chapter eight: in the music room

Chapter eight: in the music room.

Chapter eight: in the music room.

In a wide office with glass walls, he sat behind an office desk, typing on his computer.

On his table was a framed portrait of a young lady, her hazel eyes glowed with life and her black hair was tied up in a high ponytail with a brown scrunchie. She wore a white jewel neckline top with a black handkerchief hem skirt and a black canvas boot. Her duffel bag hanged over her shoulder. A beautiful smile graced her lips.

He switched off his computer, and with a loving gaze he stared at the picture, his finger tips traced lightly on the portrait and a smile crept on his face. He picked up the extension on his table and called his secretary, Vick.

A young man sporting short brown hair walked in soon after.

" Sir." The young secretary greeted.

" Book a flight back." He gave an order, glancing shortly at Vick.

Vick's gaze followed his boss's and then nodded with an understanding smile.

" I'll get it done immediately sir."

" Hmm.."

With that, Vick left the office.

After organizing his things, he stood up, picked his jacket, he gave one last look at the office before leaving. " Wait for me." He muttered.

...

The preparations for the party the next evening was in full swing.

It was late at night, and the workers were having a not so fun day of working overtime.

The manager stood with his two assistants behind him, he gave one order after the other.

His assistants moved to support and to supervise the work that was going on, to avoid mistakes.

Mr. Parker, the manager of Evergreen hotel moved around as well, some times correcting things.

" No, move the lights over a bit."

" Move these flower pots over to that side." He pointed across the hall.

"The high top table should be covered with white table cloth and a black ribbon around it."

"The light here's too bright, dim it a little."

The electrician moved to correct it.

" That's better." Mr. Parker nodded with a smile.

" The coloured lights should be placed properly."

One after another, things were corrected and some changed.

The employees worked tirelessly.

While working, the delivery man came in with different bags.

After getting paid, he left.

The people took a short break to eat. Their exhausted expression washed away slightly as they ate.

It didn't take long before they all returned once again to their works.

Tired grunts and murmuring escaped from their lips as they dragged their tired feets back to work.

Seeing this, the manager gives a few words of encouragement and also certain promises for their department.

Hearing that they get to have a day off from work after the party, and that they would receive bonus at the months end, their expressions became a lot better.

Soon they finally finished up with their work.

Just as they were rounding up, Jackson, the president of the Evergreen hotel walked in.

What a pleasant surprise!

Mr. Parker hurried to welcome him, the employees formed two parallel lines, with a passageway in between them. As Jackson walked by, they all give a slight bow with smiles on their tired faces.

It was only after seeing Jack walk further away from them, did they finally stand at ease with exhausted sighs.

Jackson hawk gaze scrutinized each and every corner of the hall. Occasionally, he'd point out a few things that he doesn't find good enough.

" The hotel will be hosting elites from different walks of life tomorrow. Everything has to be perfectly done. " Jackson spoke as he walked, his hand pointing out some things that either needed to be worked on, improved, corrected or changed.

Mr. Parker followed behind him, taking notes of all that had been pointed out, his assistants the tasks to the employees for improvement.

Once again, everyone became busy with their own tasks.

Anyway, it was going to be a long night....

.....

Hannah, Stella and Esther sat discussing leisurely in a spa room.

" It's a pity Casey couldn't come along." Hannah said.

" She said she had some work to submit first, so she'd be a bit late."

" Aiya... You both don't have to worry about her, he's there to take care of his wife. You can be rest assured that she wouldn't show up worse than either of you. Ooh, she might actually be better than you both." Stella said, lying on the relaxing chair, with cucumber on her eyes.

Hannah nodded thoughtfully, " that's right."

" Wait, didn't Xavier Blackwell avoid such parties, why did he suddenly decide to attend this one?" Esther asked, her gaze darted between Stella and Hannah.

Hannah shook her head and shrugged. " I don't know." Then turns to Stella, " you're the one who's friends with him, what do you have to say?"

Esther also did the same, " that's right, sis what do you think about this?"

Stella sighed, removed the cucumber slices from her eyes, sat up, facing both Hannah and Esther and replied with a serious face. Feeling that they would get a reasonable answer this time, both girls sat up properly and perked up their ears. They listened with rapt attention.

" I don't know. I don't know." Stella's shoulder slumped in defeat. " He is Xavier, even I who has known him for quite a while, can't tell what he's thinking. No, let me say it this way, he isn't someone you can read easily. He doesn't show his emotions easily, so, most times, it's hard to tell what he's thinking." Stella sighed.

" Maybe he's going because of Casey?" Esther suggested.

