THE ELITE'S SHADOWS

NOAH I stared hard at her. I’m disgusted she didn’t seem to care as she continued behaving carefree. She wore a strapless suede short half-flay gown. Her hair is styled in a wavy style. Her makeover seemed a little extreme. Worse still, she ate like a glutton, which disgusted me the more, making me feel like throwing up. I felt so embarrassed sitting next to this urchin, and this is the second meal she had just finished, then she belched loudly without courtesy. “What sort of crude creature did my grandma pick this time?” I yelled as I used my hands to hit the table. I clenched my jaw, staring daggers at her. “Since we aren’t talking, why disturb me when I’m eating. You’re a total contrast from what I was told, just so you know I was coerced into coming here in the first place.” She explained rudely as she raised her hands trying to get the waitress's attention. I quickly pulled her hands down. “Don’t you dare! Is this your first time eating expensive dishes from a luxurious eatery that would turn you into a glutton? Is this how crude and uncultured you behave?” I yelled in disgust as my brows furrowed. She stared hard at me then rolled her eyes followed by a loud hiss “I can afford these dishes I picked. And this isn’t my first time eating out in a luxurious eatery, and it’s offensive to call a lady crude,” she said, trying hard to defend herself. As she picked up the handkerchief from the table to wipe her face. “I think I said the truth. What sort of lady behaves like Tarzan? You’re the first kind I’ve ever seen. So as not to waste my precious time, I’ll call this a day, and I’m not like the crude guys you’ve met who abandon a lady at an eatery without paying. Just so you know the bills have been sorted out.” I said not minding her gaze as I walked out. Then Aidan ran up to me. Seems like he has something urgent to say. He walked briskly, striding with his long legs. Holding the MacBook like his life depended on it. “Sir, Madam insists that you come to her villa and pass the night there.” Aidan, my PA, said. “What important meeting does she want to have with me. Find out more about the random lady that saved my life last night,” I instructed Aidan as he unlocked my car and opened the door for me to get in before he got into the car. “Since Madam Hart wants to see me, why don’t you drive to her place, because I have something urgent to discuss with her. Her recent behaviour is expected but unnecessary.” I said as I loosened my tie heaving a sigh of relief. In no time we were at Madam’s Hart villa. The Mansion stood tall. With valid security and being greeted by a bunch of servants is no new thing. I was ushered inside. I arrived inside the Mansion and headed straight to the living room. I sighted Madam Hart. Her straight satin gown graced her slender golden brown skin. Wrinkles appeared to make her more attractive even at an old age. She held onto her walking stick. More like it carried most of her weight. Staring at the ceiling. Crafted by a well-known Epoxy designer. She stared hard at the ceiling and heaved a sigh of relief. Whenever she does this, it's when she’s worried sick about something. “Is anything bothering you Madam Hart?” I asked as she turned her gaze from the ceiling to me. Her full grey hair graced her beautiful face. Her eyes were lined with wrinkles. She gave a wry smile. Holding onto her walking stick tightly, although with shaky hands. I went further to help hold her. Then I led her to the sofa. “How was your date, son?” she asked instead of replying to my questions. She has a thing for dodging questions. “That shouldn’t be your problem, Grandma. You look worried and I’m concerned. So do you mind sharing your problem with me so we can solve it?” I asked as I used my fingers to arrange her hair that fell freely on her face. Then slowly tucked them behind her ears. “Are you sure you are concerned? Are you sure you can solve my problem, son?” she asked in a rather calm tone, but it also sounded sarcastic. Still smiling. Displaying her beautiful set of teeth. “What sort of question is that, Grandma. Look” I said as I held her palms and stared into her eyes. “Whatever bothers you bothers me, and there is nothing I can’t solve, so what is it. Spill it, don't stress yourself thinking about grandma, it’s unsafe for your health,” I said as a thin smile formed on her still face, then she smiled. “How was your date son? Miriam is a good girl…” she said, staring hard into my eyes, then I quickly cut her short. “Grandma this isn’t about the date. What really is eating you up?” I asked in a more serious tone. “Find a woman, son, and get married. I’m worried because without marriage, you would be stripped of your position. This is an order from your grandfather, and you are given a two-month ultimatum. Introduce a lady and retain your position, or remain single and lose your position. That explains why I’ve been organising blind dates,” she said, staring at me, still holding my hands. “Is this why you kept asking me about that crap of a date. Why did you bring a crude lady to me for a date? Did I hurt you that much? I promise I’ll bring a lady to you as my date. So don’t stress yourself thinking again” I said as I pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you, son, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me,”, Grandma said while the hug lasted. I went to my room after the discussion with Grandma. Then I heaved a sigh of relief. I promised her that I’ll bring a lady when I have none and now it’s turned into a do or die affair. Who would become the lucky lady, or am I cursed when it comes to choosing ladies, no one has made my heart beat. Then my phone vibrated. A message from Aidan. I quickly grabbed my phone to check what he sent me. “Sir, here are her details”, it read as I opened a Word document. Then I slowly nodded my head. If there’s anyone I need as my woman it must be her. No other lady has trapped my heart like she did. Finally, I found her. Her smell is still divine. Her boldness is what I really admire. A stranger took so much risk just to save my life. I would have been a dead man if she hadn’t saved me. Her presence completely heals any broken heart. Her philosophy of life is distinct from others, and finally, I found her after all these years of waiting, thinking I’ll never set my eyes on her again. I thought as my face curved into a smile, wait, there, Mia culpa, your prince charming is coming to get you.