CHAPTER 1: ENTHRALLING

A flyer lands on top of Luke's desk "What's this?" he asked, his curiosity piqued, scanning the details on the paper.

NIX GALA!!

Happening Tonight!

Venue: Pillar National Muzium

Time: 9pm

"This..." he looks up at his team captain

"You're not taking it?" she inquired, crossing her arms.

"No... Yes... I mean... it's an honor, Ms. Jorelle," he hesitated, forming a small gap between his thumb and index finger "But isn't this job too big for someone with so little experience?"

She sighed, reaching out for the flyer. "Very well," she said, announcing, "Who is willing to take it?"

Luke swiftly snatched the flyer before she could claim it. "I'll do it! I'll do it!" he confirmed, pushing his glasses up.

"Just remember, Mr. McKnight," she warned, leaning in closer. "You must be desperate for it in this line of work, or else there are other sharks who would kill for this opportunity." She held his gaze, her words sending a shiver down his spine. "You can't play with sharks if you don't know how to kill. Got it?"

He nodded frantically, agreeing, and she continued, "And make sure you get all the interactions."

"Pa-pardon, ma'am?" Luke Stammered "All?"

She place a hand on his desk, locking eyes with him. "No exceptions."

It took his whole being not to shrink back and break contact.

Seemingly satisfied, her eyebrows loosens. as she walked away without another word.

Luke let out a sigh, still trying to process the weight of the responsibility. "Nix Gala... What am I supposed to do?" he murmured to himself, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.

He gave in to the mixed feelings and let his forehead meet the desk with a thud.

"Isn't there a manual for these types of things?" he complained under his breath.

Something landed on his shoulder, jolting him out of his seat "Gah!" He exclaimed "Sid!"

Putting both his hands up, feigning innocence "I called you, but you weren't answering."

Luke sighed, fixing his glasses "Sorry..."

"I was going to say congrats," Sid began, "but you don't seem too thrilled about it," he added.

"I..." Luke struggled to find the words and then took a deep breath. "No, I am excited," he said, plastering on a smile

Sid lightly patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll do good."

"Anyways congrats on graduating from being sub-editor." He walks off but turns on his heals "Welcome to the world of journalism, bud."

"Thanks." Luke thanked his coworker gratefully.

Once he settles back to his table

Once he settled back at his desk, Luke mumbled to himself, "I wonder..." but decided to continue tapping on his keyboard from where he left off...

Ka-chick! Ka-chick!

Luke aimed his camera towards every person walking the red carpet. Several other photographers joined him, their flashes creating a continuous barrage of light.

They all seized the opportunity to capture shots of the actors, singers, and directors descending from their cars to grace the red carpet.

Luke's focus shifted to Zyion Howx, an award-winning actor, with over 20 movies and series to his name, voted as the most eligible bachelor 10 times in a row, causing every female fan to scream in delight.

"Zyion marry me!"

"You look sexy in that Zyion!"

"I love you Zyion!"

With his ashy brown hair slicked back, Zyion wore a full-body Valentino outfit, tucking his VLTN fine-knit jumper into black straight-leg tailored trousers. He completed the look with a Valentino shearling biker jacket that compliments perfectly on his tall yet muscular body.

"Ahh! They're here!"

"Its Kali & Noé!"

A car pulled up, drawing everyone's attention. Luke hovered his finger above the camera shutter, ready to capture the moment.

It was the globally renowned duo act: Kali, a talented singer with a unique, enchanting voice and a pure, angelic aura, and Noé, a young prodigy, rapper, producer, and songwriter, who had over 200 songs credited to her name and a badass, unapologetic attitude.

Kali puts on her most elegant smile as she came out wearing a white Lana V-neck ruffled Maria Lucia Hohan maxi dress, with her hair tied into a low bun, a few loose pieces beautifully framing her soft face features.

As soon as she emerged from the car, the crowd erupted in screams of admiration.

"Kali you look amazing!"

"So pretty!"

"An angel!"

"Oh my god!"