Stella nods, " probably."

Hannah smiles mockingly from her corner, with a glass of juice in her hand. 'Hmmm... Then he's going to torture her? For Casey? Ha! For Casey my foot. Who knows what kind of plots he's come up with just to torture my friend.' she thought to herself, not forgetting to say a few prayers for her dear friend.

.....

There was a knock on the door.

" Come in." Xavier answered without looking.

" Sir, your suit has arrived. The make-up artists for the madam has also been arranged."

Mick reported as he placed the suit on the sofa, walked back and stood before Xavier.

" Hmmm.... How long before it starts?" Xavier asked flipped through documents.

" In about three hours from now, but you have a meeting with Mr. Jackson." He replied.

This time, Xavier looks up, " Jackson's back? Since when?"

" Yes sir. He got back the day before yesterday. Although he wouldn't be staying for too long, his time of departure is not known yet."

" Okay. You can leave."

...

Finally, the time for the event arrived. The time everyone had been eagerly waiting for.

As the sun coloured the sky with hues of Orange and Red, the bright lights shone from the Evergreen hotel.

Different types of luxury cars parked in front of the hotel, the people got down and the cars were directed to the parking space.

Some people came alone, some with their companion and while some came along with friends.

Stella, Esther and Hannah walked out of their car together.

Stella wore a black knee-length halter dress with red platform heels. Her Auburn hair was packed in a French twist style.

As she walked in, the camera lights flashed, taking pictures of her. She handed her invitation card, after it was confirmed, she went in.

After she was gone, Esther followed suit.

She wore a black maxi dress. Her light blonde wavy hair fell over her shoulder, coupled with a pair of ankle strap heels, creating an enchanting look.

She lingered a bit longer, waving her hand, letting the camera take more photos.

Hannah, who stood behind couldn't help shaking her head, ' c'mon Esther, this is not your red carpet for you to showcase your look.'

" Wow! To think that I'll see my favorite celebrity here. It's a dream come true for me."

" Why is she here though? Isn't it a party meant for the business elites?" Someone thought out loud.

" Silly. You must be new. Who doesn't know that she's the second daughter of the Ryan family."

" The Ryan family!!"

" Shush.. lower your voice."

As Esther walked in, the reported murmured amongst themselves.

Finally, Hannah also walked up. She wore a red srapless dress that hugged her figure down to her waist. Then flowed down to her legs, and a slit that went from just below her knees down, at her left side. Her black wedge plum shoe was just the perfect height. Her Auburn hair was packed in a side bun, adorned with a multi- strand bun pin.

After handing her invitation, she walked in.

More and more people continued to show up.....

....

Xavier watched the event from upstairs through the glass window, behind him, sitting comfortably on the couch, were Jerry and Jackson.

Picking up his glass, Jackson smiled, " what's the matter with you, you keep staring down. Why? Waiting for someone one?" His tone, teasing.

" Who would have thought that our dear Xavier will turn out like this after getting married?" Jerry chuckled.

Ignoring, no, silencing the voices in the background, Xavier's gaze remained fixed on the hall.

Well, that was untill Mick came in. After whispering something in Xavier's ear, he came out of the room.

Jerry and Jackson glance at each other.

....

" Didn't you say everything was prepared?"

" Yes, but they suddenly cancelled at the last minute. I've tried other places, but they aren't available." Mick explained, his gaze anxious and apologetic at the same time.

This was to be his boss's first party with the young madam, yet things weren't going as planned. He couldn't help blaming himself for not making any back up plans.

" It's okay."

.....

Casey sat in front of her vanity with an annoyed expression.

"Liar. He said he'll take care of everything, now what, there's been a delay. I should have just followed the girls instead." Casey grumbled angrily.

Just then, Luv and Anne walked into the room after a light knock on the door.

" Lady Casey, is there a problem?" Seeing her sullen face, Luv stepped forward and asked.

" You have your annoying boss to blame for this." She grumbled beneath her breath.

" What was that? Luv leaned over, trying to hear what she was saying.

" It's nothing. The make-up artists couldn't make it, so I guess I'm stuck at home now." She forced a smile.

Luv stared at Anne, they seem to be communicating with their eyes.

Anne was trying to discourage Luv from the idea, but she was firm on her decision. She stepped forward bravely, her tone hesitant and a bit scared. " Uhm.. lady Casey, i might have an idea on how to help you."

" What option is it? At this point I'll welcome ideas on how to solve this." Casey said.

She also noticed the look of fear on Luv's face so she added. " You don't have to be scared. Just say what you want to. Speak freely."

