I looked away, held on to Ethan's hands warmly, and allowed him walk me further into the crowd. Even though I couldn't see his face, I knew his gaze were fixated on me. He must have a lot of questions running through his mind.
The suprise was evident on his face, he wasn't expecting to see me here. I mean not in the midst of the elites. I am a nobody to him, so there's no way I would be in the midst of so many wealthy people.
I didn't care what he thinks of me right now. What matters is that we got a divorce, and I'm slowly trying to move on without him.
"Are you okay?" I heard, snapping me out of my reverie. I took a quick glance at Ethan next to me, and smiled.
"Don't worry about me, I'm okay. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening." I assured him, the smile still on my face. We are here to rub minds with people, have fun and enjoy the moment.
"Sure, let's look for others, I can't find them since we stepped into the venue." Ethan said.
I nodded, and just allow him drag me. I also haven't seen them since we walked inside. Father is way renown than you think, I am sure he must have met some of his friends.
The night drew closer, the banquet was still going on gracefully. People were having fun, discussing some of their achievements and company goals and initiatives.
I noticed some people staring in my direction, while some pointed towards me. They must have recognized me as Ryan's ex wife. I was accused of stealing, my pictures were all over the place, who wouldn't recognize me?
Just two weeks, and I am holding hands with another man. This will give them the impression that I didn't just steal from Ryan, I also cheated, which led to divorce.
I didn't come out to defend myself, but I had to let the world know I am not the thief I have been accused of being. My father made sure to eliminate everything that could lead to my recognition as Ryan's wife.
To ensure my anonymity, I took down several things on my end as well. I deleted all the pictures from my social media accounts and created a new profile using my father's name alongside mine.
You won't find any trace of my relationship with Ryan unless you already know we were married before getting a divorce.
"We were looking for you guys." Ethan said, as we stood infront of our parents. Before they could reply, the sound of the microphone got out attention.
"Good day ladies and gentlemen! I am glad you made it. It's certain an honor to have you all here." An elderly man announced, and everyone began to clap their hands. I recognize him as father's closest friend. He was at the house few days after the divorce.
I overheard their conversation about my marriage to Ryan. My father explained that the marriage simply didn't work, despite my best efforts. His statement put me at ease, and as a decent person, he did not press the matter further. Instead, they shifted their discussion to business.
He was the one who hosted this banquet for elites, which he does every three months of the year.
They come together to share their achievements, strengthen their relationships, and most importantly share updates that will achieve everyone.
And whenever he does, he doesn't invite just anyone. You need to be compelling and wealthy before you will be privileged to be invited.
"We are gathered here once again to have fun, share business ideas and spend time with each other." He continued, gaining whispers from the audience.
"Before anything further, I would like to introduce my good friend. There's something he needs to tell everyone here. Please let's welcome Mr.Fernandez." He pointed out, every one began to clap their hands, as father walked to the stage.
We all applauded as he stood on the podium, shaking hands before he took the microphone.
"Good day ladies and gentlemen, I hope everyone is enjoying their evening. We are gathered here once again to share ideas with friends and family. Before I proceed, I have an announcement to make. Someone very dear to my heart has joined us, and it's best I introduced them." His words made my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
The place erupted with murmurs as everyone looked behind, searching for the figure accompanying them today. I knew they were looking for me, but I didn't care. My eyes darted around the room, searching for Ryan, but I couldn't find him.
"Please welcome Ms. Emily Fernandez, my daughter and the heir of the Empire company." He announced prompting an increase in both applause and murmurs.
I smiled at him and walked to the podium. Standing beside him, he handed me the microphone with a slight nod.
As I scanned the crowd, my gaze landed on Ryan. A disturbing look crossed his face as he stared in my direction, distracting me at the worst moment.
I imagined he didn't believe I came from a wealthy family. Just because I had disguised my background to be with him didn't mean I adore his money.
"Thank you every one, I appreciate. It's a great pleasure being among you people today." I said as I watch Zara whisper something into his ears.
'You need to focus, you are the heir to a big company' my subconscious muttered. I snapped out of it, and pushed his thoughts aside.
"My name is Emily Fernandez, and I am the eldest daughter of the family. I have been away for a couple of years and wasn't interested in working, but now that I am back, I will be taking over Empire company."
The crowd continued to clap, I could feel they were all happy for me.
"I will introduce you to everyone here. Please come with me." The elderly man said from behind, prompting me to turn and look at him. I still don't know his name.
"Thank you" I handed the microphone my father and stepped down from the podium. He took my hands and pecked the back of it. Making me chuckle.
I could still feel Ryan's gaze on me. But I choose not to look in his direction. He must be curious, let his curiosity kill him.
As we walked, people greeted me and congratulated me, and pulled me into hugs. This continued until we came across a young, handsome man, and we halted in our tracks.
"Ms. Emily! This is Anderson, the founder of Whiff Wonder company, he is a perfumer." He introduced.
I outstretched my hands to shake him.
"Hello! It's a pleasure to meet you. I am a customer of your brand, and I must admit, you people are putting significant effort to make yourself standout."
I have never met the founder,but I am a fan of his brand. I love using the perfume from his company. I noticed he didn't say a word, instead he stare at me, checking me out from head to toe, before responding.
"You must be using the perfume collection, I can smell it on you." He said, thought I wasn't flabbergasted.
"Yes. it's one of my favorite, I love to use them whenever I have occasions to attend."
"Why don't you come over to the company, we will be launching new ones, I would love you to be the first to use it before it is launched."
"Oh my goodness! I will definitely be there. Thank you so much!" I responded with so much excitement.
"You are welcome!" He said, excused himself and walked into the crowd.
The figure continues to accompany me, I met numerous people until I got exhausted, and felt a little press.
Turning to him, I smiled. "Can I use the rest room? I will be back within some minutes."
"Alright please go ahead." He responded, before I stride to the direction of the restroom.