5. The Performance and Revelation

Amelia walked quickly in front of the Alexis Hotel, but she didn't notice anything around her because she was too focused on what she held. But just as she was about to reach the other path, a car came up quickly and came close to hitting Cassandra.

A well-dressed man, Daniel saw what was happening and said quickly, “Watch out!”

Amelia was shocked and couldn't breathe before saying, “Thank you.”

Daniel asked, “Are you alright?” with a worried look.

Amelia answered, “Yes, I'm fine. I'm still catching my breath.” Hey, you were the one who helped me this morning, right? Today, you've helped me twice. “I'm Amelia Grayson. What's your name?”

Daniel said, “My name is Daniel. We've met twice today, so yes.”

Amelia put out her hand and said, “Nice to meet you.”

They made a handshake.

Amelia wanted to show her appreciation, so she asked Daniel to join her for a drink at the bar where she worked. “Well, you helped me out, so I'd like to buy you a drink at my work bar. It's nothing special, but please take it.”

Daniel said, “Yes. Where do you have your bar? Should we take a car?”

Amelia said no, “It's just across the street, so there's no need.”

They walked together across the street and towards the Fly Bar. When Daniel got there, Amelia told him to take a seat.

Amelia brought the drinks to each person and said, “Here's your drink. Please have fun. I know that this bar might not be a good fit for you.”

Daniel looked at his well-fitted suit, a sign of wealth, and quickly changed the subject. “No, it's not like that,” he said. It's just what the job needs. I drive cars.”

Amelia saw what she had done wrong and smiled. They were both laughing.

***

Mr. Johnson listened carefully and sometimes raised his eyebrows to show interest. When Damien was done talking, Mr. Johnson gave him a severe look.

“Alpha, I will give her a chance to perform at the party,” Mr. Johnson said firmly.

Damien's heart was full of happiness. 

“Please make sure that Amelia comes to my party in Manhattan!” Damien made it clear.

Damien walked out of Mr. Johnson's office, and his eyes showed he was happy. His request to have Amelia attend the party he was throwing in two days was granted. He felt excited as he thought about how Amelia being there would bring them closer together.

Damien left Mr. Johnson's room and walked down busy hallways, led by the dim light from the lined-up wall lamps. When he got to Daniel's room, he opened the heavy wooden door and saw a cozy room with bookshelves and a big oak desk with papers. Damien took Daniel's chair and sat down.

Damien looked up and met Daniel's focused gaze with his hazel eyes.

“Alright, alright, Alpha Damien. Just two days before the big event, is that why you're here?” Daniel spoke up.

“Daniel,” Damien said in a bit of a rush. “I'm happy to tell you. Mr. Johnson has agreed to what I asked for. Amelia is welcome to come to my party. I'm speechless!”

“Well, I guess that's why you came here.”

Daniel's face stayed calm, but a flash of joy was in his eyes. He knew Damien had two sides because he was a werewolf, but that didn't worry him. He was used to things going wrong, just like Damien was used to his calm demeanor.

Daniel took a step towards Damien.

“May you grow closer to your predicted mate,” he told her.

Damien got out of his plush chair and crossed his fingers in front of him. Damien's heart filled with pride as he heard Daniel's words of support. “Daniel, you're right. I can't wait to tell Amelia about this. That it was fate for her to be mine.”

Damien took a look down. “However, I'm worried about something.”

Daniel gave Damien a quick look. “What makes you sad?”

“I know this is asking a lot, but please make sure Amelia comes to my party.”

Daniel gave a nod. “I will take her to your event myself, Damien.”

***

The dimly lit bar area was filled with the smell of cigarette smoke and the sounds of people talking. Mr. Johnson sat quietly in a corner. He was wearing a well-fitted suit, and his face was raised strangely. He patiently waited for Amelia, keeping his eyes on his watch, which sparkled in the dim light.

The door to the bar opened wide all of a sudden, and Amelia walked in. Her blonde hair fell beautifully, and the bright bar lights made her eyes shine. Dressed in a beautiful black gown, she had an unmatched ease.

Mr. Johnson smiled and raised his whisky glass to greet Amelia. “Finally, you've made it. I have some good news to tell you.”

Amelia put her bag on the chair beside her, looked at Mr. Johnson, and joined him. “What are you thinking about, Mr. Johnson? Something doesn't feel right about this offer.”

Mr. Johnson nodded and told Amelia, “Don't worry. This is a big chance for your future as a musician. Someone with much power has asked you to perform at his big party in Manhattan. It will move your job forwards in a big way.”

Amelia took a big breath. She was nervous and didn't know what to do. “But, Mr. Johnson, I'm just a little-known singer. What could I bring to such an expensive party?”

Mr. Johnson made a happy face and put up his hand. “Amelia, don't have any doubts. Your singing is amazing, and your music has a charm that draws people in. This is a great chance to show the world what you can do.”

Amelia was stunned by what Mr. Johnson said, so she paused momentarily. She sighed, and then she slowly nodded. “Okay, Mr. Johnson,” he said. I can do it. I'll sing at his party in New York City.”

Daniel met with Mr. Johnson two days after that. Shortly after that, Amelia came. Mr. Johnson smiled at them when they came in. “This is Daniel, Amelia. He is the man who asked you to perform at the host's party in Manhattan. He is the host's representative.”

Amelia was interested in Daniel and looked at him. “Who is the host? Does that person not have a name if they need to hide it? Who is he?” Amelia didn't say anything.

Daniel wore a fake mustache this time, so Amelia didn't recognize him. Daniel had put on a mask on purpose so he wouldn't make Amelia suspicious.

***

When they got to Manhattan, Daniel took Amelia to a room set up, especially for her. The room was filled with soft lighting, which made it feel calm and relaxed. A good makeup artist and hair stylist were already waiting for Amelia.

The makeup artist softly touched Amelia's face to give her a soft and beautiful look. Her fantastic touch brought out Amelia's natural beauty and gave her sad eyes a slight sparkle. When she was done, Amelia looked in the mirror and smiled brightly, happy with how things turned out.

Then Daniel brought Amelia the dress he had picked out just for her.

Amelia and Daniel left the secret room when they were ready. They walked down hallways that were busy with people. The air was full of music and happy laughs, which made it feel inspiring.

They finally got to the door to the main room where the party was. The space was taken over by bright lights and the crowd's chatter. Amelia's heart beat faster, but she kept going because she was brave and excited.

Daniel gave Amelia a silent nod of support by smiling at her. “Now's your chance, Amelia. Open the door to your wonders and let your music ring out.”