"Is this really necessary?" whispered Eleanor from her seat beside me.

I glanced at her and smiled as I saw her fidgeting on her seat and looking around the posh boutique with nervous eyes. I grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze, making her look at me and visibly relax.

"Relax, Ella." I said. "I'm sorry to make you uncomfortable. I already feel terrible to force you to come with me to such a dreadful gala that I hate to go myself. I don't want those snobbish people to make you feel bad. That is why we are here so you can buy an elegant dress."

"You didn't force me." responded Eleanor softly and smiled at me. "I accepted to come with you myself. I'm your girlfriend after all."

I beamed at her proudly and kissed her cheek before she went back to looking at the racks of dresses around us. I looked down and smiled as I faced Daisy's golden curls who had made herself comfortable on my lap, playing candy crush on my phone.

It was Saturday, a week after the match. My family was invited to a gala the next night. It was actually a charity gala where rich people were mostly coming to show off their wealth. It was a dreadful event that I had to go to for my family's sake every year.

Thankfully this year I could take Eleanor with me. When I told her about the gala, she was hesitant at first, but after hearing my babbling, she accepted to come.

And so that was why we were in one of the best shops in the city, waiting for my mom's friend to show up and help Eleanor to find a dress. It was so hard to convince Eleanor to let me buy her a dress, but she agreed at last. We had come after work and because Liam was not home, we had taken Daisy with us.

"Hello, kids."

I looked up at hearing the deep voice of a woman. Jannet, my mom's friend, and owner of the boutique walked to us with an elegant posture. She was wearing a knee-length, form-fitting black dress and black pumps. Her hair was up in a neat updo and her face had professional makeup. Her shoulders were square and her hands were clasped in front of her belly. She didn't look a bit over her thirties, yet she was 48 years old.

Eleanor and I stood up and greeted her politely.

"So you are the one that Rose was talking about." said Jannet as she eyed Eleanor up and down and nodded satisfied before looking into Eleanor's eyes with a smile. "Now, don't be nervous, sweetie. You have a beautiful figure. Come, let's see what I can find for you. Chris, dear, you can wait here. I will call you when necessary."

She then put a gentle hand on Eleanor's shoulder before guiding her away.

"Em, Jannet?" I called. Jannet turned to me with a raised eyebrow. "Please choose something decent. I don't like a dress that shows too much skin."

Jannet smirked teasingly at me and looked down at Eleanor who looked like a tomato. "Oh, dear." she said. "You've got yourself a protective boyfriend, Eleanor. I'm impressed."

She then chuckled and mumbled something under her breath in the line of boys and their protectiveness, before looking into my eyes again. "Don't worry." she said and winked. "I will make sure she looks decent yet sexy to appeal to your needs and also your protective self."

This time even I felt my ears turn pink at hearing the comment. I sat back down once Jannet and Eleanor were out of sight and let out a shaky breath. Daisy wiggled out of my arms and sat on Eleanor's previous seat and we waited for half an hour.

I was slowly becoming anxious. Was I not supposed to go and have a look at what Eleanor was wearing? Why was it taking that much time for them to find a dress she can try on? I was about to go after Eleanor when I saw her and Jannet walking toward us again.

She beamed at me when her eyes fell on me, clutching the dress bag tighter to her chest. I frowned. "Shouldn't I come and look?" I asked a bit offended and sad to lose the opportunity.

"It's a surprise for you." answered Jannet, seemingly proud of herself, and then rolled her eyes. "And don't be worried. The dress is decent for a young beautiful girl like your lovely girlfriend. Yet I can't guarantee she won't have every eye glued to her during the party. Don't let her out of your sight, Harrington."

Jannet winked at me at seeing my deep frown. She then hugged Eleanor and then walked away after saying her goodbyes. Eleanor turned to me and grinned again.

"Ellie, I want to see your dress." squealed Daisy and ran to Eleanor.

"I will show you once we are home, flower." answered Eleanor kindly and patted Daisy's head.

"Yeah," I groaned. "I will come and see too."

