Chapter 4: At The Party

I remained in the car, the insides of my stomach churning. Was it fear? Truly, I'd like to believe it was anxiety. Everyone was anxious to see me now, the hidden CEO of A&A Enterprise. Especially Derek Marisol. Maybe that was exactly why I felt my heartbeat pace. I had been waiting for this moment my whole life, but now, it was hard to believe the moment had finally arrived. "Ma'am?" My PA said again, this time his voice was ihastily "Everyone's waiting." I heaved in a deep sigh, trying not to reveal the fear in my eyes. "I know, Mathew," I said to him calmly. I made a mental note to myself, a reminder of who I was. I was a powerful woman who had never been bothered by my own brother's intimidating hatred for me. I survived their schemes and backbiting. Surely, I can survive whatever Derek has to offer, no matter how scary. I refuse to be intimidated an inch. "I am Tara Aniston, CEO of A&A Enterprise, one of the biggest law firms in the United States, even worldwide!" I say in my mind. This helped a lot as I felt a surge of confidence boosting me up like it was a new superpower of some such. "Mathew, let's go." He jumped up with relief washing over his face and said, "Yes, ma'am!" The elevator door swung open at the ding sound, and I stepped out of it, making my way forward with my head raised high. The place was well decorated to taste with lovely bright lighting that accentuated the designs of the hall, soft classical tune playing in the background. I knew that Derek was always like that, so extra, always trying to be the best. So I wasn't surprised at how things went so smoothly. As soon as the paparazzi sighted me and my PA walking in, they gathered around us, flashing their camera lights and throwing questions. "Wow! Tara Aniston in the building. What are you wearing tonight?" "How does it feel to be a young and successful CEO barely at the age of 28!" "How do you work with mixing business and your personal life?" "Do you have a boyfriend?" Their questions came flooding i, so I had to wave them off with a smile. Then, I sighted him in the room, his daring gaze set on me as he stared like he was about to hunt. His hair was longer now, with a beard looking stubble, but it made his whole appearance handsome. I admired his outfit, his suit hugging tightly on his well-built physique, and now, I was standing right beside him! It took everything in me to remind me of just how he was. How he used to be, treating me wrongly like that! I never deserved any of that. "Evening, Mr. Derek," I said to him, proud that my voice had not betrayed my confidence. This was a moment I'd been expecting anyway. He frowned, or at least with that stern look set on his eyes, it looked like one. As he watched me, studying me? I smiled as I watched his assistant nudge him, bringing him back to reality. He cleared his throat, and his hand met mine. "Evening to you,u too." He uttered. Before he could say anything else, I turned to greet other guests. He didn't hide the fact that he had been angry about how I ignored him, but I didn't seem to care either. Tonight was strictly business anyway. I was growing bored after smiling and saying 'thank you' at least a thousand times. "We should leave immediately, this is done," I said to my P.A., and he nodded in response. "Are you done?" Behind me, Derek said. I turned, shooting a raised brow at him. "No, it's just that you seem to be all important everywhere tonight. I scoffed, watching him wallow in pride. "Of course, Mr. Derek. I am Tara Aniston, CEO of A&A Enterprise. Tonight is all about me, isn't it? And a little about you, of course." I said, adding a big smile at the end to make him grasp the reality that I was no longer the girl he used to know seven years ago. "Seriously, Tara?--" This made me angry, and I needed to stop him right there. "You will do well to respect me, young man. I'd prefer the title, Madam or Miss Aniston." Derek bared his teeth."Young man? Wait, wait, hold on. Are you going to pretend you don't know me, Tara?" "I'm afraid I haven't had the honor of knowing you yet. Care to introduce yourself so we can begin the damn signing process already?" I rolled my eyes. Who did he think he was?