Chapter 9

This room is filled with an energy I can only describe as anxiousness. I could almost taste the nervousness in the air if I put my mind towards it.

Today is the D- day. And for a man who was once married, I would say Lewis's nervousness came to me as a surprise.

In the room of about six men, all best men and the groom himself. Even with a similar clothing, hair do and some physical familiarity, you could tell the groom apart. And it's definitely not because he's the tallest admits the group. It's because of his continuous, provocative pacing!

Gosh, if this is how men get during their wedding ceremony, I don't know what exactly is fun about marriage.

Why get all roughed up with your increasing nerve trying to give you an high blood pressure when you can go to a marriage Court, and get this over with. I fumed to my self.

"Hey bro, calm down will you? You're getting all of us around here agitated." Someone who I guess goes by the name, Logan said to Lewis.

"I can't help it. Sorry." Lewis spoke not really concentrating.

"He wasn't even this shaken up when he got married to Lucy." Another guy spoke. I think his name is Marco.

"You're absolutely right. But we all knew his affection wasn't that deep. If it was ever even there at all." Hayes, Lewis brother said with a grin that got him a glare from the groom himself.

"You must really love this woman if you're like this."

"Wonder what would happen if she doesn't show up." One of his cousin's said with a devilish smirk that earned him a jab to the shoulder by Max, who I haven't really paid much attention to knowing his position in the group.

"You shouldn't say such thing's on a day like this. It brings bad luck." Max continued to scold the other guy who now raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Trust Jason to say the dumbest things at a time like this." Hayes said.

"Look at pot calling kettle black." The guy who I now know goes by Jason retorted.

I was sure an argument was about to spring forth if not for Lewis stepping in.

"Can't you guys be quiet?! You're behaving like teenage girls. And that's an insult on the said teenage population. "Lewis said with a scowl.

"Learn from Jack and try to be responsible for once! But I guess that would be hard. Cause you two don't know what that word means." This made the two of them quiet down immediately

"Ehrm, I think you all need to cool off. My mum won't be happy to know that you guys are throwing a fit on her special day." I said. Not being able to stand the commotion anymore.

"Lewis, I know you're nervous and all, but could you keep the pacing at minimum?" I asked

"Just take deep breaths and think positively.

As much as it irks me to say this, I think you shouldn't focus much on the wedding. Rather, think of what would happen after...." I said in a suggestive tone. Lewis didn't catch it at first but when he did, he had this look in his eyes that I hope I don't witness again any time soon. It's my mother we are talking about here! He was shamelessly daydreaming ravishing her.

"Oh....with that look, I just hope she'll be able to walk a week after tonight." Jason commented.

Lewis grinned eyes sparkling with mischief.

Clearing my throat, "ehmm, I would plead you not to talk about my mum in that manner when am around. It's nerve wrecking....am sure to get night mares from the look in your eyes."

I felt hands pat my shoulder, some chuckled, some murmuring "poor guy"

Everything seemed to settle once more and even Lewis seem more composed.

After a while, someone spoke up.

"As cozy as this is getting, I think it's high time we round up our preparation. It's almost show time."

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It's time finally, the time for the union. And as customary, the bride is fashionably late. Leaving poor old Lewis in a mess.

The setting of the wedding is nothing extravagant. It's on a private island owned by Lewis in Hawaii. It's close to winter season, but my mum still demanded they did the wedding on the beach! I don't know how she managed to win Lewis's consent. But I could think of a few ways.

My mother is cunning when she wants to be. Bet she seduced the poor guy....Or possibly threatened to keep him in the dogs house if he doesn't comply.

Well, here we are in the cold, waiting for the bride who doesn't seem to be in a hurry.

"Do you think she ditched me and took a run for it already? Lewis asked in a shaky tone."

Naaa, if she was going to ditch, she would do it with more drama. Like get to the alter and when it gets to the part were the priest ask, "who ever isn't in agreement with this union should say so now, or forever remain silent", that's when she'll ditch you. I said with an evil smirk. When I saw the horror on his face.

"Way to build my self assurance boy. But thank goodness they don't say that stuff anymore. So lucky me." He said with a smirk of his own.

