Happy reading, Sade xx

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"Wow.." he breathed

CHARLOTTE tried to remain as unfazed as she could but on the inside she smirked as she saw Nicolas' reaction when she walked down the hallway into the living room and it was the exact one that she hoped she would get.

Nicolas De Luca, you're going to regret making me do this.

Red was the colour of vengeance and that matched her outlook on tonight. She decided on wearing a long satin red dress with a v shaped neckline, a low swooping back and thin straps on either arm. Her hair was styled in soft waves, parted at the side with a section pinned behind one ear. She kept her makeup soft and glowing by using shimmering gold hues and highlighting her collarbone and shoulders. Choosing to only to add a pop of colour on her lips in the form of a deep, sultry red and accentuating it by adding a highlight on her Cupid's bow as well.

"Let's not waste time, we have a gala to get to." She stated.

That snapped him out of his reverie, "Simon, bring the car around," he spoke into his mobile.

The ride the event was awkward to say the least, with Nicolas's constant fidgeting and neither of them making any attempts to converse with each other.

Pulling up to the gala Charlotte wasn't surprised to see one of their hotels as the venue but what did surprise her was the absence of the press outside. Something she was very appreciative of.

The Auberge was one of the De Luca's oldest hotels in the city and acts as a gallery of sorts, known for having pieces from prestigious artists. The architecture had Parisian influences with light colored exterior walls and tall Palladian windows line with black steel. It definitely stuck out like a sore thumb due to the fact that most of the buildings on the upper side of town were built to be more sleek and modern looking.

As they made their way towards the gala she was in awe of how beautiful the interior was. Nicolas must of seen her expression because when she turned she saw that his mouth morphed into a proud smile.

Nicolas extended his arm to Charlotte, who was very hesitant to take it. Both of them simultaneously took in a deep breathe as they crossed the doorway and made their way into the ballroom. It was immaculately decorated. The high ceilings had numerous light fixtures that were hung to accentuate the gigantic crystal chandelier that was situated in the center of room. The whole ballroom was trimmed with dark colours which were made more prominent with hints of gold. Not too much to make it look cheap and gaudy but just enough to give it an elegant sparkle.

The guests did not disappoint either, anyone could see the people who attended this gala had a pretty penny in their bank accounts. Men wore well tailored suits and women designer gowns of all styles and colours.

As people started to notice their presence the pair plastered on a bright smile and the facade began.

This was going to be a long night...

NICOLAS'S heart was beating at an erratic pace. Earlier the thought of Charlotte acting as his date was a comical idea which made him laugh, but now that the situation became a reality he could hardly stand it. Not only did they fail to come up with a backstory but almost everyone's gaze instantly fixated on her.

Damn her and her alluring presence.

A nearing waiter offered them both a glass of bubbly which he accepted and instantly gulped downed. Walking in further he saw both Sebastian as well as some older gentleman make their way towards the two. Luckily, Seb got to him first which caused the man to slow his pace and back away.

"Well, well. What do we have here ?" Sebastian said with an amused expression.

"Sebastian," he said sternly, "Don't make this into a bigger deal than it needs to be. Charlotte is merely here to do her job, which is to supervise me this evening." He explained.

"I was referring to your decision to wear a blue tux but if that's what you thought I was talking about then I guess I appreciate the explanation," he said making Charlotte giggle and Nicolas softly growl, "Charlotte, I must say you look absolutely captivating."

Charlotte thanked him as the trio made their way further into the room and much to Nic's dismay gaining more attention.

It was almost like God was spitting on him tonight, like he was being punished for all the wrong he's done through his entire life so far. It's like everyone suddenly got word of the arrival and hurried to catch a glance at them.

Is that what always happened when he entered a room or was it because Charlotte was with him?

Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, Wyatt Parker made his way towards them. His father Jason Parker owned their rival investment firm. Though Jason wasn't a bad person, only making a few remarks here and there; his son was a giant pain in the ass.

When they were younger Wyatt didn't really know where he fit in, being too young to play with Nicolas and too old for Max. Wyatt as someone that Nicolas could not stand. He always tried to beat Nicolas in everything, even though Nicolas could't care less about what he said or did.

"Nicolas, finally deciding to grace up with your presence ?" He questioned and Charlotte could already tell he would annoy her.

"Didn't know me not being here on time mattered so much to you. That excited to see me huh ?" Nic teased.

Wyatt carried most of the conversation based on that fact that a majority of the words spoken was about him, making sure to not so humbly mentioning how well their company was doing due to a large contract that they were about to secure.

