The Billionaires Crush

Episode 10

"Nathan, do I really have to be there? I have to get back to the kids, and you know that, so why are you insisting I be present for this ridiculous welcome party? They didn't want us here anyway". Zelia had been informed of the Welcome party and she dreaded being in the same room as Ernest after their earlier confrontation.

"Come on Zee, you said you were going to let loose here but you are still the same. Moreover, you are the CEO of this company. Although I manage the branch in the city your say hold more power, Sandy will take care of the children."

"You know I have to say yet you accepted a contract you knew I would be against." let me call Sandy and inform her.

"Hey Sandy, it's me. Listen, I'm going to be a bit late getting back to the kids. Nathan's insisting that I attend this welcome party organised by the Anderson Group, even though I really don't want to be there. Can you stay with them a bit longer? I promise I won't be too late."

Sandy sighed on the other end of the line. "Zee, you know I've got your back, but you really should be there. It's important for the company, and Nathan's right about your role as CEO."

"I know, I know," Zelia replied, frustration evident in her voice. "But you know how I feel about Ernest, and I just don't want to deal with him right now."

Sandra paused for a moment before responding. "Look, I get it. But maybe this is a chance for you two to clear the air. Besides, I'll make sure the kids are okay. Just try to make an appearance, okay?" She didn't tell her about their sudden disappearance during the day so she could go in peace.

Zelia sighed, reluctantly agreeing. "Fine, I'll go. But I'm not making any promises about how long I'll stay."

"Fair enough," Sandra said with a chuckle. "Just remember to keep your cool. I'll take care of everything here."

"Thanks, Dimples. I owe you one," Zelia replied gratefully before hanging up. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the inevitable encounter with Ernest at the party.

"So I guess we are going then, right?" Nathan probed, to which Zelia shook her head.

Arriving at the party, Zelia was in her office skirt and chiffon top. Her demeanour made it obvious she wanted to be as far away from that place as possible. She and Nathan took their respective seats opposite the workers from the Public Relations and Marketing department of the Anderson Group, which consisted of 6 people present at the table.

"Welcome," A Lady extended her hand to Zelia, to which she gave her half-hearted smile which did not reach her eyes in response. "Thank you," she said, as both of them sat down. "I am Cecelia, the Head of the Marketing department." "I guess we will be crushing a lot then" Zelia commented. "Right! Hehehehe" I like her already. She told her other colleagues. "So who is older or the owner? Among you two, who will I be having it with more?"

"Probably Sandra" Zelia and Nathan said in unison, to which they laughed. "That will be my business partner, although I must say I am not easier to deal with myself, so maybe both of us."

"OMG, you are the founder of the LEE Consultancy." Another said, to which Zelia chuckled. "I guess co-founder is the correct word." It's so nice to finally meet you. I've been your fan since forever. I diverted to PR from journalism after getting to hear of you. One of the strategies you used was in my final paper. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Eunice. I recently started working with this company. My first Job." "I could definitely tell that". They all broke into laughter.

"What's so funny? Do you care to share", Ernest, who had arrived earlier, had stood at the entrance taking Zelia, her relaxed yet calculated demeanour so far what he remembered yet endearing to watch.

Zelia stiffened at hearing his voice but masked it easily with a smile as she watched the exchange between the workers and their boss Ernest.

"Nothing much. We were just admiring the founder of the company you invited to join us", Cecelia explained, to which Ernest raised a brow as he took his seat directly opposite Zelia. "I see. Founder. Here I thought you were an employee sent to work on our project."

"How could we leave such a big contract to an employee when you didn't feel pleased to have us on board anyway, right Nathan?" she turned to face him.

"Yes, Ma'am," Nathan chimed in, attempting to diffuse the tension which was suddenly evident. "We're grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Anderson Group."

Ernest nodded, his gaze lingering on Zelia for a moment longer than necessary. "Well, regardless of any past misunderstandings, I'm glad we could all come together tonight. Let's put the past behind us and focus on the future."

Zelia forced a tight smile, her discomfort palpable despite her efforts to maintain composure. "Of course, let's focus on the future," she replied, her tone cool and professional.

