A Party

While Ruby's mind was counting a lot of things, here the dad and daughter pair continued their conversation.

"Dad, When will you come? Here dad is torturing me telling me to try on so many dresses. Come here and save me!"

Her cute voice was like a 5-year-old 's. But she was already 9. But nothing was different than a 5-year-old girl.

"Oh! He said he had a surprise. So get ready. I will come soon and we can go together."

Oliver said and waited for a reply.

"Okay then. But-" Suddenly someone disturbed Ava and took the phone from her.

"Call me when you are done. I will come and pick you up."

Who else could it be? It was Daniel.

Daniel told that while covering Ava's mouth with his hand. His hand was big enough to cover her whole face. She bit him and the both of them struggled with each other. Oliver, who was listening to them, went speechless.

'This father and daughter duo will never change.'

He sighed and then said okay before cutting off the call.

After the call, he continued the lesson again. This time Ruby was in a good mood after she realized Oliver was not gay and even had a girlfriend named Ava.

She was just jealous of Ava. But it didn't matter since she believed that she could seduce Oliver and be his girlfriend. So she didn't even want to continue her plan.

When both of them were done with the lesson, it was already past 3 pm.

"Thank you teacher for giving your precious time to me."

She said and left proudly.

After that, Oliver called Daniel and waited until he came. Then Daniel picked him up and went home. When Oliver arrived his eyes almost popped out seeing Ava.

She was dressed in a red gown which made her look like a princess. Letting her long hair fall freely, with red shoes, she was so pretty.

"You are so pretty. But why are you wearing this now?"

Oliver asked in confusion after coming back to his senses.

"I also don't know. He forced me to wear it." She complained.

"We have a birthday party to attend. It's my best friend. I promised him that I will come with the two of you."

Daniel said excitedly.

"Ah? But how did they know about me? And won't people know that you are married?"

Oliver felt his legs feeling weak even from imagining meeting business-class people. It's not like he doesn't know how to deal with them. He didn't like it. That's the reason.

"He is my best friend. My dad has already told him all the details. All my friends know that I am married. Later I will also have to give them a party for getting married. And what if people saw? We don't have a reason for hiding it, right? You don't have to worry. They won't disturb you."

Daniel understood what was going on in Oliver's mind. He was scared thinking he might attract attention.

But since Daniel confirmed there won't be any problems, he also agreed to go with him.

"Okay, get ready then. I have to show how beautiful my wifey is."

Daniel said while pointing at a suit.

"You-" Oliver suddenly felt shy.

'Beautiful? Who?'

He looked at the black color suit. He had a lot of questions like, when did he buy that? Will that fit me? Why didn't he tell me beforehand?

However, he got ready quickly because he didn't want to make them wait.

Ava was watching their drama with great interest.

'My dads are so sweet.'

Daniel was also dressed in a white shirt, black color pants, a black color coat, and a tie which made him look like a gentleman. That was the perfect man for a party.

When Oliver came with the suit on, Ava was the one who got surprised even more than Daniel. She felt like his dad was even more handsome than the actors she saw. Then she became a fan of her dad.

With the black color blazer on, Oliver felt a little unfamiliar even though he usually wore clothes similar to that. He was uneasy about the party. But Daniel was able to calm him down.

"Are you ready? let's go."

Daniel excitedly asked the dad and daughter pair who looked like 'I don't want to go'.

Ignoring their glares, Daniel first drove to his home to pick up his parents. Then the five people chatted happily on the way. When they reached the hotel where the party was held, Ava and Oliver became even more nervous. Both of them were in the same situation. Both didn't want to be the center of attention.

"Don't worry. I will take care of you. Aren't my dad and mom also with you? It will be okay."

Daniel comforted Oliver because he knew Oliver hated crowded places. But he was comforting Ava too. She also hated crowded places. John held Ava's hand wanting to help her. She felt relieved and decided to stick to grandpa, so Oliver could stick to Daniel.

Then the family got out of the car and walked to the party hall together. The people saw the family which made a successful brand in the business world walking proudly. The people around them couldn't help but steal more glances at them. But it took a little more time to recognize there was a new face among them. Daniel held Oliver's hand and walked behind his parents.

When they entered the hall everyone looked at them. It was normal for John to come because he was the attention seeker at almost every event. But this time he was with the whole family. It took more attention.

"Hey Anderson, now you have become a big man. Happy birthday, boy."

John friendly patted a handsome man while wishing him happy birthday. His name was Anderson and John's best friend since childhood. So John knew about Anderson very well. And they had a good relationship too.

"Happy birthday, son. Wish you a successful life."

Daniel's mom also wished him with a smile on her face.

