Ch. 61..65: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 61-65
Chapter 61 Melissa
“Is that child okay?” Ria asked Jenna. She is one of the workers assigned to help the kids try on their dresses.
“Who?” Jenna looked around.
Ria pointed to a six years old girl who sat alone with her legs curled beneath her. The little girl has been like that since they came in about twenty minutes ago.
“Her name is Melissa. She is always like that… alone.” Jenna answered.
Melissa is not looking happy about the dress like the rest of the kids. Ria turned to face her. “Please can I know her history?” She requested.
Ria knows that every child in Amber Foundation has a history. “Melissa lost her parents in a fire accident when she was four years old. Her paternal uncle left her at the hospital and none of her family members were ready to take her in when she regained consciousness after one month.” Jenna answered.
“How did she end up here?” Ria asked.
“A nurse came here and explained her case to Madam Charity so they brought her in here. I feel pity for her because she doesn’t remember anything about her parents plus she still gets traumatized anytime she sees fire. And that’s why we don’t bring her close to it, like the kitchen.” Jenna stated a cleared explanation of the little girl’s case.
“So she prefers to stay alone.” Ria mumbled.
“Yes. Even thought it has been over two years now but Melissa is finding it hard to accept this place.” Jenna added.
Ria looked at the little girl. She is so beautiful. Somehow the little child reminded Ria of her younger self when she was still trying to accept the fact that she was blind. The fact that she couldn’t see like everyone else had weighed her down. And she was always alone when her parents enrolled her in a school for the disabled.
Ria only remembered having one friend while she was growing up before Lucas took her away from her home. His name was Ethan. Actually, Ria won’t consider him as just a friend. Ethan was like a big brother to her because he was four years older than her. Ria used to help him mend his clothes back then while he helped her to school whenever he was less busy at work.
“She looks pitiful.” Ria mumbled.
“Even madam Charity has tried to help Melissa relate with the other kids but it seems she just wants to be all by herself.” Jenna said.
“Teacher Jenna, can I try my dress now?”
Ria and Jenna both looked down at the little girl who held the dress to her chest. “Yes.. Sophie.” Jenna replied.
Ria moved away from them and went to where Melissa sat quietly. She knew Melissa needed someone to talk to her and not just anyone but someone who is like her. Someone who has felt the loss of a parent and a loved one. Practically anyone with the saddest past could relate with Melissa.
“Hi Melissa.” Ria greeted in a low tone.
Melissa looked at her. “I am -” She stood up and walked away before Ria could complete her sentence.
Melissa went to the far end of the room and curled herself up under a large table. That’s weird! Why is she doing that? Sitting up in an uncomfortable way. Ria thought.
“I am not going to give up. She has to tell me what is wrong.” Ria muttered.
She made my way to the table, crouched down and sat under it too. The table was big enough to accommodate her size that she even sat with her legs crossed. Melissa stared at her in disbelief because anyone would have left her instead of crawling under the table to talk to her.
“Hi. I am Ria Robert.” Ria introduced.
Melissa didn’t respond. “And it is nice to meet you, Melissa.” Ria added.
“Go away. I don’t want to talk to you… or anyone else.” Melissa said in a low tone.
Ria stared back at her. It was a good thing that she said something. This conversation would hold by all means.
“I’ll just tell you a story of a girl.” Ria swallowed hard. “A blind girl. Do you know what it means to be blind?” She paused and waited for Melissa to say something again.
About two minutes clicked by before Melissa shook her head slowly. “Being blind is when you can’t see like everyone else and everything is dark. Lola was a blind girl and she wished that she could see like the other kids. She wanted friends but no one wants to be friends with a blind girl. Everyone saw her as a burden to her parents because she was disabled and she had to depend on her parents to help her do things. Lola had a very hard time accepting her blind state but in the end she accepted who she was and learned to do things normal people could do. She made up her mind that she won’t be a burden to her parents or anyone. She promised herself that she would become someone anyone could reckon with and also be great in life. And guess what? Lola started learning how to sew and mend torn dresses.” Ria stopped and studied Melissa’s expression. She was interested in the story!
“Lola could have gotten a surgery done but her parents couldn’t afford the medical bills. Do you want to know what happened to Lola?” Ria asked to be sure Melissa liked the story.
Melissa gave a short nod. “An unexpected incident took Lola’a parents away. They died when she was about sixteen and then she was alone and all by herself. She found herself in the hands of a wicked man who wanted Lola for himself. But at the point of giving up on herself, her dreams and everything, a kind hearted angel was sent to rescue Lola from that wicked man. She moved away from her hometown with her angel and they settled down in another city where she started working as a seamstress. Remember she learnt how to sew.” Ria stopped again and was about to continue when Melissa asked.
“Can Lola see now? I mean did.. she get to see…. like other people… when she moved to a new city with the angel?”
“Yes Melissa. Another nice angel was sent to help Lola. He paid for her surgery bills and also helped to establish her sewing business. And Lola is doing fine.” Ria paused only for her to notice the tears that strayed down Melissa’s cheeks.
“This is your story right?” Melissa said in a low tone.
Ria was surprised the little could relate things so fast but she found herself nodding in response. She couldn’t deny because it was her story in a reformed way. Ria didn’t know how the little girl figured that the story was about her or could it because she is a seamstress like Lola?
“I heard some of the workers talking about you being a talented blind lady.” Melissa mumbled.
Oh! The ghosting attitude had made Melissa find out things from the workers. Ria couldn’t hide the fact that Melissa is a smart girl. She moved closer to Melissa and wiped her tears with her fingertips.
“That’s sad…” Melissa muttered.
“I know.” Ria nodded again.
“I heard him…” Melissa bit her lower lip. “He said I am a bad luck.” She whispered.
“Who said that to you?” Ria asked with a raised eyebrows.
“Uncle Finn. I heard him telling his wife when I regained consciousness at hospital. I couldn’t make out what he said until I realized that I don’t remember anything about my parents. I only know the fact that they both died in a fire. Uncle Finn didn’t take me in because he said I am a bad luck and I will always bring trouble to everyone.” Melissa placed her palms on her face.
“I am the reason for my parents death. He told his wife and other members that I caused that fire at our home. So taking me in might bring them problems.” She sobbed.
