This hall is enormous.
Even though each celebrity was only allowed one manager and one bodyguard, it still felt like a sea of people. The press and media folks had mostly been escorted out before the gala officially kicked off, so only a handful, perhaps seven or eight, event reporters remained scattered about.
It was a little chaotic, but in the best way. There was this electric buzz in the air, full of joy and excitement, because tonight, A-list celebrities, global supermodels, and legendary Hollywood icons had all gathered in one place.
But instead of being swept up in the glamor and energy, I felt... nervous. Shy. Maybe even a little scared. Almost instinctively, I reached up and gently touched the spot just below my right collarbone.
"First time, huh?"
The voice caught me off guard. I hadn't even noticed anyone approaching. Standing in front of me was a guy—handsome, with bright minty teal hair and a playful dimple when he smiled.
"Y-Yeah," I admitted with a little laugh. "It's my first time, and honestly, I feel a bit lost. I don't even recognize half the celebrities here."
"Don't worry!" he said with a wink. "This is my fourth time attending and I still don't know everyone. There are just so many new faces each year. Anyway, I'm Burke Cameron. Just call me Burke. I'm a singer-songwriter."
"Oh, nice to meet you, Burke! I'm—"
"I know who you are, Mimi!" he cut in, eyes twinkling. "I'm a fan of Bonnie!"
"Oh, thank you!" I said, eyes wide with surprise.
"Also, we're both Aussies."
"Really? You're from Australia too?"
"Exactly! Do you drink coffee?"
"Yes, I do."
"Have you been to any of The Kettle cafés in Australia in the last, say, six months?"
"Actually, yes! I went back home two months ago and spent a few days chilling there."
Burke grinned and leaned in slightly.
"Then tell me if this sounds familiar…"
He started to hum, then softly sang:
"I'd pour warm tea with honey sweet, into your lovely little cup… ♪ every day ♪ every day ♪ ohh ohh ohh… ♪ Until you crave the taste, you see… ♪"
I gasped and covered my mouth, eyes sparkling with recognition.
"Oh my gosh! I heard that at The Kettle. It was playing on loop!"
"That's the one! Your Cup of Tea! That's my song! It stayed at number one on the Aussie Spotify charts for over six months."
"Whoa, that's amazing! It's so great meeting you here, Burke!"
I clasped my hands together and gave a little excited clap.
Burke reached out and shook my hand, his smile warm and sincere.
"I'm really happy to meet you too, Mimi! By the way, I heard you're going to be part of A-List Escape?"
"Yeah, I am!"
"So am I! Let's make it unforgettable, alright?"
He winked again, making me smile.
"Wait—you're joining too?! That's awesome! I'm sure it'll be a blast!"
"By the way… Are you allergic to any fruit?"
"Uh, no?" I shook my head slightly, a bit confused.
He pulled a few shiny golden-wrapped candies from his bag and dropped them gently into my palm.
"Here you go."
"Thanks! What are these?"
"Just chocolates! Thought they might help with the nerves. Oh, and they've got a surprise filling!"
He laughed and handed a few to Jeff, my bodyguard, too.
"Hope you enjoy them, sir!"
"Thank you kindly," Jeff said with a small bow of appreciation.
"Alright then, enjoy your evening, Mimi! See you soon at A-List Escape!"
"Thank you! You too! See you!"
I waved as Burke and his team made their way toward other guests.
Curious, I quickly unwrapped one of the chocolates and popped it into my mouth.
Mmm… sweet cherry filling.
"What flavor did you get, Jeff?" I asked over my shoulder.
"Citrus fruit, Miss," he replied while savoring it.
"Yum, right? And he was nice, too."
---
Just then, Hina returned, brushing hair from her face, phone still in hand.
"Sorry! The call with the brand rep went on forever! They kept stalling over the contract…" she sighed. "Wait, what are you two munching on? Is it safe?"
"Here! Chocolate!" I handed her one.
"Thanks! But where did you even get this?"
"Oh, Burke came over and gave them to Jeff and me—to help calm the nerves, he said."
I nodded toward Burke in the distance, and Hina followed my gaze.
"Oh wow, that Aussie singer guy! He's adorable!"
"Right? He said he's a fan of Bonnie and that he'll be joining A-List Escape, too."
"No way?! That makes four contestants we know now!"
"Who's the fourth?"
"Well, there's you, Prince Patrick, that charming Burke guy, and the golden-haired actress over there—Lucia."
She tilted her chin toward the gorgeous blonde by the stage.
"I heard people are totally shipping her with the prince after their hit movie Lovestruck."
"They do make a good-looking pair. You think they're dating for real?" My eyes drifted toward Patrick, surrounded by the crowd.
"Doubt it. The show only invites single celebs. If they were actually together, they'd be off somewhere private, not signing up for a trivial reality dating show."
"Well, it's not completely pointless! I mean, it could be a chance for them to get to know each other and maybe even become a real couple!"
I said it softly, but my eyes were already fixed on Patrick.
His warm voice… that strong arm around my waist…
Just like Vani said, he was the most charming prince of our time, the kind of guy every girl secretly hoped would pick her as his princess.
And maybe, I wasn't an exception.
---
"Hey! Earth to Mimi! What's up? Did something happen?" Hina nudged me gently.
"Oh no, I just… got a little dizzy from all the celebrity sparkle over there."
"Girl, you're a celebrity! The hottest global idol right now! Stand tall!" Hina gave my shoulder a reassuring pat.
"You're right! Okay, let's get closer to the stage. I think it's starting soon!"
I grabbed her hand, grinning, and pulled her toward the front.
She waved for Jeff to follow and popped the chocolate in her mouth.
"Ugh! Mint filling?! Ew, I hate mint chocolate!"
"Sorry, Hina! They're blind-filled. I had no idea! Haha!"