Chapter 125

The wedding was a success in my personal opinion. No press was allowed and I was grateful. I still held a grudge against that entire industry as a whole. And it was nothing too grand, just close friends and family. And Dahlia somehow managed to look divine in a wedding gown despite being obviously pregnant. It actually made her seem lovelier. The reception was at her restaurant, which looked nothing like how it usually did, the decor was classy. Just my taste to be honest, although I would have switched up the blue fabric used to dress the chairs with something a bit more subtle,like silver perhaps. 

We finally got the chance to approach the couple and congratulate them. 

" I'm so glad you could make it!" Dahlia commented, stepping forward to hug both Layla and I. Miguel did the same. 

" Like I'd miss this, " I told Miguel, then I patted his back and wished him the very best because he was going to need all the luck he could get. 

" Thanks, I can't believe we actually did it. " His eyes shot to his wife. Affection flooding over, the love he held for her so pure and clear there was no way to look at him and not see it. And I understood because it was the same for me. 

" I love your gown, " Layla complemented the bride. Her eyes fixated on the nice sheer white fabric, she looked as if she was tempted to just reach out and touch it. And I had to look away and pretend I couldn't see that look on her face. 

" Thanks, I never believed people when they said they felt it when they found the right one, but now I do. I just put this baby on and the deal was sealed. " 

Layla chuckled. 

" Well, you really look nice. "

" You too! " she quickly told Miguel because her manners controlled her and she didn't want him to feel left out. 

" Thanks you Layla, you guys don't look too bad yourself. "

" I know right!" Dahlia added, then she reached out and touched the fabric of Layla's gown in admiration. 

" You'll have to share with me where you got this from later on. "

I was about to congratulate them one last time so we could walk away and give them a chance to mingle with their other guests, but then Crystal Lockwood and her boyfriend. The guy gave new meaning to the word overprotective. I mean, I was pretty much the same, but he took things to an entirely new level. Which explained why almost no other male there dared to set his eyes on Crystal. Which reminded me, I had spotted her father as well, so it would be wise to use the chance to get some business done. Actually, I had spotted a number of possible business partnerships in the space. Miguel was truly well connected and I wasn't going to let the opportunity slide by. 

" Hi! " Crystal greeted us with much enthusiasm. Her Ames wide as she approached Dahlia and wrapped her arms around her. The girl was bubbly on a normal basis,this time however, she was overflowing with positive energy 

" I'm so happy for you guys. Now all we have to do is wait for my little nephew or niece so that we can celebrate again!" she excitedly remarked. 

" Don't tell me you've forgotten about your own wedding in two months, " Miguel joked and Dahlia shot Nick an adoring look. 

" I personally haven't forgotten, how can I when the entire house is filled with random reminders, " Nick commented, his tone casual, but his eyes were fixed on Crystal with the type of intimacy you didn't come by so often. 

" Are you talking about the magazines? I told you those were for research purposes. "

" It's quite a lot of research baby. "

" Dahlia please tell him to stop overreacting. "

Dahlia cleared her throat, then she looked around. 

" He's got a point Crystal, your house if flooding with all those magazine copies."

" Gosh! No one understands me. "

Nick pulled her closer and made her stand Infront of him, then he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and rested his chin on the top of her head. 

" Oh Gabriel, I wanted to ask whether you'd be willing to drop by the shop next week? I was finishing up with this piece but then I realized I could take another direction with it. I just want to know whether it's worth it or not. "

I assured her that I'd make some time. 

" Or I could come over to you, it's no big deal. "

" Don't worry, I'd like to come over. See the progress you've made so far. "

" Thanks. "

I smiled and nodded. It was a happy occasion so everyone was in a good mood. I mean, I even had a nice chat with Nick, Crystal's fiance. He was in the security line of work, I think a friend of mine had suggested his firm to me a while back but I had never looked into it. I even asked for his card. I was always in need of a nice security firm so I was without a doubt going to be calling him soon. Even without asking for his experience I could tell he was skilled, and he was always alert so I trusted in his capabilities. 

And we were all having a nice time, sipping our champagne and making small talk....until sweet old Dahlia asked Layla and I whether we had considered marriage. Miguel's eyes instantly widened, then he rubbed his hand up and down his wife's arm before offering me an apologetic look. 

" What? It's just a question, "

She remarked, wondering why her husband was making such a huge deal out of it. 