And that is it! Melissa doesn’t want to relate with anyone because she thinks she is a bad luck. Uncle Finn should be blamed here because those words he said must have given her post traumatic syndrome disorder. How on earth could he refer to a little child as a bad luck? Things would have been different if Melissa didn’t hear her uncle refer to her as a bad Luck.
“Why didn’t you tell Madam Charity about it?” Ria asked.
“I didn’t… because she won’t understand me. No matter how nice she is.. she will never understand how I feel about being referred to as a bad luck. I didn’t get close to anyone because I fear that I might end up hurting them.” She cried.
“You are not a bad luck, Melissa.” Tears stings in Ria’s eyes too.
“You think so?”
“No one is a bad luck.” Ria shook her head.
“But it is all my fault… I killed my parents.” Melissa blamed herself.
“No.. no Melissa. Look, once in my life I blamed myself for my parents death too.” And part of Ria still blames herself. That if only she wasn’t blind then her dad wouldn’t have thought of accepting his inheritance. But what can she do? The deed has already been done!
“But.. I had to accept the fact that they were gone.” Ria held the little girls hands. “Listen Melissa, the ones we love are gone but they still remain in heart and memories. Look, I never saw the faces of my parents but I have good memories of their words.” They are possibly on the same boat. Melissa doesn’t remember the faces of her parents too!
“You have to do the same too. You don’t remember their face anymore but you have these feelings that they were good to you.” Melissa nodded in agreement. “So then accept the fact that they are gone and stop seeing yourself as a bad luck.” Ria wiped her tears again.
“Take a look-” Ria pointed to the kids that were playing happily around Cassidy and Jenna. “Don’t you want to be happy like them?”
Melissa looked at the children playing for a second. “I want to be happy.” She whispered.
“You know.. they all have their stories too. No parents, no family but they are still happy. Do you want to know why?” Ria asked.
“Yes.”
“It is because they were able to accept what life has given to them. They call it-accepting the fact that life is where we live in and love is what we have. And no one can make you happy until you are ready to experience happiness. So just forget about Uncle Finn words and be the Melissa everyone wants to see. They all want you to be happy. Always happy.” Ria encouraged in a calm tone.
Melissa stared back at the kids. “I’ll be happy.” She shook her head slowly.
Then Ria pulled her in for a hug. “Please be happy, Melissa.”
“Thank you, miss Ria.” Melissa sniffed.
Ria comforted her with soothing words and she only let go of Melissa after she cried and calmed down.
“Would you like to try your dress now?” Ria pinched her rosy cheeks.
“Yes.” Melissa replied. And this time there was a small smile on her face.
Ria crawled out of the table and reached out her hand to Melissa. She hesitated. “To be happy.” Ria said to her.
“Yes. To be happy.” Melissa replied as she crawled out of the table.
Ria and Melissa walked back to the spot where the other kids were trying out their dresses. “Cassidy, where is Melissa’s dress?” She asked.
Jenna and Mrs Russell focused on Ria and they exchanged glances when they saw their locked hands.
“Melissa is ready to try her dress so-”
“And I want to perform too.” Melissa cuts in sharply.
Everywhere became silent at her words. Every kid stopped playing and workers helping out stopped what they were doing when they heard her voice. Melissa glanced up at Ria with a look of disappointment on her face. Melissa was a bit embarrassed by the sudden silence and she fixed her gaze on the floor.
“Oh yes! You can perform Melissa!” Mrs Russell exclaimed.
“I’ll help you with the rhymes and choreography.” Jenna added.
Melissa’s face brightened a bit. “I know the rhymes and every of the moves.” She said in her low tone.
“You do?” Mrs Russell was shocked.
“Yes. I can do everything.” Melissa responded in a clear tone.
Ria knew Melissa must have seen and watched the other children practice but she couldn’t join them because of that perspective of being a bad luck. Melissa has lived in fear of hurting and causing harm to others for close two years.
“Can you show everyone?” Ria requested.
Melissa let go of Ria’s hands immediately. “I have a hope for a brighter future. I know I can do well. I am strong. I am confident.” She displayed the choreography and sang the rhymes so perfectly.
Everyone clapped for her. “That’s good! Oh Melissa, you can join the other kids!” Mrs Russell was excited to see the little girl so active.
Cassidy passed Melissa’s dress to Ria which was the last pack in the bag. Ria helped her into the dress and she looked beautiful in it!
“Wow!” Melissa exclaimed as she examined herself.
“You like it?” Ria asked.
“I love it!” She clapped her hands in excitement. Melissa tried to do the moves again in her dress. Then Mrs Russell began to clap and the others joined in.
“Thank you, Miss Ria.” Mrs Russell said as Jenna silenced the kids while Cassidy helped Melissa pull off the dress.
“So children what do you say to Granny Perla for paying for your beautiful dresses?” Jenna stated.
“Thank you, Granny Perla!” They chorused.
“And what about Miss Ria and Miss Cassidy?”
“We say thank you!” The children screamed in unison.
“And would you like to see them again?” Jenna demanded.
“Yes, we will like to see you soon!”
Ria smiled brightly. They are really amazing and beautiful creatures and she couldn’t help but smile at the sight of them.
“Now you all say.”
“Bye, Miss Ria. Bye, Miss Cassidy.” The children waved.
Three nannies came in to the waiting section and ushered the children to the direction of the dormitories. Ria crouched down to Melissa’s size.
“How do you feel?” Ria questioned.
“I feel happy. Thank you, miss Ria.” Melissa hugged her.
“You are welcome. And always remain happy.” Ria withdrew from the embrace.
“When will you visit us again?” Melissa asked.
“I will see you at the grand finale of the event.” Ria answered. She would try to make it to the event so she can to watch Melissa perform.
“Okay. Bye, Miss Ria.” Melissa waved.
“Bye, Melissa.” Ria stood up and waved as Jenna led her out of the waiting section.
“She would be a good mother right?” Mrs Perla said in a whisper to Cassidy.
“Miss Ria is pretty good with children.” Cassidy answered.
And how did Mrs Perla come to conclude that Ria would make a good mother? It can’t be that her quick interaction with Melissa made her decide so quickly that Ria would be a good mother.
