Her Volkovs #Book 2 novel Chapter 20

Belle's POV

We were welcomed by a round of applause as me and my kids stood in the middle of the small stage.

I quickly noticed my Nikolai, Alexei and Artan. Aria is on Artan's arms. When the little angel saw me, she waves at me while throwing the widest grin ever. I just made a small wave at her. My bestfriend and Dylan are standing beside Alexei.

My little girls are to my right while my four boys are to my left.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Teacher Belle, may I present to all of you Section Star!" I said while a lapel is attached to me.

All the guests and benefactors clapped their hands. I glanced at Nikolai and Alexei and winked at them.

I then introduced my kids one by one. They stepped forward everytime I call their names. Our audience seems to be enjoying the adorableness of my kids. And I'm really proud because so far, they are behaving perfectly.

As I continue introducing the eight, I wonder why some people are looking towards the corner of the stage and looking all amused. To my horror, I see Justin trying to climb the podium reaching for the microphone. I just smiled at the audience and kept my composure. I quickly walked towards Justin.

"Justin, come let's dance."

He just shoots a smile at me while still reaching for the microphone. I decided to take the mic myself to give it to him. While I struggle to get the mic from the stand, I heard the audience giggle. When I looked back my kids are now scattered everywhere on the stage.

The two boys are attempting to go backstage. Sylvester is now grabbing my gown while sucking his finger. Stephanie is picking the flowers designed on the stage. While the other two girls are teary eyed looking all frightened. Oh my god, this is a total wreck. I can feel my face slowly turn crimson.

I just smile at the audience and try to play it cool.

I then offered my hand on Justin. Thank goodness the little rascal obliged. I then held Sylvester's hand as we walk back at the center stage. I then quickly called Stephanie's attention.

"Stephanie, come put that flower your holding on my hair."

I felt relieved when she runs in my direction and clips the flower on my headress. My two teary eyed girls seem to ease down when they saw me back beside them. My bestfriend was able to get Dawson and Frankie from the backstage and somehow convinced the two to go back on stage. "Thank you." I mouthed towards my Amy.

Now that the eight are gathered again and in their positions. I faced the audience again.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, If you guys could just pretend that you did not see that, St. Mary's would greatly appreciate it."

The audience seems to get my joke as I see smiles and hear soft laughs from them.

"Music please."

I then faced my kids and started with our first step as the music starts. I have now the full attention of the eight as they follow my lead.

I faced the audience as I slowly went to my position beside my kids.

I glanced in my Nikolai and Alexei's direction and they are looking all amused.

After our dance routine, my kids seem to behave still.

"Kids, what do we say to the people who have been very kind to us?"

Justin raised his hand again with all his might. I just shook my head. We have rehearsed this part already. They will answer in unison but my little Justin just can't help it.

"Yes Justin?"

"We say thank you!!!"

"Very good. Can you do that now?"

He nods at me and looks at the audience directly.

"Thank you!" He then throws a kiss to everyone like a little star that he is.

"Awww." Said the audience in unison.

My kids and I bowed to the audience as we finish our performance.

The hall is now filled with claps and cheers.

"Thirty." Alexei instantly buts in, not giving the host a chance to say a word.

"Thirty five." Said Dylan. Oh my gosh I think I'm having a mini heart attack.

"Fifty." Retorted Alexei.

All in the hall are now looking at Dylan and Alexei back and forth. Nikolai and Artan are just smirking like they are enjoying everything.

I then looked at Dylan and shook my head at him signaling not to outbid Alexei anymore.

"We have a fifty. Do I hear fifty five? None? Going once, going twice..." Said the organizer preparing to hit the gavel.

"Hundred thousand dollars." The people in the hall gasped as Artan outbids Alexei, doubling the amount.

At this point I feel like there's this huge lump in my throat. Oh my god. My bestfriend's eyes widened while looking at me.

"We have a hundred thousand dollars from Mr. Bogdani. Do I hear a hundred and five?"

"Two hundred." Said Nikolai. Artan just smiles as if expecting the exact reaction. Geez, they are practically just beside each other and now they are outbidding each other. The two Bosses' men moved and adjusted their collars as the two are now engage in a boastful man boss thing.

"Two hundred thousand dollars from Mr. Volkov." The host is wiping his forehead with a hanky. Dr. Thomas, Lilly and the other teachers have all the same reactions. Their eyes widened as they whisper at each other.

"Three hundred." Another gasp from the people around emanated the hall as Artan outbids Nikolai.

"Three hundred for Teacher Belle painting. Do I hear three hundred and fifty?" Said the host.

At this point, everyone is waiting for Nikolai to respond. My future husband held out his hand to me. I then walked towards him and placed my hand on his. He then grabs me close to him and plants a kiss on my lips. My nikolai lets out a wicked grin.

"Five hun......" Nikolai was halted when all of a sudden all the lights went off. Only the candles in the middle of the tables are illuminating the hall.

My future husband and Alexei instantly squeezed me in between them and held me tight.