Not wasting any second of it, Luke presses his stutter continuously.

Luke continuously pressed the shutter, capturing every interaction, illuminating the genuine emotions Kali displayed.

Soon, it was Noé's turn, and the crowd went even wilder than all the other people who had walked the carpet before.

"It's her! It's Noè!"

She wore a charismatic smile, stepping out in a feather-trimmed cutout crêpe Rosario gown, she went with a wet look on her hair keeping its natural waves. She strode confidently down the red carpet.

Luke was looking through his camera lens, his finger couldn't press down on the shutter, bringing his camera down to his chest, As she walks pass, their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and he was captivated by the angelic beauty that stood before him.

From her long silver hair, to her fair complexion and these pair of almond shaped eyes that seemed to be filled with mysteries. She has a kind of beauty that didn't seem real at first, it was as if an angel had been descended from heaven.

"Noé! You're amazing!"

"Noé you look stunning in that!"

"Ahh! Noé!"

"You're so beautiful!"

"Noé! I love you!"

He looks at her fixedly, the screams and camera shutters fading into the background.

It was the first time he had seen her in real life, he knew who she was, it's kind off hard to miss who they were in general when they are global artists

All the magazines, newspapers, music videos, and pictures had not done her justice.

Snapping back, he realizes that she was already far ahead "Fuck!" he cursed, scanning through his photos in hopes of finding a picture of her. "Fuck!" No luck... How could I be so careless!

Frustration gripped him, but he couldn't dwell on his stupid mistake. so he sucked it up and continued photographing the other celebrities on the red carpet.

Strutting elegantly through the red carpet, Noé catches up to Kali in no time, linking her arms around her and waves towards the crowds, their smiles genuine and infectious.

"You're quick." Kali starts, while they stop together and pose in front of the many cameras once in a while, taking pictures of them

Keeping her arms linked with Kali "You're just slow." She bantered

"Give us another pose!"

"Kali! Noé! Another one, please!"

The duo obliged, striking poses effortlessly, their chemistry evident to everyone present. Kali wraps an arm around her waist and pinches Noé arm

Flinching slightly, Kali smirks knowingly

"Over here girls!"

"Girls to your left, please!"

Eloquently turning towards the entrance Kali warned "Incoming..." but showed a half smile towards Zyion who was heading towards them

Smiling Noé whispers in her ear "He sure did take his time." Noé pointed out

"On purpose, I bet." Kali hinted, rising an eyebrow teasingly at Noé

She blinks her eyelids in disbelief "Oh! That's how it is." She playfully points a finger at Kali "I'd watch my back if I were you."

Faking a shiver "Ooo... how scary." Kali provoked

As Zyion approached, Kali and Noé put on welcoming smiles, as if they hadn't just been talking about him moments before. "Ladies," Zyion greeted them with a warm smile.

Leaning over for a hug both Kali and Noé "You both look absolutely stunning this evening." He complimented but kept his gaze on Kali

A vein Pulsed on Kali's wrist, maintaining her composure, Noé roughly pats his arm while wearing a smile. "And you look like you could do better, Zyion." there is a strain on her voice, carrying a hint of sarcasm.

Faking a laugh, Zyion rubbed his arm, clearly feeling the sting. "Thank you, Noé," he replied, his gaze shifting between the two women.

Noé stifled a triumphant laugh.

"Guys over here!"

"You three look beautiful together!"

The paparazzi's shouts filled the air.

As the three of them posed for more photos, Noé placed a hand on Zyion's shoulder, their chemistry undeniable.

"Kali! You're so pretty!"

"Noé and Zyion! You look good together!"

"Ahh! Noé, Zyion! Date already!"

"My heart can't handle you two!"

Playfully wiggling her eyebrows, Kali teased, "Date already!" She jabbed Noé in the side with her elbow as they trailed behind Zyion.

"Shut up," Noé sighed exasperatedly, rolling her eyes, as all three of them waved at the excited crowd before finally entering the venue, plastering their best final smiles before entering.