Chapter 12 - The Gold, Black And White Gala {}

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Chapter 12 - The Gold, Black And White Gala

I clutched Brandon's arm as we walked down the red carpet that was set out. I tried to smile and look as confident as possible but being in the arms of the world's most eligible bachelor came with gaining a lot of attention. Both positive and negative attention.

And I mean a lot!

Attention from the media, the press, and the journalists all of who are trying to figure out what 'relationship' I possessed with the bachelor. At one point I wanted to wave my hand and just say "His girlfriend Duh!" but Brandon made me promise that I would keep my mouth shut as the stories they would publish would be harsh. Knowing how much of a soft-hearted person I was, I would not be able to handle it so I just took his advice.

I also got attention from women I'd never seen or even met before. They would stare at me as if they wanted me to drop dead. They probably did. Most of them had envious looks on their faces and some had dreamy faces as they stared at Brandon clearly unaware of how tightly our hands were clutched together. There were also the women who would just look at me and roll their eyes as if they were just better. In ways they totally were. They most likely came from super-rich backgrounds and just the gum they chew would probably cost me an entire outfit.

"Don't let them bother you, Ash," Brandon whispered in my ear as we continued to smile at everyone and walk down the carpet. I found it endearing how he noticed the small things.

"I won't," I said, audibly swallowing. In my mind, they were already bothering me and making me feel small. I felt like that one annoying mosquito that buzzes around your head as you are trying to sleep and just won't leave you alone. They made me feel as though I didn't deserve to be Brandon's girlfriend. 

I shook my head with an internal frown. I deserved to be his girlfriend just as much as the other girls did. I possessed everything they did. I had no reason to feel inferior, I convinced myself continuously.

I looked around the room and smiled. The colors were all gold, black and white. The tables were beautifully decorated and in the center stood a shiny gold candle that was lit. The plates all had gold outlines around the ends and in the center of each of the plates, there was a black napkin. The cutlery was meticulously placed and the glasses were filled to the brim with red wine. There were golden bows around the glass, decorating it.

The room had golden, black, and white draperies hanging across. The tables had black tablecloths and the chairs had golden seat covers.

"It's immaculate," I breathed out looking around in absolute awe.

"Just like you, Ash," Brandon whispered and kissed my head.

"Thank you," I said and smiled.

I wore a golden dress that hugged my entire body flowing tightly down and flared out at the bottom, like a mermaid tail. My right arm was bare while my left arm was covered in golden lace that was non-itchy, thank goodness. I had paired the spectacular dress with a pair of golden heels that were just as sparkly as the dress itself.

My hair had been done by a professional hairdresser and she had left it loose and then added some curls to add volume to my hair. She then had done my make-up beautifully and my lipstick was a beautiful red that actually suited my skin tone. That was a surprise to me too.

"I'll be up to give a speech soon so just stay here and I will come to find you. Deal?" Brandon asked smiling at me.

I nodded, "Deal."

I sat at the table and watched as Brandon marched up confidently to the stage and began to say his speech that he had obviously learned by heart. I caught Lissa's and Melanie's eyes and they both gave me a thumbs up. I smiled. Lissa winked as Brandon made his way back to sit right next to me.

"How was the speech?" Brandon asked resting his heavy arm on my shoulder.

"I loved it!" I grinned, "I'm super proud of you babe," I smiled at him as he grinned back.

"Earth to Brandina!" Alessio said snapping his fingers between us and in Brandon's face.

"Alessio! I told you not to call me that!" Brandon huffed and ran a hand through the mop of his dark hair.

"Until your sister stops calling me 'Sio' will I consider not calling you Brandina in public," Alessio said and laughed mischievously.

Brandon rolled his eyes, "What do you want anyway?"

"I need advice. Ah, Ashley, you look amazing but I feel as though I need a private minute with my best friend here so I'm going to steal him for a while. Your boyfriend will be back soon!" Alessio called as he ushered Brandon away.

I waited for a few minutes but when Brandon didn't return I headed over to where I spotted Melanie.

"Hey girl!" She greeted me with a smile.

"How has the night been so far?" I asked her.

"I have super exciting news by the way! You won't believe who is finally coming here!" Melanie squealed.

"Who?" I asked trying to match her enthusiasm.

"My brother!" She announced as I squealed.

"I'm super excited. I mean I totally love him!" I said and Mel smiled.

"Who do you love?" Brandon asked making me jump out of fright and turn around to face him.

"Um... Mel's brother?" I replied but it came out as more of a question as I observed his tight jaw.

"Ah. I see," He said and stormed off.

"What was all that about?" I asked confused.

"You're an idiot!" Melanie hissed.

"Huh?" I said.

"You just told your boyfriend that you love another guy that is not related to you!" Mel explained.

"Oh, but your brother is! I mean I love him like my very own brother," I replied.

"Yes, Ashley I know. What I'm saying is Brandon doesn't know that so he obviously now thinks that you don't love him or something." Mel lectured.

"Oh no!" I gasped as realization hit me in the face like a train at full speed.

"Yeah! Now, what are you going to do?" Mel asked looking panicked.

"I don't know! I'm not good at this relationship stuff!" I protested scanning the room, "Melanie this is your fort! Help me out here!" I begged.

"I don't know what to do!" Mel answered.

"What are you guys talking about?" Lissa asked joining us with a drink in her hand.

"Ashley over here told your brother dearest that she loved my brother and Brandon took it the wrong way!" Melanie hurriedly explained.

"Agh, that idiot is always overreacting over nothing!" Lissa laughed.

"Why are you laughing?" I whined, "This is kind of a serious matter," I said.

"I'm aware of that. I know my brother is probably cooling off somewhere. Give him some time to put the puzzle pieces together," Lissa advised as she smiled and clinked our glasses together.

"Are you certain?" I asked her.

Lissa nodded her head, "Certainly!" She responded before downing the entire glass in one gulp.

Hey All!

Ash: the author is whipped

Alessio: Yeah she obviously forgot about me and Mel

Mel: Yeah!

Author: Haha Never!

Alessio: Alright, I am going to go ahead and say my line now.

Author: Go for it!

Alessio: If you enjoyed this chapter please make sure you vote and comment your thoughts about this book in the comment section.

Everyone: See you next update!!

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