The Billionaires Crush

Episode 4

Ernest, torn between disbelief and a surge of emotions, responded, "I don't know, Mark. But the resemblance, it's so uncanny... it can't be a coincidence. It has to her. We need to find out more." He always believed he would be able to spot her from miles apart but he had forgotten as people grew so did some features. Although not as slim as before, Zelia had gained a little bit of flesh over the years, and her hairstyle and demeanour had evolved. Back in the day, her hair was quite short and her style was always jeans and t-shirt but the woman in front of him was in a dress a stark contrast. The passage of time had woven subtle changes into her appearance, making it more challenging for Ernest to immediately recognize her yet he believed it was her.

They decided to discreetly follow Zelia and the kids to their room, hoping to uncover more pieces of the puzzle. As they approached the designated floor, Zelia, engrossed in conversation with the kids, was unaware of the intrigue following her every move. but Layla had spotted a shadow that had been lingering.

Reaching their room, Zelia ushered the kids inside, still unaware of the shadowy figures maintaining a careful distance. Once the door closed, Mark whispered, "What's the plan, Ernest?"

Ernest hesitated, his mind racing with a mix of confusion and anticipation. "Let's give it some time. I need to be sure before confronting her. If she is who I think she is, there has to be a reason she's kept her identity hidden. Let me call Dufie, he can probably get me more information."

Mark nodded in agreement as Ernest took out his phone to make a discreet call to Dufie, a trusted friend and the owner of the Hotel Zelia was currently staying at... As they waited for more information, they kept a close eye on the room where Zelia and the kids were staying. Ten minutes later, they came out and moved to the spacious dining hall in the hotel to eat after refreshing up in their hotel rooms. The hotel's dining room exuded an air of sophistication, combining modern and traditional aesthetics. The dining tables were arranged neatly, with comfortable chairs that invited guests to relax and enjoy their meals. Large windows allowed natural light to filter into the dining hall, offering glimpses of the outside scenery.

Duffie, on the other end of the line, answered after a couple of rings. "Ernest, what's up? Long time no talk. It's so unlike you to call. It's usually me begging you to pick up your damn phone"

Ernest signed "Right! cut it out. I need your help?" "Finally! You know, I was always wondering when you would need my help. You were always perfect at doing your own thing. so what is it." Ernest then quickly briefed Duffie on the unexpected encounter and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Zelia. Henry Dufie, being in charge of his family's hospitality industry promised to look into it right away.

While they waited for Duffie's investigation, Ernest and Mark continued to observe discreetly, making sure not to draw any attention to themselves. Layla, the observant one among the kids, had a sense that they were being followed. She whispered to Ethan, " I think those two guys we saw earlier are still around, they seem to have been following us for a long time, Check ant-clockwise, 90 degrees." Turning to spot them Ethan continued to eat without any care and said,

"Oh! That is probably our father with whoever I am not sure of" Layla nodded, she had suspected their relation to the man after encountering him earlier during the day. "What do you think he wants?" "He's probably just surprised to see us look like him and also probably thought we would not survive". The kids had their own opinions about their father. They had seen their mother tear his pictures several times and at the same time cuddle his pictures. It was a love-and-hate relationship. They had also overhead snippets of their mother's past in conversations she had with their grandparents and parents to know they were not biologically related to them and their mum was not a native of that town.

"Or he never knew about us" Eliana who had been quiet listening to their conversation suddenly said. "And how would you know?" We can always find out. Ethan winked at him pulling out his mobile phone. He discreetly took a picture of Ethan and scanned it on the web, he later entered some codes and the Information appeared. The sisters all gathered. Their mother had stood up to go order their food.

"Name: Ernest Anderson, currently in charge of the Anderson Group Limited and managing the family financial sector despite having other ventures. He is known to be one of the most eligible single billionaires talked about in the country. He has no bad name so far. He went to a popular University in the State. Since his return, his reputation has been that of a ruthless businessman and the family business has thrived under his leadership. But he seems to be struggling currently with work. What do you think of this?" He turned to face his sisters who were in deep thoughts. "What do you think could have happened?"

.....................................

"What did you find?" Ernest asked immediately he answered his phone. "How about we make a deal? I tell you the information I have so far and offer some advice or suggestion and in exchange you come to the bar tonight." "HENRY DUFFIE!" "Come on, you need to update us on the finances of the NGO so you might as well come. It's not every day I get to you." Ernest conceded. "Fine. so tell me. What did you find."

"Well for starters her name is Zelia Koomson and she appears to be a critically acclaimed Public Relations Practioner not from here though. Checking the details. I noticed this is their 3rd visit although this seems to be her first. She may be the one or maybe not but if your guts keep telling you something, you might as just well go with it. I believe in fate like that." That was how he was. Always sentimental sympathising and empathizing with people. He always did whatever came to him consequences be damned. He was spontaneous and his life in the public eye seemed to be perfect.

Ernest couldn't help but appreciate Duffie's approach to life. Despite the gravity of the situation, Henry's words resonated with a certain wisdom that often accompanied his unconventional thinking.

"Thanks, Henry. I'll take your advice. I might drop by the bar later," Ernest responded, acknowledging the unspoken camaraderie between them. As he hung up, he whispered. "What now?" "Actually sir, I took the girl who had the attack earlier's hair when I saw how they resembled you." "So, what are you doing? get it tested now." He shouted causing some stares. "You should have told me earlier". He lowered his voice this time around. Mark belatedly vanished from his face and quickly retreated to a more discreet spot, away from prying eyes, as Ernest tried to regain his composure, he joined him.

"Mark, we need to act carefully. If that hair sample confirms a biological connection, it could change everything. We can't let them leave. Send people to keep an eye on them. Also, make sure you get the hair tested discreetly," Ernest whispered urgently.

Arriving at the bar, the place was lively with a mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The neon lights adorned the walls, casting vibrant hues across the diverse crowd. The scent of cocktails and the hum of conversations filled the air. Ernest quickly found his group. "hey buddy." he walked up to them and they bomp-fisted.

"You really know how to show up man. I can't imagine we get you to be present by using her. We should have thought of that a long time ago" one friend, Adrain said. "He is just p***y whipped and I don't blame him. Among us, he had stayed true to one person he had never had for whatever reason I can't think of. I mean, he kept looking for her all over the country, he was just left to start looking outside. I for one believed she didn't exist and was an image he created to cope with his single-ass life... Haha." Philomon said. "Says the man in my shoes looking everywhere for his wife like he has gone mad." Ernest commented giving himself a seat beside them. "she will be found soon," Philemon said sipping his drink. "she has to be. he murmured. Clearing his throat Duffie said..

"It has been a while since we all gathered so can we all met so can we, not nip tick our weaknesses. Okay". They all silently agreed. "Where is Nattie by the way?" Ernest asked. "She wouldn't leave her books for anything in the world and not to talk of her recent research which is gaining recognition," Henry answered. "You should have told her, Ernest would be here today and she would have dropped everything to present. I still have a feeling something is going on between those two". Philemon said. "You know you can be quite annoying sometimes right? We are here to discuss Ernest finding the love of his life after almost a decade of search and this is what you say". Adrian said shaking his head. "Forget it... He's been like this since his wife disappeared so I can't blame him" Ernest answered with a smirk.