"Nope," said Eleanor, popping the p and clutching the dress tighter, giving me a playful glare. "This is a surprise. remember."

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes and took the dress bag as we walked toward the cashier.

It was a nice night. We went to McDonald's after the shopping much to Daisy's delight. I felt so at ease, so happy and content as I watched Eleanor all night. She was so happy and content. Her laughter was so beautiful and contagious and the melodic sound was so reviving.

I couldn't help but wonder how she was going to look the next day at the gala. I was more than sure that she would look gorgeous and I had to keep hawk eyes on her and make sure no one looks at her more than necessary.

She was mine after all. Mine, and I would protect her at all costs.

***********************************************************************************************

Today was the day of the gala. I was so excited. Rose had called me last night and had invited me to go and get ready with her. I accepted immediately and gratefully because I was nervous as hell and didn't know what to do at all.

It was the first time I wanted to go to a formal and public event as a part of the Harrington family and pressure was making me nauseous although Chris had reassured me numerous times that I shouldn't worry.

So after work, Chris took me home immediately so I can take a shower before we left for his home where Rose quickly snatched me out of Chris's hands and guided me to a room where I assumed was her and her husband's bedroom. A hair stylist was waiting for me there and she quickly get to work to get me ready.

So exactly three hours later, Rose and I had stood in front of the mirror, glancing at our reflections satisfied.

Rose was wearing an elegant long velvet dark green dress with diamond earrings and a necklace. Her hair had been pulled in a beautiful updo at the base of her neck and her makeup was so beautiful and elegant.

And there I was, wearing a silver dress and white heels. I had fallen in love with it the moment Jannet had shown it to me. It was a stunning Midi dress made in gray-silver tulle with shiny details. Its bodice, corset style with small tulle ruffles around the chest, ending in delicate straps of the same fabric and pattern. Its skirt, made of layers of shiny tulle, joins the bodice with a small rhinestone belt and then flared down, creating a beautiful circle, just below my knees.

(A/N: The image above is from this website. Copy right is all theirs :)) https://invitadisima.com/en/midi-dresses/10397-silver-tulle-midi-dress-with-rhinestone-belt-riccasposa.html )

I was a bit hesitant to choose it when I saw my back bare to my mid-waist and my chest and arms on display, remembering Chris's warning. But Jannet was so quick to dismiss my thoughts, saying Chris can go to hell if he wanted.

Her words, not mine.

My hair was free, falling in soft curls, covering the bare skin on my back, and in the front, it had been pulled back with two beautiful pins on both sides of my head. My make-up was light as always but made me look so lively and beautiful.

I felt gorgeous and I couldn't wait to show myself to Chris and see his reaction. Rose smiled at me in the mirror before kissing my cheek.

"You look so lovely, Eleanor." she said with a motherly glint in her eyes. "Go to Chris. I know you want to see him now. He must be in his room."

I nodded and hugged her briefly. "Thank you, Rose." I said gratefully. "I was lost without you."

"You're welcome, my dear." she said fondly but then smirked smugly. "Just make sure your makeup stays untouched when my son sees you."

I blushed instantly and dropped my head as Rose's laughter echoed through the room. She put a gentle hand on my back and pushed me slightly to the door. "Don't be shy now." she said. "Go. I think he might go insane from overthinking and imagining."

I was sure I could melt down any moment because of how much heat I was feeling in my face and neck. Rose for sure knew how to embarrass me. The carpet in the corridor was muffling the clicking of my heels as I made my way to Chris's room. The door to his room was ajar. I took a deep breath before stepping in front of the door, opening it a bit more, and peeking inside.

I smiled softly at the sight in front of me. Chris had stood in front of his full-length mirror, knotting his tie. He was in black dress pants and a crisp white dress shirt, trying to knot his black tie. Keyword: trying.

I giggled silently as I heard him mumble colorful words under his breath frustratingly while fumbling with his tie.

"Need help?" I asked and he whirled around quickly.

He froze in the spot with his hands still on his tie in a funny state. His jade eyes widened at my sight and then darkened a few shades as they racked my body up and down while I gracefully walked to him.

