Sitting there, I clenched my drink, maintaining a calm facade amidst the snide remarks.
I glanced up at Mr. Brown, who was on stage. Despite the murmurs from the crowd, he seemed unaffected, still as captivating and radiant as ever, speaking fluidly and effortlessly.
Unsure if he noticed the intensity of my stare, he casually turned around, sweeping his gaze across the audience.
Our eyes met.
I quickly averted my gaze, feeling overwhelmed and awkward.
"Kelly, come up here," he called out suddenly in front of everyone.
The crowd had started to cheer and tease. I had no idea what he was planning.
Almost as if compelled by some unseen force, I walked up and stood next to Mr. Brown. He wrapped an arm around me, pulled me close, and announced, "As of today, Kelly Emmie is officially my girlfriend."
I was speechless, my eyes wide as I tried to process his words.
A smug smile played across Mr. Brown's lips.
After that night, it was like I had a target on my back at work. People avoided me, their looks tinged with suspicion.
Handing over documents or trying to make small talk met with curt responses; they'd take the files and hurry off.