The Billionaire's Fragile Bride

23. TOUCH ME

The names of nominees were called out and the mic was passed onto the VIP that was to give out the award.

"We have great designers here in Dallas." The VIP Blondie said, smiling. Meticulously setting the mic in her hand, she looked at the crowd and continued. "The winner was chosen based on netizens' votes and of course, the brand's designs... Ladies and gentlemen, the award for the best fashion stylist in the city goes to Liam Stone."

"That's it!" Orla yelled from her seat, "Give it up for Liam." She roared, sipping from the cup of wine in her hand. She didn't drink alcohol, but she was trying out a new thing this evening.

A round of applause rumbled among the guests, honouring him as he took swift gaits to the stage to receive the award. He gave an appreciation speech and went back to sit down.

"Now, it's time to dance." The host was back to anchoring, "I'm certain you all invited your guests because we have so many activities left on our list. But for now, let's hit the dancefloor to celebrate Liam Stone."

Orla rushed to Liam's side after he crouched down, she was overwhelmed with excitement plus the alcohol was starting to unveil its impacts.

"A big congratulations to you, Liam." He took her hand and smiled. "I knew you'd win."

"Thank you, Orla." He let go and looked over to where Callan was seated. "Is he still mad?" He asked.

"I don't think so. So, do you want to dance?"

"Callan is here, you can dance with him, you know?" Liam was worried Callan would get madder than he already was.

"I want to dance with you, to celebrate your win. So, shall we?" She smiled, blinking her puppyish eyes. "You know, Callan doesn't dance. He won't mind and besides, you said you were going to teach me a new step when you danced with me on my wedding day."

"Now, you get me. Common, let's dance then." He took her hands, stirring her to the dance floor. "Dance with me, milady." He bowed gently, twirling her around.

"Tell me more about your passion for designing and how it feels to be the best in Dallas." She swayed to the side, matching his moves.

"Feels great, don't you think? More clients and more money. Aside from that, it's an honour and I am privileged. What about you, what do you enjoy doing?" He asked, spinning her around. He bent a little to grab her waist and deter her from falling below his calculated steps. Orla wasn't very good at dancing, but she sure was learning well by imitating his steps.

"I don't know." The question was unexpected. At that moment, it hit her that she had never really thought of what to do. All her life, she'd been camped in the house and she thought it would forever be that way, that was what they made her believe. She never knew she'd be married someday. "I studied architecture in school though, top of my class, but I don't think I can work with it."

"Why not?" Liam slowed down, staring at her in surprise.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I had to go to school, and architecture was the only thing that piqued my interest. I just did it because I had to, not to make a living from it."

Callan had tried to allow his gaze to sweep above Liam and Orla moving to the solemn music that played, but it wasn't working. When he couldn't hold back anymore, he lumbered up from his chair and headed to where they were both standing, smiling and staring at each other like they were a couple.

"I guess my time is up," Liam let go of Orla as soon as he glimpsed Callan coming towards them. "You can have your woman." He said when he was right in front of them.

Callan took Orla's hands, clearly uninterested in dancing, but he wasn't going to let his best friend have his wife all to himself. "You can leave now, I want to dance with my wife."