Aiyana's Revenge

Chapter 5

"What are the plans for today?" Dominic asked Michael, who stood by his closed door while he buttoned up his navy blue suit. They had all been informed about the dress code for each day before arrival.

"There is a welcoming dinner party downstairs. You have been assigned an escort, and you have a virtual meeting with Mr. Swati at 7 pm tonight."

Dominic groaned. "Wasn't my father supposed to take care of that man?"

"I'm afraid he passed that responsibility on to you, sir."

"Then, I'm afraid I will be passing it on to you."

"But..."

Dominic paused in front of the mirror to check himself. "Why are you stuttering? Simply tell him I'm not in the right state of mind to attend a meeting. I suppose he should understand."

He disliked Mr. Swati for his incessant chatter, which he could not seem to control.

"Yes, sir."

"Then postpone the meeting until the following month. I'm certain that I should be rejuvenated enough for some small talk."

"You could lose the deal, sir. Mr. Swati is easily provoked and very chatty. I'm concerned -"

"He needs us more than we need him. We might be gaining more financially, but I know Swati knows better than to think he can dismiss us."

"Alright, sir."

Dominic stood with his head held high in a luxury suit with diamond cufflinks, an exclusive Rolex watch, shiny pair of shoes, his raven dark hair smoothly slicked back. One would mistake him for a groom instead of a businessman.

His escort, Finn, saw both him and Michael to the hall. Finn was as polite as Miss Levine and maintained a tip-worthy smile as well as an extremely calm voice.

Only main members and contributors were allowed in the hall. Others such as escorts, security, and secretaries were made to wait outside the hall as per the rules of the organization.

Eyes turned away from the speaker at the podium to Dominic. Everyone, including Aiyana, was captivated by his good looks.

She had seen him on camera several times, but that did no justice to his charm. His sharp features intrigued her, but she remained focused and undeterred as she came with a motive.

Dominic was aware of the attention he was getting and could not deny how much he reveled in it. Sometimes it was suffocating, sometimes it was good until he got tired of it. Tired and irritated.

Leah, one of the girls at Aiyana's table, immediately started a conversation, engaging the other ladies at the table to talk about Dominic.

Aiyana would be left to wonder how their parents left such immature girls to attend a conference on their own if their parents weren't there with them.

"I bet he'll pick his next victim from here," Maria snorted as they all remained distracted from the speaker's voice.

"Wait until Miss Bale catches you talking about her man in such a manner," one of them joked as she made air quotes at the mention of her man.

"It'd be dramatic to watch."

Claudine, the proudest of them all, sighed. "I wouldn't blame anyone at all if they chose to be with him. Look at that face and figure. I would covet him too, you know?"

"True," they all agreed with her.

"Aiyana hasn't said a word in this conversation," Leah commented.

"She could never. She's like Dominic, a heartbreaker."

"Imagine if such a deadly combination were to come into existence. A heartbreaker and a heartbreaker," Maria said.

"Don't they already exist?" Claudine sipped her drink.

"I have never seen one before."

"Can you girls please stop chit-chatting! I'm trying to pay attention," Aiyana called them out.

"Stop acting like you're better than we are."

"I don't recall ever engaging in any conversations with the likes of you back in high school. I don't think I'd like to engage in such a time-wasting activity."

"That was because you were too busy being a loner."

"And at least that got me to the top of the class on my own merits."

The speaker was done on the podium, which meant it was time to eat, which also meant that I could leave that table if I wanted to.

"There's no reason to fight now," Leah tried to calm the air.

"I agree," Maria smiled. "Please sit, Aiyana."

The large hall had three segments: introductions, dinner, and dance. The real party was to be held behind the curtains at the podium. My aunt told me that each year the parties get better.

I sat down but didn't say a word.

"Look," Claudine pointed with her slim chin.

"That redhead is about to make it to the entertainment news headlines," Maria

sniggered as we saw a redhead make her way to the available seat at Dominic's table.

Aiyana ate quietly as she observed them. The men openly welcomed her, and Dominic did not have any issue sharing a few laughs with her. For reasons unknown to her, she felt irritated by the redhead whom she barely even knew.

The host came back to the podium and revealed in a grand manner the actual party. Decorated with gold, black, navy blue balloons, with gold chandeliers. Different LED lights gave the room a less formal party vibe.

Aiyana didn't seem as pleased as others would. They were there simply to see and visit places that needed help along with the budget required for it, but instead, they were going to spend time drinking and dancing in the afternoon?

At least I can talk to Dominic here, Aiyana thought.

She stood by in a corner with the girls, observing him patiently. After what seemed like forever with everyone coming after him, he was finally alone at the bar table.

"Excuse me?"

"Where-"

Before Leah could finish her question, Aiyana was already at the bar table. She felt shaky and stretched forth her hands to tap him. before she could, he spun around quickly, taking her by surprise.

"Dominic Costello?"

"Yes." He looked at her keenly. "Have we met before?"

"I don't know." She smiled slyly. "What do you think? Have we?"

"You were about to tap me unless my imagination was running wild. Certainly, you must know me."

"You're Dominic Costello." Aiyana smiled. "Everyone knows you."

Feet away, Maria, Leah, and Claudine remained bewildered.

"What a combination," Leah spoke.

"I'm telling you," Maria added. "A player and a player together?"

"Who says they'll end up together?" Claudine rolled her eyes. "She might just be a one

time thing."

"And you think she's not planning for just a night of fun to avoid him later like a plague? Aiyana might not have had female company, but the boys went after her like a prize, and she dated and made sure she always broke up first," Maria told them.

"Well, this is thrilling, isn't it? They both look interested in whatever's going on," Leah noted.

"Imagine Dominic Costello actually getting played?"

"Impossible, I heard he doesn't like to lose," Claudine stated.



"Never say never," Leah said in a singsong voice.