Chapter 7: Home
818 Words
Three days later the news broke round the internet.
The headlines.
“Billionaire CEO Engaged in Surprise Office Romance.”
By noon, Hills Ventures was under siege, cameras lined the entrance. Reporters shouted questions. Social media exploded with speculation.
Sumayah stood frozen in Omarion’s office, staring at the television screen mounted on the wall.
Her name was trending.
Her face pulled from her employee ID photo which flashed across entertainment channels.
“She’s not even his type,” one commentator said.
“Another opportunist,” another added.
Sumayah felt her stomach twist.
“This is exactly what I wanted to avoid,” she murmured.
Omarion muted the television.
“They’ll talk for a week,” he said. “Then they’ll move on.”
You’re used to this,” she replied quietly. “I’m not.”
His jaw tightened slightly.
“I’ll handle the press conference,” he said. “You just stand beside me.”
“Just stand beside you?” she echoed.
“Yes.”
Her laugh was soft and disbelieving. “You make everything sound simple.”
“It has to be,” he replied.
Before she could respond, his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen, expression hardening.
“Blackwood Holdings just requested an emergency review with the board,” he said.
“They’re reacting to the engagement?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“And?” She said with lots of anxiety.
“And this is exactly why we’re doing this,” he replied.
For the first time, Sumayah saw the battlefield clearly.
This wasn’t about romance, it was about power and she had just stepped into the center of it.
“We have to announce our engagement officially today,” Omarion said.
Sumayah all anxious. “Where are we going to do that.” She asked
“I have a gala tonight, that is a perfect opportunity to act and announce it.” He continued. “ A dress would be sent to your apartment this evening, be ready by 9pm.”
Everything seems serious now, she doesn’t know how to react no more.
All she could do was to obey and follow his orders at that moment.
That night, as they stood before flashing cameras announcing their engagement. Omarion’s hand rested lightly on her waist.
The touch was subtle, but grounding.
“We’re very happy,” he said smoothly into the microphones.
Sumayah forced a smile, nodding.
When a reporter shouted, “How long have you two been in love?” her breath nearly caught.
Omarion didn’t hesitate. “Long enough to know she’s the only woman I want beside me”The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly.
But when he looked at her, just for a second something flickered there, something almost real and for reasons she couldn’t explain, that scared her more than anything else.
At this point the reporters questions were becoming too much and Sumayah started getting tired and uncomfortable.
Omarion noticed, he held her hand as he led her into the gala, they met with lots of business partners and he introduced Sumayah as his wife to be to some of his close friends.
Some were happy and congratulated him while some believe it was all a game.
It’s already past midnight and the party is starting to end, guest has been leaving while Sumayah sat alone on their table just few steps away from Omarion and his business partners.
He looked back at her and noticed how exhausted she looked.
She was massaging her feet as if they hurt from the shoes she was wearing.
“If you will excuse us, my bride to be and I would like to go home and have some rest.” He said politely to his partners.
He stood up and walked toward Sumayah, stretched out his hand to help her on her feet. “It’s time to go” he whispered as she stood.
Excitement filled sumayah’s heart as she was ready to be home as soon as they arrived.
They both walk towards the car park with the help of his securities as they were being chased with cameras and more questions.
“You are coming over to my place tonight” he said.
Sumayah was too tired to react and just wanted to be in bed and sleep.
Their ride back home was quiet and tensed.
She couldn’t believe how easy it was for him to lie and act like there was love between them.
Approaching his estate she loosen up a bit, looking at how beautiful and big the estate was. It was silent, calm and peaceful. A place for the rich. You could barely hear a word except from the wind.
She saw the Statement Board of the gate. “WElCOME TO THE HILLS.” She knew she was home,well her home for a year and she is ready to live it to the fullest.
- Writer
