Chapter 368 Attending A Gala
“Just be yourself and ignore everyone else. You don’t have to change to please anyone else. You’ll only have to focus on being my wife.”
An affectionate smile played around his lips as he spoke. The next second, he reached out to take my hand. His tone was both gentle but firm.
I met his raven black eyes and bobbed my head slightly.
I would only have to focus on being Michael’s wife. Nothing else mattered as long as we were both blissful together.
“There is a charity gala a few days later. Let’s attend it together. You hadn’t shown yourself in public after our marriage,” Michael suggested as he started the engine and drove away.
“Charity gala? I don’t think that’s appropriate. I’ve never attended anything like that…”
After learning that Michael wanted to take me to a gala, I couldn’t stop panic from flaring in my heart. Only those from the upper echelons of society would get to attend galas, and I had never got the chance to attend one. A bolt of panic hit me, and I instinctively rejected his invitation.
“You’re my wife, Michael Shaw’s wife. Why is it inappropriate? My wife has the right to attend any gala she wants.”
Sensing my fear, Michael turned to meet my gaze solemnly. His commanding voice was overwhelming.
He was right. After marrying Michael, my status increased greatly. However, that was what the outside world thought.
I might be married to Michael, but some things would never change. I knew nothing about the upper-class society’s events. In fact, I wasn’t even interested.
“I’m afraid of embarrassing you,” I admitted.
Those events were meant for wealthy ladies to flaunt their wealth and connections, so I would pale in comparison. Michael was a prominent figure, and I might embarrass him with my bad social skills.
“No.”
Michael gave me a reassuring smile.
I knew he had made up his mind. Although my discomfort remained, I couldn’t say no after Michael said that.
“I’ll get back and prepare myself for the event.”
I cast him an anxious look and agreed to his request.
“There’s no need to prepare anything. My secretary will deliver the gown back home. You’ll only have to change into it. Remember, don’t put on makeup,” Michael stated calmly as the corners of his mouth turned up.
“No makeup? Do you want me to show myself without any makeup?”
At that, I gaped at him incredulously as I wondered whether I had misheard him. It’s normal if he told me to dress up, but did he actually ask me to not put on any makeup?
“Makeup isn’t good for your skin and our baby,” came his answer.
I was touched by his concern but had the niggling feeling that something was not right.
If I were to attend the charity gala, barefaced, I would obviously become the center of attraction.
I tamped my irritation down for the sake of my baby. After all, my child was of utmost importance now. Besides, Michael didn’t mind me embarrassing him in public. There was no need for me to fear anything. It was a known fact that men cared for their reputation more than women.
Back in the mansion, Michael told me to rest before he left for work.
I had just lay down when my mom’s call arrived.
After answering the call, she told me Steven had gotten himself a new girlfriend. He had brought his girlfriend home, and she was very pleased with his choice.
I was surprised to learn that Steven had found a girlfriend shortly after his previous scandal. However, I was delighted to hear my mom praising his girlfriend.
I was glad to learn that Steven had a new girlfriend. That meant he wouldn’t fool around anymore. Many women resorted to prostituting themselves in society and slept with countless men. If Steven fooled around and got infected, that would be horrible.
After ending the call, my mood had lifted. Now that Steven had a girlfriend, he wouldn’t act foolishly anymore.
If he were to get married, my parents wouldn’t have to worry about him. They could help to take care of his children, too.
The charity gala was held at Imperial Hotel at eight o’clock the following night. On the day itself, Michael’s secretary delivered the gown at four in the afternoon.
It was a pink strapless gown that reached my ankles. Michael was thoughtful enough to get me a matching pair of ivory white flats. Sometimes, he was more thoughtful than I was.
The strapless gown draped out under the bustline, rather than at the natural waistline. Thus, it was perfect for me. My tummy would still bulge out, but it wasn’t that obvious or strange-looking.
After getting off work, Michael came back home to pick me up. He was afraid someone would kidnap me on the way to the venue.
When I heard him saying that over the phone, I held back the urge to roll my eyes. No one will dare to kidnap Michael’s wife. Besides, I’m pregnant!
Despite thinking that way, I found his behavior endearing. I knew he was concerned about me.
When we arrived at Imperial Hotel, the entrance was full of luxurious cars. I clutched Michael’s arm anxiously after getting down from the car. After all, it was my first time attending such a grand event.
“Don’t be nervous. Just be yourself,” Michael told me.
He grinned and gave my hand a comforting pat before leading me into the hotel.
Once we entered the venue, I was stunned by how luxurious the decoration was. The chandelier on the ceiling in the hall was dazzling and illuminated the entire space.
The guests were big shots in high society. They were clad in extravagant and glamorous outfits. The wealthy ladies had gathered in circles and were chatting elegantly.
As someone who grew up in a village, I had never seen such a scene in my life. I felt extremely out of place. Perhaps it was because I didn’t belong here.
“Michael, should I head home instead?”
I whipped my head around to stare at Michael anxiously. He was right beside me, but I couldn’t get used to the environment.
“We’re already here. Why do you want to leave? If you need time to get used to the event, just take a seat somewhere.”
As expected, Michael grabbed my hand and refused to let me leave.
Left with no choice, I entered the hall with him. Michael’s appearance immediately attracted the guests’ attention. I felt as if every gaze in the hall was boring into me. Those who came to talk to him were mostly business people. Michael plastered a perfunctory smile and greeted them, but I could sense the impatience in his voice.
Michael was the most powerful man in Avenport. Plenty of people would die to strike a connection with him, but he was a picky person, especially when it concerned his business partners. Thus, he wouldn’t bother to talk to ordinary people.
