters commenced and people moved from table to table, networking and catching up on old times. Rina wasn’t hungry as she had already eaten before leaving the hotel. So, she made do with the white wine, drinking in small amounts.
“Sorry I’m late,” she heard a voice say from behind her suddenly, causing her to jump in her seat. Rina whirled around to see George, with Isaiah right beside him and she squealed in delight. He embraced her warmly and joined the table after shaking hands with Zayn.
“I’m glad you could make it,” Zayn said in a somber tone, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “You weren’t sure the last time we spoke.”
“There would have been a lot of hassle getting a plane ticket last minute and making it down here, but when your pilot appeared at our doorstep, it was hard to turn down. And besides, Isaiah here has never been to Hong Kong. He thought it would be great for his art.”
Zayn nodded, but the exchange made Rina narrow her gaze at him. It was too much happening in one night. Now she was almost sure that Zayn had something up his sleeves – something he wasn’t telling her.
But before she could get the question out, the girl she’d met back at Zayn’s office, Jada, strolled in like she belonged there. Even Zayn didn’t remember inviting her as he peered at her, watching her get closer with that fake smile plastered to her face. Her smile faltered when she took in Rina sitting beside Zayn, but Jada knew better than to let it affect her. She knew what was at stake.
“Congratulations, Zayn,” she murmured when she got to the table.
“I didn’t invite you.”
“You know there is no way that you will embark on something as grand as this without me finding out. We might not have gotten back together yet, but I know I have to be here to show my support every step of the way.”
“You seemed to have missed it, Jada, but I’m not in any universe getting back with you.”