Laughing out loud, I pat his shoulder, and said, "I bet she'll find a way, but keep thinking positive thought."

He was about to say something when the music that introduces the bride started to play. Everybody straightened up in anticipation of the bride's arrival...

Here come the bride,

All dressed in white....

..................

I bet that's the song you're all expecting right?

But sadly, there weren't any bride in white. So it would have contradicted that song.

Apparently, mother decided to go all the way by dressing native.

With the haku lei ring of fragrant Hawaiian flowers which is worn on the head, ocean blue gown(which should have been a flowing white gown according to Hawaiian tradition.), ankle beads. One word to describe the woman in front of me is, Dazzling. And the look on Lewis's face tells me he thinks same. If not more.

He also went with the traditional dressing. White shirt(on the flowing side)and white slacks. He wears a brightly colored red sash around his waist and the grean maile lei around his neck

There was a romantic Hawaiian song being sang by the native Hawaiians and the slak key guitar and theukele were played. The hula dancers were also present to interpret the songs. All in all, it was beautiful. Freezing weather and all. Though I heard the weather changes rapidly around here, and considering it's a warm country, I guess the cold won't do much damage. Or so I've heard.

The holy man said some few words before he asked the bride and groom to say their vows.

I know you want that detail, but you ain't gonna here those mushy stuff from me.

The nervous energy seemed to magically despair with a kiss from mum which was looking like it would go on forever if they weren't forced apart. But I hadn't lost any of my nervousness. It seems to be getting to me the more as time passed by.

Tears here and there, hugs, kisses, some dirty comment that I would pretended I never heard filled the reception area.

Family and friend giving their best wishes to the newly wedded couple. There was so much to eat and drinks I'm not certain Pandora wasn't part of the food organizing committee.

Every important personnel is here. Our business partners, competitors, the members of the board, political leaders, let's not forget the paparazzi.

Today is when I officially gain ownership of the company. But as we all know, I have to provide a way forward. An idea, invention, spell, whatever that propels the business and make the company look good.

Over the past few month's, I have been working my ass of for this very purpose. And here am hoping it doesn't blow up my face.

"Hello everyone, its nice to see everyone we care about all in one place celebrating this special day with us. We say a big thank you to you guys for leaving every important thing you had to do just to be here. We would also love to thank our children for their unquantifiable support. We love you." Father spoke from the podium.

"I know we said this on the engagement night, but we would love to say it again. Today, our son Jack, takes official control over our company." Lewis said.

I couldn't help but notice how he said "our company" which I must say, warms my heart on my mother's behalf.

"Son, would you please come up here..." my mother asked all smiles.

I walked up towards were they stood and hugged my mum kissing her cheek. Smiling at the man that stole my mums heart, I took the mike.

Taking in deep breaths and breathing out shakily. I spoke.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, it's a honor to be here."

"I wish the new couple many more happy years together in the future."

"I won't say with lots of lovely kids, cause that's just disgusting to think about." I said with horror written on my face. Which made the crowed roar in laughter.

"Besides, they already have the best kids in the world. I continued. Dad....mum, thanks for making us happy by being happy... I said facing the couple."

By the look of things, I can tell my mum is trying hard to keep the tears at bay.

"My dad said I have been officially made the CEO of his company today, but that's just half the truth. I have to prove myself first. I would like to present a gift, the first of its kind to the bride and groom tonight." With that said , I held my breath as I hoped for the best out of tonight. I hope all my effort would be worth it.

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It's always new. The feeling of anxiety an inventor gets when he shows his newest creation to the world. The feeling of fulfilment seeing how things turn out and that unquantifiable pride and joy you get from seeing the reaction your creation got from the crowd.

To say it all went as planned would be an understatement. It was a success. I couldn't be any more happy than I am now.

I am gonna say if there's one job I would do aside being an inventor, its being a parent. You now why? Cause that's even a better job. I get to be a creator.

As, I stand watching how well this night had turned out to be, my eyes caught onto something or rather someone.

