"I'm sorry for inviting you here as a server. Does Clarence knows you're here?"

"Nope, your call came when he left for the mayor's party."She was preparing a tray of appetizers and pa.s.sed it to the other girl.

"Is it alright if he doesn't know? He might get angry at me for making his beloved Beauty as a server." Zennia received the prepared tray.

"Haha, a server or not, so what? Don't worry, he won't mind." Yet, she was sad knowing that she didn't even dare to talk to him ever since his revelation. Regardless, it's pointless to think now. She brushed those thoughts away. She prepared another tray for her to bring.

Both went out of the ballroom and placed them next to the chafing dish trays. They did the same thing for the next couple of turns.

The whole ballroom was grandiosely decorated with gla.s.s chandeliers hanging on the ceiling, red curtains draped every side of the hall, wine gla.s.ses arranged like a pyramid on a gold inlaid table, flowers were found in almost every corner as springtime was the theme, grand 18 cakes were spread out on a long table where every cake was connected with stairs to the next, two long tables were chafing dishes and platters were laid, a small orchestra sat at the leftmost side from the door, and a Persian red carpet which had intricate embroideries was spread out on the whole floor.

An hour later, guests started arriving. The mayor arrived as well but his entourage was still outside the hall chatting with the other arriving guests. Clarence was wearing a black tuxedo. He was so handsome that night, he was attracting glances from other guests. Clarence wanted to stand at the side but the mayor insisted for him to stand beside him the whole time.

A male emcee held the microphone. "Everyone please come in now for us to welcome our debutante for tonight." All the guests came in. The mayor and Clarence were invited to stand near the musicians. Both Clarence and Beauty didn't know that they were enclosed in a trap.

Beauty was still in the kitchen while the night's party started. Clarence didn't know who was the debutante. There was no name written in the hotel lobby so he a.s.sumed he was invited as one of the escorts for the debutante's dance.

The light was dimmed. Musicians started to play Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud'.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the girl who will enter womanhood tonight, our debutante Cathy Mercado. He will be accompanied by the young debonair Clarence Peres."

Clarence was shocked to hear the girl's and his name called.

"Clarence, go, escort the lady. She's waiting outside." said the mayor. He felt excited and proud for fulfilling his task to surprise the young man. Clarence was in doubt whether to step forward or not.

Cathy was beautifully dressed in a luxurious red debutante sleeveless beaded wide skirt ballroom gown with her black hair arranged like a bun on her head with a tiara attached. She remained outside the door waiting for him to bring her in. The impatient mayor pushed Clarence toward the door. Clarence was standing in the middle of the dance floor not sure what to do. In the end, he reluctantly went out and didn't even offer his hand out for her to hold. Cathy grabbed his arm personally and clutched it intimately.

Simultaneously in the kitchen, after hearing the names, Beauty ran out which was a little distant from the hall, and went near the ballroom door. There she saw Clarence and Cathy on the way in.

Beauty gasped and softly called his name, "Clarence?"

Even in the midst of clappings and music, he heard her voice calling his name. He turned his head and saw Beauty looking at him confused. Clarence stopped walking. He left Cathy in the middle of the hall and went to Beauty's side. "Why are you here?"

"Clarence! Please don't leave me, my love," shouted Cathy.

The musicians stopped playing. The people were chattering also confused on what's happening. Cathy signaled the emcee to say something.

"Excuse me, please people let's continue. Musicians, please. We would like to ask Mr. Clarence Peres, the debutante's fiance to continue to accompany his fiancee, Cathy Mercado." The emcee emphasized the so-called relations.h.i.+p.

Paul Palangka was startled by the announcement. He didn't know this at all. He darted toward Cathy and hooked her hand on his elbow.

"Everyone, never mind the commotion. It's only a misunderstanding. Let them be." He slightly glanced at Cathy and whispered, "Let's go, don't ruin your night."

Everyone was waiting while the music resumed playing.

Clarence looked back while holding Beauty's hand. He didn't want to ruin the night or shame the debutante but he never wished to leave with the impression that this girl beside her was stealing Cathy's man.

"Sorry for the interruption but my true fiancee is this girl beside me. It was only a misunderstanding from the emcee. Good night everyone, enjoy the party without us."

He left with Beauty as fast as their steps could bring them.

Cathy halted her steps and turned back when Clarence made his statement. He let go of Paul's hold and ran after Clarence.

Clarence and Beauty walked fast using the stairs which led directly to the parking lot at the bas.e.m.e.nt. Cathy couldn't follow easily with her high stiletto shoes. Paul tried to stop her but she took off the shoes and started to run. Unfortunately, her gown's skirt was so stiff and wide giving her a hard time watching her steps all the way down the stairs. This made her eventually stop chasing them. She sat on the stairs crying.

Paul helped her stand up and brought her to her hotel room. Later, she was sent to the hospital via an ambulance for she fainted after several outbursts of anger.