“We should get going.” Ria said as she turned to face Cassidy.
“I think we are ready to leave.” Cassidy announced after packing the bags they won’t be needing at the foundation since each kid took their clothes into the dormitories and to be submitted to their assigned dormitory matron.
“I’ll take these bags to the car.” Cassidy exited the room.
“Thank you for today.” Mrs Russell thank Ria and shook hands with her.
“Anytime.” Ria replied.
“So I’ll leave you both alone to talk while I attend to the children.” Mrs Russell walked away.
“I wasn’t surprised with what you did with Melissa since you have adopted kids too. Ian told me about them. Phoebe and Phoenix right?” Mrs Perla said.
“Yes ma’am. I only did what I had to do to help the little girl.” Ria rubbed her palms together.
“That’s good. Please let me walk you to the car.” Mrs Perla offered.
“Thank you ma’am.”
They both walked out of the waiting section to the compound. “I should be the one thanking you Ria for making those pretty dresses. So thank you very much.” Mrs Perla smiled.
“You are welcome ma’am.” Ria entered the car.
“Bye Granny!” Cassidy waved at her.
“Take care Cassidy and extend my greetings to your mom.” Mrs Perla waved back.
Benjamin started the car and he drove out of the driveway. He pressed the horn and Mrs Perla waved them goodbye.
Chapter 62 Be my date
Ria frowned at the bedside watch when she heard the doorbell. The time was 10:30 p. m and she was already getting ready to sleep after the long day work at the orphanage home. Slowly and lazily, Ria hopped out of bed and motioned out of the room. She made her way towards the door and peered through the small gap on it. It was Ian!
Ian stood outside her door with a half smile on his lips when she opened the door. A searching look in his eyes as he took notice of what she was wearing. “I hope that I am not coming at a bad time? I mean.. it is late.”
“No.. no.. it is alright. I wasn’t asleep yet.” Ria stepped aside for him to walk into the house.
Suddenly she felt weak in the knees and butterflies sputtered in her belly when his body brushed hers. It was a ridiculous overreaction of seeing him. But there it was happiness hitting her straight in the heart at his presence. She missed him so badly.
“I just finished my work at the office.” Ian said.
Ria moistened her lips as she shut the door. “You.. you should have head home to rest and-”
“And check in tomorrow.” Ian completed her intended statement.
“Yes.” Ria agreed. She heard him draw in a deep breathe as if he was working up courage for what he was about to say.
“I can’t do that.” Ian countered.
“But you look so tired. You sure need a good rest.” Her fingers tightened around her nightgown.
“Listen Ria, I stood you up today by not driving you to the orphanage home so I won’t be able to forgive myself if I just head home without seeing you today.” Ian said in a sincere tone.
Ria swallowed hard trying to get her whirling emotion under control so she could think clearly. Ria couldn’t imagine why she was reacting so dramatically to his words. Maybe she was just tired than she had realized. Ria concluded in her head.
“Okay.” Ria said. The response was immediate and a bit husky.
“Where is ma’am Elise and everyone?” Ian asked, looking around the small apartment.
“Ma’am Elise went to her place to clean up. Ma’am Loretta and Cassidy went home too. Phoebe and Phoenix are asleep. I told all of them to have a good rest before we start working on the school uniforms.” Ria answered.
Ian moved away from her and dropped on the couch. “Alright. Everyone needs to have a rest after such work.” He was feeling tired and hungry.
“How was the visit to-” A growl from his stomach interrupted him. Ria glanced around trying to make out the sound. “To the orphanage home.” He completed.
“It was fine. The kids liked the dresses.” Ria replied.
His stomach growled again and Ria heard it clearly. “Are you hungry?” She asked him.
“Huh? No… No.. I am not-” Ian made a pause when he heard the growling sound again. This time it was even louder.
Then Ian recalled that he hasn’t eaten anything good all day except for the bacon and eggs that Mr Griffin dished him around 7:00 a. m when he was about leaving for work.
Ian sounded resigned when he said, “Yes.”
Ria couldn’t help but smile a little at his tone. Ian was starving and there is nothing much in the fridge except custard, yogurt, noodles, crackers and one lonely egg. They have been too busy to get down to the grocery store. But maybe the noddles will do.
“Would you like to have noddles?” Ria asked.
“I think I can do better with that.” Ian answered. A laugh was in his voice when he said that to her.
Ria nodded and jumped to her feet. She motioned towards the kitchen but stopped and turned back at him. “You can join me in the kitchen.”
Ian stood up, removed his suit and followed her. Ria gestured to him to sit on a stool in the small open kitchen. “You should have some yogurt. I still have some in the-”
“I would love to drink yogurt.” Ian interrupted gently.
“Okay.” Ria took out the carton of yogurt from the fridge and poured it into a cup before cooking the noddles.
They discussed about the Foundation. Ria didn’t tell him about the story she shared with Melissa but just the work they did at the foundation. Eventually, Ian got around to eating. Sitting at the table wearing only his jeans and unbuttoned T-shirt that revealed his white singlet under neath.
Ian scooped noddles with fork and ate it while admiring Ria as she enjoyed the yogurt and crackers. Her hair fell loosely down to her shoulder and back and her face was freshly scrubbed and she wore a black silk robe. She looked so beautiful that it was hard for him to concentrate on the food.
“I wasn’t sure if you would be glad to see me tonight?” Ian confessed.
Ria glanced meaningfully at her state of her near undress. They haven’t been this close to undress even in China. She had made sure that she wore good clothes and not a transparent sink robes around him and she always get fully dress before seeing him in the morning.
“Well I wasn’t expecting to see you today but I also hope that I managed to reassure you on that count.” Ria responded.
Thinking back over the past minutes he smiled. “Yeah.”
Her little giggle made him grin before he filled his mouth with another bite of noodles. He was relieved about her not being mad at him for not showing up earlier on and the noddles was good. Ian Bryant would have depended on directions found on his phone or the food pack to prepare noodles because he wasn’t good at cooking just house chores.
“Do you still have your business cards?” Ian asked.
“Yes.” Ria nodded.
“Do you have up to fifty?” Ian asked again.