My breath was taking away, by the work of art standing few

Distance away. It was like she was made to be in the spotlight. Her jet black, waist length hair nicely complimenting her pale skin. Having the curves and contours in just the right places and angles. Making her simple red, knee length cocktail dress look to be more than it seems. Her long legs, oh,so smooth, I wonder how they will feel with my hand running over them. Her perfectly shaped lips....painted in the deepest shade of red there is. And are eyes.....her big,baby blue, eyes.... They remind me of....they remind me of....Angel..

With just that name, every of my wayward fantasy flew out the window bringing me back to my scenes. And now that am back on earth, I notice the goddess I was dreaming about was progressing towards my direction.

Quickly straighten myself up, I pretend to be engaged with other things.

"Hello Mr Westfield, such a magnificent display out there I must say....you are just what our company needs." She rambled

I was about to query her statement and ask why she used a compound noun, when my father spoke up.

"Oh, Jack, I see you've met Nora already. Glad to see you both are already getting along just fine."

"Actually dad, we just met, like right now? We haven't even said a word to each other."

"Oh, really?" He asked with his eyebrow raised giving me a knowing look.

"Okay then, I will leave you two to catching up. But son, do see me after you're done talking. Nora, hope you enjoy the rest of your evening." He said before taking his leave.

"So...do you mind filling me in on how you and my father got to know each other?" I inquired.

"Er, actually... M-mr Westfield...."she said with a French accent that gave me a semi hard on instantly.

Looking at her big baby blue eyes that held nervousness and so much innocence, My heated body cooled down immediately. Because, though my daughter's eyes holds more fire than innocence and timidity, I couldn't help but see my once 5year old daughter in her. And its feels so wrong thinking about her in that way. I promised myself it would be just me, mum and Angel. And right now? It's proving difficult.

"But we both know Angel wouldn't mind..." My treacherous mind told me.

Paying it no mind, I decided to focus on the treasure before me who was no longer talking, but looking at me behind shy lashes that mildly kisses her cheek ever so often. I should be the one doing that not some stupid eye lashes!

Clearing my throat, I spoke. Nora, you don't have to be shy. I don't bite. "At least not yet." I told myself.

She looked at me with determination that I never thought possible for one person to hold. And said. "Mr Westfield, I am your new PA. And I think it's a great privileged to work with someone like you. With what you showed us today, and The level of confidence you displayed even though I could see a small trace of your nervousness, proves you are a leader material. And with my help, we would move mountains am sure." She said this with so much confidence, so much fire.. now she not only looks like my fire breathing dragon of a daughter, she acts like her as well. Would it be strange to say I am more attracted to this woman because of this reason?

"Oh, really? When you first spoke, I never knew you had a feisty side to you." I said with a sloppy smile. Watching her big blue eyes widen with embarrassment as her cheek became stained with a natural deep shade of red that goes well with her evening attire. I couldn't help thinking of some sinfully delicious things I could do to her.

"I...I, Mr Westfield, just-"

"Shh...its okay. I like that side of you more. And I may or my not be re-thinking the not biting you deal we had earlier..." I said in a low, but not so suggestive tone. Making it seem like more of a joke than what the word was actually implying.

If I thought her eyes couldn't get any bigger, I was in for a surprise as her eyes grew with alarm like a frightened owl.

"Mr Westfield, I just want a chance to prove myself worthy of the job am been given not to seem privilege as most people think me to be. I promise not to disappoint you." She sounded desperate.

I clearly understood what she meant and it made me feel like I had a sort of connection with her. I would welcome any sort of connection as long as I get to be with her. Now don't I sound whipped?

Rather than saying anything about what she had said I chose a simple solution I knew we would both enjoy. Me a little bit more than her.

"Do you dance?" I asked

"Yes sir. But-"

"Shh, enough of that. Now dance with me."

Noticing it was more of a demand than a request, she smoothened out her gown out of habit and placed her soft hands in my waiting one's. And we danced all night. With no care in the world what so ever. Nothing mattered. Not even the fact that I had to go see Dad. Nothing.... Just her and me. And to me, that's all that matters. It might not tomorrow or even the next hour, but right now, I don't care. I would just enjoy this moment, with no regret...