Chapter 75 My Wife Is Quite Shy
Two days later, the company's annual gala was in full swing.
The team backstage, preparing Regina for the evening, couldn't help but marvel.
Regina's figure was stunning, and her face was flawlessly beautiful—every detail was impeccable. Even her hair was perfect, surpassing many a movie star in elegance and grace.
The stylist slipped a red strapless gown over Regina, chosen specifically for its ability to complement her refined demeanor. The color red was chosen not just to grab attention but because it accentuated her cool, dignified aura. It was a perfect match, even for someone of Douglas' stature.
As Regina sat backstage, her gaze was distant. When she felt uneasy or nervous, she often fell into a blank, staring trance, her expression a blank slate.
At this moment, her phone vibrated.
It was a message from Douglas.
Douglas: [Nervous? Mrs. Semona.]
It felt like he was watching her.
Regina replied: [A little.]
Douglas: [If you're nervous, how about holding my hand when we go on stage?]
Regina thought for a moment and replied: [Ok.]
At six in the evening, the annual gala began.
According to the plan, Regina didn't appear at the banquet right away.
Miranda occasionally sent photos from the scene.
She told Regina that everyone's eyes were on the stage, waiting for Mrs. Semona.
The gala began with Douglas's speech.
Douglas wasn't one for unnecessary chatter at such events, and at his inaugural dinner, he had made do with a single sentence to close his remarks.
The emcee anticipated that tonight might be the same, a one-liner, but when Douglas took the stage, he delivered his words with confidence and poise, suggesting that he had much to share.
"I know everyone is looking forward to something. I'm just as excited. However, my wife is low-key and doesn't like crowds, so I ask for your understanding."
He paused and added, "Also, I've heard some recent gossip in the company."
The crowd looked at Douglas with surprise and a bit of fear.
They thought, "Oh no, is he going to settle scores?"
But as he mentioned his wife, Douglas' stern face softened. He didn't seem angry.
"I want to clarify that I didn't marry for mutual benefits. I love my wife very much. Marrying her is the luckiest thing in my life."
Douglas was a decisive, cold-hearted figure in the workplace, and hearing his smooth, gentle voice deliver such a heartfelt line had everyone present hanging on his every word. His declaration resonated through the room, making hearts race.
Meanwhile, Regina, waiting backstage, received a short video from Miranda.
She heard Douglas' heartwarming words, "I love my wife very much. Marrying her is the luckiest thing in my life."
Regina's tense lips relaxed into a smile.
A staff member informed her it was time to go on stage.
Regina picked up the silver feather mask and put it on.
She was well aware of the event's schedule. The planning team had arranged for her and Douglas to make a joint appearance, pour champagne over the tower, cut the cake, and participate in a few small rituals to satisfy the audience's expectations for a photo op.
Initially, the planning department wanted to play some exciting games, but Douglas quickly shut it down.
"My wife is low-key and shy. Don't make things difficult for her."
Everyone could tell Douglas treated his wife like a precious treasure, not wanting her to feel even a bit uncomfortable.
The banquet hall was a stunning spectacle, draped in black and gold—a blend of understated elegance and opulence.
When Regina appeared, a gentle light from the ornate dome spotlighted her. She instantly became the center of attention.
Douglas, in a well-tailored suit, walked towards her.
Even though it was just a few minutes' walk, he probably feared those minutes would be too much for Regina, so he met her halfway.
Regina looked up at Douglas and smiled, gently taking his arm.
Together, they walked to the center of the magnificent stage amidst the applause and cheers.
Just standing together, they looked perfectly matched. The lively scene suddenly quieted down.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on them, captivated by the beautiful and harmonious picture.
Even the emcee took a moment to react, quickly gathering her spirits. "We're delighted that Mrs. Semona could join us tonight. Could you please greet everyone, Mrs. Semona?"
Regina took the microphone from theemcee.
Standing beside Douglas, Regina didn't feel as nervous as she had anticipated. She even smiled lightly, joking, "Good evening, everyone. I am Mrs. Semona, who gets along quite well with Mr. Semona."
Douglas's gaze remained on her, and hearing this, he smiled slightly.
The couple, with just a few words, dispelled some of the rumors circulating within the company and easily brought the atmosphere to a peak with enthusiastic applause.
Since Regina was wearing a mask that covered most of her face and had deliberately modulated her voice, no one seemed to question anything. However, Miranda, who knew the truth, was seated at the edge of the stage, so excited that she pinched the arms of her colleagues hard enough to leave red marks.
"What are you doing, Miranda!"
"Oh my God, they are such a perfect match!"
Her colleague looked at her strangely. "Do you know any inside information?"
"Did you figure it out?" Miranda looked incredulous.
"So, you really know?"
"Of course!" Miranda hummed proudly. "I know everything, but I won't say anything."
After the champagne tower and cake-cutting ceremonies, Regina was ready to leave the stage as planned.
But unexpectedly, someone in the audience started to heckle, and it quickly got out of hand.
They loudly chanted, "Kiss, kiss."
Regina was taken aback.
Her subtle unease was easily noticed by Douglas. He bent down slightly and whispered in her ear, "Is it okay? If not, it's fine."
Regina thought, 'We have just debunked the rumors about our strained relationship on stage. We can't now appear distant, as if even a kiss is difficult.'
Regina suppressed her inner struggle, nodded, and whispered, "It's okay."
As Regina looked up, he held her gently by the waist and leaned in for a kiss.
