PAID

Chapter 10–Unexpected

Months roll by and it's finally a few days to my birthday and I intend to throw a big party. From my first salary, I sent twenty per cent to Mrs Pat I had to paint it in such a way that the money paid to her account was the money the government paid her for her contribution in the orphanage home and the remaining, I spent on Iya Risi. During those month's I have been able to sew a few of my designs and I can't wait to launch my line.

Jade and I haven't reached that point that I wanted us to so far but I think it was good for me partially and it was bad because I still haven't been able to get Jade to sleep with me to carry his child just like I was paid to do. Desperation will make you do a lot of stupid things that at one point in your life will cause regrets. My child will forever look at me with disgust if he or she gets to find out the whole process of this been paid to marry their father and bear him a child. This is something that will haunt me forever and I can live with it. Mrs Margret always updated me on the details of how Jade couldn't stop bringing up my name into their conversations.

Aiden and I have been keeping in touch and we've become best of friends. Jade now does his fitting in his office or house so I barely see him. So far I have been able to make some friends and I'm launching my clothing line on my birthday. Aiden has been of big help with my birthday preparation so far.

I walk out of my closet looking like a princess. I don't know the magic that was performed on my face and hair but I love it. I walk out to the awaiting Aiden and his mouth opens immediately he sees me.

"Jeez. Are you sure you are human because I hear it's angels that can look this breathtaking?"

I blush at his comment and reply to him. "Then consider me an angel."

"Happy birthday El," he says as he brings out a nicely wrapped box.

"Aw thanks," I say and hug him. 

"Open it."

I open the box and there's a necklace with a rose pendant. He puts the necklace on my neck and truthfully I have never seen anything so gorgeous.

"Thanks this is beautiful," I say as I tear up. I quickly dab it so as not to ruin my makeup. The house is fully decorated and Aiden leads me down the stairs when the celebrant was called.

I invited Jade's assistant. We became close friends after we coincidentally met at the salon. She also comes to pick up some of Jade's clothes. I also invited Jade but I still haven't seen him yet. There are a lot of gifts from different people which I'll be opening later. Iya Risi decided to handle the catering services of my birthday even after I insisted that she shouldn't. I'm happy she insisted though because her cooking skill is top-notch.

After hours of celebrating, dancing, mingling with people and selling out my newly made designs, the party finally comes to end with everyone back at their various houses. Too bad Jade couldn't make it. I wanted him around.

I send Aiden home to rest because he did most of the organising. I bid him goodbye and close my door. My feet hurt like hell in this killer heels. Just when I'm about to take them off, the doorbell rings. Could it be that Aiden forgot something?

I open the door and guess who is standing right before me in all his glory? of course Jade.

"Wow guess who's early? the party is yet to start." I say giving him my best smile. Go home the party is over Jade."

"Happy birthday to the world's most beautiful girl. You look stunning. I know I'm late and no amount of explanation justifies my reason but can I come in?" 

I don't want to let him in. All I want to do is send him home for making me watch the door a zillion times but his eyes are piercing through my soul. 

"Fine come in," I say. 

"Thanks. Happy birthday and here's your birthday gift," he says handing out a tiny box to me and an expensive wine that cost God knows how much. I open it and see a key.

"What's the key for?"

"My assistant brought in a box containing a dress for one of my business partner who is also a close friend. She couldn't stop telling me about how she stole the show at a function. So I asked my assistant who the designer was and she mentioned your name. I asked for your office address and she told me you were yet to have one so I decided to get you an office building of your own since she said you are still looking for a nice space."

Tears are rolling down my cheeks and I can't stop them.

"Jade that's too much for a birthday gift. I can't accept it.

He starts to clean the tears running down my face and whispers into my ear.

"Shhh... anything for you and this is the smallest of things I am willing to do for you." He says as his mouth grazes my earlobe which sends shivers down my spine.

"I'll pour that into a glass for both of us," He says and walks into the kitchen while I take off my shoe.

He serves it and when I take a sip I fall in love with it.

"What is the name of this wine? it is fantastic."

"It's a Cheval blanc 1947. Wow that's a beautiful neckpiece," he says

"Oh, this? Aiden gave it to me as a birthday present."

"Seriously? Aiden. I should have known I was wasting my time."He says and laughs.

"What do you mean by that? I told you before we are nothing but close friends and you can't just hide for months and pop out of the blues"

"So now it's not just friends but close friends. Who buys a friend a neckpiece made of gold with diamond stones on it. That is one very expensive gift for a friend. I just knew it. I knew that was his car parked outside the other time I came but I just wanted to clear it off that it couldn't possibly be him but all along I was right. What in the world do you want? I'll give you. Is it money, time, hundred per cent love and fame just say it. I will give you." he says walking up to me and I keep on moving backwards till my back hits the wall 

I have never seen Jade with this look. There is so much pain in his eyes and veins are popping out on his forehead. I smile knowing that should reduce the tension in the air. At first, he is shocked and then I begin to massage his temple and those veins start to disappear. I lean in for a kiss and immediately our lips meet our tongues began to intertwine and finally after what looks like ages I put an end to it and whisper against his lips." Call your driver and go home. You've had more than enough alcohol in your system. I wouldn't want you driving under the influence of alcohol. Goodnight I say and head to my room without waiting for his reply.