Sentenced to Marriage by MadlainQ novel Chapter 108

Showtime

“I exclaimed, standing in front of the mirror as I was about to put on my evening gown.

In less than an hour, I was going to walk into the Langham Hotel as Aren’s plus one and drink champagne at the party celebrating the 20th anniversary of New Business Journal. Since the journal had been known for presenting innovative and emerging technologies, it was certain that the event was going to gather everyone in business who wasn’t afraid to look into the future. And since in business, those who stay still are already two steps behind, it was obvious that the event would attract everyone who counted.

I took a deep breath and put on a fitted white dress with a V-neckline, deep just enough to expose my mesmerizing necklace but not overly expose my breasts. The gown was simple yet sexy; it underlined my thin waist and wrapped around my curvy hips, and the slit at the front was perfect to show off my legs embellished in Jimmy Choo heels. With my eyes emphasized with liner and mascara and my hair tied up in a neat bun, I was finally ready to show myself in front of my husband. He watched me walking down the stairs, and I could see his grin widen.

“You easily outshine any diamond,” he said, holding the Tian Kong necklace.

I chuckled. “I doubt that. I bet that everyone who tries to talk to me is going to stare at my neck instead of my eyes.”

“I’d rather they stare at your neck than at those two beauties a little lower.” He smirked and walked toward me to help me put on the necklace.

It felt much heavier than before, but I guessed it was my anxiety that added weight to it.

“I have something more for you,” Aren said, pulling out a small jewelry box from his pocket. There was a pair of diamond drop earrings that went perfectly with the necklace’s style.

Once I put them on, I started to feel like a debutante going to her first ball in high society… which instantly made me even more restless. My only comfort was having Aren near me, and I prayed that he would save me in case I was about to make myself a complete idiot.

“God, they won’t expect me to have actual knowledge about business, don’t they?” I asked nervously, getting into the car.

Aren burst out laughing, “Sunshine, you know a lot about business. I can assure you that everyone is going to expect you to know less than you know. There will be a lot of wealthy people there, but don’t expect them all to even fully understand what their own business is about. Stop worrying.”

I let out a breathy chuckle and nodded. I tried to repeat Aren’s words inside my head like a mantra, but it didn’t help me calm down. I kept tapping the seat with my fingers and nervously correcting the strands of my hair. Suddenly, Aren grabbed my chin, turned my face to him, and kissed me hard and passionately. He grabbed the back of my neck, preventing me from breaking the kiss, while his other arm slid around my waist. He was relentless, his tongue flicking softly then stroking lushly and deep. When he finally leaned back with a sly grin, my heart was hammering, my lips were completely swollen, and my restlessness was gone… I felt something else instead.

“Seriously?!” 1 glared at him. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve put on that makeup? And

now my lips are going to look puffy like from bad lip surgery!”

Aren laughed. “I like your puffy lips. They look delicious.”

I groaned, turned away from him, and took out my makeup. Fortunately, I managed to cover the signs of my husband’s mischievousness before we arrived at the hotel.

The red carpet outside and the limousines lining up to the entrance proved that we were in the right place. The press was crowding outside, hoping to snap a few pictures of celebrities and the richest people in some weird, extravagant, or insanely overpriced outfits. Finally, it was time for us to walk across that carpet. Observing that the press showed minor interest in the few couples before us, I secretly hoped for the same kind of attitude, but that didn’t happen…

“They’re coming!” As one of the reporters shouted, the thousands of flashes blinded me

I slid my hand around Aren’s bent elbow and took my first step toward the entrance, trying to ignore the flickering light. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel intimidated. After my first hesitant step, I walked with confidence, curving my lips into a gentle smile.

“The diamond! Look at the diamond!” I heard the loud comments and gasps from the photographers and then saw Aren’s smirk. By tomorrow, every Aren’s enemy was going to hear the news of me wearing the Tian Kong; everyone, including the entire Lan family.

From the moment we stepped inside the lobby, we were surrounded by people who wanted to greet Aren. I noticed that most of those people bowed down to us as if we were royalty. It took me less than a minute to figure out that even at a party, the strict rules of hierarchy prevailed, Those at top of the top of the food chain dictated who those below could talk to and even who to greet. It was annoying and unfair, but it had always been like that. Those people respected me even though they knew nothing about me, and it wasn’t strictly because I was Aren’s wife, My pass to the top of the food chain was hanging around my neck. It almost seemed like the fact that I was Tian Kong’s owner had suddenly made me noble, elegant, and worth talking to It was the first time I truly felt the meaning of the statement that money gives power. At that moment, I felt powerful.

“Aren!” I heard a male voice calling as we walked into the ballroom.