Chapter 13 - The Grand Entrance (1/2)

”You didn't say an exact time,” Claire says as Mr. Gabriel Tan helps her up. ”So technically I'm not late.”

Gabriel Tan shakes his head. He looks at her weirdly, as though he's seeing her for the first time. ”That black dress looks good on you. That Balenciaga hag did something right, this time.”

”Oh, thank you,” Claire mutters, suddenly feeling self-conscious. It is only now that she realizes what a sėxy outfit this is, yet regal at the same time. The dress shows some skin, but only enough to excite the imagination. Claire feels as though she's royalty from a far-away kingdom who has come to visit.

When she's finally able to fully stand up, Mr. Tan offers his hand. She looks at it for a moment, uncertain of what to expect.

”Come on,” Mr. Tan says. ”I won't bite.”

Cautiously, still convinced that there must be a catch with this show of good behavior, Claire takes Mr. Tan's arm and allows him to lead her down the red carpet. Camera flashes go in a frenzy. Reporters throw them all sorts of questions.

”Who is she, Gabriel? Is she your new fiancée?”

”What happened to Belladonna? Did you dump her?”

”Does your mother know about this new girl?”

”What changes can the world expect from TXCI now that you have a new inspiration?”

Claire is utterly bewildered with all these questions. What fiancée? Who's Belladonna? And why is Gabriel Tan treating her as though she's not his personal ȧssistant? What game is he playing this time? Is this a new level of craziness?

”What's happening,” she finally manages to mutter, but her voice is drowned out by the noise of the crowd.

Gabriel is looking ahead, trying to ignore all the cameras and the questions. At one point, he just says, ”No!” and ”No comment!” and then ”Yes, she is my new fiancée.”

”What did you just say?” Claire's curiosity and confusion is hitting an all-time high by now. ”What fiancée? Are you referring to me?”

Still, Gabriel continues leading her down the red carpet and into the waiting double-doors of the Palace. He's not speaking, just soldiering forward, acting like the gentleman he wants to appear to be. When they arrive at the door, they are greeted by a long line of servants and other guests who acknowledge their—or just his—presence.