Paparazzi

Chapter six

After a long and quiet ride, they finally arrived at the venue of the party, ruby sighed in awe at how beautiful the place was. There were lots of paparazzi around, taking pictures of the people.

Ruby couldn't help but wonder how rich Jaxon was, he had an expensive car and had taken her to an occasion that screamed of luxury.

Who exactly was he?

“Here.” He handed over a silver mask to Ruby who slowly collected it from him.

“Put it on..” he instructed as he wore his own black mask.

Ruby lifted the mask up to her face as she wore it as well.

“Don't talk to anybody and stick to me” he instructed as Ruby shook her head slowly.

“If you do a good job, you'll be rewarded” he added as the driver stepped out of the car, to open the car door for them.

Jaxon stepped out first before stretching out his hand for Ruby.

“Come on..”

“All you need to do is smile, and look happy, you're not an old hag.” He whispered coldly to her ears leading her towards a red carpet.

“Over here, Mr Jaxon!” A paparazzi called out, flashing lights on them as they all wanted to take the perfect shot.

The whole place suddenly became rowdy as everyone wanted to take a picture of Jaxon's wife.

“Why are you moving so slow?” Jaxon asked catching up with Ruby who was behind, her head facing the ground.

“I don't feel comfortable at all” she replied, Ruby hated crowds a lot and the flashlights from the camera made her feel very uncomfortable.

“I don't like the lights from the camera..” she said to Jaxon, who wrapped his hands around her shoulders.

“Then you'll have to get used to it,” he said as he led her into the main building.

Ruby clenched her jaw, her irritation building with each flash of a camera. Jaxon's words did little to soothe her nerves, and she felt her grip on his arm tighten as they navigated the crowd.

"I don't see why this is necessary," she muttered, her eyes darting around the room as she tried to avoid eye contact with anyone who might try to stop them.

“I had no idea that the media would be here” he hissed in annoyance.

They finally got into the main party. Ruby couldn't help but admire the beauty of the place.

It screamed of eloquence, the people were no doubt wealthy.

It was much more quieter and there was nobody with a camera around.

Ruby took a moment to appreciate the luxurious surroundings. Every detail of the party was impeccable, from the ornate décor to the elegant attire of the attendees

Despite the beauty, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her since they'd arrived. It was clear that she wasn’t like the people in this room, and that made her feel vulnerable.

She did not fit in this kind of world.

Jaxon led her to a table as he set out the chair for her to sit, just when they both settled down a middle-aged man approached them.

“Mr. Jaxon..” he called, holding a woman by his side.

“What a pleasant surprise!” He stated as he looked at Ruby who was seated uncomfortable.

“You know I literally rushed here, the moment I heard that you came here with your wife, so the rumors were true. You really are married..” he blabbed as Jaxon just held a bored look on his face, as he stared at his watch from time to time.

“I'm William Harper and you just be?” he asked, stretching out his hand towards Ruby for a Handshake.

“Ruby” Jaxon replied, accepting the Handshake instead and William took that as a cue to back off.

“She looks pretty, I'd love to see the face of the beautiful damsel who finally stole the heart of the cold Jaxon” he emphasized on the world cold.

“Too bad you won't..” Jaxon smirked at him.

“This is my fiance, Daisy, you must have heard of our engagement..” he finally introduced the lady beside him.

“No, I didn't. I seriously had no idea you were engaged..” Jaxon smiled nonchalantly and William immediately held an embarrassed look on his face.

“I'm too busy to be listening to petty and irrelevant gossip” The smile on Jaxon's face never fell but William looked pale.

“Cheers” he raised a glass he picked from the table at William as he took a sip from it.

“I'll say hi to the other guests..” William forced out a smile, dragging his finance along.

‘Thank God he's gone ‘ Ruby thought to herself as he was quite the talkative.

A few moments after William walked away a lady approached their table with a wide smile on her face.

“Jaxon!” She called in excitement.

“I knew you'd honor my invitation,” she said as Jaxon stood up to hug her as they exchanged kisses on other cheeks.

“I had to. Though I'd be here for a while”

“You coming here is enough to make me happy. So the news I heard was true. You're married, that's a surprise!” She looked at Ruby from head to toe.

There was something about the way she stared at Ruby that made Ruby feel uncomfortable.

She kind of gave her a challenging look, like she was not supposed to be there.

“I'm Juniper, you can call me June..” she exchanged handshakes with Ruby.

“Ruby” Ruby muttered.

“Please feel free Jaxon, you know you're the guest of honour. Now my party feels complete with your presence” she said taking a sit opposite Jaxon.

“Do you want any drinks of your preference? I can ask the waiter to get it for you” she offered as Ruby quickly shook her head.

“No, thank you. I'm good.” She politely refused.

“If you say so” June looked away from Ruby as she began to converse with Jaxon.

Ruby took that opportunity to observe her well, she was pretty, very pretty even from the mask she wore, her dress was stunning and it seemed she hosted the party.

She also acted kind of clingy towards Jaxon, who looked uninterested of course.

If she was hosting the party, why sit at their table of all places?

And Jaxon had particularly chosen a table at the very end away from where most people were.

“I have to use the bathroom” Ruby spoke out, their conversation beginning to bore her.

Jaxon snapped his head at her, his eyes telling her that she shouldn't have said those words.

“Over there. The bathroom is over there” June described immediately, like she wanted Ruby to leave.

“Thank you” Ruby appreciated, standing up from the chair, as she made her way to the bathroom.