Chapter 194: The Red Carpet Sensation

"You know we can't do that," Eve whispered, pushing him away and giggling.

She took the chance and gathered her breathing. The temperature seemed to rise suddenly. It tempted her to fan herself with the clutch in her hand. Thankfully, Cale had a few loose strands fall on the corners of her eyes. The tips reached down to her chin and covered her cheeks.

That was one way to hide the many blushes she would probably get this evening.

Ambryan chuckled along with her. "It is a very tempting idea."

"I seem to notice that you're not wearing a tie."

"The designer recommended it."

Eve pressed her lips together. Opting the tie out, Ambryan had the first two buttons of his black dress shirt unhooked instead. The style showcased his collarbone and chiseled muscles. He had also left his jacket unbuttoned. It made him seem more laidback…

… but, at the same time, it made him look sexy.

'Never thought I'd actually say that about my boss,' Eve lamented in her head. She wasn't the only one who radiated temptation. Her fingers itched to touch the exposed skin. 

She tucked her clutch under her shoulder and reached out to straighten his collar. "Then, I should thank her for it."

"And for what reason?"

Eve rose to her toes to peck the corner of his mouth. "Because, if not for her, I wouldn't have seen you this sensual."

Grabbing her wrists so her hands stayed in place, Ambryan arched an eyebrow. "So you like exposed skin?" 

"Not necessarily…" she denied softly. Mischief twinkled in her hazel eyes. The tip of her finger brushed against the side of his neck. She saw his Adam's apple tremble. "But I do appreciate it."

Ambryan growled under his breath and locked his jaw. He yanked her closer until his lips found her ears. "Do more than that and I might just carry you into that apartment and not leave it tonight."

"Do that and you might scare poor Cale who is probably watching from the peephole right now."

"Is there a vacant apartment then?"

"Ambee, stop!" Eve leaned her head away. His breath tickled her ear too much. "You're the guest of honor at the party. I'm sure your mother would have my head if we ditched."

"I'm positive that mother would be thrilled."

"..." she considered his words, realizing they could actually be true. But Eve didn't give in. "What about your father then? He might change his mind about me if I let you miss the event. I'm still under probation if I remember correctly."

"Everyone is under probation when it comes to my father." Ambryan snorted. Nevertheless, he let one of her wrists go and laced his fingers between hers. Then, he escorted her to the elevator. The doors opened with one push of a button. 

When they closed, he lifted their intertwined hands and kissed the back of hers. "Shall I take advantage of this moment while it lasts then? At least, until the lift reaches the first floor."

Eve found herself in déjà vu. She had heard something similar from someone else. Was it possible to be this happy? To have every moment in pure bliss? She chuckled at his antics. "I think it's the perfect time to practice self-control actually. We wouldn't know if someone else would join us here suddenly."

"I wouldn't mind showing you off."

"Ambee!"

He flashed his boyish smile. "Have I told you that I missed you?"

"Only everyday in chat." It was Eve's turn to snort. She couldn't understand how the novels she read describe things to feel like a dream. Over the past week, she had a good glimpse of the simile. Heart-flipping messages accompanied the usual Good Mornings and Good Nights.

And, like what they state, she'd rather not wake up if it were true.

The party was in full swing by the time the pair arrived.

They had rented the same venue as Athon's Rainbow Collection launch. Paparazzi and media representatives stood by the red carpet that led to the marble front steps. Stakeholders, guests and acquaintances lingered both in the lobby and in the main room. Floor spotlights beamed at the sky, whirling around in various directions.

Ambryan walked around the hood of his black Mercedes-Maybach S650.

He clutched the handle of the passenger door and opened it.

A slim ankle and a strappy black heel stepped out.

Cameras flashed in rapid speed as waves of crimson hair climbed out of the vehicle. The beadings on the fabric's laced vines glinted from all the lights, adding highlights to the black dress. The CEO shut the door close.

Then, he locked his left hand with his girlfriend's right one.

