CHAPTER 005

Ciel feels like he's going to be blinded by the bright flashes of cameras that are relentless especially when he emerges from the car with Xerxes.

Ciel sees the shock on their face, the awe and puzzled looks that cause their steps to flutter. He won't blame them, just two days ago, he had another scandal, adding to the list and today, he's someone's hand candy.

Ciel smiles, looking every bit the rebellious movie star he's known to be. The sharp angles of his face are softened by his playful smirk as his green eyes scan the crowd, taking pleasure in seeing their shocked faces. They probably thought he would never show his face to the world ever again but if only they knew how shameless Ciel is.

Suddenly, there are thousands and one question coming from each direction while the security makes sure no one comes an inch close to them.

“Mr. Laurent! Over here! Who’s the man with you?”

“Ciel Reid—are the rumors about your recent arrest true?”

“Mr. Laurent, is this your date? Who is he to you?”

Ciel isn't surprised as Xerxes’s icy demeanor doesn't falter. He extends a hand toward Ciel who doesn't hesitate to take it but gets startled when he feels the firm tug that brings him against the taller man’s side. So, that's how he's gonna play?

Xerxes’s hand slides confidently around Ciel’s waist, a gesture that sends a shockwave of murmurs through the crowd. He speaks. “This is my fiancé.”

The statement hits like a thunderclap. Ciel feels his heart skip a beat again as he sharply looks at Xerxes who's looking down at him as if he's the only thing that exists. Shame, this is called acting and Ciel is also good at it. He's not known as New York’s best actor for nothing, he has trophies to prove his claims.

Besides Xerxes’s composed demeanor, Ciel is a spark of chaos. “Surprise,” he waves casually to the stunned reporters, his grin wicked.

The silence that follows is so profound that the only sound is the relentless clicking of cameras.

“Fiancée?!” one reporter stammers. “Mr. Laurent, can you confirm this is serious? And what about Mr. Reid’s scandals? Are you aware of his reputation?”

Ciel snorts under his breath. Of course, expect one bitch to open their damn mouth further.

“Scandals?” Xerxes repeats, his tone calm but his piercing gaze sweeps over the reporters, freezing them in place. “I would advise you all to tread carefully with your assumptions. Now, if you will excuse us, we have an event to attend.”

Ciel is impressed by how calm Xerxes is as he leads him through the door, the clicking sound of the cameras fading till there's nothing left but again, all eyes turn to them.

And again, there comes the murmurs and less subtle pointing fingers.

‘He chooses him, how disgusting.’

‘It's expected of Ciel Reid. He knows he's irrelevant in the public eye, so he's going for the next big thing.’

‘He’s going to tarnish his reputation.’

‘Laurent doesn’t seem like the type to go for damaged goods.’

The murmurs come from left right and center. Ciel would have probably given them the middle finger but the arm that's firm around his waist is a reminder for him to be on his best behavior.

Suddenly, a woman approaches them, the lipgloss on her lips matching her vibrant red dress that's too bright for Ciel's liking. This is supposed to be a charity event but everyone's dressed as if it's a freaking gala, Ciel's attire is no exception thanks to his wonderful fiance. Not that he cares.

“Ah, Mr Laurent, we believed you won't make it, quite the wonderful surprise, and who's your little date here?” She glances at Ciel as if he doesn't matter.

“This is Ciel Reid,”

She gasps dramatically. “Oh, the washed-up actor. Everyone knows about him and his awful reputation.”

Ciel doesn't like to be addressed as if he isn't a presence. He almost responds but Xerxes beats him to it, his voice deep and dangerous as the words he lets out.

“He's my fiance, Mrs. Davenport, choose your words wisely if you want my money in your Charity.”

Ciel's eyes widened as the woman.

“Oh, I sincerely apologize Mr. Laurent. I didn't realize. I offer my congratulations.” her smiles falter and there's fear in her eyes as she looks at Xerxes like the devil himself.

Ciel decides to step in. “Oh, Mrs. Davenport, isn’t it? Such a pleasure. I hear your charity work is just as...creative as your investment strategies.”

Xerxes leads them away from her, taking their seat on a table preserved for the CEO who is a bigger shot than Ciel expected as everyone keeps looking at him.

“So, what's the charity event for? I see nothing but rich men coming here to flaunt their wealth, no offense.” Ciel leans towards Xerxes, with a smile that is seductive and charming. If people wanna watch, he will gladly give them a show.

“Ciel,” Xerxes murmurs as if he knows what is going on in Ciel's head, his tone deceptively soft, “do behave.”

“Am I not behaving?” Ciel asks innocently, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Suddenly, two men join them at their table.

“Ah, my good friend, Xerxes.” the one in the black suit beams brightly as he looks at Xerxes while the other one, dressed in a blue suit with perfect features looks like there's a fire dancing in his eyes as his green eyes flickers between Ciel and Xerxes while his hand clenched tightly around a glass of wine he brought along.

“Mr. Smith.” Xerxes acknowledges him without a care but the man continues to exhibit all the sunshine in the world.

“Ah, I thought we've passed that stage. And who is this?” He addresses Ciel, going as far as to fling a hand over his shoulder that Xerxes looks at with a deadly glare.

“If you value your hand, you will take it off him.”

The warning comes like gravity and Mr. Smith doesn't have to be told twice.

“Haven't you heard Jackson, Ciel Reid is his fiance now. It's been the talk of the event. You cannot miss it.”

The blue-suit man verbalizes, his tone coming off bitter and irritating which makes Ciel raise a questioning brow. Is there something he's missing here? Well, Ciel is a bitch, so beat it. “And you are?” He says with an innocent smile that no one will fall for. “You seem to know a lot about me and I don't even know your name, pardon my ignorance if you are someone important that I've missed.”

The glare Ciel receives is nasty. Instead of answering, he slams his glass on the table and bolts to his feet before walking away, Mr Smith instantly chasing after him.

“Wow, he's a bitter one. Who is he?” he looks at Xerxes for an answer.

“No one important.”