Chapter 17 THE TWO PERFECTLY PAIRED

Mary Ann needs to take a proper rest today. Later tonight, she will be attending the banquet her boss organized.

It will be starting around eight but she needs to be there at least an hour before it starts.

Meanwhile, John knew that Mary Ann was at home.

He planned to pick her up and they will go together to the banquet of his friend, Adrian.

He didn't inform the woman that he was coming earlier than she expected because he wanted to surprise her.

"There you go," Mary Ann whispered to herself as she did the final touch on her makeup. It's just before six in the evening but she is already prepared. She doesn't want to be late.

She chose to wear a black long dress for her body. It has a side slit that makes it a show-stopper. This long dress with a low neckline is just a perfect way to give Mary Ann a sexy look.

It gives the woman a distinct look.

She just let her ebony black hair loose on her back.

Mary Ann looked at herself again in the mirror. She is very pleased with what she is seeing.

She decided to finally come out of her room and as soon as she reached the living room she was shocked to see who's sitting on the sofa.

The man is wearing a black suit. He looks charming.

John finally noticed her presence. She could see his eyes widened and almost dropped his jaw.

He stood up and greeted her, "Good evening, Mary Ann. You look very lovely tonight." He said while looking at her as if he had been enchanted.

She smiled at John, "Good evening, John. You look handsome as well with the black suit. But, why are you here?" She suddenly asked him. The man said he will just drop her off but why is he in here in front of her?

"Well, I came here to pick you up so you don't have to worry about how to get in the banquet and we can also go together there." The man said, still looking at her full of admiration.

"Thank you, John." Her grandmother spoke, "It's a good thing that John is here to pick you up, Mary Ann. You won't need to wait for a taxi or commute with that kind of look, I know it's a good thing that you will be coming with him to the party."

She shook her head. Her grandmother seems to be fond of John.

"Don't worry grandma, rest assured that your granddaughter is safe with me. I will drop her off after the party." He said.

"That's great to hear, John. You know that I trust you, right?" Grandmother seriously looked at John.

"Yes, Grandma. You can count on me. I will be bringing your granddaughter back as beautiful as she comes out of that door."

Her grandmother laughed. "Thank you, John. I won't still be sleeping and I will try to wait for the two of you."

"Okay, grandma but like what I have said, you don't have to worry. Your granddaughter is in good hands." John assured her grandmother.

"Thank you again, John. I don't know how to repay your kindness but I think both of you need to go now before you get stuck in traffic." Her grandmother said.

Her grandmother is right. It's rush hour so they better get going or else they might get late to the party if they will be stuck in the traffic.

She walked to her grandmother and kissed her on the cheeks, "Goodbye, grandma. If you want to sleep early, please go. John will take me home." She smiled at her.

"I will try, Mary Ann. As if you don't know me. I couldn't sleep knowing that you aren't home."

"It's different this time, grandma. I am with your granddaughter so you should be able to sleep and have peace of mind." John said to her grandmother to assure her.

She smiled at him. She really appreciates the things that she does for her even though she is wondering why he still does it even though they have already talked about it. I thought she has been clear to him.

When they both finally said their goodbye to the old woman and Auntie Carla. John took her hand and put it in his arms. They walked together as if they were the king and queen of the night.

It is as if they are attending a prom night.

They walked in the pathway heading to John's car. It is parked at the side of the road.

"You said, you aren't sure that you will be coming to the banquet?" She asked the man sitting beside her.

"Well, that's what I thought. But, the meeting ended early today so I decided to come here and pick you up," John looked at her again. She feels like she is melting the way that he stares at her. "By the way, on Monday, I will be flying to Italy." He added.

"Flying? For a business trip?" She asked out of curiosity.

"No, I will have to fly there and take my sister back home. She ran away a few months ago."

Her eyes widened when she heard what he said. "Your sister what? She ran away?"

"Yes, after learning that our parents finally got divorced, she chose to stay in her dormitory. We let her do that but it got worse when she discovered that my father's second wife was already in our mansion. She cannot accept it. So, she ran away from us." He said. She could see a little sadness in his eyes. He might really love and misses his little sister. "But, don't worry. Once I arrive there, I will call you as soon as I can. Always." He added.

Mary Ann just nodded in response to all the things that John said to her. She doesn't understand why he still needs to tell her all of this as if they have a relationship. She has been clear to the man that she isn't ready yet for this kind of thing.

So strange, she looked at the man using her peripheral vision. She just silently looked at him as if studying every movement of his face.

Then, suddenly, John's cell phone rang. He answered using his car's Bluetooth.

"Hello, bro. What's up?"

"Hi bro. Just checking if you are able to pick up Mary Ann?" Adrian is the one on the other line.

"Yes, she is here with me now." He frowned. " Why?"

"I was calling her on her cell phone but she isn't answering my calls," Adrian answered.

John turned to the woman sitting next to him. Mary Ann is confused though about what she heard from her boss.

She took out her cellphone in her bag. She checked and her boss had three missed calls. Her phone was on silent, that's why she wasn't able to hear it when he called.

"I am sorry, boss. My phone is in silent mode that's why I was unable to answer your call." Mary Ann said in a soft voice. She is embarrassed not being able to answer her boss's call.

"That's okay. Just don't put your phone on silent, please? I might need to call you anytime."

"Yes, sir." She responded and put off her phone in silent mode.

"Okay, bro. I will end the call. Drive safely, bro. I will be waiting for both of you."

"Alright, bro. Her phone should be good now." John said to Adrian. "See you there in a couple of minutes."

"Glorious hotel"

People turned all their heads to the woman and man that entered the hotel entrance walking towards the banquet hall.

The woman is wearing a black long dress that draws attention to the curve of her body and her angelic face. It emphasizes her perfect figure complimenting her fair skin. Mary Ann looked like a seductress of the night.

Though she just wears a simple black long dress with a slit and a low neckline, she carries it as if she is like the queen of the night.

Her ebony black hair was added to attract the attention of the guests.

She has an angelic face but could make every man sin because of her. Every woman's eyes are on her and envy can be seen on their faces.

The women's eyes are also on the man who entered with the woman.

He is wearing an elegant black suit that made him walk like a noble.

The man is a jaw-dropping good looking man.

His round-shaped face, high cheekbones, and brown curly hair were perfectly paired down to his thick arched eyebrows, long eyelashes. His pointed nose and full red lips make him more attractive.

The two are perfectly paired together. Everyone thought they were a perfect couple.

People are whispering wondering who they are.

"The woman is quite a beauty? Why don't I know her?" One of the guests whispered to the other.