Chapter 29: Masquerade (2)

Samantha helped Daniel replace his bowtie and the cufflinks on his dress shirt. She was so happy that they get to dress up like a couple today. Daniel noticed this and he can't help but feel content as well.

When Daniel's Maybach parked in front of the venue, there were already reporters and journalists outside with cameras in their hand waiting for the guests to come. They hoped to get a scoop on this spectacular event, after all, it's the Cho Corporation's 50th anniversary.

When Samantha saw the media outside, her hands began to tremble. She didn't know how her anxiety started back when she was younger but she really disliked being in the limelight like this. When she sees a swarm of cameras and reporters, she would feel uncomfortable. That's why she'd often choose to avoid them by going in late or through a different entrance. This time though, she wanted to stand beside Daniel. Although most of the guests aren't wearing their masks yet, Samantha already had hers on.

Daniel noticed Samantha shaking and looking pale, so he immediately held her hands and comforted her, "Hey, it's okay... you don't have to be scared. I'm here with you.". He knew how Samantha had always wanted to keep herself away from the media but this is the first time that he saw her very agitated. He wondered what made her feel like this.

Samantha calmed down a little and then she nodded.

Daniel opened the door from his side and got out. As soon as the journalists saw him got out of his car, they focused their cameras toward him and started asking questions. But Daniel just ignored all of them, he fixed his tux first and then held out his hand to assist Samantha out of his car. His actions looked so natural.

Everyone was stunned to see the scene in front of them, never have they seen the CEO of Cho Corporation with a date when he attended events before, especially not one who looked so glamorous. All the reporters and journalists were surprised, shutter sounds from the cameras were heard everywhere.

When Samantha got out of the car, Daniel hooked her arm through his and held her hand in place. He led her towards the entrance of the hotel walking down the red carpet while disregarding the questions being thrown at them.

"President Cho, who is your date?"

"Is she your girlfriend?"

"It's the first time that you brought a date with you, what's your relationship with her?"

Samantha held onto Daniel's arm tightly, she stiffened and clenched her teeth; afraid that he would let go of her.

"You're doing great.", Daniel whispered reassuringly.

This simple reminder made her relax a little.

When they entered, they didn't go inside the event hall yet, instead, they stayed in the resting lounge and waited.

"Are you okay?", Daniel asked worriedly.

Samantha nodded, "I'm fine, it's just... there are a lot of people."

Daniel felt like this strange reaction of hers was a little too weird for someone who's an Independent and strong woman. But even so, he did not overlook, he made sure to make her feel better.

"They don't know you... You don't have to worry. I won't leave you."

At the event hall, there were hundreds of people comprised of company employees, executives, partners, and some family friends. Good thing that the venue was huge enough to house everyone. The party hasn't officially started yet but everyone was already having a good time with the music and entertainment going on. It was very festive. The ambiance made the guests feel like they were really there to have a great time.

Assistant Ahn who was busy helping out the organizers, was called by one of the production staff,

"Assistant Ahn, has President Cho arrived?"

"Yes, he's currently at the resting lounge."

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"We'll be ready for him in 15 minutes. Kindly call him to come over so that we can start the program."

Assistant Ahn nodded and was about to turn around when Director Leah Tan stopped him.

"Assistant Ahn, you're already busy. Let me help you call President Cho. I'll go get him."

Ahn didn't think too much about it, he had to announce to everyone anyway when the CEO arrives. So he just agreed and nodded.

Leah Tan beamed, thinking that she may have the chance to escort Daniel Cho through the doors of the hall; it would look like she was his date. With that thought in mind, Leah excitedly walked towards the resting lounge. She quickly checked herself on the small mirror from her purse. She patted her hair in place and checked her makeup before she knocked on the door.

"Come in."

After hearing Daniel's voice, with a smile on her face, she pushed the door open, "President Cho---".

Leah Tan gaze fell from Daniel's face to the woman on the sofa. She froze when she saw Samantha resting her head on Daniel's lap. She felt like a bucket of ice water was splashed on her back. Her head hurt.

Daniel raised his head, "Director Tan, what is it?"

Leah composed herself, "Yes, Uh... President Cho, the program is about to start. We're waiting for you."

Daniel nodded, "We'll be right there."

Leah sadly left the room. With disappointment written all over her face, she went back to the hall.

Daniel assisted Samantha up and helped her fix her dress. When they were ready, they walked arm-in-arm towards the event hall.

Daniel whispered to Samantha, "You look heavenly, Ms. Kim.", Samantha instantly brightened up.

She beamed at him and replied, "You look majestic, Mr. Cho.".

When Assistant Ahn saw the silhouette of his boss by the entrance with Samantha on his arm, he then brought the microphone up in front of his mouth and spoke, "Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could please have everyone's attention to the entrance way." Everyone stopped talking and turned their head towards the entrance.

"Let us all welcome, the CEO of Cho Corporation, President Daniel Cho."

Daniel and Samantha entered the hall and had everyone's eyes on them. Daniel nodded to the guests and Samantha also tried her best to give them a warm smile.

"Next to President Cho is his lovely date, Ms. Bella. Don't they look remarkable together? Let's all give them a round of applause." The hall was filled with claps and wishes.

Assistant Ahn is well aware of how Samantha wants to keep her privacy. So Daniel instructed Ahn to announce it like this. This way, they didn't technically lie to the public since Bella is Samantha's second name. But they were still able to conceal her identity by not revealing her first name and surname.

When everyone saw the couple walking through the center, their jaws almost dropped as they admired how stunning the two of them looked together.

Samantha wore a navy blue off-shoulder, sweetheart ball gown. It was an A-line style with rhinestones at the skirt part of her dress. It patterned a beautiful design that looked like the galaxy. It was just marvelous! But the guests weren't only amazed by her outfit, they were also drawn to her face. Because instead of wearing a masquerade mask, Samantha handpainted the mask on her face.

Although this wasn't something entirely new, not a lot of people knew about this.. And seeing Samantha's art on her face, she looked unique.

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