Avery's neck had become stiff from the amount of time he had to keep himself still for the hair stylists and makeup artist to work their magic.
"Oh my gosh!." The make-up artist— a young boy with blue hair— shrieked. "You look so lovely, can I click some photos of you to post on my Huddle account?" Avery nodded.
A few photos later— were the make-up artist directed Avery to pose— the make-up artist left and Avery was left alone with his thoughts.
He looked good, Avery admitted to himself as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror. The make-up was light and natural, the lipstick made his lips look softer and his emerald green eyes and freckles seemed to glow more vividly. No one would believe that he was ill, all the imperfections— dark circles, chapped lips, a few acne and sunken cheeks— were perfectly hidden and his golden brown locks was styled to perfection.
What wasn't hidden though was the nervousness and anxiety that buzzed through Avery's body, his engagement party was only a few hours away and the wedding just weeks away— everything was happening so fast.
If Tamara were here she would know the right thing to say, the right words that would just soothe his fears— jumping into marriage with a guy you met few weeks ago was scary— what if it didn't work out?
Breathe Avery. He couldn't afford to give himself an heart attack few hours to his engagement party.
He smoothened out the non-existent creased on his stunning emerald green suit with intricate golden embroidery that cost more than six figures. Each fabric, lace, and embroidery had been tailored to perfection, clinging to his frame like a second skin.
Avery's eyes darted to the ring that now rested on his finger— a stunning diamond solitaire set in platinum , engraved with the initials of their names and adorned with pavé diamonds— the weight felt solid and the sight of it still left Avery reeling.
Sloane had sent the ring yesterday and Avery had worn it himself ; certainly not the traditional style of going down on one knee and giving a heartfelt speech.
"Avery, are you ready?" Vicente's voice outside the door snapped him out his thoughts.
"Yes." Avery replied as he wished the nerves away.
The door was opened with a gentle click and Vicente entered the room. He looked younger— vibrant and happy— his greying golden brown hair was styled perfectly, brown eyes surrounded by laughter wrinkles and slightly red. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit with golden accessories, he stood proudly even as he supported his gait with a walking stick.
"You look stunning sunshine." Vicente placed a reverent kiss on Avery's forehead. "Just like your mother." He smiled.
"You clean up nicely old man." Avery laughed smoothing his grandfather's tie.
"Let's go, Amara has been blasting my phone wondering what on earth is keeping us." Vicente offered his arm for Avery to hold onto. "That woman is minutes away from coming to pick you up herself." He laughed.
**********
Crown Jewel was a luxurious hall mostly rented to celebrate wedding receptions, birthdays, engagement parties, galas, auctions and business parties. It was extremely expensive and hard to get a hall booked at Crown Jewel.
Today Crown Jewel was crawling with reporters and paparazzis, all clinging to their cameras and in a haste to make headlines.
Sloane Delaney— a former powerful Alpha who was once set for a path of glory but now disfigured and Amara Delaney's grandson was getting engaged to Avery Ford— a notorious Omega, a spoilt rich brat with a reputation for recklessness and widely known for his die-hard love confessions to Dylan Russell, Vicente's grandson.
The Delaney's and Emerson's had spared no cost for the engagement party. Crown Jewel's large LD screen featured a picture of Avery and Sloane wishing The #A and S pair 2025 a big congratulations on their engagement.
Celebrities, socialists, politicians and business moguls had been invited to celebrate with the new couple. Amara and Vicente had a wide connections, and had reached into them for the special day of their grandchildren. Those that had not been invited struggled to get invitations, hoping to rub shoulders with the top of the society. Those who had come to mock the couple and witness the ridiculous affair were left stunned by the sheer luxury of the event.
"This is intimidating." Avery watched the reporters clicking photos of the guests as though it was a red carpet show. It seemed like a grandiose show of wealth— each person dressed in silk and alighting from luxury cars.
"There's nothing intimidating about it, you will get used to it." Vicente said. "Just walk, pose and ignore their questions."
"They are here for you Avery, you own the event, so just act like you own it." Vicente smiled. "Ready to go?"
"As ready as I will ever be." Avery smiled despite the anxiety that creeped up his spine.
The moment Vicente's car drove into view, all cameras turned to them, the sounds of shutters going off rapidly and the blinking lights could intimidate anyone.
The driver stepped out first and opened the car door for Vicente, the cameras turned to him and he smiled with a practiced ease ignoring the rapid fire questions.
The driver opened the car door for Avery next, and the reporters like shark seeing blood all turned to him. He felt intimidated under the camera flashes and the questions he couldn't even understand, he struggled to maintain a stiff smile. If the security wasn't in place, he was sure the reporters would be tearing into him by now.
"Mr Ford look over here."
"Mr Ford over here."
"Look here."
"Mr Ford how did you and Mr Delaney meet?"
"Is it true your grandfather is forcing you to marry Mr Delaney to secure a business alliance?"
"Are you in love with Mr Delaney?"
"Is it true you jumped off a building for Mr Russell?"
Vicente held his arm and the security cut through the reporters.
"Breathe." Vicente's words did little to alleviate the queasy feeling in his stomach. Avery felt overwhelmed and nervous and he was sure the picture of him in the papers would look sick and green.
"You did great." His grandfather's words did little to alleviate his worry but he squeezed his hand in a silent thanks.
Amara Delaney stood by the door, she was a sight to behold, draped in luxury— she was dressed in a sophisticated ball gown elegance. The silk olive green gown seemed to catch the light and glow like stars, it was crafted exquisitely with intricate embroidery and satin ribbon accents. Stunning gold jewelleries adorned her neck, ears and wrist. Her fiery red locks were styled into a half up-do, and her gold plated heels shined like stars.
Avery's eyes didn't linger on her for long, because it wa a stolen away by Sloane who was beside her. His red locks were styled perfectly, framing his sharp and elegant features. The white masks seemed to add an aura of mystery to him. His eyes held a deep piercing look and he was dressed in an olive green suit with golden embellishments.
Avery's eyes lingered slightly on Sloane's cufflinks, which were a replica of his— intricately crafted and engraved with their initials.
"Avery darling, you look stunning." Amara smiled as she hugged him, the cameras clicked continuously but Avery felt less tense.
"You're the one stealing the show, when it's my engagement party." Avery smiled warmly and Amara laughed.
"You look amazing." Avery had heard the words a hundred times today, but something about Sloane's compliment made his cheeks feel hotter.
"Thanks." He managed to say smoothly, thankful that he hadn't made a fool of himself. "You look great too." Sloane smiled and Avery averted his gaze almost shyly, Amara noticed— if the way she smirked knowingly was anything to go by.
They posed for a couple of pictures together, before they went inside, were the real party awaited.