(Author’s POV)
The week went by like a flash and finally, it was weekend. The past week days had been eventful with Sterling and Phoenix being intimae with each other, to having multiple pictures of the ultra-scan, to random shopping for the baby to work related activities and finally, it was time to attend the private party organized by Mr. Hugh Hancover and both star couples had to show their faces for appearance sake.
Phoenix was in her office doing her work but she was conscious of the as she kept glancing at it for every 30 minutes that passed. Clueless on what to do and the next step to take, she called Liyah into her office.
“Liyah, the private party Mr. Hugh invited me for is today, this evening and I don’t know what to wear,”
“Oh, you can wear this to the party after all, it looks formal enough and you aren’t really going to stay there for a long time. You are just going there because you want him to know that you honored his invitation, that’s all. You are not trying to prove a point to anyone,”
“Okay, thanks but why do I feel really strange? My guts tells me that something is wrong and that this whole party is a sham,”
“That is probably you overthinking things and making a mountain out of a hill,”
“I guess you are right, thank you, Liyah,”
“You are welcome and besides, you have nothing to fear seeing that you will have Sterling bu your side,”
“I guess you are right. Well, while we are at this, can you please reach out to Sterling for me and remind him of the time and venue for the event and tell him to come pick me but the problem is who will drive my car back to my house,”
“I can do that for you. I will wait until when you both have gone then I’ll take it back home,”
“I would be most grateful, thank you Liyah,”
(HOURS LATER---5:30PM)
(Sterling’s POV)
“Hey babe, where are you? I am outside your building and need I say that it is gigantic and gorgeous,”
“Slow down, rider; where is all this coming from? Are you seeing my building for the first time?”
“Well, I have been seeing it but I just haven’t really taken a close look at it. Babe, I am proud of you,”
“That’s cute, thank you,”
“Okay, now get your ass down here so that we can be done with this whole party and go back home as quick as we came,”
“Sure, I am on my way down, give me a minute or two,”
“Okay and while you are at it, I have something to tell you,”
“Okay, what is that?
“Well, we have this gala thing coming up next month and I want you to come with me as my plus, besides, you will be given as invite soon because the gala is only for top business gurus and moguls and as far as I am concerned, you are at the top of your food chain in your sector,”
“Oh really, I guess I can make it to the gala since it is next month,”
“I’d prefer if we don’t go,”
“Why do you say so?”
“Ahhm here you are, looking as splendid as ever,”
“Okay, let’s go,”
(Pearl Hall)
(Phoenix POV)
When we got to Pearl Hall, everything was in place, nothing out of the ordinary to make me suspect otherwise. Other guests had already arrived and so there was no need to feel all apprehensive and what not.
After staying there for some really long minutes, my phone rang. I immediately picked it up.
“Miss Mills, I can see that you honored my invitation,”
“Yes, I did but I won’t be here for long. I need to be home early and rest; I have had a really tiring day at work,”
“I can see that, it shows on your face, well, I will like you to follow the gentle man coming your way; he will lead you to where I am
“Okay,thanks,”
Not long after I had hung up, a bodyguard came to where Sterling and I were situated.
“My boss said I should get you guys to come meet with him,”
“Okay then, lead the way,”
Taking us upstairs, the bodyguard stopped at the stairs and nudged us to go to the VIP section. On getting there, I walked in half minding who was in the room and went straight to the point.
“Mr. Hugh, I am excited that you finally get to have your long awaited private party after persuading me to come over here,”
“I’m sure you can do just about anything to satisfy your clients,”
I froze, time stopped; that voice sounded so familiar. I had to look at who this Mr. Hugh was. I stopped what I was doing and looked up, only for me to see the face of the man who almost ruined my life, haunted me in my dreams for so many years but there he was, sitting comfortably in the arms of girls younger than he was; probably my age mates.
I looked at the man sitting behind the table that demarcated us from where he was and I couldn’t say anything. I immediately covered up and pretended as though nothing was happening.
“Ah, well, I can see it is finally time that we put a face to the name. Such a lovely party you have going on here,”
“Well, I try my best. Forgive me, please take a seat,”
“Sure, thank you,”
I looked at Sterling who had a stern look on his face and nudged him to take a seat. After we had both sat down, my right hand found its way to Sterling’s hand which he placed on his knees. For what looked like an eternity, I was finding it hard to coordinate me sentences.
“Well, Mr. Hugh, we can continue this some other time. I am burned out and I have other business engagements that requires my attention this weekend and like you said, I’d do just about anything to ensure that my clients are satisfied,”
“Yes, that is absolutely right,”
“Okay then, since we are on the same page here, I beg to take my leave,”
“Well, thank you for letting us make use of your hall on such short notice,”
“It is no problem at all, the pleasure is all mine. We will meet again but until then, have a good night. Babe, let us go,”
I stood up hurriedly and left the premises. When we got into the car, I threw my bag at the back of the car and screamed as loud as I could.
I couldn’t believe that I had just seen that face again after so many years. How could one man possible ruin his child’s life using any means necessary? I couldn’t, I just couldn’t take it anymore! I couldn’t breathe…
“Stop the car,” I yelled. The car came to a sudden stop and I got out, not minding where I was. I clutched at my throat, I suddenly felt uncomfortable in my own skin; I clawed at it—good thing I had artificial nails on.
Out of nowhere, I started feeling dizzy. I looked for what I could use as a balance but found none. Trying so hard to steady myself, I failed. I saw myself sinking to the floor and the last thing I remembered before I slipped into unconsciousness was my name being called by a frantic voice, a voice too scared to loose me.
(Sterling’s POV)
I knew something was off right from the moment she froze in her place for some seconds before going to have a seat. My suspicions were confirmed when I felt her hands on mine squeezing them so hard. Most times she zone out of the conversations and I’d have to cover up for her. This continued until she abruptly ended the conversation and insisted on going home.
I had never seen her this way before. She was another person entirely; like a person haunted by her past. I couldn’t bare it anymore when she got out of the car and started acting crazy and for a split second, I thought she was.
I followed her with very step she took until she began falling. Running in long strides, I caught her before she fell on the floor. I shook her but she was already unconscious. I shook her violently but she wasn’t responding. I took her to the car and placed her in it before speeding home.
When I arrived, I placed her on the couch, reached out for my phone and immediately called Doctor Hailey.
“Help, I need help right now. Please come to my home,”
“What is the matter Mr. Tyrell, you sound worried?”
“It is Phoenix, she is unconscious. I can’t explain now but can you please come over here,” I hung up, threw my suit on the floor while pacing up and down the living room.
This wasn’t supposed to happen!