Chapter 96 - Ninety-six : Yes, I Will (2/2)

”Of course not” I clasped his face and stretched the skin playfully ”How could my good looking honey pie be overbearing? Though he can be stubborn and annoying sometimes but I love him ”

Everyone at the table froze,Niklaus included.

Was I not supposed to say that? Why were they staring at me like I did an abominable thing?

Thankfully the tension was eased when a staff approached Niklaus and whispered something into his ears and he nodded in response.

Niklaus stood up from his seat.

”Where are you going? ” I was surprised, was he running away just because I playfully said I loved him.

”The auction has ended, I need to make a speech ” He told me and I looked across the stage, only to discover the auctioneer was already summarizing.

The auction was really over ? I was so immersed in this discussion of ours that I became oblivious to the world around me.

” Alright, ” I said and released him.

”I'll be back ” He pecked me on the cheek and left with the staff.

”You're really bold and lucky ” Ahmed commented as soon as he left.

I glanced up confused ” I don't understand ”

Izzy released a bored expression ” In one word, he's trying to say my father doesn't do love ”

Emily gestured her head towards Isabella ” Her mother was the only one he ever loved ”

But Isabella sneered ”Love my ass”

Ahmed chuckled at her drama ” You sure look a lot like your father, just pray you don't turn out to be like him or break his record of leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake ” he pointed out but Isabella wasn't pleased with his words.

”Trust me, I'm nothing like that man ”

”Sure, you're more than ” I mumbled under my breath.

”Hey, stop crucifying my brother! ” Emily warned, specifically at Ahmed ”He might have been a player but he was a good one, he did tell all the girls from the very beginning what they were getting themselves into! ” she justified his actions.

”But you can't control your feelings, they spring up on their own, ” I said to them.

”Yep, tell that to one of the models he literally exiled to the Caribbean when she confessed her love for him ” Ahmed said jovially but it didn't sound funny to me.

Emily scratched her head, recalling slowly ”I think he almost did the same to that actress called Lisa or something If she hadn't been under Eden ”

My blood chilled at once, had I made a mistake?

”But don't worry ” Emily waved it away when she saw the apprehension that took over me ”Since he hasn't sent you packing, you're clearly an exception ”

Emily tried to cheer me up but it made me all the more nervous. Is that why he didn't give me a clear reply earlier when I confessed to him?

Izzy yawned ”Let's hope it lasts ”

”Thank you ladies and gentleman for honouring the invitation tonight ” Niklaus's voice boomed across the ballroom through the microphone.

I glanced up, he was standing on the podium and giving a speech.The spotlight focused on him and it made soberly made me realize the difference in our statues .

Up there he looked like a leader, a king that could only be watched but not touched.

I tried to deny it but perhaps there was some atom of truth in Tina's words; there was too big a difference between the both of us.

”On behalf of Spencer Group, I am very grateful for your continual support towards this great cause ”

Niklaus went on ” We all came from different parts of the world but gathered this evening to make a

great impact on the lives of orphans, vulnerable children, young people living with life-threatening conditions and people surviving below two dollars a day.

”And I would assure you that every proceeds made from this valuable donations would go to charity and towards making life liveable ”

His speech won a round of applause from the audience and he had to pause for the celebratory sounds to die off.

”Now before I drop this microphone, I would like to make a special announcement ” he said drawing a hushed whispers from the crowd.

”I'm sad yet happy to announce that I would be off the eligible bachelor's  list this year ”

There was a shocked gasp from the people but I think I was more shocked.

Is Niklaus about to propose? Oh my God, I began to fan myself. This was totally unexpected, I wasn't even prepared; he took me by surprise.

”Yes,I would be getting married to a very special woman who is also here with us tonight ”

Once he said that, people began to look around curiously. I felt heated gazes on me which was brief thankfully cause Niklaus continued.

”Tigress, you should know I'm not good with words so I'm going to go straight to the point. Will you marry me? ”

Niklaus asked and knelt down on one kneel right there, waiting for my reply.

My heart was pounding against my chest, did Niklaus just propose to me?

I was nervous having known I'll walk up the stage just to give him an answer. I already knew all eyes would be on me.

But just as I stood up , I heard a reply boom from the microphone

” Yes, I will ”

I froze, then with excruciating slowness looked up only to see Tina pull Niklaus to his feet abruptly and kissed him right on the lips infront of the audience and the flashing camera lights.

Almost immediately a clap came from behind, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Adam - he was clapping enthusiastically.

Suddenly he was followed by Eden and the next, the whole crowd joined in the joyous applause while Niklaus stood stiff as Tina kissed him and I hightailed it out of the ballroom inbetween sobs.