9. The Masquerade Ball

The phone ringing woke me up at exactly 6 am. I stood up sluggishly and went into the sitting room to pick it up.

"Hello! Nina Miller speaking" I call into the phone as I stroll into the kitchen to make my morning tea.

"Hello, beautiful damsel" Austin called huskily into the phone making me freeze as I was about to put the pot on the fire.

"Austin?" I question softly, cos I couldn't recall giving him my number unless Lilian.

"Yes, baby. Hope I didn't wake you up"

"No, not at all"

"Just call to remind you of our discussion yesterday and I want to pick you up at work today" There was shuffling in the background like he was getting up from the bed.

"I gotta go. I left you a message at work. Call me when you are done" He hung up.

As I went out to run, I couldn't help but ask myself if accepting to be his girlfriend is the right decision but part of me is glad at least with this I won't be lonely and I get to see if Michael loves me for real. I laugh at the irony of Michael being jealous.

Debby didn't join me like she usually would. Ever since the incident with her dad, she has been avoiding me like a plaque. I ran back into the house to change and get ready for work.

***

Walking to my office I greeted Divine my secretary making her stand up and follow me into my office, I turn to regard her.

"Ma, there's a parcel for you on your table from Mr. Austin Walker" she looks up from her phone "and you have a meeting with Mr. Derrington at noon".

"OK, confirm my meeting with Mr. Derrington" she was still waiting around so I raise my eyebrows at her" That's be all for now"

After Divine has left, I open the parcel only to find a long white flowing skirt with a black and white corset top design with diamond and a white diamond-filled mask. "Wow!! Are we going to a masquerade ball"My subconscious asks clearly getting interested?

Immediately, I pick up the mask a piece of paper fell out. It was a short and simple note but the writing got me drooling.

Wear this for me to the charity ball

Will pick you up at 7 pm.

Your Austin.

"My Austin". "Wow!! Wish it was real".

My phone ringing brought me back from my reverie.

"Hey baby"

"Don't you baby me!" Lilian shouted into the phone. "Someone is mad"

"When were you planning to tell me ?"

I waited a little bit to ask her, cause I was so confused right now"Tell you what?"

"Tell me that you and Austin are dating"

I exhale. For a second there I thought she knew about Michael.

"I'm so sorry, it's escaped my mind. Moreover, we just started dating today and it's not official yet" I told her "how did you know?"

"Well Austin told me"

"That's good. I have an interview with Mr. Derrington, I have to get going now, it's a two hours drive and I don't want to be late.

"The special adviser to the president?" She asked remembering our last conversation about him.

"Yes, the same person".

"Okay. I'll drop it, for now when you get back we'll talk. Drive safe. Bye," She said and hang up.

***

"Come out girl!. Danny and Austin are here"

Lilian calls out to me from the closet. She has come to help me dress for tonight immediately I told her that Austin has invited me to the ball.

And right now she was already dressed in a short gold ballon gown and a black mask. She looks stunning. I was scared to come out. I mean have never been to a ball before. What if I make embarrass Austin there?

"Come out or I will come and drag you out from there" Lillian threaten me and knowing her, I know she's not bluffing.

I walk out slowly and stood in the sitting room with my head bored. I heard them gasp which make me raise my head.

"Wow!!. You look beautiful tonight Nina". Danny recovers first as he strolls to where I stood and peck me on my cheek, then he extends his hand to Lilian and they both walk out leaving Austin and me alone.

"Mademoiselle" He held my hand and kiss my knuckles one after another "You're exquisite and sexy. White looks good on you"He put his arms around me and guide me to his car. Lilian and Danny have already left, leaving us to follow after them.

The hall was decorated, a red rug was placed on the runaway. Some couples were taking pictures. Austin parks the car in front of the rug and then comes over to open the door for me. Then he tosses the key to the valet who in turn went to park the car properly.

"Mr. Daniel Martins and Miss Lilian Thomas" Immediately, their names were announced the paparazzi rush them.

" Mr. Daniel, congratulations on your engagement," The first reporter said trying to capture their photo.

"Miss Lilian, when is the wedding," The second reporter said rushing in front of Lilian trying to get a comment or two from her.

