Chapter 2 An unwanted Company

"Oof... I'm so tired. These high heels are killing me. Where should I sit?"

Marina quietly looked around the ballroom.

Near the corner of the hall, partially hidden behind a large decorative pillar, was a luxurious velvet sofa. From where she was standing, it was clearly visible, but from the rest of the ballroom, it was almost hidden. It seemed like the perfect place to rest for a few minutes.

Without wasting another second, she hurried toward it and dropped onto the soft couch.

"Thank God..."

She let out a long sigh.

"My feet... and even my back are killing me."

She stretched out her legs slightly and leaned back against the sofa, finally feeling a little relieved.

"Tired?"

A deep masculine voice suddenly came from beside her.

Marina's eyes flew open.

She turned her head in surprise.

It was none other than Richard Sorenson.

"Oh... Mr. Sorenson! I'm so sorry. I didn't know this was your place."

Richard gave a small smile.

"No, it's alright. You can sit here."

He remained standing for a moment before sitting on the other end of the sofa.

Marina could feel his eyes on her.

His hazel-brown eyes were calm, yet there was an unusual spark in them that made her feel both shy and uncomfortable.

Why is he staring at me?

Is he... ogling me?

She immediately looked away, avoiding eye contact.

To her horror, she could already feel warmth spreading across her cheeks and ears.

Richard finally broke the silence.

"Miss McCarthy."

"Yes?"

"You may call me Richard."

Marina nodded politely.

"And... just call me Marina."

"Sure... Marina."

He spoke her name softly, almost as if he were testing how it sounded.

Marina frowned inwardly.

Why is he saying my name so sweetly?

Isn't he the host? Shouldn't he be greeting the other guests instead of sitting here with me?

Richard smiled politely.

"So... how are you liking the party?"

"It's... quite good."

"You haven't tried the pistachio crumb cake or the cinnamon buns yet. They're our chefs' specialties."

"Oh... I haven't."

"Would you like me to get some for you?"

"No, no. That's not necessary. Thank you."

Please don't. Just go entertain your guests, she screamed silently inside her head.

Richard simply smiled.

Before either of them could continue the conversation, his phone rang.

"Excuse me."

He answered the call.

"Yes... Hmm... Give Dad his medicine on time... No, don't let him skip it... Alright."

Marina quietly listened without meaning to.

Why is his voice so deep and commanding?

She didn't know why, but it made her even more nervous.

This was becoming too awkward.

She quickly stood up.

"I... I need to go to the washroom."

Richard immediately stood as well.

"Would you like me to show you where it is?"

Marina blinked in disbelief.

Excuse me?

She had grown up in this hotel.

She knew every hallway, every staircase, and every corner of the building. She could probably reach the washroom with her eyes closed.

"Ah... no, thank you. I know the way."

Without waiting for another word, she hurried away.

What kind of weirdo is he?

Why would he offer to escort me to the washroom?

Richard watched her disappear into the crowd.

Then he let out a frustrated groan and ran a hand through his hair.

"Oh, great..."

"What is wrong with me?"

"I sounded like a complete idiot."

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