Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles ~

Saturday

5:49 PM

Emma is in the car which Charlie sent to pick her up from the styling salon.

She is extremely nervous and trying not to think about what is waiting for her in the next few hours.

Earlier this week she had two appointments with the designer who makes custom evening gowns. Once to get her measurements and the second time for fitting.

The gown Emma is wearing is sleeveless with a V-neck opening which does not show her cleavage, just how she likes it. It hugs her body all the way to her ankles, and it has a slit on the side which starts halfway up her thigh. The light blue color of the silky smooth fabric is embellished with numerous sparkly gemstones and Emma must admit that it fits her perfectly and it looks great.

Her hair is falling in soft curls while her sides are braided and pulled at the back. She likes the hairstyle, it makes her look like a fairy. For an added touch of wow-effect, the hairstylist added red highlights to her warm brown hair so now her hair color dramatically clashes against the soft blue of her dress, making it look like it\'s on fire.

Emma knows that she looks amazing. But she is nervous. Besides the driver, she is by herself, going to a party where she does not know anyone other than Charlie. What will she do there? How will she find him? What if she enters the room full of people, but Charlie didn\'t arrive yet? Will Charlie stay by her side the whole evening? What will she do when someone approaches them? Smile and look pretty?

She is a social person who easily makes friends, but this group of people are not normal people. They are part of the circle she does not belong to, just like all those girls who came to visit Charlie in his villa while she was staying there… Oh, God! Those women will be there! Emma inhaled with difficulty. Suddenly she wishes that she does not know anyone there. With any luck, no one will recognize her because whenever Charlie had visitors, Emma stayed in her room... mostly.

"We are here, Miss…", driver\'s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She didn\'t realize that the car stopped in front of the huge mansion.

Emma was startled when the door opened on its own and a big relief washed over her when she saw Charlie extending his arm to help her out.

"You are breathtaking.", Charlie murmured before planting a light kiss on her cheek.

Emma blushed and smiled.

"You look great as well…", she returned the compliment. Emma thought that he is much more than handsome. His dark blue suit fits him perfectly and even though she saw many male models up-close while hanging around Ellie, Emma is confident that Charlie is the best-looking man she ever laid her eyes on. And he smells great.

He placed her hand around his to rest on his forearm.

"Don\'t be tense. I will not leave your side.", Charlie said while they walked inside and added: "And we can leave anytime you wish."

Emma responded with a small nod.

Charlie is elated. Emma joined him. The most wonderful woman in the world didn\'t reject him, and she is by his side, holding onto his arm.

Charlie knows that Emma is not comfortable and that she is doing this only because of him, and he is grateful. He will make sure that he stays by her side and supports her until she realizes that she is so much above anyone present in that room ahead.

As they made their way inside, Emma observed the luxurious décor of the huge mansion. Everything around her screams: money.

From a long hallway they entered a massive open area. It seems that this mansion comes with a ballroom. Emma looked up and observed eight gigantic crystal chandeliers.

Charlie put his hand over hers and she looked at him. Ah, his smile lights up the room much better than all those expensive light fixtures which are hanging from the ceiling.

Emma looked around and faced people. Many, many people… some of them were looking their way and she saw few of them are gesturing to their companions to turn that way as well. Emma felt that her hair is standing on ends.

"Relax…", Charlie spoke softly close to her ear.

Emma realized that she is clutching his forearm.

"So many people are looking this way.", she admitted the reason behind her anxiousness.

"They are looking at the beauty by my side.", he said with a smile and then frowned slightly. "Stay close to me, I will not allow any of those rascals to take you away."

Emma stifled a laugh. Charlie can do that… make her relax.

As they walked toward the destination unknown to her, Emma remembered tips that Penny gave her: "Straighten your back. Look uninterested, lift your chin arrogantly, ignore everyone… The more you do that, the more they will think you are of some noble background."

Well, she almost got them all. Her back is straight, and she is ignoring everyone other than Charlie… her chin is lifted because she is looking at the handsome man by her side. But the uninterested part is not possible because Charlie is definitely making her interested.

"Uncle…", Charlie called when they approached a group of older men.

"Charlie, my boy!", Jarred\'s voice boomed, as usually.

"Emma dear, I\'m glad you accepted to accompany this cheeky child.", Jarred said while glancing at Charlie. "He told me that if you are not coming, he is not coming either..."

Emma and Charlie exchanged glances and his small smile told Emma that Jarred is telling the truth.

"Hi, Mr. Smith…", Emma greeted Jarred. She saw him more than once and they are familiar with each other.

"You kids should have fun.", Jarred told them and added: "Charlie, don\'t forget that Dylan is trying to talk to you for more than a week. He will not miss tonight\'s opportunity."

Charlie thanked his Uncle for the warning and two of them walked away, leaving Jarred with men who were now discussing how Charlie is able to walk.

Charlie and Emma approached the table which is lined up with a variety of luxurious bite-sized food.

"Do you want me to get you something?", Emma asked Charlie. She is used to get things for him.

Charlie smiled. "Tonight, allow me to serve you." He glanced over the table and took a plate.

Emma watched Charlie while he focused on the food in front of him and his expression clearly showed if his sight fell on something he likes or not.

"May I recommend roasted fig with honey and chilies?", he asked while hovering it in front of her mouth.

She glanced at the food between his fingers and then around nervously.

"You should not care if anyone is watching. Your only concern should be if this is too spicy."

"I\'m not afraid of spicy.", Emma said and opened her mouth.

Emma smiled when a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sticky and spicy spread through her mouth.

"Good?", he asked while licking his fingers. A second later he made a face. "It is spicy."

Emma laughed. "As a man you should take it with a straight face.", she teased him.

"Are you saying that my face is not straight?", he asked while still grimacing slightly.

Emma observed that there is a number of spicy figs on the plate Charlie is holding.

"Why did you pick food with chilies if you don\'t like spicy?"

"Because I know you like it.", he responded with a sly smile which widened when he saw Emma blush.

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