Chapter 113: Chapter 113 In her place While Caden’s marriage was falling apart, Mason was unaware and currently having the best time of his life with Gianna.
They had both met each other’s families and so far, they were both well received.
Though, nothing could have possibly stopped them if any of their families had disapproved of them though.
Tonight, they were attending Mason’s mother birthday celebration.
There was a line of expensive cars heading up the driveway of his family’s mansion. Long, pale pink paper lanterns hang over the drive and as they inch closer in Mason’s Maybach.
Gianna could see they were everywhere.
In the early evening light, they look magical, as if they were entering an enchanted kingdom. She glanced at Mason. How suitable for her prince and her childish excitement bloomed, eclipsing all other feelings.
Mason leaned closer framing her face in his hands as if she was as precious as the air he breathes.
"You look really beautiful, baby.” He had been telling her how beautiful she looked since he had picked her up from her apartment.
She had took her time in getting dressed, making sure that he’ll be all eyes on her throughout the party.
The driver pulled into the driveway and got down from the car together.
Gianna’s heartbeat lurched thinking about the party, there would be so many people. She didn’t know Mason’s family was quite influential until recently.
Sensing her inner meltdown, Mason held her hands and caressed them gently.
"You know being nervous isn’t your thing right? You’re my badass woman.” He said, winking at her.
Gianna smiled.
The valets opened the doors.
"Ready?"He asked.
“Yes.”
"My nervous goddess"He kissed her hand and exit the car.
"I’m not nervous"She snapped.
He laughed.
That was more like her.
A dark green carpet ran along the lawn to one side of the house leading to the impressive grounds at the rear. Mason had a protective arm around her, resting his hand on her waist as they followed the green carpet with a steady stream of elites dressed in their finery and wearing all manner of jewelries, the lanterns lightning the way.
Two photographers marshal guests to pose for pictures against the backdrop of an ivy-strewn arbor.
"Mr Smith.” One of the photographers called.
Mason nodded in acknowledgement and pulled her close as they pose quickly for a photo.
"Two photographers?"She asked Mason.
"One is from the LA Times,the other is for a souvenir. We’ll be able to buy a copy later"
Oh, her pictures would be in the press.
At the end of the line, white-suited servers held trays or glasses brimming with champagne.
Mason passed her a glass effectively distracting her from her thoughts.
They approached a large white pergola hung with a smaller versions of the paper lanterns.
Beneath it, shone a black and white checkered dance floor surrounded by a low fence with entrances on three sides. At each entrance stood two elaborate ice sculptures of swans.
The fourth side of the pergola was occupied by a stage where a string quartet was playing softly, a haunting ethereal piece that she didn’t recognize.
Taking her hand, Mason led her between the swans onto the dance floor where the other guests are congregating, chatting over glasses of champagne.
Towards the shoreline stood an enormous Marquee, open on the side nearest to them so she could glimpse the formally arranged tables and chairs.
There were so many!
"Mason, my dear Gianna." A man began walking in on them.
it was Mason’s father.
“Good evening, Dad.”
“Good evening, Mr Smith"
"I told you before, as my son’s wife-to-be, you can just call me dad as well.” He scolded.
Well, his son was yet to propose.
Gianna smiled politely and then said.
“Sorry, Dad"
Mr Smith smiled and then engaged them in a hearty conversation. They then went to say hello to the celebrant.
As they ate the party’s scrumptious meal, Gianna glanced up, she saw a woman sitting on another table looking stunningly beautiful.
As they ate the party’s scrumptious meal, Gianna glanced up, she saw a woman sitting on another table looking stunningly beautiful.
But the woman was staring daggers at her.
Mason followed her eyes and saw who she was looking at.
“That’s Rosalie. Her parents and mine are long term friends.” He said.
Gianna eyed him. “Is that all?”
"Well, she kind of had a thing for me before but I promise you, nothing happened and I’ve never felt anything for her except friend.”
"It’s okay. I trust you, Mason.” She said, smiling.
"Good, I think we’ve gone past the stage of being bothered by irrelevant people.”
Gianna nodded in agreement.
"I can’t wait to leave this party.” He whispered, his lips brushing against her ear, making her breath hitched.
"Me too"
"May I have this dance,my lady?" Mason requested stretching out his hand to her.
She scowled and took his arm.
"Sure, my man"
They joined the other couples on the dance floor.
The familiar strains of "I’ve got you under my skin" filled the air.
Mason smiled down at her, took her hand in his arms and started to move.
Oh! He danced so well, making it easy to follow.
They continue to grin at each other as he whirled her around the dance floor.
"I love this song.” Mason murmured gazing down at her. “Seems very fitting.” He was no longer grinning, but serious.
"You’re under my skin too.” She responded.
He pursed his lips but he was unable to hide his amusement.
"My darling.” He admonished.
He grinned lazily, his arm curling around her waist as he started to sway more.
She placed her free hand on his shoulder and smiled up at him, caught in his infectious, playful mood.
In no time, they felt as if they were the only ones in the party.
He was totally beguiling,band she was completely bewitched.
Boy! can he dance...whirling and turning in time to the music and made it so effortless for her to follow.
Twirling her around and back to his arms, she felt like his queen. He always made her feel that way.
Rosalie stared the huge grin on Mason’s face as he danced with that woman.
She refused to believe that he was finally in a serious relationship.
He couldn’t and should never fall in love with anyone else.
Mason was made for her...for only her, Rosalie.
. **********
Almost an hour later, Gianna was trying to get along with a lady who claimed they were friends in college. She tried to play along though she couldn’t remember her.
She glanced around, Mason was speaking with his father and two other men.
Rosalie came over and walked right behind her.
Gianna gasped as Rosalie tripped a little.
She thought Rosalie was going to fall but she didn’t and Gianna was surprised at her near tumble.
"Oops.” Rosalie said. “I’m clumsy tonight. I’m so sorry. My drink went on your dress"
Gianna looked around and the back of her dress has a big wet patch on the bottom from Rosalie’s champagne.
It will smell like a wine bar after a Friday night if she didn’t do something about it.
She just gritted her teeth and replied. “Nevermind. I’ll just go and give it a quick sponge" With that, Gianna walked away.
She located an empty bedroom and took off the dress.
She sighed thankful it was really just champagne and not red wine. She could deal with that.
She sponged it down and used the hair-dryer on the low setting and it looked fine when she put it back on.
She felt as if Rosalie deliberately tried to ruin her night.
Was she trying to fight her because of Mason?
Gianna scoffed.
If that woman pisses her off again, she’d put her in her place!