Nikolai and Alexei instantly stood beside me while looking straight at the Albanian's entourage. Artan and my future husband are now having a boastful staredown. I feel like my heart is beating a million times.

I then carried Aria on my arms. The moment she sees Nikolai she instantly spreads her right arm gesturing Nikolai to come close to her.

"Hi little princess." Said Nikolai to Aria.

Aria is now wrapping her arms on both mine and my future husband's necks. To my surprise, the little angel kisses me and Nikolai on our cheeks one by one. I can see that Nikolai's expression suddenly changed. I know Aria was able to get into Nikolai's heart of steel.

Aria then touches my head dress and hair while looking all amazed. The moment she saw my wings, her lips parted in awe.

"Come my little angel, do you want to see my lady bug and grasshopper friends as well?"

Aria just nodded with a smile on her face.

I then looked at Nikolai in the eyes.

"Nikolai baby..."

"It's okay baby..." Said Nikolai.

I glanced at Artan while putting Aria down to stand. He's looking at me intently. I then walk past him and his men while clutching Aria with my right hand.

My insides are turning as we approach the backstage. Vasily, Ivan and Artan's two other men are following from behind.

Dylan is sitting in the middle of my boys and he looks like he was able to pacify the three except for Sylvester who has now a permanent frown on his face. Amy was done with arranging the costumes of my three girls. My bestfriend and my second bestfriend were surprisingly able to tame the kids.

"Hello everyone, this is Aria. Aria these are my friends. Do you want to play with them?"

The moment Amy heard Aria's name, her eyes widened.

Aria instantly hid behind my gown. I then knelt to her.

"Hey it's okay. You can stick with me instead if you want?"

Aria just nodded at me as she glances towards my kids direction.

Amy quickly went towards my direction and spoke to me in our native language.

"You mean?"

"Yes, he's here."

"Omg! Where? Oh youre so screwed B." Said Amy, teasing me.

I shoot another glare at her.

Oh my gosh, could this night be more heart pounding?

I then noticed my bestfriend glance at the back.

"Uh-oh." Said Amy.

"What Uh-oh?"

When I looked back, I see Alexei approach our direction and he looks livid.

Shit.

Amy instantly grabs Aria from me. I quickly paced towards Alexei's direction and stopped him.

"Alexei, please, Dylan is just here to help." I said with a low voice.

"You could have told me you needed help. Don't give me that shitty excuse."

"Alexei please? Even just for tonight."

"You fucking promised me."

Oh my god. What is happening? Why is this happening to me? First Artan, now this.

"I know, just please can we talk about this later?" My arms are now wrapped around Alexei's waist.

"What's there to talk about? If you break your promise, Im gonna have to break mine.Your not giving me any choice Belle."

Yup, he's mad. He's calling me by my name.

At this point I dont know how to ease down Alexei anymore so I just landed a kiss on his lips and looks at him in the eyes.

"I love you Alexei."

I can see that Im slowly getting into my difficult Alexei. I let out the sweetest smile at him.

"Talk later? I'll let you spank me while we talk? I know I have been a bad bad girl tonight."

His facial expression suddenly toned down.

"Yah?"

"Uhuh"

Geeez the things that I would do. I know Alexei has a thing for spanking and my butt. That's the only thing I can think of now to calm him down.

My eyes widened when all of a sudden, Sylvester appeared from nowhere and makes the cutest punch on Alexei's thigh and kicks him on his leg. I dont know if Im going to be horrified or smile in amusement.

Alexei has a puzzled look on his face.

"Hey big guy, what seems to be the problem? Do you have a problem with me?" Alexei said as he squats, meeting Sylvester eye to eye. My Alexei has now a smirk plastered on his face.

All of a sudden Sylvester wraps his arms around my thigh while looking at Alexei all to seriously.

"So someone has a little crush. I cant blame you big guy, she's really amazing. Im sure we can both agree on that."

I just shook my head on Alexei.

"Listen to me. When you grow a little bigger and taller, you call me. I have a job for you." Said Alexei trying to pacify Sylvester.

"Meantime, I want you to know that your teacher Belle is mine. Got it? Now scram." Alexei then stood up and signalled Sylvester to shoo away. My lips parted in horror.

"Alexei!"

"While still young he should learn to accept defeat, someday he will thank me for doing him a favor."

I rolled my eyes on him. "He's just a kid. Not to mention a very special kind of kid." I said while lowering my voice.

Alexei just snorted while placing his hands inside his pockets.

I carried Sylvester on my arms, he wraps his arms around my neck and rests his head on my shoulder.

Oh god, this is going to be a long night.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Amy and I are peeking from the backstage. A few meters from us, Aria is sitting on Dylan's lap, and they look like they are getting along very well. I must say, Dylan has a way with kids. My kids are just behaving very well, perhaps a little frightened because of Ivan, Vasily and Artan's men.