Ria shook her head positively. “Why?”
“My mom requested for it. She said Madam Charity loved those dresses you made and will like to give out your cards at the event.” Ian explained.
“Really?” Ria demanded with a surprised look on her face.
Ian shook his head. “I didn’t expect it too but it would be nice to share the cards at the event.”
“I have enough cards. I think there should still be about three hundred cards in the safe.” Ria said only after a momentary pause of calculating the possible number of cards available in the safe.
“Alright.” Ian shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he recalled that he had planned to ask Ria to go with him to the association party as his date.
Ria studied his face. She perceived that he has something to say but it was hard to tell what he was thinking.
“Thank you for the food.” Ian pointed to the now empty plate.
Ria stood up and took the plate to the sink to wash it immediately. Then after it was done, she turned to see Ian staring intensely at her. Ria knew that he was working up his courage to say what was on his mind.
“Is everything okay at work? You look disturbed.” Ria also went on studying him with those blue eyes that were so intense.
Ian cleared his throat. He stood up and went to the spot where she stood wiping her hands on a clean napkin. “Actually, there is this-” He paused.
Ria’s aquamarine eyes drew him to her and it was as if they were casting a spell over him. Ian drew in a deep breathe. It is now or never!
“I belong to this association for business men and women. It is called BMW. And just like Amber Foundation annual party, we always have a party too but it is a dinner party and it is in three weeks time. Will you go with me? As my date.” Ian requested.
Ria jaw dropped immediately. “Ria, I know-”
“Oh.. I.. I don’t know if it is a good idea.” Ria stuttered in reaction to the word date. Even as a little voice in the back of her mind said it is a good idea. But going with him to the party full of rich and classy people isn’t a very good idea to Ria because she started to feel inferior.
Ria shook her head in disagreement but before she could say anything he said, “Come on Ria, I want to be there with you and I want you to be there with me.. no games.” He persisted.
“I shouldn’t go to such a party with you.” Ria whispered. It was a denial that made it clear that she doesn’t want to go to such a big party.
“Yes you should go with me. I don’t have anyone else to be my date.” Ian said.
“But.. I don’t belong to the association.” Ria countered.
“You don’t have to belong to the association to attend the party. People come around to meet new business partners and make connections. I am asking you to go with me to the party as my date and who knows you might get to talk about your business with people.” Ian said in a calm tone.
And then he did one thing that put her completely over the edge. He touched her. He reached a big capable hand to the side of her neck and rubbed a spot with the tender brush of his fingertips.
“Ria… say you will come with me to the party.” Ian went on to studying her with those eyes that were so intense.
Ria knew no color of pallet could do justice to her burning cheeks. And as much as she didn’t want to attend the party, it was hard to turn him down and and his intense gaze still drew her to him. Ria thought she might have the weakest will of anyone in the world because that was all it took for her to say..
“Okay. I’ll go with you to the party.”
Her response made him smile. A slow pleased smile with a trace of extreme satisfaction and it was mixed with an expression that says that she would make him a happy and joyful man.
“Thank you.” Ian whispered.
Ria shook her head in response.
“I should get going.” Ian said. And then as if it were perfectly natural, he leaned in closely and bent over to kiss her. On the cheeks!
“Prepare the cards. I’ll send Ramsey to get it tomorrow.” Ian smiled down at her again. “Good night.” He said sliding his hand away from her neck and leaving that spot naked for the loss.
Ria didn’t say anything. It took her few minutes to realize what just happened. A moment in which she just stood there looking stunned by his action. Ian kissed her and she had allowed it!
Ian stepped backward and made his way out of the kitchen. She stunned out of thought and followed him. She can’t just keep standing like that!
“Ian.” Ria called at him.
Ian already grabbed his suit and was close to the door when he turned to her.
“Have a good rest.” Ria said in a low tone.
“Thank you.” Ian nodded and opened the door.
The door clicked closed and then all Ria wanted was to go out there and throw herself into Ian’s arms but she can’t do it. Slowly, she walked back to her room after locking the door. And Ria wondered if it was possible that she was more attracted to Ian Bryant now than she thought because that was almost how it seemed.
She shouldn’t be attracted to him. But it didn’t help matters that Ian was simply the nicest and sexiest man she had ever encountered or that something about him drew her to him. She shouldn’t be having these thoughts too because she wasn’t going to act on it.
But the way things were shaping up, no doubt it was going to be it.
“No.. Ria.. this is not right.” She thought of it.
And Ria didn’t want to think things like wanting him to kiss her full on the lips and get lost in the taste of him. It wasn’t going to happen. Ria swore to herself that it wasn’t going to happen because she already realized that Ian was too good for her and she doesn’t deserve someone like him.
Ian deserves a better woman! Definitely not someone like her! Ria concluded as she rolled over her bed! She wiped a tear that already strayed down her cheek at the thought.
“He deserves a good woman with a clean past.” Ria chanted in her mind until she drifted into sleep.
Chapter 63 More than being business partners
The ringing of a phone startled Ria and she almost spilled the water in her hand. She searched the room for the source of the sound and realized abruptly that it was her ringtone. She spotted the phone at the end of the table just as it buzzed again. It was Ian!
‘Hello Ria.’
She heard him say after she picked up the call. ‘Hi Ian.’
‘I hope that I am not calling at a bad time.’ Ian cleared his throat.
‘I am less busy.’ Ria moved to the couch and sank on it.
‘I enjoyed every of our chats but I also missed hearing your voice, that’s why I called.’
A smile crept up her face. ‘It is good to hear from you, Ian.’
‘Likewise. So where are you?’
‘I am at home.’
‘Alright. So I spoke to one of the designers not quite long and she sincerely apologized for the delay. And she also said that your place will be ready by the end of next week.’
‘Oh! Good. But can I start working at the place when they are done?’
‘Yes you can move in the machine but-‘ Ian paused.
‘But what?’ Ria asked.
‘I am thinking of something.’ Ian said.
‘What is it?’
‘I am thinking that you shouldn’t just move in like that and start work. I mean, how about we launch the place like organize a party where people can come around and check out your designs and the place too.’
‘Is that necessary?’
