10. Will
As I looked through the schedule for the weekend, I sighed at the loads of events I had to attend. The rich sure understood the concept of work and play because that was the only explanation as to why there was always a party or an event of some sort every weekend.
The annoying thing was I had to be present. Most of the clients I was trying to close were going to be present as well, and let’s just say this was my chance at sealing new deals.
I heard a knock on the door, interrupting my chain of thoughts.
“Yes, come in!” I said as I twirled my seat to face the entrance of my office, to be met with Anthony and his tablet as usual.
“I wanted to show you the progress on social media since we released your engagement, sir.”
I took the tablet and scrolled through the loads of comments and articles in a short time.
“That’s good. Did you keep Miss Elizabeth’s identity a secret?”
“Yes, sir, but it is only a matter of time before they find her. I was going to suggest you both have a photo shoot session so we can release official pictures to reduce people’s curiosity. I also advised Miss Elizabeth to ensure her social media accounts are made private.”
“All right, please make preparations for a photo shoot.”
“Would you also be attending the party with Mr. Brown tonight, sir?”
“Yes, I will. It”s not like I have a choice. We are trying to get him on board, remember?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Also, sir, the ring you ordered is here already.”
“Oh great! Have it brought in right away.”
I had ordered a ring for Elizabeth to wear. It only made sense that she had an engagement ring if she was engaged to me.
“I would do that right away, sir. Please excuse me, sir.”
I let out a sigh as I sent a text message to Elizabeth, giving her updates as regards our plans for the night: Prepare yourself. We have our first event together tonight.
I sent the message as I picked up the document in front of me. It was a document that outlined all the details I needed to know about Elizabeth and the fabricated made-up story of how we met and how long we had been dating. It contained basic information that we needed to be in sync with to avoid blowing our cover.
It wasn’t that complex, really. I had known Elizabeth for the longest time, and even though I never paid much attention to her, one could not ignore her presence either.
She and Lydia were always so loud and annoying whenever she came over. Speaking of Lydia, I needed her to help Elizabeth pick out a designer dress. I could not have my fiancée looking like some random lady I picked up from the road. I sent Lydia a message immediately, just before Elizabeth’s response.
Okay.
Okay? Just okay?
I let out a sigh; Elizabeth sure knew how to rile me up. But I wasn’t going to give in to her tactics.
Be ready by 7:00 p.m. I would come to pick you up, I responded to the message before putting my phone away. I needed to get some work done for the day before heading out for a night of networking.
***
Putting on my wristwatch, I checked myself out in the mirror, satisfied with how I looked, before walking out of my room.
Using the elevator, I went straight to the parking lot and, in less than a few minutes, had my car set and ready to go.
The ride over to Elizabeth’s place was quick and smooth. I was glad to know she wasn’t living so far off from my place—for easy access, I guess. In the long run, she might have to move in with Lydia to avoid reporters harassing her home.
In no time, I reached her place and immediately sent her a message indicating I was waiting for her.
Good thing Elizabeth was a punctual person. In less than five minutes, she had reached the exit of her apartment building.
I watched her as she approached me in her red mid-length sequin gown. The dress perfectly hugged her curves and highlighted her beautiful figure. For a second, I lost my mind before coming back to my senses.
I immediately got out of the car and proceeded to open the door for her.
Well, that was before I asked myself what was wrong with me. Why was my body reacting the way it was, as though I hadn’t seen a woman this beautiful? I had met women even more beautiful than Elizabeth, and I didn’t feel anything. Pushing behind my thoughts, I instantly came into reality the moment I heard her voice.
“Sorry if I kept you waiting,” Elizabeth said shyly and softly.
“Not at all. You were right on time. But if you had taken a little bit longer, I might have left without you,” I replied, starting the ignition and pulling out of the parking space.
I looked at her briefly and saw she wasn’t amused by my attempt to crack a joke.
Oh well, who cares? It’s not my fault she has a poor sense of humor.
“I see Lydia did you well. Now you look like someone who is my fiancée.”
“So I didn’t look like your fiancée the day I came into your office?” Elizabeth responded almost immediately.
“Well, not so much.”
“Yet you introduced me as one. I wonder why.”
I remained silent as I watched her look out of the window, sending a message that she was done with the conversation.
“Look, tonight is important for me, okay? Can we just pretend I didn’t say a thing?”
“As you wish, my Lord.”
Ignoring her comment, I kept on with the ride, and indeed, that was the last conversation we had until we reached the venue.
I guess Elizabeth and I were not made to click. That is the only explanation as to why we never had a proper conversation without one of us getting on the nerves of the other.
“Here we are. Please stick to the script, okay?”
“Of course.”
“Hold on a minute.” I reached into the inner pocket of my suit and retrieved the ring box, surprising Elizabeth. I could see the shock on her face.
“You’re acting as though I’m proposing to you.”
I watched her roll her eyes, causing me to chuckle slightly.
“Give me your hand,” I said, taking out the emerald diamond-cut ring and slipping it onto her ring finger.
“Wow,” Elizabeth said as she raised her hand and looked at it.
“That ring is expensive. You better keep it well.”
“I didn’t plan to lose it now, did I? Besides, you could have gotten me any cheap ring rather than diamonds.”
“You’re my fiancée. How do you think people will react if they see my girl wearing a fake diamond? Never!”
“I see,” Elizabeth responded plainly as she exited the car, and I followed suit.
Going over to her side, I linked her arm through mine as we approached the entrance. Immediately, a ton of reporters and paparazzi gathered around us as we neared the entrance.
Being used to this lifestyle, I simply waved to them, but I couldn’t help but notice Elizabeth’s discomfort. It was evident that this environment was all new to her.
I placed my arms around her, pulling her closer to me and shielding her from the flashes of light until we got securely inside the venue.
“Sorry about that. They are all going crazy to see the woman I’m with tonight.”
“Must be nice,” Elizabeth responded with a fake smile on her face.
“Come on, let’s go mingle.”
In less than a minute, I already had a few popular investors gather around me to welcome me.
Naturally, with Elizabeth standing right beside me, she instantly became the subject of conversation, with people offering their congratulations left, right, and center.
Count on me to capitalize on the situation, deftly steering conversations toward business matters. That is the only reason why I’m present here anyway. Who cares about parties? Parties are just opportunities for people to show off their wealth and spend more carelessly, in my opinion. At least I could help them divert their money into my business and make me richer.
I went with the flow and, as usual, started gradually getting their minds invested. It was only a matter of time before they agreed to my proposal and began signing contracts with me.
Most people don’t realize it, but the best place to find quality clients is at parties, where their egos are inflated and they’re influenced by alcohol. With each of them wanting to impress the other, they commit themselves to deals in an attempt to show off.