"Omg B!!!! Is that him? Are you kidding me right now? Artan is smoking hot!"

I just roll my eyes on Amy. Surprisingly, Artan is standing beside Nikolai to his left, while Alexei is on the right. They are holding glasses of liquor in their hands. They seem to be talking and smirking from time to time. Their men are surrounding them inconspicuously. Oh god I just hope it will be like this for the rest of the night.

"So that's the man who's obssessed with you. Or shall I say, THOSE are the men obsessed with you." Amy said referring my Nikolai, Alexei and Artan.

Amy's eyes are sparkling like she's seeing a pink unicorn.

"Wow, I am seeing three Mafia bosses at the same time. How cool is that?" Said Amy.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Ah, Volkov trying to cripple my business by cutting me off from the circulation. You are way too over your head if you think you can destroy me just like that Volkov.

Consider yourself lucky Artan. If not for my wife.......

(Artan interrupts Nikolai and snorts) Your wife? I have reason to believe you have not tied her down to you yet.

Nikolai's grip on his glass tightened.

(laughs) So I'm right. She's not your wife.

She's mine.

Artan raises his hands in front of him, mocking Nikolai.

Fucking her with your underboss? I must say I'm quite impress. I should have known she's into......that.

Alexei attempted to step towards Artan but Nikolai signalled him not to.

One more word about her and your done.

Artan just smiles and drinks his scotch.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

"They seem to be just talking like good ol friends B." Said Amy.

"I just hope they stay that way for the rest of the night A." I dont know why but I just have this very unsettling feeling about what's really happening there.

"Alright everyone! The program is about to start!" Said one of the teachers. "Teacher Belle your class is going to perform after Teacher Lilly's class."

I just nodded at her. I quickly went towards my kids. Amy took Aria from Dylan.

"B, you can do this."

"Thanks A, thanks Dy!"

I then hugged and kissed Aria on her cheek.

"I'll see you in a while my little angel. Can you cheer for me and your friends later?"

She just nods at me while placing her finger inside her mouth. I kissed her again before they left the backstage. It's just me, my kids and I.V now in the corner waiting for our turn.

We are now huddled as I give my last instructions. Ivan and Vasily are just standing next to us.

"So, what will you do if you forgot the step?"

"Look at teacher and follow!" Said the ever energetic Justin.

"I want everybody to say it."

"Look at teacher and follow!" All I heard were grumblings from my kids, but that's good enough for me.

"Very good. And if you make mistakes or get nervous, what should you remember?"

"Teacher loves me no matter what!" Said my kids in unison.

"Yes, teacher loves you no matter what."

"And I have a surprise for everyone after our performance tonight."

They all gasped in awe. They then clasp their hands with glee.

"I want toys!"

"Yes toys!"

"Me too!"

"Okay okay... calm down. We will talk about the surprise later."

"Teacher Belle, your up!" Said the organizer.

Oh gosh this is it.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

We were welcomed by a round of applause as me and my kids stood in the middle of the small stage.

I quickly noticed my Nikolai, Alexei and Artan. Aria is on Artan's arms. When the little angel saw me, she waves at me while throwing the widest grin ever. I just made a small wave at her. My bestfriend and Dylan are standing beside Alexei.

My little girls are to my right while my four boys are to my left.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Teacher Belle, may I present to all of you Section Star!" I said while a lapel is attached on me.

All the guests and benefactors clapped their hands. I glanced at my Nikolai and Alexei and winked at them.

I then introduced my kids one by one. They stepped forward everytime I call their names. Our audience seems to be enjoying the adorableness of my kids. And I'm really proud because so far, they are behaving perfectly.

As I continue introducing the eight, I wonder why some people are looking towards the corner of the stage and looking all amused. To my horror, I see Justin trying to climb the podium reaching for the microphone. I just smiled at the audience and kept my composure. I quickly walked towards Justin.

"Justin, come let's dance."

He just shoots a smile at me while still reaching for the microphone. I decided to take the mic myself to give it to him. While I struggle to get the mic from the stand, I heard the audience giggle. When I looked back my kids are now scattered everywhere in the stage.

The two boys are attempting to go backstage. Sylvester is now grabbing my gown while sucking his finger. Stephanie is picking the flowers designed on the stage. While the other two girls are teary eyed looking all frightened. Oh my god, this is a total wreck. I can feel my face slowly turn crimson.

I just smile at the audience and try to play it cool.

I then offered my hand on Justin. Thank goodness the little rascal obliged. I then held Sylvester's hand as we walk back at the center stage. I then quickly called Stephanie's attention.

"Stephanie, come put that flower your holding on my hair."

I felt relieved when she runs towards my direction and clips the flower on my headress. My two teary eyed girls seem to ease down when they saw me back beside them. My bestfriend was able to get Dawson and Frankie from the backstage and somehow convinced the two to go back on stage. "Thank you." I mouthed towards my Amy.

