The Gala (Part 1)

Selene felt as if she had stepped into a glittering fairyland. The charity gala was being held at and hosted by the famous Monaco at Beverly Hills Hotel, which had been around for over a century. It was so famous that it had served as host to numerous Hollywood after-award parties, going back to the Golden Era of pictures in the 1940s and 50s. Celebrities and political big-shots were known to stay there whenever visiting Los Angeles.

In character with the hotel's style, the main ballroom had been transformed into a sea of twinkling lights that offset the classic burgundy and gold theme. It was a unique circle shaped room so it did not feel as if one was at a conference. On one "side" of the room, there was a stage that had been built to accommodate a podium, with a side table. Behind these, there was a curved screen that was currently displaying pictures of the three charities that would be benefiting from the evening's auction.

As soon as Selene and Ben entered the ballroom, there was a man in a black tuxedo that escorted them to their table. Each table had a massive flower centerpiece in the middle with burgundy roses and other flowers that complemented the color. After they were seated, Ben introduced Selene to the two other couples that were sitting next to them, leaving two seats open for a couple that had yet to arrive. One of the couples present at the table was a husband-and-wife duo who Ben knew through his family as they owned a conglomerate that had partnered with theirs several times in recent years. The other couple consisted of a famous Congress Member and her husband.

After introductions, Selene felt very nervous being next to the couples. But after they started conversing for a little while, it turned out that both couples were very down-to-earth and that put her at ease. She ended up having a lovely conversation with the Congress Member about Project Phantom and other research she had done.

Everything was going well until their last tablemates arrived. Selene physically felt the energy of practically the entire room shift as the couple approached their table. The man appeared to be in his late 50s/early 60s and he was wearing a very dignified looking dark grey suit. With blond hair (that appeared lighter due to some grey hairs), and piercing dark brown eyes, he said hello and introduced himself as Duke Devons. The smile on his face that did not reach his eyes while greeting the table, grew bigger as he began to introduce the woman, "…and this is my daughter Natalia." Natalia bowed her head as she said, "Hello, it is nice to meet you all." When her gaze landed on Selene, the blue eyes gave her such an icy look that she thought for sure icicles would beam out to stake her through the heart just like in a superhero movie.

Selene was taken aback, but plastered a smile on her face because she was determined not to be intimidated by the woman who Ben's mother had given as an example of an "appropriate" marriage partner for Ben all those years ago on that ill-fated gathering. She could sense Ben tensing up at the introductions for a brief moment before also putting on a stoic air.

The Congresswoman took it upon herself to introduce the rest of the people at the table to the Devons. When she got to Ben and Selene, Duke Devons asked, "How are your parents, Mr. Liu? I trust they are in good health."

"Yes, thank you. They are well," Ben answered with a business-smile but no other emotion.

"That is good to hear," the Duke nodded, giving the same type of smile back. He looked at Selene with cold eyes but despite the hard look, he used polite words and said, "Your girlfriend is quite lovely. I'm not familiar with the last name Serian, however. Are they a new company? I don't recall any American political families with that name either."

Selene did not appreciate being talked about as if she was not there. Ben reached under the table to grab Selene's arm as he replied, "Nothing so boring, I'm afraid." He chuckled as if lightening the mood even as the tension was building. He continued, "Her father is retired combat veteran who is a social worker and her mother is a teacher. Isn't it amazing how people can use their lives for the betterment of others?" The last question was said almost as a dare to the man to say anything negative about Selene's parents. Ben's smile left no room for doubt on that front.

"Ah yes," Natalia's father agreed, though it was clear that he did not. "Some people are definitely suited to help others while others are suited to lead. It is good to have all kinds of people in this world."

Selene felt Ben's grip tighten, but before he could respond, Selene interjected, "That is very true Duke Devons. We need all types of professions in the world to make it run well." She emphasized the word professions strongly even as her voice lilted as she spoke.

Natalia's eyebrow shot up and a mumbled, "Pfft" could be heard from her. Those at the table pretended as if they did not hear, but it was not missed by anyone.

The Duke cleared his throat and asked, "And what may I ask does Dr. Serian do for a living?"

Selene answered for Ben once again, "Dr. Serian is a professor and researcher who is currently working with Ben's company on a project."

Duke Devons had not looked at Selene once during this conversation but deigned to cast his gaze on her at that as he said, "Ah yes, the haptic gaming machine."

Selene had to give it her best effort to not show her surprise as she realized that the Duke probably already knew about her and her family and that this was for her benefit, to make her feel like she was a "lowly commoner" compared to everyone else at the gala. She squared her shoulders, tilted her head to one side and responded, "I am honored that my project is known to those halfway across the globe."

"Well, you are a world-class scientist who has won numerous awards and accolades, which speaks volumes for you given your field is dominated by men," Ben added as he raised her hand up for a kiss. He gave her a wink and then looked back at the Devons as he continued, "Selene's accomplishments are far and wide and our partnership is only going to add to her notoriety. I won't be surprised if she wins a Nobel Prize for turning the current machine into a medical device for patients with phantom pain."

Selene chuckled, "I wouldn't go that far, but thank you for the support." She gave him a warm smile.

Natalia had to use every ounce of will power not to roll her eyes at the couple. She had been feeling anger ever since they sat down and it had turned into a boiling rage. "How dare that woman think she is worthy of Ben?," she thought.

"Yes, that does seem to be an over-reach," Duke Devons said with a laugh. "My dear Natalia here has also become world-known in the world of ballet. I'm sure you've been keeping up."

The air around the table became so heavy that the two other couples excused themselves, using the made-up reasons of visiting other tables.

After they left, Ben answered, "No, I've been too busy to keep up with the arts, unfortunately." He turned to Natalia and offered her congratulations.

"Thank you, Ben," Natalia replied with a big smile. Selene didn't know how to feel because it was clear that this woman was in love with Ben.

The table fell into an awkward silence and then Ben asked Selene, "Would you like me to ask the waiter to get you a drink?"

"That would be wonderful. Thank you," Selene answered just to have something to say even though she hadn't wanted a drink in particular at that moment.

Ben and Selene started talking quietly together, a clear indication that they intended the conversation from prior with the Duke to be over. About 15 minutes later, dinner was served. After enjoying the meal and the conversation with the couples next to her, Selene excused herself to go use the restroom. Natalie jumped in with, "I'll go with you, dear. You probably haven't been here before so I can show you the way."

Selene chose to ignore the barb and simply answered with a polite, but clearly fake, "Thank you."