Throughout the evening, Zelia made polite conversation with the Anderson Group employees, exchanging pleasantries and discussing potential collaboration strategies. However, her attention kept drifting back to Ernest, who seemed equally preoccupied with watching her.

As the party progressed, Zelia found herself increasingly restless, longing to escape the suffocating atmosphere of forced civility. She stole glances at the clock, silently counting down the minutes until she could make her excuses and leave. But before she could leave, someone had just wrapped her up in a hug which had caused her to stiffen instantly and attempt to push the person away. However, the smell of caramel hit her nostril and the tears streaked to her shoulders and she melted and hugged her back.

"It's really you... I thought... I thought..." she choked in her sobs. "Shhhh... It's okay, Lin. I am fine. Look at me". She pulled her away. She could see her. "I'm well right." She hugged her again. "Thank God you survived, I was going to kill everyone". She let out her laugh. Ernest cleared his throat, leading to a pause at the moment. "What the hell is he doing here? And why are you with him?"

"Business meeting. Can't you see everyone else?" Linda suddenly saw everyone's eyes on her. She turned and apologized. " The thing is after I spotted her everything went blank instantly, and I was so emotional. "That definitely explained why I was cut off by you" Ernest mumbled yet she heard him.

"What were you expecting after what you did to my best friend, look it over as though everything was fine. Who was the reason she had to leave in the first place? No offence but I didn't think you deserved her and that's is why I never told you about anything."

"Fair enough. I am not complaining. I am actually glad she had a friend in you when I wasn't around despite having been your friend too, but you knew I was looking for her? Did it never cross your mind that there could have been a misunderstanding between us in the first place? I mean I was frantic and everyone knew I was looking for her." He was seething with anger now.

"And did you ever ask me directly? You sent your assistant to ask? Were you serious about finding her yourself? Did you think sending people was enough? Was that to prove you were serious?"

"Linda! Was I not your friend?" Ernest asked, almost breaking down."

"You ceased to be the day I lost my best friend because of you."

"Guys, you do realize I am still here, right? Instead of being a spectacle and appearing on the news. You do realize you are both public figures, right? They both turned to face her, stunned by her comment.

"That's a sure thing you would say to diffuse this situation". Ernest flicked her forehead as he used to in the past and paused and what he had done. Zelia was also stunned by the sudden closeness. "Let's talk outside, shall we?". Linda and Ernest left the table to go out. Zelia was about to follow when Cecelia held her hands to stop her. She turned to look at her suspiciously.

"Are you the one?" they all craned their heads waiting for her answer?" confused she asked. "Which one?"

"The one the boss has been looking for all these years," Cecilia said.

"The one he mentions whenever he gets drunk, He reason he returned to this country when he was doing so well abroad? The first love he talked about non-stop?"

Zelia's heart skipped a beat as Cecelia's words sank in. She felt a surge of emotions flood through her, mingling with confusion and disbelief. Was it possible that Ernest had been searching for her all this time? Could she be the reason behind his return to the country, despite his successful career abroad?

Before Zelia could respond, Cecelia continued, her voice tinged with curiosity. "He's never mentioned your name, but the way he talks about you... it's like you're the missing piece of his life. The one he's been searching for."

Zelia's mind raced as she processed Cecelia's words. She recalled the moments she had shared with Ernest, the bond they had formed before everything fell apart. Despite the pain and heartache, a part of her had always held onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, they would find their way back to each other.

But now, faced with the possibility that Ernest had never stopped searching for her, Zelia felt a glimmer of hope ignite within her. Could this be the chance they needed to finally confront the past and find closure?

As she glanced towards the door where Ernest and Linda had disappeared, Zelia made a decision. It was time to face the truth, to confront the feelings she had buried deep within her heart for so long.

With a determined expression, Zelia stood up from her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. "Well.. I'm not sure, I can't know for sure if I am the one," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I believe I might be the one he's been searching for. But who knows." she gave them a tight smile.

The room fell silent, the weight of Zelia's words hanging in the air. But before anyone could respond, the door swung open, and Ernest returned, his expression unreadable.

Zelia met his gaze head-on, her eyes searching his for any sign of recognition, any hint of the emotions swirling within him. And as their eyes locked, Zelia knew that whatever happened next, it would be the beginning of a new chapter in their intertwined lives.