Chapter Text
The ballroom was glamorous as usual, chandeliers hung high, and champagne glittered around in fancy buckets. This was the life I lived. The rich and not famous, but known Marina Sanchez. My father wasn't as rich as my mother, who was the CEO of a huge social media company and my father was just a simple photographer. Sure he made quite a lot, but never as much as my mother.
She never had an issue with that, however. She loved him for him and never for his money, which upset my grandparents a whole lot. Even then, her love only grew just as much as his did. Growing up I'd watch them and notice how much their love was pure, there was no dislike between them. They never fought, only disagreed and when they did, they still went to bed happy and in the same bed.
That never applied to me. Every man I had met and sadly tried to date had never really appealed to me. They either had not enough money or too much, smelled bad or smelled too strong, big ego, a crybaby ego, you name it. Every single man I've been set up with or even chosen to date has always had this one flaw about them that was too big not to notice. So, I've decided to give up on my dating life and focus on the better plans, which in this case were to be a good guest at an amazing party.
The venue was extravagant, the main color of the theme being mainly beige, and even though I never liked that color as much the owners made it have a special touch to it that I love. Hints of grey had hidden in the divots of the walls and floor, sprouting up in a polite way that connected the ceiling's details. Every wave and arch was carefully designed in a way that I could tell was not the work of an amateur. Luckily, I wore an outfit that perfectly matched the atmosphere, with a grey bodice that leaned down to the flowy white in layers that dipped to my feet. I loved every detail and lace of this dress. My heels are simple strappy whites.
The guest number was low, as the time was pretty early but just a few minutes away from being on time. At any moment, this ballroom would be full and the event would start. I'm glad my best friend, Maya, was on the list and said she would be here in a few. My amazing best friend, who's been with me since 9th grade was showing up for once. She was always with her boyfriend, Jabari. He wasn't a bad guy but she rarely showed up to events. He was constantly spoiling her, taking her on ravishing dates and gifting her with spontaneous and expensive things. She definitely deserves all of it. Most of all, she was always spot on with her attitude which makes me laugh at times.
Suddenly, I was pulled out of my thoughts by a man. He seemed rather tall and young, holding a small glass of what seemed to be champagne. His smile was attractive but his messy and unkept hair wasn't ideal. He tapped my shoulder and gave a small smile, "Are you Marina Sanchez? The soon-to-be CEO?" He asked, and politely I responded. "I am. Who may you be?" He seemed out of the ordinary with his casual manner. Normally, the fancier of people wouldn't be this forward. "I'm Zach. Zach Williams. I work for a higher-up in your father's work. I've heard plenty from him about you." His voice was higher than most men my age but it still gave the deep tone it needed.
I smiled at him, slightly confident in my ego now. He seemed unsure about talking to me and that boosted my mood. "Oh, that's right. Yes, my father talks a lot about his coworkers and I've heard of your name around the building. It's nice to finally meet you." I was lying, I've never heard of this man before in my life but some things had to be professional and polite. Especially around here. He chuckled at my comment, which I'm guessing raised his ego slightly now.
The conversation didn't last long after that, he continued to talk about his work with my father and I listened and smiled. I wanted to say how he was kind but too forward for an event like this. From a distance, he seemed casual and his blonde hair and dark appearance made him look a pair for the background. However, close up, his personality and physical movements told a different story. He was a mere baby crawling with the big leagues. Soon after he excused himself and I went back to looking for Maya.
She had to be somewhere in this building, she was never late.