Chapter-3 The Event

As Elizabeth walked in she directly went to the stage, getting a nod from Mr. Red she started with the evening. She welcomed everyone and thanked them for being a part of this day. The MD and staff from 'Parker & Sons' were also introduced. It was then she noticed that the man she just bumped into a while ago was none other than the MD of 'Parker & Sons', Mr. Jacob Parker. They looked into each other's eyes for a second and smiled. It seemed like the eyes did a talk there, saying "oh! We just met". A brief history of the company was shared followed by speeches from a few board members. Elizabeth started with announcing the promotions for the year. She invited Mr. Red to hand over the mementos to the promoted staff members. It was a moment of pride and joy for the whole staff. 'The Red Corp' treated all its employees with utmost respect; hence they were like a big family. Elizabeth was always proud to be a part of this company.

After all the promotions were announced, Mr. Parker was called on stage to share his thoughts on being partners with 'The Red Corp' for almost two years now. He was a young man who had recently taken charge as MD from his father. Becoming partners here was actually his first big decision after becoming MD. His speech was short and crisp. "Good Evening everyone! I am honored to be a part of this event. Ever since we became partners with 'The Red Corp.' I have been in touch with some of the staff here, I must say I am pleased to meet you all in person" he had a modulated voice. He was tall and well built; his charming looks were God gifted. He stood on the stage with confidence oozing from his posture. Everyone was impressed with his personality. He ended in a low husky voice" my welcome here could not have been any better" he thanked everyone and finally Mr. Red stood up and thanked Mr. Parker. Elizabeth was also asked to take a seat with her team. It was now time for the much awaited surprise. Though, the first one came more like a shock to Elizabeth.

"Good evening everyone! Thank you for joining us today. Without making you all wait any more I will start with the most awaited announcements for the evening." Mr. Red continued, "As we all know about our new branch in New York, we have decided to transfer one of our gems there. I would like Mr. Jackson to please join me on stage." Mr. Jackson was the CFO in the Ohio branch; he had been with the company for more than two decades. He was also Elizabeth's reporting Manager, as he was called on stage she understood that he is 'the Gem' Mr. Red just mentioned. "Mr. Jackson is soon going to take up the position of CEO in our New York branch. I am confident that with his experience and dedication our new branch will reach new heights "There was a big round of applause, Elizabeth felt happy for Mr. Jackson but deep down she was sad. Ever since she joined back Mr. Jackson was like a guiding star to her, someone she looked upon. "I can see there Elizabeth more shocked than surprised, don't worry dear he will always be in touch with us" Mr. Red smiled at her. He handed over the mic. to Mr. Jackson who gave his little speech and thanked the Company to trust him with such a big responsibility. He walked down the stage only to be congratulated by everyone.

"Now we have two more announcements for the evening, Mrs. Darwin is being promoted as the new Senior Manager in the finance department. I would like to see her up here. And did I mention she will be replacing Miss Elizabeth Long" This was it, Elizabeth was shocked. She was sure she can't be fired, but if she is being replaced then is she going to be transferred to some other department or another branch? Many questions were flooding in her mind and she started feeling restless.

Since Mr. Red got on stage a pair of chocolate brown eyes kept staring at Elizabeth. And right now this person could see how she was nervous and confused. And then came the final announcement for the evening. "Now that we are without a CFO in this branch let me introduce you all to our new CFO. A promising, hard-working, honest and determined individual. One of my finest employees. Miss Elizabeth Long please come back on stage and let me introduce you as the new CFO." Elizabeth was so engrossed in her own confusions that she couldn't recollect Mr. Red's words at once. There was uproar of applause, cheering and whistling. Finally Mr. Jackson went to her and giving her a side hug congratulated her. It was then her brain registered everything and she walked up the stage. Her vision was blurred with tears in her eyes, she couldn't look up. She took a deep breath, discreetly wiped her tears and walked towards Mr. Red with her head held high. She was handed over a memento by Mr. Red and he asked her to say a few words.

"I need a moment here to be sure that I am awake" she smiled and so did everyone around, then she continued" this is definitely a dream come true, more than mine it was Robert's dream. He was the one to train me, he was everything. How I wish he was here to see me being promoted as the CFO" she choked for a second and tried her best to keep the tears from flowing. Jacob noticed her tears and wondered who Robert was to her. Suddenly he wanted to know more about her; rather he wanted to know the reason behind her sorrow." This is for him" she said raising her memento "I would also thank Mr. Red and all those who believe in me, I won't let you down. Thank you everyone I hope you all enjoy the evening" with that she got down the stage and was greeted with congratulations and handshakes. Jacob also congratulated her by holding her hand for a few extra seconds and stared into her beautiful big eyes.

Elizabeth walked out of the main hall to check into the dining area, as it was already 8pm. Dinner was ready to be served, she informed Mr. Red and he invited everyone for dinner. Mr. Red accompanied Mr. Parker for dinner and they both sat on the same table. It was then Jacob asked Mr. Red about Robert. "He was her husband who passed away 8 months ago" answered Mr. Red with a sigh. Jacob was beyond shock, he was surprised to know that Elizabeth was married once. She seemed pretty young, which she was actually. Seeing his shocked cum surprised expression Mr. Red told him that she was married at a young age and was only 28 years old. Then they had dinner in silence but Jacob's eyes were searching for someone with beautiful ocean blue eyes. At the same time he was surprised at his own behavior, smiling he got up once he was full.

After dinner some people were at the dance floor, the D.J played soothing music. People were enjoying themselves and some even started leaving. It was almost 10pm and Elizabeth was talking to Mr. Jackson when finally Jacob saw her. He walked towards her, for some reason he just wanted to have a casual chat. May be he was just feeling sympathetic, that's what he convinced himself for his interest in her. As Mr. Jackson saw him he turned to Jacob and they shook hands, Elizabeth gave him a formal smile. "May I have a dance with you?" she looked at him surprised, but politely replied "I am sorry but I don't dance". "Well then may I ask you to join me for a drink?" Once again she politely declined "I am sorry but I don't drink". Now he had just one more option to be around her "Can I at least stand here and be part of your conversation?" She immediately turned to him and replied "Of course! Please join us" Jacob released a deep breath and said "I thought you would say 'I am sorry but I don't talk'" Mr. Jackson laughed out loud at listening to this and Elizabeth smiled. But this time her smile was genuine and reached her eyes. Though it lasted for just a few seconds but Jacob could see pretty dimples on both her cheeks. The three of them spoke about work and today's arrangements. Elizabeth excused herself after 10 minutes, and once everything was winded up she took her leave around 12 at midnight. She walked out and the valet brought her car, finally she headed to her parent's place to spend the night.