Novel Full Chapter 243
243 Festivities
“Of course, it is. Come this way…” Ace said.
I felt the warmth of his comforting touch on my elbow as he helped support me. The walk felt so long but we finally reached the round table where I could take a seat.
“If you need to greet your guests, you can go ahead. Just leave me here, I’ll be fine…” I said with a smile.
“No need. I’m pretty much done with that. Plus, the main part of the event is about to start,” Ace said as he sat down next to me.
The seats at the round table were still empty and there was no one else there except for us. However, it didn’t take long for the other people to arrive at the table. Although I should have expected it, I was still surprised when Ace’s father appeared and took a seat at the same round table that we were. A few other people that seemed to be his father’s VVIP guests joined him at the table.
“This is Karina, my personal secretary,” Ace introduced me smoothly.
“It is a pleasure to meet you…” I replied as politely as I could.
Thankfully, the lights dimmed and all I could see were the people seated at our table. Suddenly, a few spotlights came on and my attention was drawn to the large stage in front of us where a beautiful woman walked elegantly onto the stage.
“Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to one of the most special parties hosted by Jessen’s and Hill’s. Of course, this is a party to celebrate our CEO, Ace’s birthday!” the announced cheerfully.
…..
Loud cheers filled the venue all around us as all the excited guests clapped and cheered. It started to feel more like a birthday party as the overall atmosphere became exciting and celebrative. I found myself clapping along with the other guests. The host quickly announced the first show which would be a mini concert from one of the most famous bands. I had to say that even though I wasn’t that into music, I knew some of their songs.
Many guests made their way to the dance floor in front of the stage to get the party started and then the band began to play their hit songs. The music was loud and it was hard to have any kind of conversation with Ace even though he was sitting right next to my side. The mini-concert lasted for around half an hour and then the event moved on to the second segment of the performance which involved dance showcases. 𝒃𝒆𝙣𝒐𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎
“You seem to be enjoying the dance shows more than the band,” Ace said from my side.
“I guess. The band was great, but the music was too loud for my tastes,” I replied with a smile.
“I didn’t choose the band…” he muttered.
“I didn’t think that you would have…” I replied before I flashed him another smile.
Whomever the company had hired to organize the event probably chose the band and everything else along with it. I doubted that Ace would have the time to pick and choose anything although this event was supposed to be his birthday party. The dance segment had many interesting performances, but the best part was that the music wasn’t too loud and I could still share some conversations with Ace while we watched the performance together.
After the dancers left the stage, the same beautiful host came back on and announced the next segment to the event. I felt her eyes glancing briefly in the direct of our table before she took in a deep breath to announce the next segment.
“Now, what everyone has undoubtedly been waiting for…” the host began announcing the next agenda.
Everyone cheered even louder than before and applauded when the host called up Ace’s father to give a speech. I thought that this was to be expected as I watched Ace’s father take the stage before he stood behind the podium and adjusted the microphone a little.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you very much for joining us tonight on this special day to celebrate my son’s birthday. As everyone is probably already aware, my son has always been my pride and joy. Although there were some unexpected delays, everything truly came together when Ace decided to take the position of CEO for our company. Many of you here must have had the opportunity to interact and work with Ace already and I am sure that he is taking our company to greater heights…” he said as he beamed proudly at the crowd.
I felt Ace stiffen a little at my side and I could tell that he wasn’t quite comfortable to hear his father speaking this way about him. I wasn’t sure if he was uncomfortable for being praised so directly in public or if it was because of the strained relationship that he has with his father.
“He’s really praising you…” I whispered to Ace.
“All he ever cares about is work…” he muttered back with clear irritation.
With that remark, I began to realize that everything that his father was talking about had something to do with work and probably had something to do with the promotion of the company and its work rather than personally complimenting Ace or wishing me any well wishes in the event of his birthday. Sadly, it seemed like this event is indeed nothing more than a business event to promote and advertise the services of Jessen’s and Hill’s.
“What an excellent speech…” someone said quite loudly.
The speech came to an end, and everyone applauded very loudly. To them, the speech must have sounded amazing for sure. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought the exact same way. The host took the stage again while Ace’s father made his way down from the stage. It seemed like the event was ready to progress to the next segment. While I was wondering what kind of performance lay in store for us, the host approached the microphone and smiled at the audience.
“Next is the absolute highlight of tonight because we will have the person who we have gathered here tonight to celebrate come up here and give a speech of his own. May I please invite Ace to share some words with all of us!” the host announced enthusiastically.
–To be continued…