Chapter 158
KATE
My father confirmed that he would come to visit me on Christmas, but I felt like he was hiding something; he was acting strange. On Thursday, I was alone. Nathan had an important meeting at the company.
Another day with my face buried in a book. The nights seemed harder sharing the bed; I didn't know who would go crazy first, and the tension was building up between us.
I was trying to mentally prepare myself for the event the next day. To officially announce our relationship to everyone. Couldn't Nathan just be an ordinary guy? And not a billionaire celebrity? The media frenzy around his life was hell, and I was hoping it wouldn't affect us.
On Friday, I forced myself to go to a beauty salon to get my hair and makeup done. This kind of event required more than my own skills to get ready.
I chose a long black dress with a side slit, thin straps, and a small neckline. I decided to leave my hair loose, with the incredible waves done by the hairstylist, and light makeup with red lipstick. I was almost ready. I put on the necklace Nathan had given me as a gift and matching small earrings.
He was waiting for me in the living room, dressed in an all-black tuxedo with a perfect fit. I could only think about how hot he was.
"A week? I guess one or two days wouldn't make a difference, right?" He said, approaching. I rolled my eyes, laughing. "What I mean is… you look perfect. Beautiful. And most importantly, you're mine."
"We should go before I lose control and make your face all red. And maybe a few other parts."
"You just made the night a lot more difficult," he sighed. "It's going to be a long night."
"They all have been," we laughed. They really had.
Dozens of flashes went off as Nathan got out of the car. He went around to open the door for me, trying not to look at the lights as more flashes went off during my exit. I squeezed Nathan's hand as he started walking, going up the stairs.
James drove off and left with the car, following us. There were security guards on both sides of the entrance corridor, ensuring that journalists wouldn't invade.
"Just a few photos," he whispered, stopping.
I nodded. The flashes continued as we stared at each other. Journalists were yelling his name and asking questions like "Are you dating?", or "How long have you been together?".
"Let's go. Don't worry, only a few selected ones are allowed inside."
We continued walking towards the door.
The main hall was packed. Some people waved at him as we walked.
"I need to talk to Charlie; he's in charge of everything."
"Sure."
I thought I saw Stephan in a corner. "Is your brother here?"
"Yes. My parents are probably here too."
"Really? You don't know if they're here?"
"I never know if they'll cancel at the last minute."
"It would have been nice to be informed."
"I'm sorry."
"I have the impression that everyone is looking at us."
"No, they're looking at you. You're the novelty."
"They must be shocked; I guess they expected a supermodel."
"Stop it."
"It's not a lie. I saw the pictures."
"Is that what you do in your free time? Research about me?"
A smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.
"That's less invasive than making a dossier about someone."
"Touché. This way," he said, entering a hallway.
We turned right at the next one; there was a door at the end.
A man with gray hair and a beard opened the door after Nathan knocked. He was wearing a black suit.
"Ryan!"
"It's good to see you, Charlie!" They hugged.
How long had they known each other?
"It's great to see you, too."
"Let me introduce Katherine, my girlfriend."
"Miss, it's a pleasure." He shook my hand.
"The pleasure is mine."
"So, everything went well today?" Nathan asked.
"Yes. I'm finishing something and will meet you shortly."
Nathan nodded. The man closed the door, and we went back to the hall.
"How long have you known him?"
"Six years. This man is one of the best people I've ever met."
"Nathan!" Stephan called from somewhere.
"Wow!" He said, with a smile, before kissing my hand and cheek. "You look stunning, Kate!"
"Thank you. You're not looking bad yourself."
I looked to the side just in time to see Nathan roll his eyes. Stephan hugged him.
"We were waiting for you, little brother. Ben arrived five minutes ago and is already fed up. Niels is the only one who can handle this kind of event. Pretending to like it."
Was Niels present? It couldn't be.
"Mom and Dad came too; they were talking to Bryan and Emily the last time I saw them. Our parents must really love you to endure all this just for you."
Bryan too? It had to be a joke. I felt Nathan tense up beside me. Then he gently took my arm, which was intertwined with his.
"It's for the cause, Stephan. Accompany Kate while I talk to some people." He didn't even look at me before walking away.
"He just left you with me? What the hell got into him?"
Damn it. This couldn't be happening. Stephan linked his arm with mine.
"Let's have some fun; I'll take you to where Ben and Niels are. At least some familiar faces."
I froze in place.
"Actually, I think it would be better to see your parents first."
Coming face-to-face with Bryan seemed less bad than coming face-to-face with Niels. Leaving seemed like the best option. Think fast, Kate.
"But first, I need to go to the bathroom. So, we'll see each other later?" I let go of his arm.
"Nat will kill me if I leave you alone."
"It's alright; I'm a big girl."
I walked away through the crowd until I found someone serving a tray with glasses of water. This must be a damn joke.
What was this? The convention of guys I've been with? Nathan must be pissed off with me right now. Something told me I wouldn't be able to escape all night.
"Katherine?"
Am I hearing things? That's all I needed. I turned towards the familiar voice and almost dropped my glass.
"John?"
Holy shit! I couldn't hide my surprise. I almost had a meltdown.
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