‘Of course Ria! The launching will really helpful to create an awareness to the public. We have to let them know about the place and what the business is all about. It is going to be like we are bringing your business to spotlight.’ Ian stopped. ‘What do you think?’
Ria lapsed into silence. She was thinking. Over the past few weeks, Ian has been working hard towards setting up her workplace. Everything is almost set! Even Ria had to admit that the place is incredible and beautiful! It is more like a workshop with a boutique. Everything is about the whole place is outstanding! The designers did a great work! They followed Ian’s order of making the place the top most couture and fashion house in the state. That was what Ian told the designers he wanted for Ria!
Ian even paid an advertising agency to advertise the place when everything is set! And soon the business will be on billboards in the state.
Giving out Ria’s cards at Amber foundation annual party really helped the business. And virtually everyone at the party admired the dresses on the kids. Even Mrs Perla introduced Ria to some wealthy and rich personalities at the event too. The orders for dresses has tripled over the past few weeks and everyone is looking forward to seeing new designs of dresses on the website!
‘Look Ria -‘
‘Okay, let us do it. But how do we go about it?’ Ria cut him off. She agreed to his new plan because Ian knows what is best for her.
‘You have enough dresses right?’
‘Yes, a lot of dresses and we are still working on some of it.’
They have a lot of dresses. Ria and her team had made more than enough dresses from the profit earned from the contracts with Mrs Perla and Principal Brenda.
‘Good. I’ll talk to mom about it too. I am sure she will be willing to help. So for now let us wait for the designers to finish up at the place.’
‘Okay.’ Ria hummed
”So what about tomorrow?’
‘Tomorrow? The party right?’
‘Yes. Are you done with your dress?’ Ian asked.
‘I am almost done with it.’ Ria answered.
‘Alright. I’ll send Benjamin over tomorrow by four o’clock p. m. He will drive you to a friend who will help you prepare for the party.’
Ria furrowed her eyebrows. ‘What about you?’
‘I’ll be waiting at the party.’ Ian responded.
‘Okay.’ Ria sighed.
‘See you tomorrow.’ Ian disconnected the call.
“You are still yet to finish up the dress?” Ma’am Elise asked when she walked into the sitting room.
Ria stood up from the couch. “I am almost done with it.” She picked up the dress from the machine.
“You will turn out the best at the party.” Ma’am Elise smiled as Ria showed her the dress.
“No, I don’t agree with you. Obviously, there will more pretty, rich, mighty and classy women at the party. Women who are better than me.” Ria shook her head in disagreement.
Ma’am Elise rolled her eyes. “You have to take away that low esteem about yourself.”
“I don’t have a low self esteem.” Ria argued.
“You think so? Okay, let us just say that you are feeling inferior even before the party.” Ma’am Elise grabbed Ria’s hand and pulled her to the large mirror. “What do you see?” She asked.
Ria stared at her reflection in the mirror. “I am seeing another Ria Robert.” She answered.
“What do you call this type of face?” Ma’am Elise pointed at her face.
“I don’t… know.” Ria bit on her lower lip.
“This is called pretty and the body is called beautiful! You are damn gorgeous, Miss Ria!” Ma’am Elise coaxed as she moved away from the mirror. “So take away that inferiority complex.” She added.
Ria turned to face her. “Maybe you are right.” She replied with a shrug.
“I thought I heard you talking to someone over the phone.” Ma’am Elise said.
“It was Ian. He called to inform that the workplace will be ready next week.”
“He didn’t talk about the party?” Ma’am Elise asked.
“We talked about it. Benjamin is coming over to take me to a place by four o’clock tomorrow.” Ria answered.
“What place?” Ma’am Elise arched her brows.
“I don’t know much about it but Ian said that a friend of his will help me prepare for the party.” Ria responded as she sat down on the stool to continue sewing the dress.
Ma’am Elise went in search of her phone. “Hmm. Maybe it is a salon or a spa or a make up shop.” She wondered.
Ria nodded in agreement. “Maybe.”
“You know this is a big party so I am sure Mr Ian wants you to be the most beautiful woman of the night.” Ma’am Elise found her phone on the large table.
A red color crept up on her cheeks. “Is that it?” She asked itching the back of her neck.
Ma’am Elise turned to face her and she noticed the colors on her rosy cheeks. “Yes. But are you ready for it? I mean, there will be paparazzi waiting to take pictures of Mr Ian and you will be there with him.”
“Wait, are you saying that I’ll walk the red carpet with Ian?!” Ria gasped out.
“Exactly!” Ma’am Elise snapped her fingers.
And is she ready for that?! Ria shook her head from side to side. “No… I think it is a bad idea accepting the invitation.” She stood up from the stool abruptly.
“You know…. Actually it is not that bad.” Ma’am Elise smiled.
“What? This is a disaster! I haven’t walked on the red carpet before in my whole life! And what if people get the wrong idea about us?!” Ria paced the small area. She didn’t realize how this big party would affect her greatly.
“What idea? You are only going there as his date.” Ma’am Elise said. “Nothing bad about it.” She shrugged.
Ria stopped pacing. “Yeah, I am his date at the party. To the people of such caliber, being his date might means that I am the woman he is seeing at the moment but we are just business partners!” She emphasized.
Ma’am Elise rolled her eyes. “If they think you are his woman so will you go about convincing everyone at the party that you are just business partners? I suggest you don’t do it.”
“Why?”
“Look Miss Ria, Ian Bryant is every woman’s dream. He is a billionaire. His business is rated top one in America. He has everything; striking looks, intelligence and riches. I am hundred percent certain that many women at the party will be dying to be by his side.” Ma’am Elise showed her the search results of Ian Bryant on google. He has just been listed as the number one most handsome bachelor in Chicago on a site.
“What are you trying to say?” Ria asked in a low tone.
“What I am saying is that don’t act like a business partner but act like a proper date!”
Ria eyes widened. “What?! Are you saying I should act like we are in a relationship?!” She clarified waving her hand in a vague gesture.
“Yes. It is either you act like a proper date or you watch some ladies take him away from you tomorrow with just a drink or a dance.” Ma’am Elise demonstrated how it is likely to happen.
“No.” Ria mumbled.
“Then put on a better act!” Ma’am Elise snapped at her.
