The Billionaire's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 54

Anna's POV

The hall is silent, everyone is watching the host on the podium, waiting patiently for the announcement of the top 10 best businessman and newest billionaires in New York. I can see the fear and anxiety in Aidan's face, even though he is trying to hide it. I can see through him.

I can see Julian's table from where we sit. I can also see his father watching us at intervals, there is a pretty lady beside him.

When Aidan and I entered with my arms intertwined with his, the flashes from the media's camera were enough to intensify my anxiety. Aidan told me not to answer any questions and I was obeying him.

When we entered the big hall, I wished for the ground to open so I could go in. My breathing seized because of the large crowd. I was panicking.

I have never been in a place where there are so many people like this.

Aidan noticed it because my hand was stiff, he stared at me and gave me a cute smile. That did the trick, I puffed out air that I didn't know I was holding in and took deep breaths to calm my nerves.

The smile he gave me was like a precious jewel. It relieved me of my anxiety and made me confident of what I am doing. But I keep asking myself if Aidan is bipolar. This minute, he is sweet and handsome but the next minute, he is cold like a devil.

He introduced me to some people before we finally went to our seats. We met Julian on the way and his eyes interlocked with mine. I smiled at the man and he looked away. Aidan's face was devoid of emotions. Julian left our presence. We met his father next and Aidan quickly grabbed my hand and walked past him.

I see a man smirking at Aidan from the table opposite us. Everyone who knows Aidan seems to be shocked to see me with him. I don't know if it's because of my belly or because of how irresponsible Aidan is.

The man smirking at him looks surprised to see me with him also and when he threw me a wink, I knew instantly that he is Aidan's opponent, Damien.

I looked away from him and caught Aidan staring. He didn't say anything to me but kept staring at the man. I began to wonder at that moment why I hadn't seen the last person he told me to stay away from, Tessa.

Why haven't I seen her?

I was expecting her to be the first to accuse me or confront me for stealing her man.

Did you steal her man? My subconscious asks me.

Sitting right here and waiting impatiently for the results, I catch a glimpse of Aidan's hand shaking.

The man begins to call the names of the top 10 richest men in New York up to the fifth. The tension in the hall intensified. Aidan closes his eyes and mutters an inaudible word.

"The fifth best is Richard Monteiro", the man announces sharply. Aidan opens his eyes sharply to search for someone. I see a man stand up from a seat nearby and Aidan glares at him coldly.

"All work and no play indeed", Aidan mumbles. The man smiles back at him and I keep staring till he is on the stage. I gaze back at the table and gasp when my eyes are on the woman watching me in shock.

"Pam?"

"Pam?" Aidan questions me, looking towards the table.

"Is..is he your friend?" I ask Aidan, pointing at the guy on the stage.

"Yes, my stupid friend. Is the lady your friend too?" He asks me.

"Yes", I answer and look back at the table.

Pamela smiles and looks down. I sigh. I told her they are friends but she said they aren't. Now, it is apparent that they are. I didn't know I would meet her here.

I turn back to watch the man on the stage, this is when I realize three more people have been called. My conversation with Aidan didn't make us realize that another person has been called.

Aidan mutters an inaudible word again which I guess is a curse word. His fist tightens and I touch him impulsively.

His nervousness is back now that two more people are left, the second and the first. If the second turns out to be Aidan, then it means the first will be Damien and vice versa.

"Do you believe in yourself and your abilities?" I whisper.

He looks surprised that I am asking such question. I want to be his source of strength and motivation. I can't be entirely useless, I don't care if he mistreats me after this is done. I want him to win because this means a lot to him and this means a lot to his mother.

He nods slowly.

"Then watch", I flash him a smile. "I believe in you. I will sit here and watch you succeed. Tonight is that night."

"I....."

"The second best is Alexandra Thomas", the large speaker interrupts him and I see fear flash across his face. I can literally hear his heart thumping wild. He darts his eyes towards Damien's table. There is still that confidence in Damien's expression. He didn't look shaken but the smirk is off his face.

I know Aidan's fear. Damien is not the second which means he is either the first or not part of the best businessmen in New York.

I realize I am also tense too. I close my eyes, hoping it is the latter. I want to be significant in Aidan's life and this is an opportunity.

"The best business man and richest man award in New York goes to......"

There were mumbles around the hall at first but when the host spoke, everywhere falls silent. With my closed eyes, my hand finds his hand on the table. I hold his two hands tightly.

"Aidan John Alvarez", the man announces and there is a standing ovation as Aidan is still sitting. I almost jump up in excitement, when I suddenly realize the winner is Aidan, my husband-to-be.

I open my eyes and our eyes interlock. He stands up and moves towards me, he pecks my forehead before walking confidently to the stage.

I am too shocked to do anything other than watch. I am shocked that he is the winner and I am also shocked that he pecked me.

Is this his display of gratitude or it's just a show?

Damien hits the table angrily and stands up. People watch him. I can see how he is trying to control his anger. He turns back to glare at me like I am his rival, instead of Damien.

I can't believe he is neither second nor first. He is nothing but a loser. He hit the table again before storming out of the hall furiously.

I grin triumphantly.