"Anyways enough about how great my life's going, who is this gorgeous creature on your arm ? A new fling ?" he asked as he raked his eyes over Charlotte's entire appearance.

She felt a chill go through her whole body as this creep openly checked her out.

Nicolas on the other hand, felt a bubble of anger starting to form, "I'd like you to officially meet my girlfriend, Charlotte." He said as moved his arm that was hooked around her own to possessively around her waist.

As the words left his mouth Charlotte choked on the champagne she was sipping and Sebastian's eyes looked as wide as saucers.

Luckily for him, she was quite witty and recovered quickly, "Babe, I didn't know we were telling people about us yet."

"Trust me darling, when you come out looking like that it's vital for people to know that you belong to me." He said in a possessive tone while narrowing his eyes, which no doubt was directed at Wyatt and it was quite apparent that it worked as he visibly swallowed.

That was the complete opposite effect that it had on her. She felt her heart flutter a bit.

Damn it get your shit together, she thought to herself.

With that said Nic placed his hand on the small of her back and ushered them to a quieter area of the ballroom and importantly away from Wyatt. He wanted to slap himself for blurting that out and no doubt that Charlotte wanted to slap him as well.

"Uhm... What the hell ?" Sebastian expressed.

"I know that I shouldn't have said that. It came out before I could process what I was saying."

Just as she was about to give him a piece of her mind, she was interrupted by footsteps.

"Could I get some explanation as to why there's a rumor going around that my brother is here with his girlfriend. When did this happen and why have none of us met her before ?" That accusing voice belonged to Natalia, his younger and only sister. She stood in a gorgeous emerald green, sheath gown, no doubt one of her own designs accompanied by Max.

"Maybe it was to avoid a reaction like that," he deadpanned.

"Weren't you worrying about not having a date just a few hours ago ?" Asked Max suspiciously.

"A tactical response to simultaneously, get you off his case so that he can surprise you later on," replied Sebastian smugly.

"I'm Natalia, the lone pair of boobs among all of these di-"

"-And this is Max. Siblings meet Charlotte, Charlotte meet Natalia and Max." Nicolas interrupted Natalia's crude introduction.

After introductions ceased, they moved from the shady corner back to the gala and straight in his parent's gaze.

Great, he thought, one shitty situation to the next.

It seem like the crowd parted as three of the four De Luca children made their way to their parents. The two of them looked like the visual embodiment of a power couple. Enzo stood in a stance that screamed power with his arm leisurely draped around Isabelle's waist, he wore a classic black and white suite combination with his tie a striking royal blue colour that complimented his wife's gown which was the same colour. 

"Mama, did you know that Nickie has a girlfriend," Max stated as soon as they neared the pair. A tell tale sign that he was usually the one who snitched on him when they were young.

Isabelle looked shocked but it was quickly masked by an beaming expression while Charlotte could feel her cheeks heating and Nicolas just scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

Deciding to embrace the awkward situation she was in, Charlotte extended her hand towards his parents to introduce herself.

"Good evening Mr and Mrs De Luca, I'm Charlotte Stein." she politely greeted.

"Charlotte, a great pleasure but no need for the formalities, my name is Enzo and this is my wife Isabelle." His dad replied, "But seeing as you're now a part of the family you can just call us papa and mama." He said with a smirk that looked all too familiar.

"Papa !" Nicolas exclaimed in shock.

"Well figlio, this is the first time that you've introduced us to a girl and much less one with the title of your girlfriend. So I'm assuming that this one's special because she looks quite comfortable on you arm."

"Enzo leave the children alone !" Isabelle scolded in a playful manner.

Charlotte stood there as the family discussed what the program of the event switching between Italian and English. In this midst of the conversation she found out that Nicolas's elder brother Marco and his wife Stella were going to be late as their daughter, Allie, absolutely refused to go to bed.

She turned around and decided to take in the full essence of the sight before her. It's the small details that she loved. How the carvings of the arches in the door ways were painted two shades darker to make the pattern seem more intricate. She was busy examining the baubles on the chandelier when someone interrupted her.

"Charlotte, is that you ?"

Oh f*ck.

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Bet you didn't see that coming... or did ya ?!

I am so freaking sorry for this super late upload, which is why I'm literally up at 4:30 am uploading this !

My life has been super busy for the last week, with uni assignments and helping out my family with things.

I tried to make this chapter as funny and interesting as I could and I really that makes it up !!

Please feel free to comment and don't forget to vote if you've enjoyed reading 💖