Their bodyguard rush to shield them from the hungry paparazzi, as they made it into the hall. Free from them, Lilian turns to wink at me, giving me her"wish-you-best-of-luck -with -them" before she disappears inside.

"Mr. Austin Walker and Miss Nina Miller" There were screams all around the hall, I didn't even notice that his fans were gathered. Immediately, they heard his name, they started screaming his name. The paparazzi were on their heels as they rush to get a comment or two from us.

"Mr. Walker, congratulations on your new release album, "A reporter with big glasses ask him as he tries to grab his attention. Austin was all focused as he guides me with his arms around my bare back to the hall.

"Mr. Walker, is it true that you're gay?"That seems to make Austin froze, as he regards the reporter with big glasses who doesn't know when to give up with a murderous look. He grabs the mic from him as he turns to smile.

"Nonsense!. Where did you get those rumors?. I'm very straight. There has always been one woman in my life and she's here with me" That seems to do the trick, as they all seem to attack me with different questions at the same time. I was confused as I didn't know what to say.

A man came to my rescue, as he turns the paparazzi to himself, leaving I and Austin to walk freely into the hall, I heard a little of what he said before we walk in " I'm Mr. Walker manager, every question you all have will be the answer at the press conference".

The first thing I notice when we walked into the hall was the sitting arrangement with names on it. Four people per seat. We were sitting at Lilian and Danny's table. While Michael and Debby and his brothers were at our back. The Thomas and the Martins sat together while our host, the Thompsons, and my boss, the Meltons also sat together at the front.

Lilian tap me on the shoulder, just as the emcee was walking to the stage"How was the paparazzi outside?"

"Don't even go there"I scoff. "Why didn't you warn me about them"

"I'm sorry, it's escaped my mind, and have forgotten that the Thompsons are influential people" She apologizes to me as we turn to listen to the emcee.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," A young man with a silver mask said. "Let's put as hands together for our host Mr. and Mrs. Thompson". We all clap as Michael's parents walk to the stage. His mom was putting on a long maxi silver dress with a gold mask and shoes, she is very beautiful and his dad was looking handsome in a dark blue suit. It's my first time seeing his parents, though have seen them on television and newspaper.

"Thank you, Mr. Scott," Mr. Thompson said as he nods to the emcee who has stepped to the other side of the stage."Thank you, everyone, we appreciate your presence to grace our annual charity function"FEED THE NATION" which is very dear to my wife's heart". He then passes the mic to his wife.

"Thank you. Just as my husband has said, this function is very special to me. And I assure you that every of your donation will go a long way to give food to the needy. If you take a look at your table you will see an envelope with the information on how to make your various donations. Thank you".

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, for taking out time to care for the less privilege," The emcee said immediately he stepped back onto the stage. He brought out a handkerchief to wipe sweat from his face.

"I can't wait for this next agenda. You will love it, Ina".Lilian said as she whispers into my ear. Both Of the men were lost in conversation about wrestling. Men with sports!!. Michael was conversing with his two brothers, subtly glancing at me once in a while. Debbie was busy taking pictures on her phone.

"Now moving on to our next agenda, we are going to be listening to a song from our very own "Austin Walker". Lilian frown, I guess she wasn't expecting this to be the next agenda, just as Austin stood up and whisper into my ear" This song is for you" before kissing me making me blush, and couldn't help the smile that escapes my lips while Lilian was teasing me on how my face is like an overripe tomato. I subtly look at Michael to see him frowning and giving Austin a murderous look.

"Plan successful, " My subconscious said. I roll my eyes at her.

Austin's voice brought me back from my thoughts to hear him say" This song is dedicated to my one and only girl. I love you Nina Miller and I want you to know that you are the reason for my everything"

He started playing the piano and singing along

"There goes my heart beating Cause you are the reason. I'm losing my sleep, please come back now. There's goes my mind racing and you are the reason. That I'm still breathing, I'm hopeless now".

I was mesmerized by his voice, as he sang he kept his eyes on me and me only him. He gesture to come to him, I stood up slowly as I walk to meet him on the stage, he pulled me to his chest as he gazes into my eyes.

"I climb every mountain, swim every ocean, just to be with you and fix what has broken, oh oh cause I need you to see that you are the reason. There's goes my hand shaking and you are the reason, my heart keeps beating, I need you now. Cause you are the reason girl". He stops and kisses me passionately, bringing tears to my eyes. It feels so real. I want this with Michael. I heard the clicking of the camera as Austin guide me to our seat.

