TWENTY THREE

A few days had passed since the whole Isabel Hilden drama and the two were more inseparable which meant insufferable for me. I didn't question her decision to forgive him so easily because as Hilden had stated before, it is none of my business. 

Isabel had invited me for lunch at the office and l wouldn't pass up the opportunity to see the company that all magazine companies rave about. 

I had Akai with me because l felt that l was prioritising a lot of things above her lately and we didn't spend a lot of time together. Just like my parents who l hadn't spoken to since the confrontation with the Keys. 

Arriving at the offices, l had Akai in her car seat and l walked into the building. It was a lot more different than Stardom Inc. The reception was situated at the back of the lobby, behind two wide pillars. There was a seating area that had all black furniture and a television that showcased all their achievements. 

Walking in l could immediately feel the air conditioning working on my sweaty forehead, a huge contrast to the scorching heat outside. Even Akai noticed this because she started shivering 

Making my way to the receptionist, she had an earpiece while typing away on her keyboard and as l stood in front of her, she glanced at me before continuing with what she was doing 

"Hi, l am here to meet Isabel" l said to her with the biggest smile l could muster.

"I am sorry but no babies are allowed in the work space" she said

"Oh l wasn't aware, could you at least tell Isabel that l am here" l asked

"Isabel who?" and at that moment l knew l was doomed. I have absolutely no idea what her surname is.

"She works as the personal assistant of the big boss around here" l tried

"Mr Stone's assistant is not Isabel. I am sorry lady, l do not know who you are talking about. Maybe you have the wrong place but please leave you are keeping me from doing my job"

I stood there watching her like a freak because my brain failed to comprehend what had happened. But Akai crying snapped me out of it. I took her out of her car seat and cradled her in my arms before realising that the cold was the reason for her outburst. 

I put her back in her car seat while getting her sweater out of her bag and putting in on, she smiled a bit before reaching out for me and l out her on my hip while she played with my braids 

Knowing that there was no way to get to the receptionist, l pulled out my phone and called Isabel, she answered right away 

"hey, where are you?"

"I'm by the lobby, apparently babies aren't allowed so we will have to eat lunch somewhere else. Please come down quickly cause Akai is getting cranky"

"Alright, l am on my way"

The moment the call dropped, two scrawny looking Caucasian man made their way to me

"Ma'am, you need to leave" the one with glasses said ushering me out of the lobby

"what do you mean" l was confused, l hadn't down anything that would make them kick me out

"The lady over there said you were making her feel unsafe and asked us to escort you out" l turned to look at her incredulously. I was holding a baby, my baby, why on earth would l harm her

"I have a baby in my arms, what harm could l possibly do" l asked them. They simply gave me a look of pity before taking the hand that wasn't holding Akai and pulling me towards the entrance

"we are just doing our job" they both said simultaneously. I resisted and that prompted them to use a bit more force causing Akai to cry

"what's going on here" a booming voice said from behind us causing the security guards to freeze

"This woman came here and l didn't feel comfortable with her presence so l had her removed but she is resisting" the woman said

"And what did she do that made you uneasy" the voice questioned. Thankfully there weren't a lot of people here to witness this

"she's black" the blonde whispered to the man thinking he was on her side and that her statement justified her actions

"You are fired Mrs Monroe. I will not tolerate such behaviour in my company, more so directed to my daughter in law" and ladies and gentlemen did the woman become pale

"you mean maid, good one boss" she said laughing trying to make sense of the situation not knowing the hole she was digging for herself. Seeing that she was the only one laughing, she composed herself and cursed out loud

"daughter in law" the woman spoke in disbelief knowing that she was screwed . The guards on the other hand removed their hands from my shoulders before taking a step back as if burnt 

"Sir please, l need this job. I have two children to support" at this point she was on her knees but he ignored her and made his way over to me, kissing my forehead and taking Akai into his arms

"How are you Aurora. Its been a while since l last saw you. Are you going to be present at the dinner tonight" he said while playing with Akai, throwing up in the air causing her to giggle with saliva dripping from her lips

"I wasn't aware but l will definitely be there. I have to keep my mom's hands off Celia" l said and we both laughed. He noticed that Mrs Monroe was still on her knees begging not to get fired and l couldn't help sympathising with the woman. She was a mother after all

"you don't have to fire her on my behalf, she merely responded the way she has been taught to." l spoke up for her. I could see the surprise on everyone's faces

"if she stays, she will have to be demoted. I can't have her welcoming guests into the office, who knows how many she has scared away" he said. I could see getting to her feet while praising Hilden's father for sparing her job. The security guards also took this as their opportunity to leave.

"Thanks to that, we will be starting a workshop that teaches people about inclusivity and human rights" he said as he gestured me to follow him to hiss office and at that moment, Isabel decided to grace us with her presence