Ria pondered if she should consider what ma’am Elise is trying to say? If someone wants Ian then she should be better off than her! She concluded.
“Hold up, are you thinking all this is still classified under a business relationship?” Ma’am Elise asked in a serious tone.
Ria shot ma’am Elise a confused look and she raised an eyebrow at her. “Yes. It is a business Relationship.” Ria answered.
“Well in my opinion, I think this is becoming more than just business relationship.”
“To who?” Ria asked.
“It could be more than just business to you.. or Mr Ian.. I don’t know.” Ma’am Elise itched the bridge of her nose. “I need to wash the dishes.” She walked away.
And the fact remains that Ria doesn’t want to admit that Ian wanted something more than just being business partners or maybe she is the one over thinking!
“What if he doesn’t want to be more than a business partner?” Ria bantered internally. But she recalled three weeks ago, the night he came to ask her to be his date. The way he had looked at her and even the kiss on the cheek!
Perhaps is that how Ian relates with his female business associate? Pang of jealousy surged through Ria at the thought of Ian kissing another female eve on the cheeks.
“What’s going on with me?!” Ria slapped her cheeks to stop the images that was starting to form in her head.
What if Ian wants a proper relationship? Can Ria go into a relationship? “I would have to be intimate with him and I am not ready! Not now! My body isn’t ready to come in contact with any man!” She thought.
Ria knew that fact about herself. She was still trying to get over what Lucas did to her. A part of her wanted more than just being business partners with Ian but since she wasn’t ready so she won’t think about it.
Chapter 64 A late invitation
“Any news from Lint Corp?” Drake asked Alex who in turn checked the tablet in his hands to see if there was any mail from Lint Corp.
“No mail sir.” Alex replied.
Drake stopped the quest to sign a document and he dropped the ball point pen angrily. No mails from Lint Corporation? It has been weeks since the chief executive officer resumed back to work. Drake realized that it was now clear that Ian Bryant won’t sign that deal until he accept to give in to forty five percent. And it only means that meeting Ian Bryant in person so they could talk is the best option!
“Alex, do I have any meetings tomorrow?” Drake demanded. Today was already gone.
“No meetings. But you have an invitation to a party tomorrow.” Alex answered.
Drake arched his eyebrow. “What party?” He waited impatiently for a response.
Drake watched Alex as he clicked on the devise in his hands. He placed his hands together and contemplated on possible ways to deal with Ian Bryant.
“It says BMW.” Alex answered.
“Oh! BMW!” Drake huffed.
“Yes sir.” Alex nodded.
“Why are you just telling me about it? You should do your job well by checking all my mails at all times!” Drake snapped at his personal assistant.
“I am sorry sir. I forgot to check the spam box while I was checking the rest of the mails.” Alex apologized.
This is a chance to meet Ian Bryant. But will he at the party? Drake wondered.
“Alex find out the list of people that will be at the BMW party. Confirm if Ian Bryant is on the list now!” He said in a commanding tone.
Drake hoped that Ian would turn up at the party. Drake wasn’t at the party last year but he attended it two years ago. Then Frederick Robert was about to stepped down as the chief executive officer of Limos Company so he had used the party as a chance to introduce the next in line to all his business associates in Chicago.
Alex moved away from the mahogany desk to put a call through to his close friend who is working as an assistant to the deputy president of the business men and women association. He got the information he needed from the person.
“Yes sir, Ian Bryant is on the VVIP list.” Alex informed him after some minutes.
Drake bit on his lower lip. “Okay. Book me the next available flight to Chicago.” He ordered.
“Alright sir. Anything else?” Alex asked.
“I will need all the documents of the deal with Lint Corporation.” Drake answered.
“Okay sir.” Alex exited the office.
“How do I get Ian to sign this deal?” Drake stood up from the swivel chair and walked to the window pane. “Should I talk to him at the party as a friend then maybe that can make him sign the deal after party?” Drake pondered deeply.
Drake Robert was sure of one thing this time. He was not going to leave Chicago until Ian Bryant signs the deal.
“He should have a weak point.” Drake mumbled. He is determined to make Ian Bryant agree to his demands even if it involves doing some background check on him.
“I am certain someone like Ian Bryant must have a secret! Or maybe I should entice him with a lady?” Drake thought.
Whichever way it is, all Drake knows is that he must always get what he want!
***************
CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA
AT LINT CORPORATION
‘Hello Ziggy.’ Ian greeted.
‘Hey! What’s up, Ian Bryant?’ The voice boomed on a happy note.
Ziggy Gray is Ian’s old friend. They both went to the same college. Ziggy is a fashion stylist. He is an international model and one of the top most models in America. The only reason why Ian called Ziggy up is because he can help prepare Ria for the dinner party.
‘I am cool. Did you get my text?’
‘Text? What text?’ Ziggy sounded confused.
Ian heaved a sigh. ‘I sent a text saying that I have a dinner party to attend and I want you to make my date into a member of high society.’
‘Oh! It was you who sent the message?’ Ziggy gasped.
‘Yes.’
‘I am so sorry. One of my girls just read the text to me this morning and she didn’t mention the sender. I apologize. So what do I need to do with your date?’ Ziggy asked in an apologetic tone.
‘Nothing much. I just need you to get her an entirely new wardrobe, new shoes, hair, make up and jewelry.’ Ian stated.
‘That’s not a problem. When is the party?’ Ziggy asked.
‘The party is tomorrow by seven.’
‘Alright. But it is going to take a lot of work to make your date into a high member of the society.’
‘Oh! That reminds me, she is already has a dress to wear because she is a seamstress.’
Ziggy did the tsk tsk sound. ‘Ian Bryant, you know I don’t work that way. I pick out the dress myself to match the accessories, make up and hair too.’ He reminded.
‘Oh! Sorry I totally forgot! So now she doesn’t have to wear the dress?’ Ian asked.
‘I don’t need the dress. And what party is it?’ Ziggy asked.
‘Business men and women association party.’
Ziggy gasped. “Geez man! You would be spending a lot on your date for this party!’
‘I have enough money so just do what I want.’
‘Yeah, that’s why you are Ian Bryant. So bring your woman over tomorrow by four.’ Ziggy chuckled.