"Thank you uncle, thank you aunty. I am really happy to see you came to my party. Enjoy yourselves."

He bowed and thanked them so politely. Daniel who watched everything from behind grinned.

"Since when did you become so polite? You bastard, don't you welcome me?" Daniel jumped and put his hand around Anderson's neck, shocking John who was so close to Anderson.

"Ah! You are still the same. Don't grab my neck!" Anderson laughed and grabbed Daniel's hand which was wrapped around his neck. Oliver and Ava who saw this looked at each other. Both of them had the same question at that time.

'Is this the way they greet each other?'

Then they looked at the struggling pair back.

"Hey, you better behave yourself. This is his party. You made a mess out of him. Get off now!"

John said angrily. He knew their friendship was so close but he couldn't let Daniel behave casually when a lot of people are around. Because that was not an event for enjoyment. That was an event for sharing business matters. Yes, that's the best word to describe such a party.

"Okay okay, Happy birthday you bastard."

Daniel let go of him and finally understood he, himself was the CEO of the number one company. He should behave like a businessman, not a friend. But he couldn't help it.

However, when he met his dad's sharp glances which made him feel like stabbing him, he became an obedient puppy.

"Thank you!"

Anderson laughed and accepted the mountain of gifts that were offered by John and his family.

Then Anderson saw an unfamiliar face among them. But he already knew he was Daniel's partner. Seeing Anderson was looking at Oliver, Daniel pulled Oliver in front and introduced him.

"This is my- ah- wife."

When he said the word 'wife', Oliver felt his face was hot. He looked at Daniel in disbelief and then looked down in embarrassment.

"Hello, I think your name is Oliver, right? He has already told me. It's nice to meet you."

Anderson said and Oliver also replied immediately.

"Hello, It's nice to meet you."

Soon Oliver realized that the atmosphere was not uncomfortable at all. Anderson was also so friendly towards him and it made him feel like he was not a stranger.

Then Anderson talked with Ava.

"Hey my angel, you are so pretty today. I am pretty sure the one who chose the dress was your dad, right? He really does love this color."

Anderson said with disgust on his face.

"Yes, you know he will never change his taste. Anyways, happy birthday brother."

Ava called him brother because he was too young to be called as an uncle. But he was the same age as his father. However, Anderson also loved to be called brother.

"Thank you, little angel."

Anderson was so happy to see Ava. Anderson prefers when Ava is around. Because she always supported him over Daniel. They teased his dad together and had fun. Daniel also knew both of them preferred to tease him. So he let them play as they wanted.

"Okay okay, it's still pretty."

Daniel said in a low voice seeing his friend successfully guess the one who chose the dress for her.

"Ha ha," Anderson laughed and led the way to have a drink. But soon, Anderson had to go back because he had to welcome the guests since he was the main character of the party.

"Are you okay?"

After Anderson left, Daniel held Oliver's hand and whispered in his ear.

"I am okay. Don't worry. You should talk with other people too. Leave me alone. I can take care of myself."

Oliver said like a child because he was a little angry at being treated like a child.

"Haha. Thanks. I will come soon. I don't want to leave but I must go. I will come soon."

Before he left, he told Ava to be with Oliver unless she doesn't want to get lost. Because John and his wife were talking with another family. Only Oliver and Ava were left after Daniel also joined a group of people who invited him.

"Ha... I want to go home soon."

Ava said after a long sigh.

"It will be over soon. So let's wait for a while. I have to ask something. Can I ask now?"

Oliver asked since he saw they were alone.

"What is it?" Ava asked while having some fruit juice.

"Do you really like me joining your family? I-"

Oliver had this problem for a long time. Since they were alone and they had nothing to do, he decided to ask them.

"Stop! I know you have that problem. But I also have the same problem. Don't you think I am trouble for both of you?"

Ava also asked the question she had ever since her dad got married.

"Not at all. I like it when we are together. So we won't be alone."

Oliver said and looked at Ava who had a satisfied look on her face.

"I am happy that you don't hate me. I like you for real. So I don't have to be alone. My dad also doesn't have to."

She said and gave a smile to Oliver. He was also happy. He didn't know how it feel to be happy. He felt like he wanted to support her more. He felt like he had someone to support him.

When they were chatting happily, they didn't know someone had their eyes on them. But soon after Ava felt like someone kept watching them. But it was normal at a party. So she ignored it. It's not like Oliver also didn't feel it. He felt the sharp eyes that were scanning him. A chill ran down his spine. He knew whoever the person was, that person had no good intentions. But at that moment, they had no choice but to wait for John or Daniel.

"Hello, Ava. It's been a long time. How are you doing?"

Suddenly a voice came behind Oliver.