Chapter 20

Tonight was the gala for the business expo Sebastian was hosting. We arrived at the hotel not long ago and almost immediately started setting up in the large banquet room. It had three large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling that lit up the room with a warm glow. People were in and out of the doors setting up the tables and other equipment needed.  Seb had me check list everything that arrived to make sure we had all that we needed. He was directing people where to put things all while talking on the phone to various people.  That man needs a clone of himself.  Olivia and Santiago were sure to come tonight and I was dreading it. Sebastian said we'd have to tell them about accepting Santiago’s request. I'm sure he won't be too thrilled since the idea was for Seb just to give up.  I gave a weird look to the men bringing in an ice sculpture of the logo for Knight Corporations. It was nearly August, how was that thing not melted the second they got it out of the car?  "That's a little much," I mumbled under my breath. I looked down at the clip board and checked another thing off the list.  "Christiana !" I twirled around to see who was calling my name. A plump woman with too much blue eyeshadow was approaching me. I started to smell her overpowering perfume as soon as she stood a few feet away. "You are, Christiana , right?" She made sure. She eyed me up and down, her face blank.  I nodded. "Yes, you are?" I asked.   "Laura Jameson, Mr. Knights event planner."  She spoke proudly.  Congratulations? "Okay," I said with question in my voice.  Laura pursed her lips slightly and adjusted the emerald colored blazer that had jewels along the opening. "He didn't tell you?"  "Tell me what?"  "He said all decision should go through you." She informed me.  I arched a brow. "He did?" I looked around the room quickly to see if he was around. "I-I don't know anything about planning these type of things." I said honestly.  She chuckled. "That's why I'm here."  Laura and I set up and directed everyone as they came in, taking over what Seb was doing. I was basically there just to confirm everything she was doing. Laura did a wonderful job of decorating, her work was amazing.  Soon after we finished Sebastian came back into the room, his hair was wild. He approached me with a stressed look that took over his facial features. "Hey," He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to put a kiss on the top of my head.  The unexpected gesture made my cheeks heat up slightly. Especially since he had done it in front of everyone. Laura gave me a knowing smile before looking over to Seb. "Everything's all finished, Mr. Knight."  He stuck a hand out that she shook as he offered a small smile. "Thanks, Laura. You did wonderful as usual."  "Thank you. Have fun tonight you too, but not too much fun." She smirked at her words that held a double meaning.  I was redder than a tomato as I looked at her with wide eyes as she walked away. I heard Sebastian chuckled and I looked up to lightly push his chest. "Shut up," I grumbled before walking away.  "Not so fast," He said from behind me. Seb grabbed onto my hand, pulling my into his chest. He smiled down at me, tucking a hair behind my ear. "Where are you off to?"  "Well considering its," I grabbed his wrist that was on my hip and looked at the watch wrapped around it. "almost four, I was going to get ready." I dropped his arm and pried his other arm off me, much to his protest.  He slightly pouted as he nodded. "If you must,"  I rolled my eyes, but smiled. "See you soon, Mr. Knight."  A wide smile graced his face. "Can't wait, Mrs. Knight."  I didn't respond as I turned on my heel to walk out of the room.  Mrs. Knight  That name held so much meaning. Everyone knew and loved Sebastian . Besides Santiago , I hadn't met someone that didn't like Seb. At first I thought everything about him was fake and the charming persona was all an act, but it wasn't. Seb really was a kind and caring human being.  In two short weeks I'd be married to him. I couldn't help but be nervous. He gave me an out to all of this and maybe I should have taken it. I could have gone back to the life I had in Arizona waiting for me.  But I couldn't leave him here with no way out. I was his way out of all this mess. Santiago morning had to be taken down. He couldn't treat people this way anymore. Even John was being affected and though I don't really know him, he was also family. Olivia might have burned a bridge with me, but my brother was just a child and couldn't defend himself against any of this.  The elevator doors opened to the floor we were staying on. Sebastian said it'd be best if we stayed here tonight to avoid any run ins with the paparazzi. After the last time when Seb punched that guy the other reporters ate it up. But luckily it was quickly forgotten when one of the Kardashian's dyed their hair blonde.  I slid the card key in its slot and the green light flashed signally that it had unlocked. I opened the door and was now standing in the largest hotel room I'd ever been in. It was more of a suite than anything. I walked in and to the right was a small kitchen area with a tall table and stools. The living room was in the center and large windows ahead of that showing off the city. The sun was setting so the Orange and pink hues lit up the room.  I went into the room I'd be staying in. It was nearly as big as the room I was in at Sebastian’s home. There laying on top of the champagne colored bedspread was the baby blue colored gown I had picked out, or more like Seb forced me to pick out.  I lifted the dress and examined it. The satin material was soft, but the dress was heavier. It seemed to flare out a little more than I expected, but not in a bad way. Sebastian said everyone went all out for this event so there was no way of being over dressed.  Soon a hair and makeup stylist came in and turned me into someone else pretty much. They did a great job as usual and left my hair down like I liked. It was in bigger curls than framed my face. I didn't like my hair up because I had a scar on the back of my neck from falling out of a tree house when I was ten. It was hardly visible now, but I still hated it.  