With Casey's go ahead, Luv expressed her plans to Casey.

" Anne and I can help you with your make-up and hair."

Casey glances at Anne who stood behind Luv, nodding nervously in agreement.

As if afraid that Casey wouldn't agree, Luv continued to explain.

" You don't have to worry. Anne and I are both trained and we've had some classes. It's just that, without any connection, getting any gig that actually pays well, isn't easy, but I promise, that our work is also professional and.. and we won't lose to other make-up artists." Luv explained in a frantic voice.

She raised three fingers up as she made her promise.

Casey slowly stood up, holding onto both girls hands.

" You both have to relax. If not, how are you going to help me to the best of your ability."

This time, Anne's soft voice answered, " lady Casey, Luv's telling the truth, we..." She was in the middle of explaining, when she thought over Casey's words.

Luv and Anne stared at each other, surprise evident on their faces. They were obviously not expecting Casey to agree so easily.

With grateful expressions, they both bow their heads. " Thank you very much, we would not disappoint your trust."

As Luv and Anne helped her with her make-up, she got to know more about them.

They seemed extremely joyful and grateful. From the way they worked, she could tell that, they were both trained and skilled in what they were doing.

Luv focused on her make-up, while Anne focused on her hair. With their help, her crisis had ended.

In no time, she was done. Soon, she left the house.

While on the way, the driver suddenly stopped.

" What's wrong? Why did you stop?" She asked.

" I'm sorry ma'am, there seems to have been an accident in the front." The driver, replied.

There was an argument going on between the driver of the two cars in the front.

" Why aren't you looking at where you're driving?"

" You're the one who wasn't looking. I'm the one who has the right of passage. You just rushed in."

" Compensate me."

" Pei! You must be dreaming. I'll do no such thing." The other driver spat in anger.

The honks and angry yells of the people rang out continuously. This went on for a while, till the police showed up, dragging the offenders with them to the station.

Belle could only watch helplessly as her ride was dragged away.

She wore a short lavender tulle dress and thigh length high heels boot with a black leather backpack. She had a wavy lob hair.

She fumed angrily as she couldn't get any cab.

Just as Jack was to drive off, Belle stopped the car. The window at the passenger side was rolled down.

" Please could you please help me, I'm heading to the Evergreen hotel and I saw that you're going towards that area." Belle explained hastily.

" Sorry, but I..."

" Let her in." Casey ordered from behind.

" But ma'am..." He hesitated.

" It's fine. Let her in."

At Casey's approval, Belle got into the car. " She looked back, " thank you so much for your help."

" It's nothing." Casey waved casually.

" Ooh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Belle. Reporter Belle from arch news."

Jack hands quivered a bit on hearing that she was a reporter.

" Casey Bright." She said, not giving any clues that will point to Xavier.

" Oh. Casey, nice to meet you."

" Nice to meet you too, Casey."

Moments later, the car came to a stop.

" We've arrived." He announced.

Belle beamed happily, after thanking Casey one last time, she opened the door and left.

Immediately she came out, her teammate called out to her from amongst the crowd.

The young cameraman held the camera over his shoulder, "Belle, whose car is that?" He pointed at the car that she had just come out from.

Belle glanced over, " I don't know. Focus on the task at hand. We have to get a good scoop today, if not we will have trouble explaining."

After being reminded of work, the young cameraman adjusted himself.

Casey stared at the crowd outside, taking her invitation card and her purse, she walked out of the car.

Clenching her purse nervously, she slowly walked forward. The camera flashes shined brightly, making her blink involuntarily.

Her breath hitched and she bit her lower lip lightly.

Taking in deep breaths, she repeatedly encouraged herself.

While she stood there, everyone was surprised.

" Which elite family is she from?"

" Such a beautiful fairy actually exists."

" So it's possible to be beautiful and cute at the same time."

" Wow! That dress fits her perfectly."

Casey's hair was tied up in a curled plait with few strands falling loosely by the sides.

She wore a pale blue strapless ball-gown that hugged her body down to her waist where the gown forms a princess style flare, stopping at her ankle, with platform heels.

Her curled plait was adorned by a hair vine. Her make-up was light, giving her face a graceful touch.

Her hazel eyes glanced around and she walked forward with a bright, yet nervous smile. She handed her invitation over and went in.

"Belle, who was that just now." The cameraman asked in a dreamy tone.

" Ew! Snap out of it."

...

" Wow! So beautiful. Xavier, you can stop bothering, sister-in-law has arrived." Jerry exclaimed, staring from the glass window upset.

