CHAPTER 113: 113-ARMS TO ARMS

Iris:

The flashes intensified, almost as if they knew I was falling and wanted to capture a controversial moment, or at least something amusing to share about the event.

But before I could land, I felt an arm move quickly and catch me.

Thankfully, I did not hit the ground. I opened my eyes and saw Keith holding me in a dramatic way.

The flashes grew even brighter while people started to cheer.

"Are you fine?" he asked, leaning closer to check my face.

"Yeah," I replied, steadying my feet under me and standing upright while Keith’s arm stayed around my waist.

"It should be us falling for you," Keith whispered, making me giggle, and the whole scene was being recorded.

"Now, let’s pose for the pictures, since you are already in my arms," Keith suggested.

I smiled again and turned toward the cameras. My hand rested lightly on his chest.

He was wearing a grey suit. When I looked to the side, I saw Kash standing a short distance away, watching us with his jaw clenched.

His expression no longer matched the calm look he had been trying to carry earlier.

His hands were tucked into his pants pockets, his coat pushed slightly back.

He glared at Lara, who appeared timid as she looked at him, before his eyes shifted back to me.

I wondered what he was planning to do, because knowing Kash, he would not let go of a simple incident.

After a few drinks were served and small snacks were passed around on trays, the launch finally came to an end.

The guests began to leave once they finished trying the samples.

The photographers also moved away from the main area.

The workers helped guide people out of the hall while the lights softened.

I stood near the display table, watching the crowd thin out one group at a time.

That was when Walkin approached us. I noticed that Kash, Lara, and the others stood right behind me.

"Everyone, the launch went very well, and it seems like people are hopeful for what is to come next," Walkin announced. "As a celebration for the owners, the team, and our close colleagues, Lara has arranged a small gathering at a nearby hotel. I hope everyone can make some time to enjoy this moment and discuss any new ideas."

As soon as he said that, Keith and the others began to nod. Everyone seemed on board.

To be honest, I did not want to be a part of it, but since I was a fifty percent owner, I decided to attend.

I stepped down from the platform and watched the last guest exit.

Keith strolled beside me, adjusting his suit jacket. He looked very happy.

Lara stayed close to Kash.

Once the hall was empty, the workers began clearing the tables.

That was when Keith approached me.

"Do you have a car? If not, I will give you a lift to the hotel," he suggested.

I lifted my hand slightly to stop him.

"It’s okay. I came in my car," I replied, keeping one eye on Kash as he spoke with Lara.

He tapped her back, and the two of them started walking toward me.

"Okay, then we will see you at the hotel. Although I am not sure I will be able to communicate as I am much of a drinker," Keith chuckled, giving me a handshake before leaving with his publicist and the others.

I did not expect Lara and Kash to come to me.

They approached, and while Kash lingered behind, Lara stepped forward.

"I am so sorry," she apologized.

I frowned at her. That was unlike her.

"For what?" I asked, folding my arms over my chest and giving her a sharp attitude.

"For accidentally tripping you. It would have been a disaster. So yes, I am really sorry for my mistake."

The way she apologized made it clear she had been asked to do it.

My eyes shifted to Kash, but he looked indifferent, even though I could tell he was the one who convinced her to come.

"You know, Lara, this would not be the first time you pushed me down. But I guess this is the time you finally noticed that I always get up. I always balance myself and rise," I commented, not accepting her apology. I turned around and walked out of the hall.

I sat in my car and texted Scarlett to take care of the kids.

I had been keeping an eye on them, since there was not much for me to do.

I had been watching them play through the cameras.

I arrived at the hotel along with the rest of the cast, and everyone began moving toward the private area.

It was on the third floor. They had booked the entire floor for the celebration.

I heard a few people mentioning that they planned to stay around afterward.

Just like Keith had said, when I arrived, he already had a few drinks in him.

There were some other models with him, and he seemed to be enjoying himself.

I did not want to bother him. Instead, I walked down to the lobby and sat on one of the chairs.

I grabbed a drink and took small sips while I tried to figure out what I was supposed to do next with my life.

"I did not think you would come," Kash remarked as he approached me with a drink in his hand.

"It was my perfume’s launch as well," I commented, keeping my tone stern.

I remembered how things went down yesterday, and strangely, I was holding grudges now.

"When should I come to give the dose?" he asked.

As soon as he mentioned the dosage, my spine stiffened.

"You do not need to come anymore," I replied.

The minute I said it, he placed his drink down and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.

He hunched slightly to look at my face, studying me with a judgmental expression.

"It is not working," I added, finally meeting his gaze.

"How do you know?" he questioned.

"You saw what happened that day. It was not a side effect. It was another attack he had," I said, and he began to shake his head.

"Well, I do not believe it," he stated. "I told you, he needs to take a few dosages. I will not rest until he finishes his five dosages."

Before I could respond, Lara arrived.

"Kash, can you please come here? It seems like the zipper of my dress is stuck," she said in a seductive tone.

Even Kash stared at her for a moment and then looked at me.

I could tell he realized what she was doing.

He had been upset with me for being in my boyfriend’s arms after he had hugged me, yet now he was about to do the same thing.

He had hugged me, and now he was going to walk straight into her arms.