
I feel sorry for Daralyn and David. Their launch party had just become spoiled when they entered. Not because of Luna who looked sparkly in her sparkling one-shoulder dress, but because of Devan. She wrapped her arms around Luna's waist as they posed in front of the camera.
The paparazzi ask them endless questions about their relationship. They give only short and vague answers. After they were snapped a few times, they finally left and started mingling with the people around. They didn't notice us.
We continued our conversation about unimportant matters until they finally joined us after about twenty minutes.
Mr. David was willing to serve his guests. People huddled around the newly launched car and photographed it, or posed with it.
Devan and Luna greeted our small group. When Luna's eyes were fixed on me, she instantly became stiff. His smile fell, but somehow he was still able to move his lips upwards into an almost impassable smile.
"Hey Daria, you look really pretty, but usually black is not your style. Why suddenly change tastes?" He asked casually but felt a hidden meaning within. It seems like he asked that question to get something out of me.
"Eh, I'm tired of my usual style. So I thought I'd wear something different" I said.
He nodded before turning to Samantha and engaging in a conversation with her. She's weird. I don't know what happened to him but he looks suspicious.
I looked around our group, catching Devan's eye but I quickly threw away my face. The last thing I want right now is to be annoyed by Devan .
..
After a few minutes, we saw Mr. David go on stage. There's a microphone in the middle. He tapped it to see if it worked. Everyone moved towards the table to prepare themselves to listen to what he was about to say. The lights dim except for the lights focused on Mr. David.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen," he spoke into the microphone. The hall was instantly silent as the conversation came to a halt and all attention was on David.
"It's nice to get your attention," she smiled as several flashes lit up and the spotlight panned the man on stage.
"As you all know, De'Daralyn Automobiles is launching its latest model tonight. The audience, consisting of a large number of journalists, bloggers, analysts, and potential clients, cheered and applauded.
"We are all very excited to present this latest model to you. The seats are made of luxurious crosshatch leather. This is a two-seat car. All that someone dreams of in a car." He pointed towards the car.
"Indeed not the fastest, but you will feel like flying. Much better, isn't it? The perfect car for you and your loved ones. The interior is spacious and elegant. Drivers can choose sixty-four colors of interior lighting and eight types of massage functions. Since no one likes to breathe polluted city air, drivers can mix their own fragrances into a lit container inside a globe box for their ride". He paused for a moment, looking around the audience.
"However, not only the interior is considered, safety is also the main thing. This car is equipped with air bags and air bags on the side of the seat bolster. In addition, we provide free active safety feature checks every month. Tires are specially designed for strong, non-slipping grip. Drivers can switch between standard reflective glass and a screen that shows a three hundred percent wider view, meaning up to four lanes of traffic can be seen. At night, there is a forward-facing infrared unit that highlights pedestrians and animals in the dashboard view. Drivers can even control their car's multimedia system using touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel."
Mr. David keeps explaining about the features and accessories of this car while occasionally walking towards the car to explain things.
After about fifteen minutes, he finally stopped. So this is the latest model from Serychel. Tomec Serychel is a must-have car for everyone, priced at only about 51M!!!."
Only 51M? Yeah, no big deal.
The audience applauded again and Mr David thanked them.
"Something I want to announce. Three of you lucky ones will receive this car for free as a gift from me. The chosen ones will be chosen at random, so good luck. Thank you all! The party has just begun. Please enjoy yourself".
With a big smile, he walked off the stage and all the lights were focused on the car, Torre Serychel.
The lights went back on and the music started again. David walks towards some sort of press conference prepared on the side where he answers questions about the product and meets with clients interested in the company and its products.
The photographers spread throughout the hall as they questioned the celebrities about their personal and professional affairs. Of course, why not? This family is the main highlight of this event.
I seemed to attract the attention of a photographer and he started walking towards me with his camera, I clasped Anna's hand tightly, quietly telling her what was going to happen. If the photographer looked closely and for a long time, he would probably recognize me.
"Damn," I whispered to Anna and she looked as panicked as I was. Goody. Now even he doesn't know what we have to do.
We were secretly trying to move further into the group, making sure to be behind Fortunately, there was a large group of people who were gathering at a table not far from our family group. realizing that the photographer seemed very suspicious of us now. He relentlessly followed us and it seemed to catch the attention of one of his friends who was also chasing him.
Suddenly, someone accidentally pushed me and stumbled a few steps forward, which kept me apart from the group of people. Now I was out in the open, practically in the middle of the hall that everyone could see.
The photographer was right in front of me. "Excuse me, Miss , may I-" her words were interrupted when something gleaming gold stepped in front of me. Something gripped my arm and made me retreat.
"You are welcome," he said in a flat tone. It was Luna
"Miss Luna!" The photographer said, ignoring his expulsion. "How do you define your relationship with Mr. Devan today? When are you two going to inaugurate it? Is. Miss Luna is planning a new project or future collaboration with anyone right now? How do you feel about Torrec Serychel? Are you going to add it to your collection of the most expensive cars you have?" The photographer asked him question after question. He finally seemed to recall my presence behind Luna, so he continued. "Can you tell me who the beautiful woman behind you is?"
"No," said Luna bluntly.
He looked surprised for a moment but then became more interested. "Why not? He looks so familiar."
"I think you're here for an interview and a photo. I wasn't told we'd be harassed."
"Op-ppaa?" The photographer stuttered and shook his head in panic. "I don't-"
Luna did not give him a chance to say anything as she turned around and pulled me along with her.
I don't know where she took me until she opened the door to the ladies' bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she left me alone in front, standing awkwardly as she walked into the mirror. She took out a mini makeup kit and tidied up her makeup. I could only look at him, wondering why he was helping me.
I didn't know that reporters could be so tireless. That one reporter over there took care of me. Do not know how the celebrities can evict them and not be bothered by them.
I gave it a few minutes to calm down. During that time, the reporter followed us. I was so scared. My heart beats faster than ever and I just want to escape the party.
"Thank you for what you've done there," I said feeling very uncomfortable being near Luna. He seemed too smart for his own good
"Thank you again" he said, giving a small smile. He looked me in the mirror. "Daria."
"So, how were you while I was gone?" I began, knowing that I should probably try to have a conversation with her as if she and I were best friends for a long time.
"I'm doing fine. Sometimes you miss you so much" he said, almost sounding mocking. "You didn't even call me.
"Sorry about that. I just don't want you to tell my location to my parents".
He grinned at having just achieved the greatest thing of his life. "It's okay. You've been forgiven."
Aki stood awkwardly, agitated with my clutch bag, not knowing what I should say next. Apparently, Luna had no problem with the conversation opener. But he was the worst talk opener. At least for the people in my position.
"Do you remember the doll you gave me on one of my birthdays when we were kids? We named it together. Do you remember what name we gave her?"
Damnit.