I stepped into the Spanx shape wear that was necessary for a dress like this. I knew I ate too many donuts this morning not to wear it. Finally I put on the dress and successfully zipped it up. It was form fitting until about the waist and then it flowed out around me. I felt like Cinderella in this dress.   The dress was long enough so you couldn't see my shoes. I shamelessly put on my nude flats, not bothering with heels. I wasn't going to be uncomfortable in heels all night if no one was going to even look at them.  A knock came from the door and I turned at the same time it was being opened. Sebastian stood there frozen, looking at me.  I had a small smile at his reaction. "Are you just going to stand there gawking?" I joked.  He nodded, eyeing me from head to toe. "Yup," was his response, popping the 'p'.  I rolled my eyes, but smiled, shaking my head at him. "You need to get ready," I said with my hands on my hips. He was wearing a plain white T-shirt and dark wash jeans. He looked so hot in casual clothes, but it was still so odd seeing him in anything than a suit. I walked over to him and ran ruffled his hair. "You also need a hair cut."  He chuckled and held my hips, bring me closer to him. "You look beautiful," He compliment, smiling down at me.  "Oh, thanks." I was so awkward when it came to accepting compliments. I hated any sort of attention.  He smirked, knowing how his words affected me. "I'll go get ready." He swiftly leaned down and pecked my lips and then walking away into the bathroom that was attached to the room.  I wonder why he didn't use his own.  I walked out of the room and into the kitchen, opening the fridge. There were a couple bottles of water and not much else, but when I opened the drawer at the bottom my eyes went wide.  Chocolate. So much chocolate.  I don't know why or how they ended up in the fridge, but I wasn't mad. There's nothing better than a cold piece of chocolate. I lifted the small box and took off the lid to reveal the assorted flavors of the heavenly flavor. I picked up and piece and hummed in satisfaction as my taste buds exploded.  My period is definitely coming soon.  There was a knock coming from the front door. I quickly shoved the candy back in the fridge before swallowing my bite. I opened the door and a man much taller than me was standing there. He had dark hard that was wavy and his facial features were strong and defined. He had an odd resemblance to Sebastian .  "Hi?" I answered, confused at why this man was here.  "You must be Christiana!" Suddenly I was engulfed my strong arms, pinning my own arms to my sides.  "What the hell?" I shrieked as I tried to break free from his hold. I was have serious deja vu.  He pulled away, grinning. "I'm Marcus,"  I arched a brow. "Okay?" Why does everyone assume I know them?  He chuckled. "Sebastian never mentioned me?"  Would I be so confused if he did?  "You are?" I pushed.  "I'm Romeo, his brother." Oh.  "I'll be right back," I smiled sweetly before shutting the door on Romeo and turning to walk as quickly as I could in the big ass dress it swooshed as I walked into the bedroom and knocked on the door aggressively. "Sebastian Knight, open this door!"  Please be wearing clothes, please be wearing a clothes.  The water cut and I heard the curtain open. "What is it?" He asked with concern. A moment later the door was swung open. Seb has a towel tied around his waist as he stood there in his shirtless glory.  Sweet mother of God  He stepped in front of me and looked to be examining me to see if anything was wrong. "What is it? What's wrong?"He asked with furrowed eyebrows.  "Uh, what, um," Him being shirtless was not helping anything right now. "Oh, yeah, a guy named Romeo is here? He said he's your brother." I explained.  He groaned as his head leaned back. "Fuck," he mumbled before carefully stepping around my dress.  I followed him out to the living area where he went to the front door and swung it open. "What are you doing here?" He snapped at his brother who just had a wide smile. I looked between the two brothers. The similarity in their features was uncanny. There was no denying they were related.  Romeo chuckled. "Dad invited me, told me I should meet your fiancé." He said with a smirk. "I can't believe you didn't tell me, Sebastian !" He ducked underneath Seb’s arm was was leaning against the doorframe. Seb rolled his eyes from behind his brother and shut the door.  "I didn't tell you because you can't keep a secret, Romeo ." Seb said flatly, his arms crossed as he glared at his little brother. Seb really never talked about him much. He only gave vague details as to how old he is.  Romeo scoffed, his mouth slightly gaped. "Your engagement is hardly a secret." He pointed to the TV that was on and it just so happened to be a news channel talking about Seb and I.  They always chose the worst photos of me to put on national television.  "The less you know the better." He said to Romeo . Seb did mention that his brother had a big mouth and if he was drunk or mad enough, he'd let things slip out.  Romeo just shrugged. "I let out one family secret. Big deal."  "It was a big deal!" Seb snapped.  He just rolled his eyes. "Okay whatever. Can you go get clothes on? You're making this weird."  I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh as I looked between them. "Okay, lets just end this now. Romeo we'll see you tonight." I stepped over to the door, opening it. By the look on Sebastian’s face I could tell he had enough of his little brother.  Romeo nodded. "Sebastian is always the hot head in our family. Very nice meeting you, Christiana . See you two soon." With that I shut the door and slowly turned back to see Seb raking a hand through his wet hair.  "He is such a child." Sebastian grumbled.  I arched a brow with a small smile. "You have no patience."  "I shouldn't need patience for a 24 year old man."  I shrugged. "Don't let him bother you. Go finished getting ready so we can go downstairs." I nudged my hip with his and he looked at me with a smirk.  "Ready to talk to Santiago ?"  "No, but I'm ready to eat." I said with a smile. That chocolate was not enough to hold me over. If anything it just made me crave actual food.  He chuckled and nodded. "Alright,"