**
The book launch started off quite early with lot of dignitaries. Everyone was dressed in one designers outfit or the next.
Frank was not left out either as he too was seen dressed in a caramel colored Italian suit that hugged his biceps just perfectly with a black tux that matches with his nicely polished black leather shoes.
He looked like a groom ready to walk down the aisle without a single hesitation.
Aria on the other hand was dazzling in her flowing chiffon gown and standing by his side. Her makeup was quite simple. Just a few touches around the right places and smokey eyes was just enough to leave her looking just flawless.
Every single head had turned at their direction the moment they made it to the entrance looking like the perfect couple.
Hand in hand, and flashing that charming smile on their faces as they took a pose for the camera.
Apparently, there was a red carpet at the entrance and a female reporter for some entertainment blog was also there and she seem bend on asking about what they could be wearing and what their expectations for the upcoming book were.
This was something that was very typical with the media.
Holding her slightly by the waist. Frank pulled her closer before whispering into her ears. "Can you relax a bit? You look tense"
"That's because am actually tense okay? I shouldn't even be here" she whined.
Frank shot her a toothy grin causing her to roll her eyes at the annoying man causing her pulse to race at an unacceptable pace.
"Well you are already here and you look great so how about you just suck it up and keep smiling?"
Aria can't even afford to think straight or relax with his hand hanging so low against her waistline with the camera clicking away.
After a few pose and cheek wrecking smile, Frank finally pulled her away with his hand still placed away with his hand still placed dangerously low against her lower back.
Aria took a deep breath and exhaled before giving Frank a sideways glance.
"I'm totally good now. Can you please let go of my waist?"
Frank had hesitated for a moment and earning himself a warning glare from Aria.
"Okay" he quickly let go and took a step back.
This was definitely more than she had bargained for. The event was just starting and she was already fuzzy in the head with all that touchy attitude of his.
Her eyes wandered a bit and settled on a distinct female figure standing at the other end of the hall. She looked excited as she smiled and nod to the people clustered around her.
Could it really be her? She thought to herself as she kept staring dreamily at the renowned and award wining author.
Aria has always dreamt of meeting her in person ever since her love for literary work took a different dimension._Chimamanda Adichie is known for her impeccable way writing which have won her lot of international award over the years.
Not even in her wildest dreams has she imagined she'd be standing just a breath away from her icon. Frank who seemed to be watching her had followed her gaze and noticed her center of attraction.
Aria had sparks in her eyes as she kept staring at the non aging author in pure admiration.
"Don't tell me you are a fan girl miss Davis" He told her with a playful glimmer in his eyes.
She was so lost that his voice had startled her as she quickly swirled around to face him. "Something tell me you are one yourself" Aria had countered back, her face mirroring his own facial expression.
Frank gave a short chuckle and shook his head. "Who isn't? I mean, only a hater of some thoroughly delivered truth and an impeccable show of feminist wouldn't and am none of those" Frank had explained.
"I see" she said with a shrug.
"If you want to say hi then I can take you. Just say the magic word"
She glanced back at her for a moment and thought about his offer for another. Everyone within the same radius as her all seemed to be eager to meet her and no matter how excited she was. She rather not add to the number.
"Nah, am good. Maybe some other time"
He took a step closer and held her hand and gave it a little squeeze and watch her smile awkwardly at him. "What?"
He replied with a careless shrug
"Nothing!, just making sure you are serious about not wanting to meet her"
Aria took another quick glance at her direction and gave a small nod."yes am sure. I want to meet her but not today"
"Alright, as you wish. Now come on let get you a seat shall we?"
He offered her his right elbow and she slipped her arms through it with a sheepish little smile.
Seems like they could actually get along after all.
***
Just before they could make it to their table across the hall. They ran into a lady who had frank looking as though he has just seen a ghost.
His reaction was so sudden that Aria couldn't help but wonder if something was happening to him because he was acting like someone who had been stabbed in the chest.
Aria followed his gaze and settled on the lady standing before them. She couldn't see anything odd with the pretty lady and her companion that might have triggered Frank's reaction.
She seemed like the perfect combination of beauty and class. Her off shoulder red gown doing justice to her impressive Melanin skin and making her glow literally.
Maybe there was more to her than meet the eyes. Aria thought.
"Hello Frank. What a pleasure to see you" the lady close to enchanting voice had jolted Aria out of her crazy thought and back to reality.
Frank managed a little twitch to his right cheek before pushing both hands into his trouser pocket with a scoff.
"I wish I can see same Sandra"
Frank's voice was obviously filled with bitterness as he took a short paused and glance at the man standing beside her.
"Meet my fiancé, Samuel". The lady had introduced her companion to Frank with a smile.
"It's a pleasure meeting you man"
Samuel had offered his hand for a handshake.
Frank took hold of his hand and shook it slightly. "Same here"
Samuel looked like a nice man. Dressed in a native Ankara outfit. He was average in height, giving Frank a few more inches over him.
Aria could see that, there was a silent war brewing between those two as they kept exchanging hateful glances at each other. It's crazy that she was in the middle of it but she can't say same for Samuel who looked totally clueless to the whole exchange going on between those two.
"Won't you be kind enough to introduce us to your companion as well? Or is she your Secretary" Sandra had asked Frank with a raised brow.
Aria wasn't expecting Frank to introduce her to those people because for one, she no longer work for him and secondly, he can't even say they are friends because they are not even close. It would be safe to say, they were just two familiar faces.
The thought of them being nothing felt just like bitter pills in her mouth the moment the thought crossed her mind.
Shaking off the disturbing feeling from her mind just as quickly. She turned to stare at Frank whose expression seemed unreadable at the moment.
Aria who was no longer focused on his facial expression was startled when Frank suddenly reached over and pulled her closer to his side with his arms wrapped around her shoulder.
He shot her the sweetest smile he himself would have been shocked to know he could summon before she could wiggle out of his hold.
"Of course Sandra. Allow me to introduce you to Aria. My girlfriend"
What?
Girl_girlfriend?