chapter 47

                                    

                                          
The soft buzz of chatter filled the ballroom as Dimitri and Crystal mingled with the other guests, but as soon as they entered, it was clear that all eyes were on Dimitri. He commanded attention effortlessly, exuding an air of confidence that seemed to captivate everyone around him.
As they walked in, a man approached them with a broad grin and raised a glass. “Dimitri!” he called out, clinking glasses with others nearby. “Congratulations on your massive success! Truly an accomplishment worth celebrating.”
Crystal turned to Dimitri, eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity. “You never told me what this was all about,” she murmured, a hint of surprise coloring her voice.
Dimitri smirked, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. “Well, now you know, don’t you? Aren’t you going to congratulate me, doll?”
Crystal rolled her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Congratulations,” she said, her voice carrying just enough warmth to show she meant it.
Before they could exchange any more words, the host of the party, a distinguished-looking gentleman, approached the microphone on the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, drawing the room’s attention. “We’re here tonight to celebrate Dimitri’s phenomenal success.” He paused, letting the applause die down before continuing. “But that’s not the only thing we’re here for! Tonight, we have an even bigger announcement. Dimitri has finally found the love of his life!” The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, all eyes flickering to Crystal and Dimitri with renewed interest.
Crystal’s eyes widened, and she shot Dimitri a look of disbelief. He just chuckled, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze as the host continued, “Now, Dimitri, we’d all love to hear your story. Why don’t you come up here and share with us how you found this beautiful lady by your side?”
Dimitri smiled at Crystal, a spark of mischief in his eyes as he whispered, “You’re not nervous, are you?”
“Not in the slightest,” she replied, trying to appear unfazed even as her heart pounded in her chest.
Dimitri released her hand and made his way to the stage, his steps confident as ever. He accepted the microphone, offering a brief nod to the applauding crowd before he began speaking. “Thank you, everyone, for coming. This night is indeed special, not just for my success but for many reasons,” he said, his voice steady and strong. “As many of you know, success doesn’t come easy, especially in my line of work.”
The crowd leaned forward, intrigued, knowing Dimitri’s reputation. Though many suspected his ties to the underworld, he never openly spoke of it, adding a layer of mystery to his persona.
“The journey wasn’t easy, but tonight, we’re here to celebrate the fruits of it,” he continued, a shadow of intensity passing over his face. “Every step I’ve taken, every risk, has led me to where I am today.”
He paused, casting a meaningful look toward Crystal, his expression softening. “But all the success in the world would mean nothing if I didn’t have someone to share it with,” he said, his voice dropping to a tender tone.
The crowd murmured in approval as he looked back at Crystal. “I’d like you all to meet my ‘doll,’ Crystal. She’s beautiful, no doubt, but she’s also unpredictable, stubborn, and perhaps the most infuriating person I’ve ever met. Yet… I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Crystal felt a rush of warmth bloom in her chest, but she kept her expression steady, determined not to let him see just how much his words affected her.
“Let me tell you about this doll of mine,” he continued, his voice growing playful. “Crystal here has a habit of saying the first thing that comes to her mind without thinking. And then she’ll try to play it off as if she’s not embarrassed, but I see right through her,” he teased, smiling down at her.
The crowd chuckled, enjoying his teasing, while Crystal rolled her eyes, unable to hide her smile.
“She’s also the kind of person who’ll forget her own plans, only to remember them when it’s most inconvenient.” He grinned, winking at her. “But she’s also the one who brightens up every single moment. I may not be the ‘prince charming’ type, but that’s fine, because she’s no fairy-tale princess either. She’s my perfect beauty, and I guess… I’m her perfect beast.”
The crowd erupted into applause, clearly enamored with Dimitri’s affectionate yet candid description. Crystal’s heart fluttered at his words, an unfamiliar warmth settling in her chest as she felt the eyes of the crowd on her.
Someone from the crowd called out, “When did you know you were in love with her?”
Dimitri’s face softened, his voice turning almost reverent. “The moment I saw her,” he replied, his gaze never leaving Crystal. “It was one of those nights where everything seemed dull, nothing going my way. And then… there she was.” His voice grew dreamy, as if reliving the moment. “Suddenly, the stars shone brighter. The night wasn’t just a night anymore; it was something magical. And from that moment on, I knew she was the one.”
The sincerity in his voice melted something in Crystal, though she tried to mask it with a teasing scoff. “Such a flirt,” she muttered, crossing her arms, but the faint blush coloring her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed by him.
Dimitri chuckled, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that made her heart race. He stepped down from the stage, weaving through the crowd until he was standing right before her again. “Oh, you love it, don’t you, doll?”
Before she could respond, the crowd started chanting, “Dance! Dance! Dance!”
Dimitri smiled, holding out his hand to her. “May I have this dance, doll?”