Her hair in a smooth beautiful bun, looking like a fairytale princess, Melissa gracefully stepped into the ballroom. Dressed in an off shoulder white bodycon long sleeved dress that kissed the floor.
Nodding at the employees finishing up, she clutched the small black bag in her hands. The crunchy bag matched her strappy heels which often picked through her long slit. And with every step she took, her smooth legs showed, leaving many drooling.
Whenever she turned her head, the dangling diamond shaped earrings glittered catching everyone's eyes. As the ring on her finger that she had forgotten to take off left many wondering.
"Make sure the catering team is all set. We need all our guests to be well accommodated." Conversing with the organizer in charge, Melissa didn't notice the person walking towards her until she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Lisa!" Turning to see who was behind her, she exclaimed then covered her mouth as all eyes turned to her. "Goodness, what are you doing here?" She inquired, wrapping her arms around Lisa's shoulders.
"Wow Melissa, you look divine. When you walked in, it took me a while to realize who the moon goddess was." Lisa said complimenting her looks.
"Don't flatter me, Lisa. But seriously, what are you doing here? You didn't even inform me you were coming to the city. I would have picked you up." She took Lisa by the hand directing her to a private corner to talk.
Stopping, she turned to the lady she was conversing with. "This finishing touch is better than I imagined dear. The guest will arrive anytime now please have everyone in position." Melissa instructed.
Since it was her project, she was tasked with overseeing the ceremony preparation.
"Well, I couldn't call. I wanted to surprise you. The manager got me a job here when I requested it. The Johnsons group is purchasing the hotel back home." Lisa explained when they stopped at a cocktail table in a corner.
"Is that so? I had no idea." Melissa stated as Lisa nodded. "How is everyone at home? I've been so busy I hardly got time to visit." Since she got Tommy, she had not called or visited the place.
"Everyone at home is doing great. Though mother was worried when I decided to come, she agreed knowing you will be here."
"And I'll take care of you." She raised her brows causing them both to giggle.
"You better."
"Where are you staying?" Melissa inquired, taking a glass of wine from a waiter passing by.
"The hotel organized a temporary place for me to stay as I settle down."
"You can live in my apartment. I will have it cleaned then you can move in within the week. But in the meantime, you stay in the villa." She offered.
"No, you don't have to. The hotel arrangement is fine."
"I insist and I won't take no for an answer.
"Thank you, I'm grateful to Mr. Johnson too, for giving me this job. How is my little boy Tommy?" Lisa smiled while taking a sip from her glass."
"He is doing okay now. I enrolled him back to school, though he has nightmares at times." She showed her Tommy's picture in his school uniform.
"I'm glad he is well and you're happy."
"Thank you." Melissa smiled, touching Lisa's hand. "Why did you leave the province? Be honest with me Lisa. Did something happen?" Noticing the sadness in her eyes, Melissa couldn't stop asking
Melissa's persistent inquiry reminded her of the pain she tried so much to forget.
Realizing the man she was planning to marry was already married with two children, shattered her world.
Melissa had warned her about him but she didn't listen.
Every month when he went away for two weeks on business, she never suspected him. Until she got to his house one evening to prepare a surprise meal for him.
Standing at his doorstep, a woman with a two years old baby girl in her arms and an older boy behind her, opened the door before she could use her key. For a while, Lisa stood there not able to respond to the lady's questions. When she got her senses back, she made up a story about being one of his workmates checking if he was home.
Whenever she thought about his response when she confronted him tears filled her eyes.
"It's a long story. Look, the guests are arriving. We will talk some other time when I'm not working." Blinking her eyes she stared at the entrance avoiding Melissa's gaze.
"Those are my workmates." Raising her hand to the two ladies walking in, Melissa waved them over.
"Wow! This city life is favorable to you. You are already engaged?" Lisa noticed the ring when Melissa waved her hand and then looked at the diamond earrings.
"Yes, we got engaged a few days ago but we are keeping it a secret for now."
"To whom, Mr. Johnson? Congratulations."
"Shh, you can't tell anyone about this." She murmured, almost covering Lisa's mouth.
"Ahem!" Arms crossed over her chest, Nancy cleared her throat standing behind them. "I was hoping it's not true?" She sneered looking at the ring.