Chapter Four
986 Words
The Invitation
Emma woke up early the next morning because she had placed the alarm closer to her bed. It was buzzing so strongly that she had no option but to wake up. She groaned softly, stretched her body and yawned. She looked at Liam, who was still sleeping. He wrapped his hand around his teddy bear.
She looked at him for a while, then smiled and pecked him, brushing his hair with his hand. If only life could just be like this for them, just the two of them
But she knew everything would soon change. It is complicated, but it is reality.
She got to work that morning and was surprised to see posters and banners pasted everywhere. It is a Knight Enterprise Annual Charity.
Emma was not comfortable with the notice. She believed in a low-key life. She doesn't like crowds, and at this event, a lot of people will come with reporters and dignitaries, all over London.
She went to her desk to do some work she had left. She raised her head and saw Alexander walking towards her office. She felt cold and asked herself what he would probably ask her this time.
“Good morning, Miss Davis,” he greeted her with a deep, smooth voice. He had not addressed her with that since she had resumed the company.
She replied quickly, “Good morning, sir,” and looked away.
He handed over a silver envelope to her. “I would like you to attend the charity gala tomorrow. Not only you, but your nephew too. This is a special invitation from me to you.”
Emma froze for some seconds before she said softly. “Liam, sir?’’
“Yes, him”. Alexander affirms.
Emma faked a smile and responded. “ That is very kind of you, sir, but…”
“It wasn't an invitation if you are thinking of turning it down. It is an order, Miss Davis
“An order?” She asked
Alexander just nodded, and Emma faked a smile and said. “Ok sir!”
The next day, the event hall was designed. There are crystal lights hung from the ceiling, and waiters are moving around with different brands of drinks. Guests were walking in and out in different attire that was very beautiful.
Emma was dressed in a simple blue dress. She was holding Liam's hand tightly, and they both stood near a corner in the hall, a place where less attention was paid.
Despite being in the corner and wearing a simple dress, Alexander saw her while he was greeting his guest. She looked simple in the dress, but she was very beautiful and different.
He quickly excused himself from some guests and then walked towards where Emma and Liam were standing.
He said with a slight smile, looking at Emma. I thought you wouldn't come.”
Emma replied with a slight smile. “I would not have come if not for an order, sir.”
Alexander then looked at Liam, who had been hiding shyly behind Emma. He smiled and said calmly with a nice smile. “Hey, fine boy. What is your name?”
Liam said shyly in a low tone. “My name is Liam'’
Alexander repeated the name calmly. “Liam? That is cool.” He felt perfectly relieved talking with Liam as he had totally forgotten he was the host.
He stood up, but his eyes stayed on Emma. Something deep inside told him this child was not just a random boy.
“You are a smart boy, and I like you for that," Alexander said softly. Liam replied. “ Yes, my mum always tells me that.
He took them to a special place for them to sit as the event continued.
A few hours later, they have a special activity for children to do.
Every child here will write about something special to them, and the most outstanding ones here will get a special gift from Mr. Knight
Liam looked at Emma's eyes and asked,” Mummy, can I participate?”
Emma initially didn't want him to join the contest, but she nodded and said, Please go ahead, my sweetheart and make me proud.”
Liam ran to join the other children. He took a book and a pencil, then he started writing. Emma was not comfortable with where she sat as she watched Liam write.
Alexander was also watching Liam. Emma looked at where Alexander was seated, and their eyes met. She quickly looked away.
“Time up!” The coordinator of the program said, and the children submitted their work. They picked the three best write-ups.
Liam's write-up caught everyone's attention as the host read it. Not only did he write it, but he was also crying while writing it, so the tears in her eyes dropped on the book.
The host read, “Daddy, I have waited too long. I can't wait to hug you and show you to my classmate who said I don't have a father. Mummy said, You are busy working for us. Make sure you come home to see me soon. Liam.
The host asked Liam about his father, and Liam said he had not seen him before, that his mother only told him he had traveled and that he had gone to work for them.
The whole hall was quiet. Some people were crying already. Emma could not hold it, but she was crying as well.
Alexander looked at her from where he was sitting. He stood up and walked to her. Emma was not looking up. Alexander offered her a handkerchief she had collected without looking up. She cleaned her face and looked up. It was Alexander. She wanted to pretend all was well, but it was too late.
Alexander said to her, “, Emma, we need to talk. I mean, we need to talk now.”
- Writer
