PAID

Chapter 13–Not sorry

Ella's POV:

Every time I try not to fall in love with Jade, it just turns out to be the reverse. I have never felt this way before. This was all new to me. The love, care and protection. The fact that he is not ashamed of my past of who I used to be makes me feel very terrible. I don't know if I can go through with the whole arrangement anymore. Now I think I regret ever venturing into this deal. Just maybe if I had waited a little longer he would have approached me because the way he stared at me and smiled when I came to clean up his office made me feel beautiful even if he later tried to cover it up with the barking orders he kept giving. 

"Wake up from this daydream Ella," I say to myself. If I had waited for Jade then I would have died of starvation. How certain was I that he would come looking for me? This is not Cinderella. Mrs Margret came to my aid at the right time. I owe her and telling her I quit is not a good way to pay her back seeing as she picked me up from my misery and changed my life.

I enjoyed dinner with Jade today even though he made sure that at every point in time a man stared at me inappropriately or for too long he would take my hand and trail it up with kisses or touch me in a way that would make them look away instantly. 

At first, I couldn't tell what was going on all I knew was he kept on rubbing my hand or looking at me intensely and smiling that I couldn't just take my eyes off him not until I caught him in the act when our orders were been taken and again when a man walked past us and was staring at me.

I can't tell if being the only child and having none of your stuff being shared is what is making him this possessive. I don't even know what to call this. Being possessive or an obsession.

Tomorrow is his parent's anniversary. I feel so nervous. The number of people that will be attending. Notable politicians, top businesses tycoons, people of timber and calibre. Would I ever fit in? But he did promise to protect me. That surety alone brought me peace of mind. Knowing this I fall asleep and wait for what tomorrow will bring.

This is the best I have slept so far. I feel good. I remove the duvet and stroll towards the mirror to check if the hickey had faded to know which kind of dress I will be wearing later in the day for the event. Unfortunately, they were still visible. 

I stroll into my closet and my eyes land directly on the black lace high neck dress on the mannequin. Perfect! I say as I leap for joy. I rush towards the mannequin to take off the dress and try it on. I must confess Jade was nowhere close to his mother when it came to taste and style. Every single piece she ordered in my closet was unique and distinct. Judging from the look of the dress I could tell it was very expensive. After struggling to zip the dress, I move to the large standing mirror in my closet and I just stare at my reflection dumbfounded. 

With bed hair and no makeup, I couldn't believe that It was Ella staring right back at me. I pick up my phone and quickly dial the makeup artist and book in for an afternoon appointment. I pair up the gorgeous dress with a runway scarpin high heel and a pearl earring. 

You must be thinking about how I know all this designer stuffs and their name. Well, a little exposure from my recent workplace, my newly made friends and lastly the Internet. I browse constantly about virtually everything so I don't end up being left out or feeling out of place. That's the way I learnt how to blend with the status quo.

After sorting out my outfit for the event, I prepare myself a cup of coffee and toast for breakfast. While waiting for the makeup artist, I bring out my sketch pad and begin to draw new designs of dress ideas. 

There is a knock at the door so I go to check who is there and find out it's the makeup artist Mr Oscar with his magic working tools. I usher him and ask if he will love to have anything before he starts work which he respectfully declined saying he still had an appointment somewhere else so he had limited time.

I quickly take a shower while he sets up the instrument and materials he would be making use of. One of my very good friends recommended him. I was told he had the magic finger. I just hope it's true what they say about him.

Finally, Mr Oscar is through with my hair and my make up. I wear my dress, step into my shoe and put on my pearl earring. When I'm through with everything, I am left with the zipping of my dress so I call Mr Oscar to help me out. 

Immediately Mr Oscar sees me the hair instrument in his hand drops to the floor and he opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes out and he just stands still leaving me baffled. 

"Please Mr Oscar can you help me zip my dress? "

"Sorry for spacing out. Sure. I knew you were beautiful but I didn't know you were this beautiful. Your man is one lucky one. Have You seen yourself in the mirror? Please come this way." He says as he leads me to the mirror.

"Wow. Where is Ella?" I say to myself. 

"She is standing right here in front of the mirror." Mr Oscar says. 

Mr Oscar indeed had the magic fingers. My makeup was flawless and my natural curls were packed into a messy bun leaving some strands to drop by the side. I was looking prepossessing. Remind me to thank Dora.

"Mr Oscar I don't know how to thank you enough. I appreciate everything you have done for me so far. "

"Oh please, Ms Adeoye I am just doing my job. I'll be on my way now. I have another appointment."

I see Mr Oscar off to the door and just immediately he leaves I'm about to close the door when I see Jade walking towards me with a questioning look. My ovaries. Whose child is this? He was looking like a model on a Vogue cover.

"Why do you have that questioning look on your face? You better explain whatever this is because right now I am confused. "

"Who was that man that just left right now."

"Seriously? Jade, he is my makeup, artist." 

"What happened to all the female makeup artist in the whole of Lagos that it had to be a man that could attend to you." 

"Jade I'm not in for all these interrogations and I'm getting pissed already. Are we going or should I undress? You are not going to ruin my mood. You act like a spoilt brat."

"I am sorry. Please forgive me I must have misread the situation. I trust you, babe."

"I just going to let this slide but you can't always be sorry. It's becoming irritating."

My jealousy didn't let me see how beautiful you are. A lot of girls will be very envious of your beauty and assets so be prepared because they'll try to make you feel bad and throw a lot of daggers at you with their words, attitude and actions but I'll be here by your side. Whatever they say or do please do me a favour and try to condone everything. 

After everything he said, he started the car and drove to his parent's house. On the way to his parent's house, I try to think of the worst things that could be said. One thing I assure myself to feel a little better is that no one from Jade's place of work will easily recognize me. I pray. 

We enter an estate with tall green trees with a beautiful garden by the side of the driveway and a fountain right in front of a big mansion. I knew he was rich, what I didn't know was that he was this rich. Who else will pay a sum of twelve million naira for this kind of deal? 

"Oh my God. Is this your parent's house?"

"Yes, it is love." He says as he comes down to open my door and leads me inside by the arm.