This early update is dedicated to the sweet reader @VishakhaSingh865 who read my story thrice already🫶ðŸ»
Recap
   There are three pairs of six eyes of the girls were about to jump out of their sockets when they heard the announcement,
“..Now we would like to call upon our honourable and distinguished guests to felicitate the award winners.
Let’s welcome Mr Philips Kingston and
Mr Henry Kingston on to the stage”
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   Julie’s entire system came to a standstill when she clearly zoomed on the guests.
“Julie,even if all the lucky stars were on your side, you wouldn’t get such a chance. Out of million people, the two most important ones who has to witness your success is here to give away this highest award to you. One who questioned your worth and chased you away by manipulation and the other one is your most favourite person who will be truly happy to see you succeed in life” Chelsea said proudly.
“We are going to gift you something very valuable and beautiful once you come down with your award, you are definitely going to love it” Angela said with a wink.
   One minute AV was played for the awardees’ about their contribution and inspiring story behind their nomination. Julie’ AV had the nicest words from her clients who were saved by her from financial collapse, snippets from the park, where she plays with the kids, organising games for them, working on her reports and her evening visits to the university library.
   The MC called out Julie when her heart was pounding loudly, she gracefully walked up the stage, locking her eyes with the only person she ever admired, loved and wanted to see. Meeting him after almost a year in person made every fibre in her body to charge up and electrified. His handsome face, his captivating smile clenched her heart. If someone’s look could comfort you, embrace your insecurities, make you feel the warmth, it was exactly what Julie was feeling right now from Mr Kingston. His ravishing smile just felt fresh and ‘God! how much I missed him’ she thought. She felt like she is seeing the light after years and he was the magic spell that would heal all her wounds.
Henry’s POV
   The invitation to attend the United Nations Conference on global business operation and the ceremony to felicitate the inspiring youth has been received a week ago. Only a day back I came to know that my grandfather has also been invited for this event.
   I have finished the Conference by morning, refreshed and came back for the ceremony in the evening. I carefully avoided my grandfather by meeting up with other guests.
   Once the AV commenced, it took no time for me to realise who it was about. She always carries the charm with her, had never let her spark fade, she is more like a butterfly that flutters around and beautify the place where ever it is. Her hard work, dedication, compassion had brought her to this place, where United Nations had identified her work and recognised it with this award. I always know that she had the brightest future. By giving her the smallest of hands, she would climb the highest with her relentless desire and passion towards work.
   Julie walked elegantly in a gorgeous peach gown to the stage. Every step she took closer to me and looking at her mesmerising blue eyes after a year, a fresh sense of love, fondness, delight, desire, happiness radiated throughout my body. The warmth and tenderness I feel in her presence is impeccable. She has the power to both calm my soul and stir a tornado in me. I would be wrong if I believed that the attraction for her would have died down after so many months of not seeing her. My eyes landed on the butterfly charm that I gifted her, she got my line of vision and gave the prettiest smile for me.
***
   Sr Kingston cleared his throat to bring them back to reality as he was third wheeling on the award stage. As both of them locked their eyes, they had felt countless emotions coursing through them.
   Julie came closer to get the award. Sr Kingston said, “Congratulations, Ms Rozana”
“Proud of you” Henry said in a hushed voice, which sent a thrill down her body. Listening to his alluring voice, ogling at his handsome face, devouring his smile after a long time, her emotions wrecked havoc in her.
   The MC at the back stage, “Miss Juliet Rozana, a Woman of Substance, Compassion, Generosity and Humanity. She is definitely an inspiring woman.”
The entire hall applauded for Julie.
   The people who came for her, hooted and celebrated her success and happiness. Chelsea and Angela took her to the restroom lounge once she cane down so that they could gift her as they expected her to freak out watching the video so as to not draw much attention in such a reputable event. When they finally revealed the video where Henry says he had never taken the bracelet off, ever since he wore it, they just cropped the bracelet in the final issue of all official photos and that he considered it more of a commitment band. Julie’ racing heart and happiness reached the sky. The cherry on top was the diamond butterfly he had attached to the crown charm.
   She held both of them and jumped up and down in excitement, more than the award, this piece of information had escalated her joy to a different level. She is smiling hysterically knowing that he too have feelings for her.
   Julie thought for a while and she rolled up her sleeves, gave a sassy smile. Her friends were confused at her change of behaviour, they definitely knew that she was up to something. She stormed out of the washroom, so does her friends, they rushed out to keep up with her. There were many people walking around, few chatting in groups. Mr Ben, Henry’ security officer had met few of his friends when he heard a voice mentioning Mr Kingston’s name, so he was alert and listened cautiously.
“I am off to deal with some unfinished business before I meet Mr Kingston”
“What are you up to Julie?” Chelsea asked.
“Pay off old scores perhaps?”
“Is that you are looking for Sr Kingston?” Angela guessed.
Julie gave an evil smile. Mr. Ben quickly excused himself and called Henry.
   “Sir, Julie was talking to her friends about meeting the Senior”
Henry took few seconds and responded, “Mmm.. connect your covert earpiece only with Lee and cut off the others, ask Lee to put his earpiece and mic close to them, I want to listen to every single word. Come up to the A2 lounge, I am heading there already”
“Okay sir” Ben conveyed the message to Lee while he rushed up the stairs. The private lounges where arranged for the guests upstairs, on-looking the ceremony Hall. The entire hall was served with food and drinks, everyone was busily catching up with friends, guests and officials.
   Lee had took a napkin holder, hid his device, placed napkins over and asked a server to keep it on Sr Kingston’s table along with the drinks. Henry and Ben was keenly observing them.
Julie approached Sr Kingston while someone excused himself from his table.
“Ms Rozana? I did not expect to meet you here” he said.
“Me neither Sir, getting UN award from You was unexpected too” she tried to control her sassy attitude.
“Getting up the social ladder had always been so easy for you”
“As I have opted for sincerity, honesty and straight ways, rewards come to me naturally. I am not ambitious or greedy for money to choose indirect ways to climb the so-called ladder. If that’s the case, I would have taken the big money you offered for signing the resignation form” she hit the bullet straight at him, she was not intimidated anymore.
“Ah! I should say, I am truly impressed” she doubted sarcasm in his tone.
“Since you have asked me to stay away from Mr Kingston, pointing out to my ‘non-fancy profile’ so that he would give chance to his potential suitress with high stature..”
Henry hissed.
“..I guess I have given enough time, but to my surprise, he still remains single. So I have decided to claim what is supposed to be MINE”
“Oh, is that arrogance, that I smell here?” Sr Kingston laced his words with venom to deflate her confidence and to show his authority over her.
“Not at all sir, I was naïve, immature, did not realise my self worth back then, now that I have grown enough sense to fight back, I may sound like that”
He raised his eyebrows at her reply.
“Now I don’t think I would bring any disgrace to Mr Kingston if I am associated with him personally and lucky enough to win his heart over, as I have proved my worth and marked my name in the corporate world in a year” she felt light after giving a befitting reply to his remarks after a year with her head held high.
“With all due respect, I would like to take leave and let you enjoy your evening peacefully” she left then and went straight to meet the man of her dreams excitedly.
   Sr Kingston did not know that he was being eavesdropped by his grandson, said, “Passed my test with her resilience”
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