Substitute Mother

Chapters 126. The Mighty Alexander's

The splendor of the Ballroom was not comparable to the guests inside. The event invited a lot of people. In addition to the conglomerates who came, there was also a handful of press who were ready with his camera. Nayara crumpled the handle on the goodie bag she held. A foreign atmosphere like this made his hands sweat. As long as he turned to various directions, he could not find the nose of his lover, nor Mr. Alexander who yesterday invited him.

When someone steps onto the podium on a stage that is none other than Thomas Alexander, all activity stops. Who were originally sipping champagne or just talking to a fellow guest, they reflexively focused their attention on Mr. Alexander. Likewise, the press is ready to standby with its camera. Including Nayara, in his heart he was grateful the event was about to begin. That way he can focus on one point and not look confused like before.*

“Goodnight, thanks to the guests and friends of the press who are willing to come to this event. I, Thomas Alexander would like to share two good news on this warm night”*

Nayara smiled, as did the other guests. Some whispered wonder what the good news was, not just one, but two. Isn't that so happy?*

“First, I want to introduce my only son who from today will officially be the successor of Alexander. Jeanno Alexander”*

Everyone applauded as a handsome, well-dressed man walked onto the stage. Nayara was still smiling, even though her gaze was blurry because she was moved to see Jeanno who looked very beautiful up there. Jeanno smiled, bowing her head at a glance in response to the guests' welcome.*

But wait, Nayara just realized that the guests did not bring gifts like him. Isn't this Jeanno's birthday? Or maybe the celebration of the birthday of the rich is a little different? Nayara didn't want to bother with that. He again focused his attention on Jeanno who was giving a small speech.*

Jeanno there, different from the figure of the man he used to know. Jeanno who now not only looks more mature in terms of appearance, but also from gestures and speech. Looks calm and dignified. Not only did the girls praise Alexander's son, but the men were amazed as well. Nayara saw that there was no jealousy at all, but she was proud. Because his Jeanno has changed for the better.*

The welcome from Jeanno is over. Thomas was again approaching the podium, intending to deliver the next good news.*

From the crowd, Nayara's eyes were still fixed on Jeanno who was standing next to her father. Netra the two have not met. Jeanno had not noticed her girl's presence among the dozens of pairs of eyes there. Nayara waited, waiting for her lover to realize that they were in the same room.*

“Big news next... I want to announce that today is my son's engagement day”*

The commotion occurred just as the ears of the guests caught the words ‘engagement’. So did Nayara. His heart that had originally been beating was calm, now running around nervously. What does Mr Alexander mean? The son in question..Is Jeanno? But isn't Jeanno an only child?*

Surprise also can not be separated from Jeanno's expression. He was not at all aware of any news ‘baik’ his father meant. All he knew of this event was the introduction of himself as the official successor of the family. Already, there was no talk other than that especially regarding the engagement.*

“My son, Jeanno Alexander. will be engaged to the first daughter of the Widjaja family, namely Sharin Widjaja”*

Right after Thomas said Sharin's name, the two who had been lost, now met. Jeanno looks surprised instead of playing to see the presence of Nayara among the guests who come. I look at him sad.*

Contrary to Jeanno and Nayara, Thomas and the guests applauded as Sharin stepped gracefully onto the stage where Thomas and Jeanno were. Thomas approached Jeanno, grabbed his son's hand to give him the ring box he had prepared. Jeanno, still unable to draw his gaze from Nayara who was still frozen in place. The girl looked down at a glance, wiping her tears. Then put down the goodie bag he was carrying, before deciding to leave the Ballroom after giving him a thin smile.

Nayara carried her body away with the rest of the energy she had. If he lingers there and sees Jeanno putting a ring on another girl's ring finger, Nayara is not sure she will be strong. Nayara lamented that she should be sensitive enough that she was framed. That there was no way a Thomas Alexander would have humbled himself to invite Nayara in person if it were not for something. That wasn't Jeanno's birthday. It was Jeanno and Sharin's engagement. No one carries a gift like him.*

The girl's defense collapsed. The tears that he had been holding all this time, poured wet his father's face. He never thought there would be a day when Jeanno really broke his heart, his whole heart. Nayara was sure that after this her heart would never be the same again.*

***

Mark chose to be late. Just for just ‘setor muka’. After that, he will return to his apartment.*

At least that was his plan before he met a girl figure who was familiar to him. Crying alone.*

“Nayara?”*

**

Jeanno did not think long when he took a step away from the stage. The focus was only on Nayara who a few minutes ago left the ballroom. Ignoring the screams from his father and Sharin who asked him to return to the podium. No, he doesn't care. The fact that it took so much time to realize that chasing after Nayara was the most appropriate decision according to his little heart. It's enough with all the cunning crap and tricks of his father and Sharin. It was enough of him to be a puppet that could be controlled by his father. For this time alone, Jeanno wanted to choose his own path. His own happiness, let him decide. And he knows where his happiness lies.*

That is to the sweet girl who is now in Mark's arms. Jeanno is grateful that Nayara has not gone far. The girl is still in front of the elevator, likely passing Mark who came late.*

“If you want to cry, now is the right time. Cry as much as you can, Nay. You don't have to pretend to be tough in front of anyone. You have the right to cry, especially after your heart is hurt”*

Mark's sensibility made him realize Jeanno's presence. The two of them did not talk to each other, just stared at each other. Trying to understand what just happened. Mark nodded, slowly releasing his embrace at Nayara. Mark's distance was inversely proportional to Jeanno who stepped slowly. Nayara realized it, he muttered the name Jeanno lirih.*

“Sorry, forgive me, Nana”*

Jeanno did not need Nayara's approval to remove their distance. The tiny body was tight. Nayara returned Jeanno's long-missed embrace.*

Jeanno as the first person to take off a hug, cupped his girl's face. He was the rest of the tears that were still wet there. “Come back into in”*

Nayara. “No. You're the one who needs to go back inside. Your fiance..wait”*

“Ck! I don't want to get engaged to anyone but you. I know I've been a jerk for the last few months. If it wasn't tonight, I wouldn't know when I'd have a chance like this again. Come with me inside, Na. I'll tell everyone about us. I choose you, whatever the risk is”*

Jeanno's hand went down and grabbed Nayara's fingers. The two looked at Mark for a moment, who responded with a brief nod. “I'm always with you no matter what happens”

“Thanks Mark”*

With a firm step Jeanno let Nayara back into the ballroom.*

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