"Let me." I said softly, gently swatting his hands away. I grabbed his tie, knotting it.

He dropped his arms and I could feel his intense stare burning my face. When I was done with his tie, I smoothed the fabric and felt his fingers under my chin, tilting my head upward. The desire and hunger I saw in his eyes sent shivers down my body and my throat felt dry instantly.

"You look fucking gorgeous, angel." he said with a husky voice. His eyes glinted with desire. "Do you want to kill me?"

I felt my cheeks get hot and I dropped my head. "You look handsome yourself." I whispered shyly.

His finger was under my chin once again and he raised my face to stare into my eyes. And then his lips were on mine, kissing me gently but sensually, waking up the herd of butterflies in my belly.

His arms snaked around my waist pulling me closer. He groaned as I rubbed my hands on his chest unconsciously. I shuddered with pleasure as I felt his toned muscles under my palms, wanting desperately to feel them without a blockage of his shirt.

He pulled away after a while, pressing our foreheads together. "We should stop here." he rasped. "If you want to keep your hairstyle and makeup and don't end up on my bed."

I pulled away a bit and cupped his cheeks. I stared into his eyes lovingly and pecked his lips. "Thank you for making me feel this beautiful." I said truthfully.

"baby," he smiled. "I'm only stating the fact. I'm going to have a hard time, trying to make men not stare at you tonight."

He then released me from his hold and walked to his desk, picking up a rectangle box. "I have something for you." he said and looked at me. "Turn around and close your eyes."

I obliged quickly, eager to know about the content of the box. I felt the heat of Chris's body behind me and then jumped slightly as I felt something cool around my neck. I gasped and opened my eyes. My hand slowly went up to touch the pendant that was shining proudly on my neck.

It was a crescent moon, made of small white stones and a small star attached to it. A delicate silver chair had been attached to it. The little stones were shining under the light. It was beautiful.

"Do you like it?" asked Chris softly after he clasped the chain around my neck and smoothed my hair behind me. He snaked his arms around my waist and put his chin on my shoulder, admiring my reflection in the mirror.

"Chris, this is ... this is ..." I was at loss for words. I couldn't remember when was the last time I had received a gift. My eyes welled up quickly.

"Shhhhh," shushed Chris and turned me in his arms, hugging me tightly. "Please don't cry, angel. We don't want your makeup to ruin now, do we?"

I pulled back and stared into his eyes, hoping he sees how much I loved that act of love through my eyes. "Thank you. It's beautiful." I managed to say.

Chris smiled and touched the pendant with his fingertips. "It caught my attention immediately." he said. "It reminds me of you. I'm the dark sky of the night. You are my moon, my little shining star, my light." He then looked up into my eyes and love and devotion were dripping from his jade eyes. "I'm nothing without you, Eleanor, I'm only a blank and vast dark abyss. You are my everything, angel."

I quickly wound my arms around his neck and pulled him down for a chaste kiss. The kiss was overwhelming, so sacred, and full of love that lifted our spirits.

"Please, Eleanor," whispered Chris when we pulled away. His eyes were pleading with me. "Don't leave my life. Don't leave me with my darkness. I'm nothing without you."

My heart clenched as I saw insecurity in his eyes. I cupped his face with both hands and look into his eyes determined. "Chris Harrington," I said firmly. "I won't leave you. I will stay until you want me gone. I love you so much."

He sighed and kissed my forehead before hugging me tight to his chest. "I won't ever let you go." he said firmly. "You are mine, Eleanor. I will take care of you and love you forever."

The possessiveness in his voice sent shivers down my spine and goosebumps raised on my skin. The warmth that his words spread through my soul washed away any fear I had in my heart.

We pulled away when someone cleared their throats. We turned and saw Rose standing at the doorway, watching us with a soft smile on her face. Her eyes were a bit glossy and I immediately blushed at knowing that she had heard our conversation.

"Sorry to interrupt you, but It's time to go." she said and walked into the room, holding lipstick in front of her. "Here, Eleanor. Your lipstick has vanished magically and ended up on Chris's lips. Chris, honey, wipe your lips and control your primal needs for the rest of the night."

