The grand celebration - I

Soon it was Saturday night. The grand party was held in one of the most luxurious hotel of the Knights in Seattle. The whole place followed the gold theme which was decorated with large chandeliers. The party hall was adorned with peonies from inside out. Every bit of it oozed its grandeur as it was meant to be one of the biggest celebration of the Knights on the personal as well as the professional front.

The guests started arriving and soon the party was thriving with the most extravagant people of Seattle. Nathan and Grace Knight were already present there and heralded by people who seemed to be all around them to wish their best wishes for completing thirty long years of their married life.

Soon, there was a commotion at the entrance as Regan finally made his appearance and was instantly encircled by the shutterbugs. He was looking all dapper in a navy blue tuxedo with a peach bow-tie. It was a rare opportunity for them to have a cheerful discussion with him except his business deals and ventures as he was a man of few words. He soon made his way to his parents who were eagerly waiting for him on their special day.

"Oh my! Look who is here? Regan it's your own party. You could have come a bit early rather than making a grand appearance honey? Grace grumbled playfully. Although she expected him to be with them all the time as a son, she knew that he was a grown up man now and how passionate he was towards his work.

"Mom! You look beautiful as ever. I missed you and sorry for not giving you enough time. It's just that I didn't want you to stay away from dad because of me on your special day. Anyways, Happy anniversary both of you! He said cockily and winked at his dad. He kissed her cheeks and then hugged Nathan.

The party was going on its full swing. Eventually, Regan got engrossed with his business associates and other people as no one of them wanted to leave the chance to acknowledge their presence and significance to him being the biggest tycoon of Seattle.

He was talking to some of his business associates when he heard a few of them gasp and saying, "My, my! Who is the gorgeous lady over there? Regan turned around to see the one they were talking about. It was none other than Anastasia who was holding someone's arm.....Richard Watson.

She was dressed in a glamorous long sleeved peach ,V-neck evening dress adorned with sequins beaded work with a front thigh high split that gave a glimpse of her long slender legs and smooth porcelain skin. Initially, he decided to go with the flow as he knew that however much he would try, it would not be easy for him to take her out of his system. So instead of accepting or rejecting the foreign feelings that he felt for her, he decided to take it slow and let his heart decide for him this time about what it wanted , just as Drake suggested. But the moment he saw her, he felt his heart beating erratically for the first time ever. It had been a week since he saw her, he actually thought that her effect on him would eventually subside but it became worse after seeing her all so gorgeous.

He again heard one of them speaking,

"Wait a sec..... Is she Anastasia Prescott? But she lives in New York. I mean what is she doing here in Seattle?"

Regan turned around and answered coldly, "Whatever it is, that's none of your business. Nonetheless, you will get to know about it tonight." The man turned slightly pale with Regan's little outburst who then walked away nonchalantly from there.

Anna seemed to be looking for someone. An alluring smile erupted on her face as soon as she saw Grace and Nathan who were already coming towards her. She was immediately enveloped in a hug by both of them.

"Anna, you look beautiful honey. We were so eagerly waiting for you." Grace said lovingly, then glanced at the man standing beside her.

"Thanks Grace. Anyways, meet my Dad.... Mr. Richard Watson."

Grace was baffled hearing his name when Nathan greeted him, "Hello Mr. Watson... I am Nathan Knight and she is my lovely wife Grace Knight."

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Knight. Many many happy returns of the day. I was fondly anticipating to meet you as Anna has really talked about you a lot."

"Did she? Well, it's our pleasure then. She is a lovely child. I must say you are very fortunate to have a daughter like her. " Nathan said smiling.

"Indeed she is." Richard said proudly looking at Anna on which she turned into a slight shade of pink as they were continuously praising her. They all chortled at her reaction on which Richard once again said dotingly, "Princess you should learn to accept the compliments and praises that you deserve." Grace and Nathan could see their loving bond which made their smiles even wider.

Meanwhile, Regan cleared his throat and acknowledged his presence to them. Anna turned around to see him when once again his grey orbs met her ocean blue orbs. He instantly felt a spark within. He gathered himself up and greeted her with a curt nod, "Miss Prescott"

She replied him with the same tone, "Mr. Knight"

He then looked at Richard and greeted him politely, "Mr. Watson.... It's Regan Knight. It's a pleasure to meet you Sir."

Richard was surprised with his soft tone as he was exactly what Anna described about him. So, he replied him gallantly, "Mr. Knight..... Same here. But you really don't need any introduction. I am happy that we are getting the pleasure of working with you. And please call me Richard."

Regan nodded his head in approval.

At the same time, Richard beckoned his assistant to come to them. Shortly, he reached them with a large bouquet of white lilies and the huge portrait that Anna painted for them. She then presented the gifts to the couple on which Grace said,

"Anna dear... It was actually not needed. We are already overwhelmed with your presence. But what is it? I mean it..... it looks quite big. But anyways, thank you so much."

Before she could reply, a voice was heard from a distance, "Then why don't you unwrap and see it by yourself Aunt Grace?" It was Drake.

He greeted everyone and finally got the opportunity to observe Anna closely.

Regan understood his gaze and immediately introduced him to Anna. "Miss Prescott, meet my dearest friend, Drake Miller. You might have already noticed him in the board meeting last week. He is also the chief legal advisor at Knights Corporation."

"Yes of course. Hello Mr. Miller."

"Please call me Drake, Anna. We would be working together a lot in the future as a team. So, there's no need of any formality between us. I hope you don't mind me calling you Anna."

"Of course not Drake." She said with a small smile.

He then turned towards Grace and said again, "Aunt Grace, you don't need to hide your excitement for the lovely present that you received from your most special guest. Actually Anna, she is crazy for paintings and has a special love for them. Hobby you know? And it seems to be like one from the outside."

She simply nodded her head.

"Well Anna..... would you mind if I open it now?

"Please go ahead Grace." She said nervously and held her head down.

They all chuckled at Grace. She finally unwrapped it but gasped looking at the portrait with unshed tears in her eyes. Everyone present there was amused to look at it. It was the portrait of Grace and Nathan sitting on a couch in a office like place looking in each others eyes lovingly. It seemed very familiar when something striked them simultaneously . It was Regan's office where they met Anna. Grace was thanking her for saving Nathan's life. It was then when she had looked into his eyes all passionately, silently conveying her love to him. It was a matter of few seconds. However, she had no idea that it would be noticed and depicted this beautifully. She was smothered by the gesture and a few tears escaped her eyes.

Anna was bemused at her reaction so she said apologetically, "Grace, I am sorry if you didn't like it. I..... I just painted it because I could not decide anything better to gift you both as you already have everything. I... I am sor..."

She was cut off in between when she was once again enclosed in a big hug by Grace. She held her hands tightly and said, "Honey, this is undoubtedly the best gift that we have ever received. And you having painted this make it even more special. I still could not believe that you noticed it all and I.... I don't know what to say. You probably can't do it unless you love someone deeply."

Everyone present there including Regan were surprised to know the hidden talent of Anna. He was once again amused at her thoughtfulness. But as soon as he heard the last statement of Grace 'you can't do it unless you love someone deeply' made his heart skip a beat.

As for Anna, she never thought of things turning this way. She stood there all dumbfounded not knowing how to answer her.