Chapter 6 : Met-Gala Award Night

The day of the Met Gala arrived after extensive preparations. As it was an annual event, they ensured it was a spectacular day for the audience and a memorable occasion for the stars. Natalia donned a white, shiny, fitted gown complemented by gold and white accessories, skillfully curated by her designers. Her dyed blonde hair was styled with a two-piece arrangement framing her face. The expertly applied makeup, highlighted by red lipstick, gave her a bold and captivating appearance.  She carried a gold clutch that perfectly matched her heels.

And just like a couple’s first look at a wedding, Mr. Wood stood behind the door of her dressing room, eagerly anticipating his first glimpse of his wife. Dressed in a black suit exuding rich man vibes, he stood there, completely lost in thought. He knew that in less than three hours, their lives were about to change with a pivotal decision he had resolved to make today. With one hand in his pocket and one foot lightly tapping the floor, he tried to alleviate the stress that weighed on him.

The door opened to reveal his wife, and he stood there, completely lost, as he saw the radiant smile on her face. "Doesn't she look amazing?" one of their maids remarked, smiling at both of them. Natalia walked over to her husband since he seemed unable to make a move.

"Is everything alright, Richy?" she inquired, leaning in to ask him. "Y-yeah, yes, everything is okay. I’m just stunned by your beauty," he stammered in response.

She blushed at his words, holding his hands as they walked out of their mansion. A sleek, modern Lamborghini awaited them, surrounded by eight attendants standing beside it…..

The Lamborghini, a symbol of luxury and opulence, gleamed under the soft glow of the evening lights. The chauffeur opened the door for them, and Mr. Wood courteously helped his radiant wife into the car. As they settled into the plush leather seats, the air was charged with a mix of excitement and tension.

The engine roared to life, echoing through the upscale neighborhood as they embarked on the journey to the Met Gala. The night was pregnant with anticipation.......

As the city lights flickered outside the tinted windows, Mr. Wood couldn't shake the weight of his inner turmoil. The Lamborghini sped through the vibrant city, carrying with it the echoes of their shared history and the impending reckoning that awaited them at the gala.

The cacophony of the bustling event center drowned beside their car, Mr. Wood's attempt to share his revelation with Natalie. Surrounded by a flurry of media, photographers, and excited onlookers, the couple found themselves engulfed in a whirlwind of noise and flashing lights.

Amid this chaos, Natalie, blissfully unaware of her husband's intention, made a playful gesture, signaling that she couldn't hear anything over the din. With a radiant smile, she suggested he wait until after the program to share whatever he had on his mind.

"This is it," she whispered in her husband's ear, intertwining her fingers with his. As the car came to a stop, one of their guides efficiently opened the door for them. Stepping out, they were immediately engulfed by the frenzy of the media, photographers, and journalists, all vying for their attention.

The well-trained guides skillfully kept the crowd at bay, ensuring the couple could navigate the red carpet without being overwhelmed. Side by side, Mr. and Mrs. Wood proceeded, with Natalie adorned in a radiant smile that spoke volumes, her anticipation evident as they embarked on this momentous Met Gala journey.

Amidst the chaos of shouting journalists and flashing cameras, Mr. and Mrs. Wood navigated through the crowd towards the front door. A red carpet stand, strategically placed for celebrities to pose for pictures, awaited them. The couple graciously positioned themselves, the air filled with the clicks of countless cameras capturing this momentous occasion. Photographers gave directions, suggesting poses that would make for captivating snapshots, as the couple, dressed in their elegant attire, smiled for the lenses that sought to immortalize their presence at the Met Gala.

"Mrs. Wood, how would you describe your successful acting career? You're considered one of the best actresses in the world. Can you share your thoughts on your journey?" one journalist asked

Natalie smiled, her eyes gleaming with gratitude as she glanced at her husband, who was looking at her with evident pride. Clearing her throat, she responded, "I would describe my career as one built on support. My success is a result of hard work, the dedication of my team, and the unwavering support of my husband. From the days when we had nothing, with him using his motorcycle to take me from one audition to another and supporting me through countless rehearsals, every step of this journey has been a shared accomplishment."

"That's super amazing and also touching," the journalist remarked. Turning to Mr. Wood, they inquired, "And to you, Mr. Wood, any tips on how to become a multi-billionaire like you?"

Mr. Wood smiled at the question, taking a moment to glance at the bustling crowd of photographers, celebrities, and onlookers. As his eyes scanned the scene, he unexpectedly spotted Brindle, dressed in black, standing amid the crowd. With black lipstick and her hair flowing in the wind, she waved at him, and their eyes locked. He quickly looked away, his heart skipping a beat. The journalist repeated the question, bringing him back to the present.

"It's all about focus and determination," he replied, holding his wife, and they promptly proceeded to enter the hall.

He glanced back at her one more time, and this time she blew him a kiss.

The security personnel guided them to their seats, which were positioned in the front row of the elegantly adorned awards hall. The grandeur of the hall was accentuated by the soft glow of golden lights, casting a warm ambiance over the entire space. Rows of plush velvet chairs awaited the esteemed guests, and the stage at the front was adorned with shimmering decorations, anticipating the moment when the stars would grace it to receive their well-deserved accolades. The air buzzed with excitement, mingling with the subtle hum of conversations and the occasional camera click from the press capturing the glamour of the night. The anticipation for the event was palpable, setting the stage for a night that promised to be etched in the memories of all who attended.

 They exchanged greetings with a few friends as they found their seats. Natalie wore a radiant smile, but Richard, seated next to her, felt a bit uneasy. The ceremony kicked off, with the host taking the stage. The atmosphere was set with lively dancers, followed by musical performances that had the audience rising to their feet, dancing along to the rhythm.

While they were there, Richard received a message from Brindle that read, "After today, we're going to be together for the rest of our lives." Richard quickly replied, "I can't do that," with a crying emoji and an angry emoji. Brindle replied, "Then prepare to lose us both." As Richard read the message on his phone, Natalie noticed his distraction. She tapped him, startling him, and he quickly placed his phone in his pocket.