"No promises." smirked Chris teasingly and went to grab his suit jacket while I blushed harder.

Soon we were in two cars. Chris and I were in his car while he drove and his parents were coming with another car.

My nervousness skyrocketed as the giant building where the gala was held came into view and Chris drove in the slow line of cars to the front doors.

"Hey," said Chris with a reassuring smile and squeezed my hand. "I'm going to be at your side all the time. Mom and Emmy will be there too. You don't have to worry."

I nodded my head and took a shaky breath. Chris stopped the car next to a red carpet that was leading to giant double doors of the building. I stayed put as Chris got out of the car and walked around it. His posture was stiff and his face was cold as cameras flashed in his face. He looked really handsome in his black suit.

A man opened my door as Chris approached. Chris's face softened as he offered me his hand and helped me out of the car. I tried to stand as gracefully as possible and don't blink too much because of the cameras blinding flashes.

Not wanting to embarrass the Harrington family, I held my head up and walked with a grace of a model as Chris gently guide me forward. We walked behind Rose and Edmond as reporters bombarded us with questions.

"You are doing great." whispered Chris who felt my slight trembling. "I'm terribly sorry for this."

"It's okay." I replied, not wanting him to blame himself at all.

We walked up a few stairs and walked through double doors. Someone quickly grabbed our coats and we were guided to the venue. I looked around in awe. The dom ceiling had beautiful paintings and white and golden decorations could be seen everywhere.

Buffet tables had been placed all around the room and a large crowd of elite people had stood there, chatting and eating. Men were all clad in expensive suits and women were in gowns, some sluty and some professional.

It was suffocating in there. Chris was right. They were laughing but it was fake. They were smiling but it was fake. I was sure that most of them were there to only flaunt their wealth in each other's faces.

Rose and Edmond began to walk to a corner and I saw Jax and Emmy standing there chatting with another couple. Emmy turned to us and I saw relief flash in her eyes as she saw us.

She looked so beautiful in a floor-length royal blue dress that matched Jax's tie. Her blond hair was free, cascading down her back straightly and she looked gorgeous. She and Jax looked like a lovely couple for sure.

The gala was not as bad as I was thinking. Soon I relaxed mostly because of Chris's reassuring presence beside me. We greeted so many people who approached the Harrington family and I couldn't help but notice some dirty looks directed toward me and Emmy from a few women and girls.

Soon the three men of the family walked away from us to talk with a few businessmen and Rose, Emmy, and I walked to the buffet tables to grab something to eat. I was starving because I had not eaten anything since my light lunch.

"Well, that went well." said Emmy with a quiet voice that only me and Rose could hear. "A few of those snobbish girls were looking at me and Eleanor like they wanted to murder us."

Rose chuckled and looked at us proudly. "Let them die of jealously," she said. "Not any of them deserve my sons. They only care about flashing their boobs into men's faces or blinding each other with their jewelry. Only a few of the families here worth mingling with."

My mouth watered at the sight of different sweets and food on the table. I picked a small plate and controlled my urge to jump on the table and stuff my face with everything. I gently put a few finger foods and sweets on my plate before we walked to a group of Rose's friends to talk.

The women were all older than me and so I could stay out of the conversation and eat the delicious food in peace. Well, at peace until a certain woman and her daughter walked to us.

"My, my. Look who is here."

We turned to the voice and I didn't miss the glint of hatred in Rose's eyes. Yet she quickly covered it with a fake smile. My eyes widened slightly as I saw Lara walking beside an older woman, surely her mother.

Lara looked at me up and down disgustedly before looking away from me like I was the dirt under her shoes. She was clad in a tight satin red dress that was ending on her mid-thighs. Its thin straps and the plunging neckline weren't leaving so much to the imagination. She looked beautiful, but her caked face was giving her a bit of sluty face.

Her mother was a bit better than her. She was in a long figure-fitting backless black dress with long sleeves and a deep v-neck. Her face too was caked with makeup. Her daughter was surely the spitting image of her.