" Amor, I don't think it's really our business. "

My and Layla's silence only made things worse,but a light statement from Crystal put us back in a comfortable mood. 

There was music, food and a lot of interactions. At some point Layla had to excuse herself because I was dragging her to all my business talks and she ended up being bored by the conversation. 

" Don't wander off, " I seriously told her as she walked away, she assured me it was fine and I watched as she walked over to the dessert table. And I didn't look away until I was sure she was in my line of sight, all I had to do was then around. 

I knew it wasn't really ideal to be so focused on business during such an occasion, but work came second to me. Because yes, Layla had surpassed it. And there was no point in passing over a nice opportunity when I spotted one, I was always busy and barely had time to make such negotiations so I'dake use of any chance I got. But because I didn't want Layla to feel abandoned, I was going to let that be the last one before I went back to her. 

We talked, and scheduled a meeting in about a week to expound the matter further, then I turned around to walk back to Layla, but she was seated at one of the tables talking casually with Crystal. Judging from their expressions, it was pretty evident that whatever they were discuss was serious. And I knew this because Crystal almost always had a nice Ile on her face whenever she was talking to someone. I think it was just a natural part of her construction. I only took two steps towards them before I stopped and watched from a distance. Curiosity was taking over me completely, and I was seconds away from going over there and finding out what they were discussing, but I forced myself to stop. Maybe she needed to make more friends apart from just Cassie, it would be good for her to do so. I mean,I loved her in all her introvert ways, but I also wanted her to get out there and build herself a nice stable social life. She was a joy and delight to be around, all she needed was a bit of time to get used to new people, but after that there was no way to not love her. 

Wait! What if she got out there and everyone ended up liking her so much that she got too busy with her social life and barely had time for me?! I immediately walked over to them. Frowning when they noticed me approaching and changed their demeanor, growing more serious and alert, they kept quiet for a while and then changed the subject when I got there, started talking about how soothing the music was or something of the sort. I don't know how I knew they had changed the subject, but it was obvious, otherwise why would they look so suspicious? 

I was surprised Nick had let Crystal out of her sight for so long. He was currently at the bar, talking to a familiar face. One I wanted to punch. It was the guy from the art exhibition who had been talking to my Layla before I spotted her. 

" You done?" Layla asked me when I got there and I nodded. 

" Completely, I'm all yours sweetheart, "

" You say that now, but just wait till you spot another possible opportunity. Then you'll desert me all over again. "

I looked at her all shocked. 

" I did not desert you, you refused to join me because you were bored. "

" It's the same thing!"

" My apologies then. "

I took her champagne flute and took a sip before giving it back to her. 

" Anyways, what were you two lovely ladies talking about?" 

They shot each other a certain look, then Crystal told me it was ' girl business '. 

What the hell was that supposed to mean. Layla's business was my business. But I didn't want to start up another petty. argument so I let it be, though I did preserve it at the back of my mind for later because I'd definitely be asking her again. 

I recalled a nice exclusive galla that would be held New York in two weeks time and I brought it up to Crystal.

" It's called Pinnacle or something of the sort. A three day exhibition in some of the most sought after locations in the city. They showcase all the genres of art. You could draw inspiration from it if you'd like to go. "

" New York?" 

" Yeah, I'll be attending since my work will be on display. But I can bring as many people as I wish. "

" Wow! For real?" 

I nodded, her enthusiasm when it came to art was clear. I had learnt that she had given up a very promising career as a lawyer and set out on her own to follow her dream. That's what our line of work needed, that sort of passion. Did I have it? Probably not, but was it necessary? Sure. 

My talent however, was enough to get me places without me having to put much feeling into my work. Perhaps when I dropped by her art store the next week, I could find some pieces to recommend to the Pinnacle Management. They were quite fond of me, I had invested a nice sum into their activities so they felt indebted to me. If I asked them to display Crystal's pieces they'd do so in a heartbeat. She just never asked me for such favours, despite her knowing that I was close to both Miguel and her father which would ultimately make me assist her without batting an eyelash. Because yes, connections and status were a major chess piece in the actual world. Why waste them when they were at your disposal? 

" I have to talk it over with Nick, but I'd be so happy to join you!" 

" Sure, just tell me before next Wednesday. "

She nodded, then she excused herself, but before walking away she gave Layla a small smile, and placed a hand on her shoulder. 

" Later, okay?" 

Layla nodded and we watched her walk away and head straight to where Nick was. 

