CHAPTER 35

DINNER WAS SERVED AND I WAS EXCITED. I hadn't had a meal the entire day and I was starving. There was a vast collection of so many foods to choose from and my mouth was already watering. There was a menu on the table but I wondered why when just next to it was the serving table.

I thought I'd better if we just self served our meals and get done with it. But anyway, it wasn't wedding.

I opened the menu and looked at various foods, trying to pick one.

Tasmanian salmon in wild lime butter with steamed green beans, looked really appetising but I just had salmon recently. I wasn't up for another fish dish.

"Filipino Beef Kare Kare" I read out loud and Ayesha looked at me.

"Ann oxtail stew with tripe pork leg simmered in a cashew sauce with asparagus...." Just like Google, she seemed to have an explanation for everything.

"Is it tasty??" I asked.

"There's only one way to find out....she smiled. "Sometimes it goes with roasted potatoes, and carrots. It's really really good"

I nodded and flipped the page.

"Ma'am....may I take your order please" a deep voice echoed from right next to me and I turned my head to look at a waiter. He was in the usual black and white uniform, his hair pressed and green eyes sparkling.

"Umm...take hers first....I haven't decided..." I smiled and turned the page.

"I've already taken hers and everyone else's. You're the one left...." He said politely and I widened my eyes.

"Oh really??" I asked and looked at everyone. They had either a bowl or plate on their table and were already eating with a little chitchat going on.

I turned the page and found another beef Kare Kare but wasn't sure where this one was from. Main course choices include seared short ribs with basmati rice and sugar snap peas or an ancient grains risotto with asparagus and mushrooms.

Definitely no, it sounded like too much to eat for me.

I closed the book after realising there was nothing that I had an appetite for.

I narrowed my choices down to smoked salmon or a lettuce soba noodle salad for appetiser. Those were the only appealing meals I found find in the book.

"Soba noodle salad for me..." I told him and he nodded walking away.

"Just that???" She asked.

I turned to find my beautiful Ciara.

She was wearing a three dimensional strapless dress.

It had a glittery section covering her chest and from her waist to mid-thighs another plain black section. On top of it was a veil that ran around her back to her sides, falling to the ground.

As usual, she was the star of the show.

"Yes....just that ma'am..." I replied standing up to greet her with a kiss.

"You look beautiful..." I commented.

"Thank you....so do you.....am beginning to wonder if you're the secret bride....." I gave her a sneaky look and she laughed.

"Hell no....."

"Am getting married but it's not today....or tomorrow....how about you, Adam throwing any hints yet...."

"Uh...no...and I think it's better that way...am not ready....."

"You'll never be ready trust me....but at least giving meaning to your relationship would be ideal. It's been fourteen years hasn't it?"

"Fifteen" I corrected.

"Exactly my point....you guys need to think about it. An engagement at least....so what if you get many mane anniversaries? In the end, you'll always be boyfriend and girlfriend and it doesn't really give quiet a good picture....." I listened to her words silently.

Imagining me in a wedding gown, walking down the isle was an interesting thought.

I had watched several TV shows and most of them involved a girl looking for her wedding gown.

It was quiet amazing.

All this time, I never desired such and after Ciara said it, it just brought a new light to that perspective.

"Thanks ma'am...." I smiled at her and she helped me resume my seat.

The waiter brought my salad and my stomach immediately rumbled.

"Hello Ayesha...." Ciara greeted Ayesha and she replied happily. They talked for some time before Ciara waved at me and resumed her seat.

"Attention everyone. Welcome to Western Avenue hotel. My name is Rich D'cruz and I'll be your host tonight..."

A round of applause aired in the room and today we were all women was quiet surprising.

About ten of us had gathered in the room, on a fourteen seater dinner table.

Four seats were empty. I looked over at Jeannine and guessed it would be five seats only she used the magic in her hands to get herself a seat.

Clever girl.

"Are you guys ready for tonight???" he asked and the room was filled with various sounds, cheering and clapping in expression of the excitement.

"I know y'all excited so am I..." He clapped. "We have gathered here in anticipation for the wedding of the century....are you girls ready to see the bride???"

Everyone screamed Yes apart from me. I didn't know the bride. How could I not?

This wedding wasn't given much publicity, was it low key?

I wondered.

"...please welcome...Kelly Kluger...." He screamed and she emerged from the background.

She was wearing a black Versace summer gown with a thy high slit. It seemed to be made of light material and although it was huge, it seemed easy to control.

So, she was the bride.

Kelly Kluger was the daughter of El Kluger who was the chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp as well as the chairman of Presidente beer. He married Pearl Salvador, who is a British princess, last born daughter of Kingsley and Alisha Salvador. In 2012, Forbes ranked her as the most powerful celebrity in the world, as well as the 38th most powerful woman in the world. Asides form being a royal, she was hardworking. She was a world-class designer and decided to come up with her own brand.

Having rich parents, Kelly lived her life on a pedestal. She had access to all networks in the world anyone would imagine.

As money wasn't a problem, she hosted a million parties, some over the silliest of ideas. But when you have money, no one can go against you.

"I heard all her cloths are custom made...." Ayesha whispered and I gasped in horror.

People were really living their lives out there.

"Hey guys....am so glad to have you all here to celebrate my wedding with me....it's a huge honour...." She said and smiled at us. Her smile clearly screamed million dollars and I couldn't take my eyes off of her.

"... introduce us to the man....!!!." Someone screamed and it turned to be she cheap Jeannine.

Everyone laughed including me. Cheeky she was, after someone else's man.

"In a minute...." Kelly pointed out. "So tomorrow.....we are going to have a welcome home beach party. My best friend Isla is coming from Norway and arriving tomorrow so, we're having a welcome party in the morning, then will pay Oklahoma city a visit. There's a woman there I want us to visit...." She finished and I could see everyone in the room excited.

The only renouned person who lived there was Huda Kattan. So she was giving us a make over?

God...could this day get interesting....

"And now...for the most awaited for part... I know most of you already know who am dating but some of you might not since we decided to keep it low key until the announcement of our wedding particularly due to other reasons....but now...please welcome....Sv---"

Suddenly, she was interrupted by a loud sound of a glass shattering.

Everyone looked at their neighbours to find out what was going on and our eyes landed on Jeannine. She was groaning as if she was in pain and cringing onto her stomach. She fell down, breaking a few plates with her and before she fell down and collapsed.

The girl sitting next to her rushed to attend to her. We all did.

"Jeannine....are you okay???" She asked. Kelly gave a confused look as she didn't know what was going on.

Jeannine opened her eyes and started pointing her fingers through the crowd and landed on me.

"Eleanor....It was you...you poisoned me!"