The Royal Contract

She was also avoiding being alone with Haley. So far, it had been working since she was busy with all the events. But now that the ceremonies were almost over, it would seem that she was finding it hard to make any more excuses.

“Jacky. I said stop.” Marcus grabbed her arms, effectively slowing her down until she had no choice but to stop.

With no choice, she turned around, facing her boyfriend, who did not seem to get her point. She was not in the mood to deal with him yet.

“What?” Jacky placed her hands across her chest, tapping her feet as she waited impatiently for his answer.

She was not mad at him. She had no idea how to deal with the situation yet since she still had a few more things to do for Dani’s party. Afterward, she was sure to talk to him about Haley all he wanted.

“Can we talk?” He rubbed the back of his neck with his palm as if his body was stressed out.

.....

She could sense that what he was about to tell him was something important. He usually never became tongue-tied about any issues, like how he was acting now.

“We can, but can we do it later?” She tapped her phone that started ringing, talking about being saved by the bell.

She quickly placed the phone on her ears, pretending to talk to the person on the other line, but her mind was still with him, thinking of his face as she moved away.

Anyway, she had to prepare for the inevitable because she could not keep dodging him or Haley, who seemed determined to talk to her alone.

“Thank you guys for all your hard work.” She faced the crew who had worked hard to make this event successful.

There might have been some mishaps, but they still managed to push through and deliver a good service. They had satisfied what was needed. They deserved praise for it at the end of the day.

Then, she moved on to the closing ceremony, the final stage of ending a successful party. She saw that Dani was busy entertaining some guests and her family.

The rest of the guests formed groups, probably discussing businesses or social gossip. Who knew that they also were gossipmongers.

“Hey, are you tired?” She found a few kids slumped on their chairs, nodding their heads, seemingly running out of steam. What did she expect after they had been running for hours around the playground?

Her mind could only conclude one thing, napped time. Therefore, she had to wrap up this event soon before those cute kids wind up sleeping on the grassy lawn.

“Dani, I think it is time for the closing remarks,” Jacky whispered to her friend’s ears, avoiding disrupting her conversation with the guests.

After excusing herself, Dani went along with Jacky, who had been acting strange. But there was no time to dwell on it as they had a program to finish. She did notice the tired faces among the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I again would like to give the floor to our birthday girl, Ms. Dani.” The host announced, gathering everyone’s attention. Even the kids seemed to be slightly alert, hearing her name.

“Thanks again for joining me in this great endeavor that I started. I would not have reached this point without all your support.” She began her speech, appreciating everyone who had devoted their time, energy, power, and money to this project.

She also thanked the cute, lively kids who had joined her on her birthday. It had been one of the most memorable celebrations she had ever experienced.

Afterward, she thought that the master of ceremony would finally conclude the program, but he did something else. “Can I ask Prince Alex to join us on the stage?” Once again, she was left speechless. What now?

“What is this?” She mumbled to her husband, who only shrugged his shoulder, but the glimmer in his eyes told her that he knew something but was not saying anything.

“Can I also ask on the stage, Mr. Marcus on the stage?” Then, the host moved to the side, waiting for the last person he called.

Everybody was looking, expecting something to happen but had no idea what. Even Jacky was surprised by the sudden change in her program, thinking that what was happening was never part of the plan.

“Well, Mr. Marcus had begged me to let him on the stage. Being a very gracious host. Of course, I allowed the poor man some time in the limelight.” The host began telling the crowd, which earned him a few cheers and some laughs.

On the other hand, Marcus was slightly embarrassed, but as they said, the show must go on as he stood in front of everyone, braving what he had planned to do.

“But of course, I had to ask the person paying me to host this job his permission. Thankfully, he turned out to be this man’s best friend.” Pointing again to Marcus. “Anyway, thanks, Prince Alex. Your support means everything to your friend’s dream.”

Again, the crowd laughed at the host’s comical words, but she could see Marcus’ discomfort as he stood on the stage.

“Give the man warm applause.” The host clapped his hand, handing the microphone to Marcus and giving him the floor.

She watched him a few feet away, noticing his slightly trembling hands and sweats on his temples. In truth, she had not seen Marcus sweat in nervousness before, what was manifesting before her. She could only wonder why.

The crowd indulged the host and started clapping their hands loudly, still clueless about what Marcus would be doing on the stage.

“I think all of you might be wondering what I am doing here, taking your most precious time.” Marcus started, slightly blinking to think of the line he had rehearsed in his head for a long time.

Some of their friends cheered for him, probably thinking he might sing, but Marcus was tone-deaf. Then, some just nodded their heads, wondering, just like her.

“Come on, boy. You can do it.” Her father shouted among the crowd, unable to contain the excitement. He seemed to know something too, she thought.

“I am getting there, Ethan,” Marcus replied to one of his mentors and a father to him. Dani was overwhelmed with happiness at the interaction.

Her father nodded at her friend as if he was giving him a blessing, but for what. Anyway, she turned her attention to her friend, who sat at a table just watching also in wonder. She was as clueless as she was.

“I asked you all here, especially you, my bestfriend, Alex, and your lovely wife, Dani, to be my witness.” Marcus continued with his speech, looking at her and her husband.

Dani could not help but be happy in the developing scene. She believed that she might know what was happening, but she did not want to preempt it by meddling in it.

She would wait and watch Marcus play this one out. If her suspicions were correct, maybe her birthday had not seen the best surprise yet.

But was he?