Helping Hand

The night was alive. Everyone was dancing to the music the DJ played in front. The mix of swirling lights and the smell of alcohol provided a sense of drunken stupor.

Diana would have enjoyed this scene, if only she belongs to the company the party’s celebrant is from.

Instead, she busied herself at the buffet table, negotiating with the caterer to prepare to-go boxes for her, planning her escape. The noise was deafening, irritating her mood more. A good thing that all of the rooms in this venue are sound-proof. The more formal diners were situated in the opposite hall, so as to avoid disturbing them.

“I’ll be back for it,” Diana said to one of the catering staff. The young man just nodded in understanding.

Diana slipped past the crowd and went to relieve herself in the bathroom outside of the rented venue.

She was still inside the cubicle when she heard voices enter the bathroom.

“I swear, Chantal, you and your sister are like night and day. We’re having so much fun at your party and there she was hogging the food like there’s no tomorrow.” said a girl in a sassy voice.

“For real~ as if she’s never seen desserts in her whole life.” another girl commented.

Someone chuckled.

A message alert sounded.

Just then Chantal’s voice was heard.

“Beatrice, Leah--we should head back inside. Henry is looking for me.” Chantal drawled.

“Oh my gosh. Your man just misses you even for a minute!” Beatrice exclaimed.

“That is so true. He just can’t get enough of you!” Leah said excitedly.

The trio left.

Diana struggled to get up from the toilet seat. Her leg was already having cramps after sitting on the toilet seat for a long time. She shook her leg a few times, bringing back the sensation.

She opened the cubicle’s door and washed her hands on the sink, looking at herself one last time in the mirror before leaving the bathroom.

She wanted to get the to-go boxes from the catering staff so she could leave already but as soon as she got out of the bathroom, she bumped into the trio again.

“Diana? You were inside just now?” Leah asked in surprise.

Diana suppressed her urge to roll her eyes.

She did not believe that they didn’t know she was inside when they dared to talk about her. After all, they have even talked harshly in her face before.

“Yup.” Diana mildly answered. “By the way Chantal, I’ve placed your present on the table along with the others in the room. Happy birthday. I enjoyed the event. Now I will excuse myself first, I still need to wake up early tomorrow. You guys enjoy the rest of the night.”

Chantal just nodded. She also wanted Diana to leave early.

Just then, Henry approached the trio before Diana was able to leave.

“Hey, babe.” Henry snaked his arms around Chantal’s waist. “I’ve been looking for you.”

The two girls screamed in delight.

Henry then noticed that Diana was there.

“Diana. You’re here?” he asked as if this is the last place she will ever be in.

Diana just nodded. “Have a good night.” She started to leave.

Meanwhile, in the opposite room, the businessmen have concluded their meeting and are standing outside of the room and saying their farewells.

Diana took the to-go boxes from the catering staff and thanked them, complimenting their work before leaving the room.

As she got out of the room, the trio and Henry saw her carrying to-go boxes.

“Oh wow. She really did take some to go.” Beatrice mocked. “Diana, are you sure you are from the Winchester Family?”

“Oh, I can give you some coupons from my family’s restaurant if you would like, Diana” Leah offered, pretending to be helpful.

At this, Chantal became embarrassed for having a sister that doesn’t act like a noble lady. In her fury, her mouth spewed insults.

“You know what, Diana. I think you just came here to act like a fool in front of everybody. If you have no self-respect then don’t pull me down with you!” Chantal exclaimed.

Diana raised her eyebrow.

She doesn’t really understand what is wrong with taking some food-to-go.

“Orrrr--is this a sign of your protest after Henry chose Chantal over you?” Beatrice smirked, seeming to hit a jackpot.

Diana’s eyes became cold. “Not at all. I came here for the food.”

“Excuses----as if anyone will believe that someone from the Winchester family could be so hung up on food. You’re just doing it to seek Henry’s attention.” Beatrice continued.

Just then, Diana noticed a man outside the opposite room. His attention was on his phone, his brows furrowed.

“And why do I need to do that?” Diana crossed her arms, challenging them to state their reasons.

“Obviously because you haven’t moved on from Henry yet. Wake up! Henry doesn’t like you at all.” Beatrice gritted her teeth.

Diana could never understand how Beatrice can get passionate about Chantal’s business.

“Like I said. I only came here for the food. And besides, I already have a boyfriend. Why would I need to think about other men?” Diana smirked.

At this, Henry’s attention perked up. He never thought Diana would be able to move on right away. Henry felt bitter. Diana has always been self-sufficient. It’s like even if she was left alone, she’d be able to move forward. He didn’t feel needed while they were together.

“You? A boyfriend? You must be joking!” Beatrice was incredulous.

Diana knew she’d need to prove her words soon. She walked towards the tall man on the phone and tugged his suit’s sleeve, mouthing the words “Help me.” The man nodded when he saw the beautiful lady with piercing eyes.

“Love. Did I make you wait?” Diana started her charade. She pulled the man’s arm close to her, hugging it. The to-go box dangling on her other hand.

The trio and Henry were surprised. But a part of them still does not believe that the man was really her boyfriend.

“Let’s go?” Diana said, pulling down the man’s necktie, his face close to hers, brushing her soft lips against his.

The man felt electricity on his lips where she touched. He snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her close. He lowered his head and looked into her eyes as if asking permission. Her lips curved in a smile. He took it as her approval. He went in for a kiss, deepening it, as she placed her hand on his shoulder pulling him close.

The trio and Henry could not believe their eyes. Especially Henry, he has never kissed Diana on the lips before. He has only kissed her on her cheek each time. He tried to be understanding before, thinking Diana is just being conservative.

But what is this? She’s kissing this man so wantonly.

Diana pulled away from the embrace.

She was surprised at her actions just now. She has never done something like that before. But just now, it felt so natural. She was in sync with the man.

The man she kissed just now chuckled. He took her hand and led her out of the building, ignoring the other people.