Chapter 40
The most awaited day just came. The day of our engagement party... The very special day in which it will be announced publicly that the Zendejas and Saavedra's companies will merge, so are we... Evan and I.
I don't know how to describe how I feel at this moment. The thought of getting engaged officially is still trying to sink in my head. The media will sure cover it and will announce it in live broadcast. Everything feels surreal but after the conversation I had with Evan last night, I knew that I am ready.
I feel nervous and excited at the same time. I realized that those are the feelings that has been eating me up early in the morning. I can see the happiness in my parents' eyes. They tried to talk to me and congratulate me but all the words they say are just not sinking in my head.
I am really nervous even though I already accepted my fate.
Time passed by so fast. Before I even realized it, I am already wearing the elegant dress that was given to me by Aunt France- Mrs. Czarina Zendejas' friend. I am looking at my reflection in front of the mirror while there is a hair stylist behind me who are fixing my hair.
I am completely in awe while looking at my own reflection in the mirror. Risha Nathalie Saavedra, is that even you? I smiled a bit and sighed heavily. I am wondering what will happen in my life after the engagement, after our upcoming marriage.
I will be a Zendejas soon and that can't be stopped. I just got the information from my parents that the Zendejas family will announce that Evan and I will get married by next month. I can't believe that the wedding will happen faster than I thought.
I do feel that they are really rushing the wedding. As if I will have a change of heart if they don't do so... Or as if Evan will escape if they prolong everything.
Red lips, pointed nose, rosy cheeks, perfectly defined almond shaped eyes, naturally curled up eyelashes... The lady put a light make up on my face. My hair is on loose curled up-do. There are elegant clips with some white diamonds and pearls on both side of my head too.
And I am all set...
"You look so beautiful, sweetheart..." Mommy commented. Her eyes are already on the verge of crying.
Mom is so gorgeous too on her champagne colored halter long dress. She hugged me tight when caressed my face afterwards.
"Thank you for making us proud." She said sweetly.
I only smiled at her as I didn't know what to say. The only thing I feel is that I am floating in the air with a lot of emotions inside my chest, making me confused. The emotions I am keeping inside makes me feel nothing but apathy. I just want to get this day done and sleep peacefully on my comfortable bed.
After a few minutes of preparation, we left our home and Riley drove us to the hotel where the event will be held. According to my father, the engagement will happen in the largest hotel owned by Zendejas because it has a huge event hall that can accommodate a lot of people.
My hands are slightly shaking while we are on the road. I took out my mobile phone from my purse.. I checked on my phone hoping there is a text from Evan or Chandria but there is none.
I sighed heavily and just sent a text message to Chandria.
Me: On our way to the event. See you, Chan!
Should I send him a text message too? I am quite hesitant to do so because for sure he's already preparing himself and I don't want to disturb him at all. In the end, I decided to put my phone back to my purse and tried to calm down myself. Seriously, it felt like the time is running very slow this time.
Exactly about thirty minutes when we arrived at the place.
I felt my rib cage tightening when I saw the media reporters in front of the hotel. They noticed our arrival and so, they ran towards us. Luckily. we brought enough numbers of bodyguards which blocked the media from getting near us as we entered the hotel.
We were guided by a staff and helped us find the right event hall. They opened the huge double doors for us. My heart started to pound aggressively. I can feel the sweats forming in my palms. Damn it! I am really nervous!
Even though I am still being eaten up by my own jitters, I am still in awe upon seeing the whole place. The event hall actually screams of elegance. It's pretty obvious that the designs and materials used for this place are not a joke. The lights above have a designs mixed of gold and diamonds which shines brightly and giving the place a warm and lively ambiance. The porcelain floor is also shiny that it somehow reflects the beauty of the lighting above. Many tables are already set with white mantles and golden flowers, even the chairs have golden designs on its cloth.
I observed the crowd. I felt the lump in my throat when I realized that there are so many people who are here right now. I swallowed hard and looked at my parents. They just nodded at me, assuring me that everything will just be fine. I mean it has to.
Evan's parents saw us immediately and gave us a warm welcome.. I actually haven't met them in person. This will be the first time and I am completely stunned when Czarina Zendejas smiled widely at me. Evan's mother is truly a goddess! I looked at Richard Zendejas, Evan's father, who look very good looking in his tuxedo. Evan has gotten his handsome looks from his father.