And when I looked at Layla again it was to find her eyes narrowed quizzically. 

" You didn't tell me you're going to New York soon. "

" Not me, we. " I corrected her. It seemed like a good enough time as any to offer her the wonderful news. I was planning on doing it at night, when she was all ready for bed. It would have given her a chance to sleep on it and accept the fact that we would be leaving. Seattle, as I had said, was a rather nice place, but I couldn't stay in one place for too long. Responsibility called, and I had actually overstayed since I was supposed to be gone weeks ago. 

" I'm sure the event will be wonderful, but Gabriel, I can't keep taking days off. It's just not right. "

" I'm not talking about the gala sweetheart, we're moving there...for about a month. Then off to London we shall go. "

I beckoned over a waiter and replaced Layla's glass with a new one, then I asked him to bring something stronger. I didn't necessarily want to drink it, but the look on Layla's face told me I'd be needing it. Her mouth fell open and she stared at me in utter horror. She knew I wasn't joking, not about such a thing. And she wanted to talk but no words came to her. 

" I asked my assistant to look up the food scene there, it's buzzing with life. Have you ever heard of " The Zest? " 

She slowly shook her head, her eyes unblinking as she looked up at me. I didn't get what all the shock was about, I had delivered the news in the most casual way I could. My other option had been to pack for her then get her to the airstrip without her really knowing where we were going. My personal take on the element of surprise. 

" It's a newly constructed high end restaurant at the heart of the city. I happened to have attended the same school as the owner, and he's preserved the chef position exclusively for you, wonderful isn't it?" 

She turned away from me, and I heard her as she took in a deep breath. Then she let it out and looked at me again. 

" Gabriel!" 

Her tone almost made me shudder. What was all the harshness for? Her job was the only thing that was tying her to that place and I had successfully been able to replace it. She could start over in New York. With me. Because I wasn't leaving without her, and leaving wasn't up for debate. 

" What? It's a nice opportunity. I can't stay here, I have business to take care of--" She tried to cut me off but I put my finger up and shushed her. 

" And I am NOT leaving you here for over a month. Travel is part of my work Layla, "

"You have got to be kidding me! You've got to be crazy if you think I'm just going to leave everything behind and fly to New York with you. "

" Then I'm crazy. If I could change things I would, trust me...I know you're not the type to jump from place to place, but this is another part of my life you'll just have to adjust to. "

" What about.." she unsuccessfully tried to think of a reason to stay behind. 

Normally, people had trouble moving because of three main reasons. The first one was family. Last I checked, I was currently the only family Layla had. Second was work, you can cross that off the list because I had handled it for her. Actually, there was a position waiting for her in London as well, all I had to do was make a call and the issue was fixed. The third reason was friends. Who? Cassie? Phones existed, and I could have her flown over to meet Layla whenever they missed each other too much. 

" I can't just leave. My entire life has been here, "

" And now you're going to start a new one over there. "

" Don't you see what you're doing?" 

" Uprooting you from your roots? I do. And I apologize, but I need you more than either Cassie or this restaurant. "

" Come on! What about my memories? "

" Those are preserved in your head sweetheart, try again. "

" You're being inconsiderate. Again!" 

" And you're being unreasonable. Again. "

I had already won. Layla's one weakness was that she loved me too much, we were technically all we had. She tried walking away but I held onto her, I know it seemed a little heartless to ask her to move all of a sudden, without prior notice, but when you thought about it, I was making sense. She had tied herself to me when she walked into my life and made me love her, when she awoke all those incomprehensible feelings inside me. I had no intentions of ever leaving her behind. I knew myself, whatever I felt was never going to end, so she had an entire lifetime to get used to me and my ways. And by that, I mean everything I said went. I'd compromise whenever I could, but otherwise, she just had to accept my decisions because they were for both our benefit. And because I didn't want her to say I was forcing things on her, I was going to give her the only available choice. 

" Okay. It's up to you then. Stay here and work.. without me. Or go with me and get the entire package. You have until next week to choose. "

" No I don't. "

" You're right, but just pretend to play along. I don't wanna feel like a tyrant. "

" I don't like you very much right now. "

" You'll get over it. Wanna dance?" 

She rolled her eyes and walked away, I let her do so, smiling to myself because I knew I already had her. Half an hour was the longest her silent treatment could last, less if I activated my charm. But Layla had to have learnt by then, falling in love with me was like entering a pact with the devil, only much more luxurious and advantageous.