Now that the the eight are gathered again and in their positions. I faced the audience again.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, If you guys could just pretend that you did not see that, St. Mary's would greatly appreciate it."

The audience seem to get my joke as I see smiles and hear soft laughs from them.

"Music please."

I then faced my kids and started with our first step as the music starts. I have now the full attention of the eight as they follow my lead.

I faced the audience as I slowly went to my position beside my kids.

I glanced at my Nikolai and Alexei's direction and they are looking all amused.

After our dance routine, my kids seem to behave still.

"Kids, what do we say to the people who have been very kind to us?"

Justin raised his hand again with all his might. I just shook my head. We have rehearsed this part already. They will answer in unison but my little Justin just cant help it.

"Yes Justin?"

"We say thank you!!!"

"Very good. Can you do that now?"

He nods at me and looks at the audience directly.

"Thank you!" He then throws a kiss to everyone like a little star that he is.

"Awww." Said the audience in unison.

My kids and I bowed to the audience as we finish our performance.

The hall is now filled with claps and cheers.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

I am still in the backstage after giving my kids their surprise. I gave each of them a box full of toys and other stuffs that I know they will love. I have already changed to my form fitting mini black dress with sheer lining a few inches below my breast. It perfectly hugs the shape of my body at the same time shows a little bit of skin but not too vulgar for the ocassion. My ankle strap black high heels accentuates my entire outfit. Ivan and Vasily are still standing next to me. I can hear from the background that they have already started with the auction and fund raising.

All of a sudden my phone vibrates.

"B! Come here now!"

"What's the matter?"

"Just come here. Fast."

Oh my gosh I feel like my heart suddenly took an overdrive. I quickly exited the backstage and went to the main hall and directly towards my Nikolai and Alexei. I crinkled my eyebrows as I approach their direction. They dont look like they are going to kill each other soon. In fact they are jist standing and talking to Artan. I then looked at Amy.

"What?"

Amy just points at the center stage. My lips parted when I saw a painting of my portrait. Sylvester is holding the painting in front of him and I think it's the next one to be auctioned off. Oh my gosh. How come I did not know about this? I thought they are going to auction off the animal paintings of Sylvester. I then saw Dr. Thomas right next to the little boy.

"This painting is entitled Teacher Belle." The man in charge of the auction said. "The Artist is our little man here, Sylvester Sloan."

The audience reacted with awe. The portrait is a finger painted image of me.

"The bid will start at a hundred dollars. Hundred dollars"

"Five thousand." Said Dardan.

"We have five thousand from the gentleman..."

"Ten thousand." Said Yuri interrupting the host.

Oh my gosh. I feel like my face is starting to heat up.

"Fifteen." Said Dylan while raising his hand in front of him.

I quickly shoot a glare at him. Amy then taps his brother's shoulder looking all proud.

"Thirty." Alexei instantly buts in, not giving the host a chance to say a word.

"Thirty five." Said Dylan. Oh my gosh I think I'm having a mini heart attack.

"Fifty." Retorted Alexei.

All in the hall are now looking at Dylan and Alexei back and forth. Nikolai and Artan are just smirking like they are enjoing everything.

I then looked at Dylan and shook my head on him signalling not to outbid Alexei anymore.

"We have a fifty. Do I hear fifty five? None? Going once, goinge twice..." Said the organizer preparing to hit the gavel.

"Hundred thousand dollars." The people in the hall gasped as Artan outbids Alexei, doubling the amount.

At this point I feel like there's this huge lump in my throat. Oh my god. My bestfriend's eyes widened while looking at me.

"We have a hundred thousand dollars from Mr. Bogdani. Do I hear a hundred and five?"

"Two hundred." Said Nikolai. Artan just smiles as if expecting the exact reaction. Geez, they are practically just beside each other and now they are outbidding each other. The two Bosses' men moved and adjusted their collars as the two are now engage in a boastful man boss thing.

"Two hundred thousand dollars from Mr. Volkov." The host is wiping his forehead with a hanky. Dr. Thomas, Lilly and the other teachers have all the same reactions. Their eyes widenedas they whisper at each other.

"Three hundred." Another gasp from the people around emanated the hall as Artan outbids Nikolai.

"Three hundred for Teacher Belle painting. Do I hear three hundred and fifty?" Said the host.

At this point, everyone is waiting for Nikolai to respond. My future husband held out his hand to me. I then walked towards him and placed my hand on his. He then grabs me close to him and plants a kiss on my lips. My nikolai lets out a wicked grin.

"Five hun......" Nikolai was halted when all of a sudden all the lights went off. Only the candles in the middle of the tables are illimunating the hall.

My future husband and Alexei instantly squeezed me in between them and held me tight.