Chapter 12 - Tilting point

Aila could feel her heartbeat racing like crazy & her face getting red. She knows she's not supposed to react to anything that Calvin says but with that face & that voice. She's only human!

Calvin then hugged Aila closer to him, kissed the top of her head & looked at his equally stunned friends.

The 4 people couldn't quite believe their eyes. There's been lot of women that Calvin had wrapped around his fingers but this time it's seems to be the other way around.

I guess it's serious this time...

Dalton thought as he eyed Aila more closely. He had to admit that the lady is quite beautiful, probably the most beautiful he laid his eyes own.

The complete opposite to Hanna's fragile beauty. No doubt these two would be compared to a lot once the announcement is out.

Bryson stepped in to diffuse the atmosphere, he noticed Hanna's face seemed to stiffen.

"You two love birds should get going, I think it's time to start the banquet. It was a pleasure meeting you Aila. Hanna, since she is now Calvin's fiancée, she should be able to come with him to your birthday party. The more the merrier, no?" Bryson said with a slight smile.

Hanna, feeling suffocated by the sudden change of events and can only nod in agreement. Markus took her silence as an opportunity to hold her hand.

Aila having recovered somewhat responded with a cheerful smile:

"Oh yes, we almost forgot about that honey! It's an honor to be invited to your birthday party Ms. Snyder."

While she does not like to hang around Calvin too long, she must be in attendance to such an important event so people will know her status as Calvin's fiancée. Maybe she could push Calvin to break off the agreement faster if she gets him to hang around the female lead more.

"Sure, I'll see you guys later." Calvin interjected while guiding Aila away from the crowd.

"Alright man, see yah later!" Dalton waved quite enthusiastically at them as they walked away.

*****

"You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

"What do you mean, honey?" Calvin said smilingly.

Aila stopped in her tracks & spun around to look at Calvin closely.

"Do you like her?"

"No need to be jealous honey, I only have eyes for you." Calvin said, boyishly.

Aila scoffed.

"You know what I mean, the whole circle knows you've only had eyes on her for the longest time. You've been with quite a few women but never seriously introducing them in public until now."

Aila moved again closer to Calvin & hooked with his arm:

"Look here Calvin, I totally understand now. You thought of this agreement so you can make her jealous & finally get her attention right? Don't worry, I'm quite supportive of your love. You seem to have some tough competition going for you so thinking of this tactic might work."

"You have such a wild imagination, honey."

Aila laughed, why is this guy so in denial when it's been obvious to everyone else?

Calvin paused; he realized it's the first time he heard Aila genuinely laughed. It changes her aura & made her look sweet & endearing.

"Honey, just remember one thing & one thing only tonight. You are my fiancée, no one else." Calvin then kissed her hand.

*****

The banquet was in full swing. Even some known celebrities showed up. The magnates of the business world are also in the event. It goes to show how prestigious the name of the Harrison's is. The glitz & glamour she had only seen in the old movies back in her world is shown now in full color.

Aila could see old grandpa Harrison getting on in the front stage as soon as they walked in on the backstage. The event staff was also guiding them on the program & they will be next on stage as soon as grandpa signals.

"Good evening, ladies & gentlemen, I would first like to thank you all for coming to this humble occasion. The Harrison's won't be what it is now if not for all your support & best wishes. This banquet is a way of thanking everyone who had been & will be a part of our family's journey. Cheers to all of you!"

Grandpa Harrison raised his champagne glass to everyone & they responded to thundering applause.

"Speaking of which, we have one more thing to be thankful for."

At the signal, Calvin stepped on the stage while holding Aila's hand. There was a murmur in the crowd with some women audibly gasping at the sight. Aila felt daggers on her skin with the piercing gazes.

I hope he does not have a crazy ex-girlfriend/lover in this crowd. wait a minute...I could use that as a reason for breaking off the agreement soon too!

Feeling better with the thought, Aila confidently walked in with Calvin even getting closer to him to antagonize the women more.

"Good evening, everyone, thank you all for coming. I would like to take this opportunity as well to introduce my fiancée."

Calvin moved her closer to him & with an endearing expression on his face while looking at her, he said:

"This is Aila Carter, the future Mrs. Harrison. I hope you will also guide & support her the way you have always been with me."

The shock was palpable on the crowd. He was the last person they could think off to even marry first! the applause was gradual then it got heated. Some women on the crowd actually cried, some howled. Parents all over are embarrassed with their children ending up clapping fiercely to drown out the sorrowful noises.

Aila smiled awkwardly to the crowd, nodding here & there. Without any prior warning Calvin kissed her on the lips. She felt the whole world stood still for a moment. This was a different kind of kiss that she got from him. Soft & gentle, like savoring a favorite drink.

The roaring of the crowd finally reached her ears. With the camera tuned in to the couple's every move, it showed Aila's reddened face, like sleeping beauty waking up from the spell. The opposite seemed to happen with Aila receiving admiring glances & jealous looks from both men & women.