Ian chuckled too. ‘My driver will bring her over to your place.’
‘I’ll be waiting to receive your payment after my girl sends the bill.’ Ziggy blew kisses over the phone.
‘Bye.’ Ian disconnected the call.
Chapter 65 Party Preparation
Benjamin came over to Ria’s home with a man who introduced himself as Brandon. Ian assigned them to take Ria to Ziggy’s place. Driving through the city, Ria watched as the car passed several streets and shops until they reach their destination. Every windows of the enormous building that could pass as a fashion house has a designer brand engraved on it. People of high class walked in and out of the building.
The car pulled over to the side of the street and parked close to a curb. Looking out the window, Ria saw glittery gown and silk dresses through the glossy window of the building. The name of the building was Maxwell. Brandon was quick to slide out of the car to help Ria out of it too and he followed her into the building.
The inside was what Ria imagined. It was luxuriously decorated, clothing racks all filled with clothes in their abstract shapes and designs and colors. Brandon walked up to a man who Ria knew would definitely be a model. His figure was lean, tall and his skin tanned. He wore a designer outfit which was a red three quarter length shirt with a white vest in it and red pants. He also wore a silver necklace and held a fancy fan in his hand too.
“Brandon.” Ziggy called as his eyes looked passed Brandon and onto Ria.
“Hi Ziggy.” Brandon greeted.
“So is this the lady Ian Bryant told me about?” Ziggy asked Brandon.
“Yes.” Brandon nodded.
“Oh.” They both turned their eyes on Ria. Ziggy seem puzzled. His eyes did a slow crawl on Ria as she waited for him to say something.
“Not bad.” Ziggy mumbled as he moved passed Brandon and motioned towards Ria. “Ziggy Gray.” He held out his hand.
“Ria Robert.” She shook hands with him.
“Ian Bryant already told me about you. So let us see what I can do to your pretty looking face.” A smile formed on Ziggy’s face. “Come with me.” He pointed towards a direction.
“Okay.” Ria breathed out heavily.
Ziggy walked over to a section of the store that has all the dresses and there were a lot. Two women were standing near a white couch in front of a set of mirrors.
“Mr Gray, what can we do for you today?”
Ria watched Ziggy walk over to the women and he gestured to them to moved closer to him. The women did as he instructed and he dropped his arms around their shoulders.
“I need a dress for my friend here.” He said looking at Ria. “And it needs to stand out. Something that says I am the best.” He emphasized.
The women smiled at Ria. “We have few things she can try.” One of the women replied.
“Alright!” Ziggy let them go. “Let me see it!” He snapped his fingers.
Both women walked towards Ria and introduced themselves as Cindy and Sophia. They grabbed her arms respectively and pulled her through the store. They threw clothes into each other hands as they walk by hangers. Ria tried checking the price tags and she couldn’t help but gasp out at the prices-They are expensive outfits.
“Ian should have allowed me wear the dress I made.” Ria mumbled to herself.
But she also knew that it wasn’t Ian’s fault. Ziggy had stated that he would be the one to pick out a dress for the party.
“She should try these ones out.” Cindy said after they finished picking out so many dresses.
“Try it out. Everything.” Ziggy looked at Ria as he pointed at the dresses laying on the couch.
He made Ria try all of the dresses the women had picked out. He complained some were awful, some were too large, some were weird looking and even had bad color scheme. Even Ria also had question the fashion sense of some clothes designers in this time. She was in and out of dresses for almost forty five minutes and it was really tiring.
“Next!” Ziggy screamed out.
Ria was trying on this dress when Ziggy said to the women. “Oh! Take off that awful dress! I don’t think Ian Bryant needs some Zombie as his date tonight!”
Ria did her best to hold in the laugh because the outfit was pretty funny. The women giggled.
“We still have one last dress to try.” Sophia said to him.
Ria moved away from the pedestal and walked back into the dressing room. The last dress was hanging on the door. It was a long bright crimson gown with a deep V neck cut and it had a strap around the neck. It was a open back dress because the back side was halfway down.
Ria doubted if she would be able to wear such a dress to a party. She slipped into it and the fabric hugged every square inch of her body and beyond her thighs the dress opened up allowing for free flow. The open back side reached the end of her spine and somehow it managed to cover her whole ass. Ria liked the color of the dress but she hoped that the fashion stylist won’t like it so she doesn’t have to wear it.
Ziggy, Cindy and Sophia practically froze when Ria walked out and their eyes were glued to her. Ria stopped on the pedestals in front of the mirror and waited for someone to say a word.
“Well, this… is… perfect.” Ziggy clapped his hands in approval of the dress.
“Really? Is this dress not too revealing?” Ria asked with an arched eyebrow.
One of the women walked around Ria. “The dress compliments the right accessories. No doubt, you will be the main attraction at tonight’s party.” Sophia smiled brightly.
“Cindy, where is the diamond from Perla store?” Ziggy demanded.
“It is in the display case on the last floor.” Cindy answered.
“Go and prepare it. We’ll meet you on the floor soon.” Ziggy instructed.
“Sophia, go and get a pair of silver stiletto heels to go along with the diamonds.” Ziggy added.
“Alright.” Sophia and Cindy walked away in a hurry.
“We should move on to the next task. We have a lot to do in a short time.” Ziggy grabbed Ria’s hand.
“What’s on the next floor?” Ria asked as he pulled her along.
“Hair and make up.” Ziggy responded.
“Shouldn’t I change out of this dress before doing my hair and make up?” Ria asked again.
“Did you have a bathe before leaving home?” Ziggy asked.
“Yes.”
“So no need to pull off the dress plus Ian is buying everything.” He dragged her through the store
Ria didn’t like how Ziggy was dragging her along and how people stopped to stare at the dress on her body. “You need to act comfortable in this dress or else it would ruin the whole look.” Ziggy said finally and to make it worse for Ria, the elevator was filled with people.
The next floor was a salon. All the employees were all dressed the same way and they all looked professional. They were six people Ria could see sitting at each station. Four women were getting their hair cut, one was getting her hair dried and the last one was getting her hair washed.
“Rita.” Ziggy walked the middle row to a woman who wasn’t doing anything. Her hair was pure black, cut in a sassy way and she has a setting green eyes. She was beautiful.
