Fernando’s estate was packed by the evening. The entire City seemed emptied into the event and reporters filled the place. June was seated in her room, yet to decide on what to wear.
Three knocks on her door signalled her driver was ready to go. “Give me a few minutes!” She yelled and headed into her closet with a dress in hand.
She hoped she didn’t regret it down the line.
June stepped out of her room a few minutes later. She met one of the security who was sent to escort her to the event hall. The buff man was dressed in a suit that wrapped around his form.
“Shall we?” He spoke politely, making way for them to leave.
June nodded and followed him with graceful steps. They walked into a black-tinted car which took them to the event hall. Liam made provision for where they were expected to meet – an area that led to the hall where the party was held.
The little space could be used as a meeting point for business discussions and was heavily secured from intruders and reporters. It was the blind spot of the event. June was led into the house by the security man who walked her into the lavish home and left her alone.
“Ravishing.” A voice said from above and June turned in the direction. Liam stood at the top of the stairs, dressed in a suit and holding a glass of white wine. “You wore the dress.”
His voice reverberated through her being. “I told you. I struggle with these things.” She excused herself, “I was running out of time and couldn’t make up my mind so-”
“You chose not to disappoint me.” Liam finished for her while walking down the stairs. “I’m glad you wore this gown, Little Rivera.”
June blinked, only just noticing his use of that nickname.
“That means I get to see you wear something else, ” he muttered, and she kicked against it.
“It took five hours to get this together.” She gestured to her made-up self. “I will not have you ruin things because of your-”
The strappy black stiletto took words out of June’s mouth. Liam removed from a dress bag beside the couch. Liam noticed her silence and smiled.
“They say good shoes take you to good places.” He walked towards her with a playboy smirk. “I disagree. Not all good shoes take you to good places.”
“The virtue of good shoes lies on the feet that wear it.” Liam led her to the couch and she sat down. June felt her breath hitch when he got on one knee. “A queen could wear a basic shoe and command it in such a manner, it becomes the standard.”
Liam pulled the nude wedge carefully from June’s feet. He went on to help her wear the new shoes he’d picked and it was a perfect size.
“How much more when beauty meets royalty.” He muttered, staring intently at her feet. “All done, Queen,” Liam said getting on his feet. “Would you do me the honour of being my date to this party?” He asked with his arm stretched out.
June got on her feet carefully. She was used to wearing less complicated heels but surprisingly felt comfortable in this one. Liam took her arm when she delayed taking his.
He snapped his fingers and music came on. “Shall we?” He led her to the middle of the room and June’s heart thundered inside its ribcage.
“I don’t know how to dance..” She muttered and was led to the middle of the sitting room.
“Perfect. You should take this as a rehearsal of what’s to come.” Liam whispered into her ears. “Follow my lead.”
June took a deep breath and let herself enjoy the experience. Liam was uncharacteristically soft and she tried not to think much of it. Everything was happening so fast, it seemed like a whirlwind tore through her life.
June placed her feet on Liam’s in a slow dance and let him lead them through the song. The song slowed to the end and the front door flung open.
June jolted apart from Liam but kept his palm on the lower part of her back while he faced the intruder, who happened to be his brother. “Arnold.” Liam spoke lightly, “I didn’t hear you knock.”
“It’s hard to hear when you are busy dancing around with her.” He gritted and Liam’s face darkened.
“Did you say something, brother?” He asked, stepping forward. Arnold shrank with every step towards him.
“My apologies.” He bowed his head, “Some guests are here to see you.”
“I will be at the party soon,” Liam said with finality in his tone. “We can meet then.”
“They are men from the west.” Arnold pushed further. “We have to close the deal and they requested for you.”
“I will not repeat myself.”
Arnold shut his mouth and walked out of the house, June could tell there was something off about their relations but held her tongue. The last thing she needed was brother drama in North City – or any kind of drama.
“I’m afraid we have to cut our rehearsal session.” He said with an outstretched arm. “The world’s itching to see the most beautiful woman.”
June placed her hand on his arm, knowing it was useless talking to him at this point. Liam seemed intent on giving her a permanent blush on her cheeks.
They walked through the hallway that led to the party with the limelight focused on them. June wore a smile as she walked beside Liam into the event, and they were welcomed with loud cheer.
Unknown to her, right within the crowd was Doctor Carson whose jaws fell to the floor at the sight of June walking in with Liam Fernando. He suddenly turned around, searching for Rafael who excused himself to the restroom.
June smiled until her cheeks were strained and drank a lot of water. As a result, her bladder was filled and in need of release. June excused herself and walked towards the restroom with the intent to relieve herself.
She walked right into the ladies’ room. While she was doing her business, she heard the voice of a man in the bathroom and felt her blood turn cold.
“You are to serve Liam Fernando during the toast.” The voice spoke coldly. “Put this into his drink and get out immediately. Some men would be in the right corridor. Follow them and don’t look back.”
“Do you understand?”
“Y-Yes sir.” A feminine voice responded fearfully.
“Good. Rest assured, I will protect you. Do this and I will consider helping you. Fail and you shall have yourself to blame for it.”
June heard hard footsteps walking out of the restroom. She peeped through the slightly opened bathroom door and spotted a blonde hair headed towards the door.
June stepped out when she was certain she was alone. Her heart thundered as the conversation played in her head. Someone was trying to kill Liam! They wanted to poison his drink!
June joined the party and tried to make out the woman on a mission to kill Liam. Her search was cut short when Liam approached her. “I’ve been looking for you, It’s time to make a toast!”