"Wow!! Girl, that was hot" Lilian said immediately we sat down, bringing colors to my face while I try to hide my face from her.

"You both look good together," Danny said as he held my hands across the table, earning a snort from Michael.

"Wow! Ladies and gentlemen. That was sensational!!" The emcee said as he stood at the stage giving me and Austin a wink. "Now to the next agenda, we'll have the auction" Lilian Stood up, dragging me to the stage, she was all smiling while I was confused. We stood between three other girls, Debbie included.

"The highest bidder tonight will get to open the dance floor with any of the ladies who won tonight. Good luck everyone"

The first girl to be bid on was "Lola" Austin's manager girlfriend. Mark and another guy I didn't recognize were both bidding until Mark won and Lola was given to him. That's when I got the hang of it, I blush and was suddenly shy. Austin and Michael were both staring at me. Austin with a gentle smile and a wink while Michael was expressionless his eyes boring holes in my body sending jittering through my veins. He suddenly smirks, immediately he senses what he's doing to me.

Lilian was next, she was sold for twenty-five thousand dollars to Danny. Leslie was sold to Victor for ten dollars while Debbie was sold to another person for fifteen thousand dollars because Michael chose that moment to receive an urgent call outside so he couldn't bid for her.

"And now finally ladies and gentleman. Our very own sensational queen for tonight, Miss Miller. What will the starting bid be?".

"Twenty thousand dollars," Michael said as he strolls to stand beside Austin earning a gasp from both his parents and the Meltons. While Debby was looking at me with disgust.

"Forty thousand dollars," Austin said as he smiled at me.

Everyone was quiet, as they were busy cursing me in their mind. While some of the Ladies were wondering what I have to make two of most New York eligible bachelors fight for me. I put my head down. I was embarrassed. I mean who bet so much money for a dance.

"Going is that all " The emcee said looking at Michael expectantly.

"One hundred thousand dollars" Michael call making everyone start whispering among themselves. The Meltons were annoyed, leaving the hall while the Thompsons ran after them. Mr. Thompson gave his son a hard look before following his wife outside.

"Wow!!. That's the biggest bid tonight. Nina is sold to ................................"

"One million dollars" Austin calls and I glare at him. He raised his hands surrendering while he looks at Michael challenging him to counter that.

Michael senses the shift in the atmosphere. He looks at his brothers who both shake their heads at him telling him not to say anything anymore. Debby has immediately run out when she heard the amount Austin has called. Michael backs down and strolls to his seat defeatedly.

"That's was so sensual. The highest bid tonight goes to Nina and Austin. Congratulations" He steps down from the stage just as one of Austin's songs starts playing. He walks to where I stood and held my hands as we dance.

"One million dollars is too much for a dance. Don't you think?. Austin?"

"One million dollars is not too much to feed the needy. Nina?. This is not about you. Is charity"

"But........................."

"No buts! Let's enjoy the dance that I pay a huge sum for" His face hardening slightly. I kept my mouth shut and continue dancing still Lilian and Danny join us, then the dance floor was filled with people.

I excuse myself from Austin to go to the washroom. Immediately I got there I met Debbie crying, I try to comfort her but she wouldn't allow me.....

"Let's go of me you flirt!" She cried loudly pushing me roughly to the wall.

"I didn't do anything to you. Why are you angry with me?"

"You didn't do anything. You know what stays. Away. From. Me" she grabs an empty bowl and fetches water from the tap, depositing it on me before she left the washroom smiling to herself.

I rush out to find Austin, only to be blocked by Michael who was standing at the washroom door.

"Step away Michael, I'm not in the mood to talk with you" I glare at him as I try to fight back tears that are threatening to fall. I don't want him to think that I'm weak.

"What happened to your dress" He sounds concerned as he stares at me taking in my overly drenched cloth. He made to remove his jacket for me but was stopped by Austin.

"Mr. Thompson, I'll suggest you keep your hands to yourself from now on. Nina is my girlfriend, and it's my duty to take care of her. Why don't you go comfort your wife to be".

Michael walks away sad and downcasted while Austin covers me with his jacket. He guides me outside to his car and drove us home.