Chapter 2 On The Balcony

Chapter 2: On the Balcony After ten months. Evan squinted his eyes at Airina’s gown – it refined her slender and sexy body that could charm and make a man’s heart flutter. It was not like he wouldn’t want her to wear such a thing, but men are vicious. Of course, he will do anything to protect his sister. Evan then frowned, “Anyways, why have you been rejecting Nicole’s calls?” Airina scoffed at his words, flipping her hair in an annoyed manner. “You know too well what she’d say. It’s either about Jackson or money.” They turned to the right side of the hall and arrived at where the Founding Anniversary was being held. As such the two greeted everyone, and in the middle of that, Evan and Airina knew the lustful gazes of the men lingering around her, but she heeded no mind. Evan whispered to her ears, “I think you’re in the spotlight today. Oh, and Matthew said you’d have a speech later, no?” Airina nodded, “I do. Say, should I back down?” Evan chuckled at her joke, nudging her arms, and responding. “Cousin won’t allow you, and so does Grandpa. They are not here yet.” Airina looked around and then noticed a certain man. Unlike the men who were lusting over her, his gaze seemed to be pure affection for her. But what troubles her was the fact that his features were pretty much similar to Jackson’s. Maybe she was just mistaken. Jackson, who was invited by Matthew as to commemorate the company's standing, rarely participated in parties. But he had an intuition it would be best if he attended this time around. Whatever the reason was would be discovered once he stepped in. He slightly scanned his surroundings, noticing a long-white gown worn by a woman. It appeared to be seducing based on its fitted waistline and the concealed thighs down to its foot. She was definitely hot and sexy. As the celebration went on after a moment of waiting, Jackson’s eyes were still focused on the woman’s back. He watched every detail of her movement with amusement. The woman turned to handshake with a businessman - he was frozen, dumbfounded. He mumbled in astonishment, “Airina?” Then the MC sounded, “And by this Founding Anniversary, we’d also like to hear our new exclusive shareholder of the Halton Company, Miss Airina H. Beverly. Let’s clap our hands to her first-ever appearance.” The MC enthusiastically spoke with respect and admiration to the woman he called. Everyone, except Jackson, applauded their hands while Airina went to the stage with a wide grin on her face. She had changed. From her head, down to her toe. Airina was just too gorgeous right now even that word was belittling her. She began, “I’d like to thank CEO Halton for this opportunity, along with Mrs. Halton. Without these two prominent and dazzling figures, I wouldn’t have had a chance to prove my abilities and share my ideas. From here onwards, I’d work diligently as I have been doing for the recent months and I hope everyone could also give praise to our CEO Halton’s efforts. Thank you.” Airina climbed down the stairs with Matthew’s hand supporting her. He smiled and exchanged words with her. Yet anger was the only thing Jackson knew. For the past ten months since their divorce, he had been experiencing vivid dreams about Airina. It was to the extent that he found himself wanting her, but she was not anywhere only to be seen her beaming at other men. How dare she?! The next second before he knew it, he had already stridden towards her direction feeling his heart pounded excitedly. The faint smell of the wines given to the other guests wafted through his nose, but he didn’t care but Airina. She was strikingly gorgeous causing him to want to grab, kiss, and even mark her as his. “Airina.” And without prompting for her answer, Jackson hastily yet elegantly grabbed her hand and kissed the back of her hand. The only thing people knew at that exact moment was surprise. Airina frowned at his surprising movement, not that she wasn’t grossed out for a second. She hadn’t seen him ever since their divorce, yet their reunion was this. Hurriedly, she pulled her hand away from his mouth. “Truly… I was told you have a knack for being gentlemanly, but your manners are lacking. My, what a sight.” Airina mocked as soon as she regained her senses. The same man who heartlessly broke her heart, and the same man who kissed her hand. It was shocking. Jackson slyly smirked. “Yes, in fact, I am quite the easygoing type that I can’t wait to have this dance with you.” The impending dance song resonated in their ears, but Airina grabbed Matthew’s arm, replying to Jackson. “Do seek another partner.” Just like that, she went away while Jackson was taken aback. She pushes him away which means she was only trying hard to get. Thus, he decided not to dance with anyone despite that women were asking him to be their partner. As soon as the dance was finished, he appeared in front of Airina again. “It’s a surprise meeting you here.” He had a devious grin. Airina lifted her chin, “I don’t think so.” Jackson glanced at the balcony, “I have something to tell you. Let’s talk on the balcony.” However, Evan blocked his way with his menacing gaze. He coldly asked, “And what business do you have with my sister?” Airina smiled slightly at Evan who protected her as if he had beaten her up. She whispered to him, “Don’t worry.” Then, she sneaked from behind Evan. “Lead the way, then.” Jackson readily nodded. He even kindly helped her with her gown, holding the hem of it to make her walk comfortably. After they arrived on the balcony, Airina chuckled at him. “It seemed you have a lot of free time in your hands, CEO.” Jackson smirked, “Call me Jackson, Airina.” She said, “Oh? I don’t think we have such a good history to call each other by names.” Her eyes were full of hostility, but it only added to the fun Jackson was having. The more she pushed him, the more he wanted her. More importantly, her lips looked tempting and alluring, not to mention the gown she chose to wear. Jackson hid his hand in one of his pockets, and asked her with a solemn voice, “What kind of relationship do you have with Matthew?” “I’m not obligated to answer that.” “Are you one of his playthings?” Airina snickered, “Come on. You and Matthew are worlds apart. He’s not like you, unappreciative and disgusting.” “Your words are too much, Airina.” “I’m not even starting.” She sighed, effortlessly flipping her hair. “Are you in a relationship with Matthew?” “Perhaps.” Jackson approached her. An evil smile across his face then smoothly grabbed her by the waist. He leaned forward, seductively whispering into her ears, “It doesn’t matter, since I will make you mine.”