Jackson and Xavier also stood up.

" Well, I guess it's time we join the party."

...

When Casey entered the hall, all eyes fell on her.

" Who is that?"

" Seems like she's from one of the top family." Another person guessed.

" Maybe an elite from abroad?"

Many guesses were going around the room.

She heaved a sigh of relief when she noticed the girls standing across the room.

Without wasting any more time, Casey stalked towards them, but was stopped midway by some guy.

His brown eyes rested on her face. He reached out his hand, " hi, I'm Jackson Evergreen." He introduced with a polite smile.

Casey shook hands with him, " Casey Bright. Pleased to meet your acquaintance." She smiled.

" The pleasure is all mine."

They soon started chatting. Having nothing else to do, Casey discussed more with him.

" I'm sorry, but I have to attend to other guests." Jackson gazed apologetically at her.

" It's fine, I understand."

" I'll see you later?"

" Hmmm...." She watched him walk away.

Truth be told, it was actually the first time she'd communicated so well with a stranger without any hiccups. He was a simple person, who had his own thoughts and principles of life and he abided by them. She got that much from talking with him.

Just as she was about to meet up with the girls once again, someone tapped her from behind. She turned around and her heart leaped, he was here! Jason was here!

The people paired themselves as they walked to the middle of the hall to dance. The lights dimmed and the coloured lights were turned on and a slow music played.

He smiled at her surprised reaction.

" May I have this dance?" Jason bowed.

Clear hesitation was painted on her face.

He took her hand and lead her to the dance floor.

.....

" It's all over." Hannah's worried gaze followed the duo as they glided to the music.

" And she wanted to wait till the time is right to tell him."

" If I remember correctly, Xavier's in this same party."

" He wouldn't actually do much, right?"

" Well, I don't know. His wife is dancing with her ex- fiance, what do you think?"

" I just hope this ends well."

" Ends well? You hope for too much. Nothing ends well when the past and the present meet."

" Xavier's mature, I think things will be fine."

" Not with them being the center of attention, it won't."

" Sigh.... Even now, they still look like the perfect couple." A sigh of regret escaped Hannah's lips.

" If you think so, then there will be many others with similar thoughts. It's only a matter of time before word reaches his ears."

" It's better to try and stop this before it escalates."

" Okay then. Let's dance." Stella smiled and dragged girls along with her.

.....

As they danced gracefully, Jason's gaze remained fixated on Casey.

" What's wrong? You seemed distracted and disturbed."

" Ehh.. oh, nothing, I'm fine."

" Casey I've known you for a long time now, tell me the truth, what's on your mind?"

Once again she bit her lower lip nervously, " Jason I...."

" Oh, Casey you're here. " Stella pretended to bump into Casey.

" You've been in your heels for quite a while." Esther chimed in.

" Yes Casey, why don't you take a break." Hannah joined in.

Not giving her any chance to reply, they dragged her away, leaving a confused Jason. Soon enough, he shook it off and followed after.

.....

Xavier watched everything silently, his left hand in his pocket and the other holding a wine glass.

Jackson and Jerry stood by his side.

" Wow, a perfect match indeed." Jerry commented casually, earning him a glare from Jackson. While Xavier's gaze followed the group of five.

....

In the garden, they all stand around, staring at each other.

" What were you thinking Casey?" Hannah broke the silence.

" You should avoid meeting him for now, until you tell him the truth."

" Yes, Esther's right. You should come clean with Jason, if not, when he finds out from some other source, it's just going to be awkward for you both." Stella added.

" What truth is that? What are you hiding from me?" Jason asked from behind them.

They didn't notice when he came up to them.

" A very simple truth, that Casey is my wife." Xavier's cold tone reached their ears, his gaze remained on Casey, " am I right Mrs. Blackwell?" He smiled.

At last there was nothing that they could do about it.

Casey, although surprised by Xavier's appearance, had her eyes on Jason.

Her breath hitched, she didn't stay any longer and just ran away.

.....

Xavier got home and asks about Casey's whereabouts.

" The young madam has been in the music room since she got back." He replied.

.....

Not once, not twice but multiple times. I had fantasized about telling you the truth, but not not one was like this.

The feeling of betrayal is something I've heard of and also thought I've felt when I married Xavier, but today, seeing the emotions in the depths of your eyes. The doubt, the pain, sadness and hurt in your eyes, it felt like I could finally see and feel what betrayal was.

Jason not once have I thought twice about my choice, but today, seeing you once again, the love and care in your eyes, your support, every emotions you showed today made me doubt. For the first time, I doubted if I had made the right choice.