Together, they joined the others on the red carpet.

"And here he is! The CEO of Eros Productions has finally arrived!" A blonde female reporter spoke to a mic, alternating her gaze between the couple and the video camera. "As well as the highly anticipated person of the evening—if I do say so myself—Ms. Evangeline Reed!"

Across from her, a small reporter filmed the events with his cellular phone. He had pinned a microphone to his chest and squealed into his live stream. "Aaaaah! It's been months since Ambryan had been taken but like—I still can't believe it, babes! One thing though, they look absolutely gorgeous together! Both in black, ohmygosh, did I step into a vampire romance right now? I would totally pay to watch it."

An actress for one of Eros' several projects pulled out her phone and wrote a quick post. ``Rumors are squashed! Mr. Hathaway is here with his beautiful girlfriend! Never seen her in person before this. I am telling you that she looks even better than her photos!``

Eve smiled politely whenever she made eye contact with anyone. Unlike the man beside her, she preferred an approachable demeanor. It made her cheeks hurt but it was worth it. She even waved her hand if someone displayed enthusiasm in greeting her from a distance. 

The pair stopped in front of the event's backdrop. 

Ambryan replaced her hand for her waist, wrapping his arm around her back and yanking her closer. The abrupt movement forced Eve to cling to him. She had one hand on his shoulder and another on his chest—hiding the mishap with a chuckle. They posed in this manner and swept their gazes across the cameras. 

Reporters fought for their attention.

"Ms. Reed! If you could describe your relationship in one word, what would it be?"

"Are you ready to settle down anytime soon, Mr. Hathaway?"

"Do either of you consider Elias Walker as a threat to your relationship?"

"Both of you had been out of the public eye for the past week. Perhaps you had spent it together in seclusion? Also, who were the kids seen with Ms. Reed near your residence, Mr. Hathaway?"

"Mikael Davis will make his appearance in 'Define Love.' Should we expect the same with you, Ms. Reed? Do you plan to branch out of modelling in favor of acting?"

The questions never ended. Eve's head spun just by trying to listen. Not that she planned to answer any of them but it did give her a brief idea on what the latest gossip was. With eyes on her, she hoped Ambryan wouldn't notice the absence of her other self.

"Now, this is more like it!" A new voice chimed in from the other side of the backdrop. "This was what I was looking for on the last red carpet. About time I've seen the two of you arrive together."

Avery entered the scene with a purple evening gown that fitted her bodice and her hips. The skirt flared into an A-line cut as it reached the floor. But the main character of the dress would have to be the butterfly-shaped ruffled sleeves. They added that extra flair without overdoing it.

Red rubies hung around her neck, matching her lip color.

Pride swelled in her heart at this look.

"Aunt Avery!" Eve exclaimed, spreading her arms for a hug.

The madam didn't disappoint and returned it. "Take photos with me for a while."

To Eve's surprise, the reception of their presence together outdid Ambryan and hers. More questions popped into the fray. The camera flashes had turned blinding from extended exposure. Ambryan ushered them to the lobby when it had affected him as well.

"I think it's about time we greet our guests," he suggested. He nodded at the media once before escorting both ladies to the three-story building. Whispers filled the lobby when they entered it. The energy had died down compared to the red carpet.

Avery seized Eve's arm. "Let me introduce you to a few acquaintances. They had all been dying to meet you. I may or may not have not talked their ears off about you."

"By 'a few', she actually means everyone," Ambryan warned. "I strongly believe that there isn't one person in this building that mother doesn't know."

"Connections are always part of social functions," she defended with a huff. "Let me spend time with her now before the party officially stars. If I didn't know any better, you wouldn't have her leave your side."

"Shouldn't I have a caretaker if I'm sick?" Ambryan faked a cough. 

"You mean a babysitter?" Eve joked, locking arms with Avery. "Cut your mother some slack. Your father isn't attending. We should give her some company whenever possible."

"And the next thing you know she would share her ideas for a wedding, bragging to anybody who would listen."