“She needs something to compliment the dress.” Ziggy said.
“Alright.” Rita stepped closer and began pulling at the strands of Ria’s hair gently. “When was the last time you had a proper treatment and haircut?”
“I don’t remember.” Ria replied sharply. She doesn’t want to go down the lane of when she was blind and she didn’t have the chance to visit the salon. She just washed her hair in the shower.
“Once or twice a year?” Rita asked.
“Once.” Ria only said the word that came to her mind at that moment.
“Way too long. Not washing and treating it regularly has damaged the hair and it is also too dry.” Rita looked over at Ziggy. “What is she wearing for accessories?” She asked.
“Perla’s diamond.” Ziggy asked.
“Very nice. I will start out with the treatment to bring the hair back to life. A few highlight and then a simple bun in the back.” Rita analyzed.
“That’s cool.” Ziggy replied.
“You’ll pay double the amount because this is a whole lot of work.” Rita smiled.
“Bills on Ian Bryant.” Ziggy flashed her a wink.
So this is what it feels to be dressed up by the foremost stylists. Ria thought as Rita took her over to the wash basin. She undid the braid and dunked her hair under water. Rita’s fingers massaged Ria’s scalp and hair.
After some time, Rita wrapped her hair in a towel when she finished and led Ria to a chair. Ria sat while Rita mixed foamy items in a foil on her counter.
“Wait a minute, I hope this won’t change my hair color?” Ria demanded as her eyes met the hair stylist eyes in the mirror.
“It won’t change the color.” Rita replied. She combed Ria’s hair up and covered it with the mixed concoction. “Alright you can seat here.” She moved Ria over to the hair drier.
“Good?” Rita asked.
All Ria did was give a nod. After about two minutes, there were no words to describe how uncomfortable she felt because the drier was hot. Ria was sure that she looked like a scared young woman who is out of her mind. To be honest, she was also nervous about the party.
Few minutes passed when Rita came around and pushed the drier up with a smile on her face. “Now let us make you the best.”
“I hope so.” Ria forced a small smile on her face as they walked back to an empty station.
Her hair was mostly dry but Rita grabbed the blow drier and finished it using a brush to straighten the hair out. looking into the mirror, Ria could see the wonders Rita was doing to her hair and she almost didn’t recognize her hair.
Ria felt like a Queen as they did things for her. She has never taken care of herself this way. Of course! She was a blind lady who never knew or cared about these things. And even now that Ria could see she was more concerned about the business, Phoebe and Phoenix too. She was more concerned about how she would pay bills, feed her children and necessary things needed to survive.
But Ria felt refreshed by the makeover even though she knew this fairytale would only last tonight. So Ria decided that even if she wasn’t living the rich life she wanted, she was going to enjoy the feel of it today.
Rita put her hair up. She pulled the hair and twisted it back in a bun holding it in with a lot of bobby pins that jammed at her scalp. “Does it hurt too much?” Rita asked.
“It hurts a bit.” Ria confessed.
“Alright. I’ll loosen it a bit.” Rita removed a pin and placed it loosely to hold a few strands of hair. She added hair spray for a finishing touch which made the hair glitter.
“I am done!” Rita announced.
“Wow! If I hadn’t seen you earlier I would have thought you were another person.”
Ria looked over her shoulder and there was Ziggy with Cindy and Sophia-The fashion trio!
“We still have enough time to turn you into the best lady. All that is left is final touches and that nervous attitude of yours had better disappear by the time we get to the venue.” Ziggy looked at his watch.
“So what’s next?” Ria asked.
“Make up is next.” Ziggy pulled out a big green box and set it on the counter.
“Are you doing my make up?” Ria raised her eyebrows in confusion.
“Yes. Five years of being an international model so I can do a woman’s make up.” Ziggy grinned.
“You are a model. I knew it.” Ria mouthed
“Ziggy Gray is one of the best models in the state.” He said with boastfully. “Please close your eyes.” Ria did as he instructed.
Two new ladies joined Ziggy as he did the highlights on Ria’s face while they handed him the necessary things needed for the make up. Minutes clicked in silence and he said, “Alright, I am done. What do you think?”
Ria opened her eyes and she didn’t know who she was looking at in the mirror! “This… is… certainly.. not me.” She stammered.
The woman in the mirror looked like she was born for a rich life! The Ria Robert she knows was born blind and poor but now she looks totally different! The new Ria Robert is beautiful with darker and thick eyelashes, dark eye shadows sidelined with bright color on the side and a red lipstick.
“This is Ria Robert. Now try the heels.”
Sophia set the box on the floor and pulled out a stunning pair of pure silver three inches stiletto heels. Ria slipped on the shoes and they fit in perfectly!
“How did you know what my size was?” She asked in a surprised tone.
“Who else? Ian Bryant told me. And I also checked your shoe while you were trying on the dresses. My client was right about your size.” Ziggy replied as he grabbed a small box from Cindy.
“Now for the diamonds. These are the Perla Bryant’s diamond. Ian wants you to wear the necklace and bracelet to the party. They are not to be lost because these are worth over twenty million dollars.” Ziggy warned in a stern tone.
“What?!” Ria eyes widened and her jaw dropped too. Twenty million dollars accessories and they want her to wear it!
“Wait a minute! I can’t wear it.” She rushed out her words.
Ziggy rolled his eyes. “He wants you to wear these accessories on your outfit.”
“He paid for it?” Ria blurted out.
Ziggy shook his head positively. “Yes. And as a matter of fact it is the latest diamond combined accessories in the country. Every woman is wishing to have it.”
Why did he buy such an expensive accessories?! These diamonds are worth twenty million dollars because of a party!
“Just make sure that you don’t lose it at the party.” Ziggy opened the box and it took her breath away.
The diamonds are beautiful. There are diamonds in little heart shapes topped with blue sapphires draped in a necklace. The earrings and bracelet were refined in a heart like shape of sapphires at the centre.
Ziggy took the necklace out of the case and sting it around Ria’s neck. Cindy wore the bracelet for her while Sophia did the earrings.
“I think you are ready for the party.” Ziggy said as he reached his hands out to Ria Robert.