The billionaire hates me

Chapter9

Arthur stood on the second floor of the grand hall, overlooking the sprawling event below. The hall was a vision of glory, wealth. And there was a soft, ambient light from the crystal chandeliers that hung in the high ceiling.

The air was filled with soft music from an orchestra. Couples dancing softly and slowly across the polished marble floor, with romantic melodies in the back.

The men dressed in tailored three-piece suits, and the women in gowns that shimmered. The setting was beautiful, a picture of high society's finest.

But Arthur found himself detached from it. He stood apart, on the second floor. He was observing the mingling crowd. He saw people having conversation, polite laughter, but his mind remained distant.

This event, as grand as it was, held no personal glow for him. He was here out of necessity, his presence a required.

Arthur’s gaze shifted downward to the dance floor, where he saw Marcus, engaged in conversation.

Although, to Arthur. He was waiting for something, or someone.

Right then, a familiar hand rested lightly on his shoulder, and Arthur turned to see his father standing beside him. His father was a striking figure, nearly identical to Arthur.

The resemblance between them was striking. Both tall, with strong features and an aura. The older man’s eyes were warm as he looked at his son.

“I have to say, Arthur,” His father began, his voice warm.

“I am incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished. The way you’ve built these companies from the ground up, making our name known in ways I could never have imagined… it’s remarkable.” he said, proud of Arthur.

Arthur’s expression remained calm, as it often did but he nodded, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.

“ It means a lot to hear that." He said.

His father smiled, though a hint of sadness lingered in his gaze.

“You’ve certainly done that. The legacy is stronger than ever, and it’s because of your hard work.”

Arthur nodded appreciatively, though his face remained masked. He had always struggled to display his emotion, a trait that seemed almost hereditary in their family.

There was a brief pause as Arthur’s father looked down toward the dance floor, his expression brightening with a hint of excitement.

“By the way, I’m glad you’re here with us tonight. Your mother is enjoying herself, you know. Look down there.” his father points.

Arthur followed his father’s gaze to where his mother was dancing with Marcus.

She was a petite woman, her small frame. The only all one in the family. She twirled gracefully with Marcus, her dance partner for the evening.

The sight of his mother smiling so genuinely, brought an uncharacteristic smile to Arthur’s own face. It was a rare.

For a fleeting moment, the grand of the hall, the slow dance, and the elegance of the occasion felt real and meaningful. Marcus had been like a brother to Arthur, and seeing him share this moment with his mother was heartwarming.

As the music played on, a silence fell between father and son.

“Have you spoken to Maya?” he asked.

Arthur’s face softened.

“No, I haven’t had the chance. She’s been so busy with her work LA. The demands of her position as assistant director are quite overwhelming. I haven’t been able to reach her, and I understand she might need more time before we can talk.”

His father nodded.

“I know she’s been stubborn about this, but I hope she’ll come around eventually.”

Arthur sighed.

“Maya's reasons for being distant are valid, even if they’re hard for us to accept." Arthur said.

“Yes, she’s a strong-willed woman. I believe she’ll find her way. It’s just hard to see the family divided like this.”

“I’ll wait,” Arthur said quietly.

“When she’s ready to talk, I’ll be here.” knowing that could happen.

"Miller." A voice came from behind them and both Arthur and his father turned carlos and his father.

Arthur and Carlos eyes met and only hate was there. They were never friends, and the tension between them was always there.

Their fathers had moved past their old rivalry, and the two men had to work together in a new company.

While their fathers greeted each other with formal politeness, Arthur and Carlos exchanged glances filled with unspoken hostility. Their fathers wandered off to talk amongst themselves, leaving Arthur and Carlos alone.

Carlos, attempting to be civil.

“Maybe we should go downstairs and mingle with everyone else.” His tone was polite, but his words dripped with insincerity.

Arthur, maintaining a stiff composure, nodded in agreement. They made their way down the stairs to the ground floor where the party was in full swing.

Arthur scanned the room, his eyes darting from one guest to another as if searching for someone specific.

Noticing Arthur’s distracted demeanor, Carlos inquired,

“Are you looking for someone in particular?”

Arthur’s gaze remained fixed on the crowd, and he replied curtly.

“Everyone I wanted to see is already here.”

Carlos, however, wasn’t convinced. He pressed further, his curiosity in him. But he wanted to try something.

“Are you waiting for Georgiana to arrive?”

The mention of Georgiana shifted something in Arthur. His eyes narrowed, and he shot Carlos a sharp look.

“You don’t need to interfere in matters that don’t concern you.”

Carlos’s expression shifted into a smirk, clearly enjoying the reaction he’d provoked.

“You’re right, I shouldn’t interfere. But I do know something you might not." Carlos said. Challenging Arthur.

"Georgiana won’t be coming to this party. If she said it once, she won't do it”

Arthur’s expression never changed.

“Georgiana has always been that way. Ever since I have known her. " Carlos et out and Arthur jaw clenched hard.

"We both know eachother like that. I have been friends since high school. We’ve been through a lot together. I know everything about her. Like her likes, her dislikes.

I also know how to protect her from people like........ you.”

Arthur’s jaw clenched, his anger simmering. The possessiveness he felt for Georgiana was strong, despite his limited knowledge of her.

“people like me?." He asked.

Carlos met Arthur’s gaze steadily,

"Yes, because she’s important to me. And someone like you, with your reputation, is exactly the kind of person she should stay away from.”

Arthur’s face strongly gave out another expression, a mix of anger and indignation flickering in his eyes.

But suddenly, the doors to the hall opened. Arthur’s attention was immediately drawn to the entrance, and the room seemed to hold its breath.

He did not understand what captured him to look away from Carlos, but it was like a pull that he could not resist.

And there she was. Georgiana.

Georgiana entering the hall as the large doors opened for her. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air, and she seemed to radiate a quiet elegance.

Arthur smiled to himself, he was happy to see one face he wanted to see

Carlos though, who had been deep in conversation, suddenly found himself distracted. His gaze shifted away and took in the sight of Georgiana. The man was in shock.

His face frowned. He had been certain she would not attend the party, and yet here she was, a vision of grace that seemed almost surreal.

The sight of her took him by surprise, leaving him momentarily speechless.

She told him she wouldn't come and yet she was here.

In that instant, the party seemed to revolve around Georgiana, her beauty and unexpected arrival was like a spell over the crowd.

But it was Arthur that was captured the most.