They both greeted me. I shyly smiled at them and kissed them both on their cheeks. My gaze turned to the crowd, trying to find the only person who can make me feel better however, I am not sure if he is already here or not.
"I know you're looking for Evan, sweetheart. He is on his way. Let's have our dinner first and then we'll proceed with the announcement," said Czarina Zendejas, still smiling sincerely at me.
They even talked with my parents about the things that has to happen during the event but I didn't really understand it at all. My heart is still pounding aggressively that swallowing feels difficult to do.
"This way, Nathalie..." Richard Zendejas guided us to the reserved table for us. It is located in front of the stage where we will stand up later on.
"You look so amazing, sweetheart! No wonder why Evan didn't decline this arrangement." Czarina commented when we are already seated. "I hope you're fine with this whole set up. I am confident that you and Evan will work out eventually. He's kind and I know you already spent some time with him a few times already. That's actually a good start."
I nodded slowly. "Yes, Mrs. Zendejas. I already made a final decision and will accept this arrangement. I also trust Evan as a partner."
"That's really kind of you, Nathalie." said Richard Zendejas. "I am pretty sure that you and Evan will have a good relationship once you get married. Just don't give up on our son yet."
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"I really hope so and I have no intention of giving up on him too..." I smiled at all of them.
I hope so...
That's what I am really hoping too.
Camera flashes everywhere. I lost count on how many times I had to smile in front of some reporters who took a photo of us. I was interviewed by a well known magazine and I had to answer their few questions. Then, we ate our dinner and we watched the Zendejas family sharing their speeches with us.
I watched my parents as they walked up in the stage and made a few speech regarding our company's growth over the years. I heard a lot of applause as when Richard Zendejas and my father Frank Saavedra announced the merging of our companies.
I have seen Chandria on the other isle with Ash on the same table.
I already talked to Samantha and Savannah and even met the grandchildren of my soon to be in-laws.
I have witnessed the crowd and their happiness towards the merge.
But still, Evan isn't here yet.
Seriously, my heart is pounding aggressively...
I don't even know what else to think at this moment. It appears that my mind became haywire, worrying as to when Evan will arrive. My hands are shaking when I decided to send him a few text messages. Me: Where are you?
Me: Your parents are already finished with their speeches.
Me: It is your turn to give a speech and you haven't even arrived here yet!
Me: Evan, please!
Czarina Zendejas apologized so many times in front of the large crowd. She asked for our patience and to give Evan a little more time as he's already on his way. I looked at the crowd and noticed the bodyguards of the Zendejas family who seem to be tracking Evan's whereabouts already.
I glanced at my parents who are both becoming uneasy. I can see the worry evident on their eyes. My mother looked at me for several times. I only gave her a small smile and waited patiently on my seat. That's the only thing I can do after all. To wait patiently for him...
"Nathalie, We are very sorry for the delay this has caused. I'm trying to call him now but he's not picking up his phone," Samantha looks very apologetic when she talked to me.
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She and her twin sister Savannah went to our table to check on us. Both of them look so worried as well.
"Damn it! Where is he right now, Sam?" Savannah asked her twin sister with an obvious annoyance painted on her face.
"Sav, language. Sofia is here." Her husband, who happened to be behind them have warned her.
I swallowed hard. The lump in my throat became so evident that I can't even breathe anymore. The negative emotions trying to eat me up became too powerful that staying positive became harder this time.
How can he do this? Delaying the supposed to be special event of us? It's our engagement party and he's not here yet! He can't even be contacted.
Evan Zendejas... What's going on?
Where are you?
I am fucking worried now...
I bit my lower lip. I can almost taste the blood on it because I am biting it firmly, unease about everything that is happening right now.
I took a deep breath and sent him another batch of text messages again.
Me: What the hell are you thinking, Evan?
Me: Everyone's waiting for you!
Me: I am here, waiting for you...
Me: Please be here... Please, Evan.
I can feel the tears forming in my eyes but I only blinked several times to shove it away. I can't cry right now. I need to be patient. I need to compose myself.
He'll be here. I trust him... I trust him so much that I will wait for him no matter what...
Please be here, Evan...