OBLIVIOUS HEARTS

5: Can I wish??

LOLI'S POV

There times in life we are unknowingly thrown into troubling situations, there moments where we wish we knew the outcome of a situation or we had a forewarning of something so that we could avoid it.

It wasn't the case for me, I knew what was to happen and it's results, I had a very firm imagination of the outcome, but unlike everyone else, I couldn't change my path, I can't walk away, I can't stop it or fight it.

I am knowingly going to do something I'd do almost anything not to.

I'll ruin so many people's lives, joys, plans, relationships and I might just lose myself more than I already have.

I am currently with father, we are heading to the party, I really wish he'd change his mind but wishes aren't for me.

My brain was so muddled, I hate crowds yet that's what all parties are practically about, they'll be people everywhere.

The last time I had been tossed into a situation like this was when I joined highschool at fourteen.

I wish I could scream out my complains and demand for my choices to be considered, I wish I wasn't so weak and stupid.

I wish I mattered .......to someone, anyone.

"I hope you haven't forgotten anything I just told you?" Father said.

I hate to say it but I have dreaded my father's voice today more I ever have in my entire 21 years of existence.

He knew I couldn't' forget it, I really wish I could but I just can't.

I'd love to forget it all for just a few minutes, I really would.

"don't make any mistakes tonight" he commanded.

I know the person at risk, I knew my purpose so I'll achieve it even if it kills me to.

It wasn't long before we arrived at the venue, Hotel Moriah, a very grand hotel with the most beautiful view.

Our car stopped at the entrance and looking outside, the reality of my horrendous situation set in.

There were journalists everywhere, watching and desperately waiting with all their equipment.

I tried to calm my nerves, I really did, the painful fact is, I can't ever be ready for this or anything similar no matter how much time am given.

I am glad that father didn't rush me out, even the driver remained unmoved.

We stayed in the car for about 10 minutes, am thankful but it honestly felt much less.

Our driver got out and it instigated so much noise, everyone automatically knew it was my father in the car.

I wish they'd just concentrate on him and ignore the insignificant daughter.

"I've given you enough time to relax, pull yourself together and don't embarrass me" father warned.

At this point, nothing he says surprises me, I think I've heard much worse today.

He got out and this arose the crowd, he smiled warmly at the cameras and quickly walked over to the other side of the car to get the door for me.

There was so much uproar when his movements were registered.

Father is known all over to be a single father with no interest in any female companion, It has surprised me for years too.

Considering how he hates Lady and I, It's logical to believe he'd marry someone or get a girlfriend to accompany him in his evil deeds against his children.

Wouldn't a step mother play that role just perfectly?

Father actually has excellent looks, he looked the way every young man would love to look at their 40s, the few people who've seen me say am an exact photocopy of his but I doubt it.

The point is, Father is just the kind of man many women would die to have and so it has been.

A very handsome, rich, kind, influential man who's dedicated to his job and his daughter.

I obviously have opposite opinions

There has been a good number of influential ladies and aristocratic families who've boldly asked him to Indulge but am uncertain of why he keeps denying.

It's known that the only person he cares about is his daughter whom he loves more than anything in the world and he only lives for her.

huh! .......the irony.

Everyone wanted to see the lady for which he happily opened the door.

Loli, it'll pass,......it always does.

Father slowly offered his hand for me after opening door, I looked at it and then at his face, he looked so convincing, he really looked happy.

He didn't have a full blown smile or any obvious sign, it was just a facial glow that showed......... pride?

I tentatively put my small hand in his and he have it a gentle squeeze before helping me out.

I stood up and father helped to stabilize me since I was kind of unsteady, it wasn't the heels or anything, I am actually very good at walking in heels.

I was simply uneasy because of being here and for the reasons am here.

This isn't my first time in Hotel Moriah, I have actually been here countless times, the issue obviously isn't the environment.

Father linked our arms together and brought me closer, I really think I'd have fallen down if left on my own.

The reasons for his kind gesture were literally flashing infront of us right now, but it still felt kinda..... special for me, I know it's fake but it's.......a real fake.

I don't even know how to put it .

With father holding me, we began walking towards the entrance at a slow pace, the carpet path looked so long.

There was so much interaction among the bystanders, It was surprisingly mostly about me, some people wondering who I am, others pointing out my apparently clear resemblance to father, others talking of my outfit and much more things....... about me.

There's nothing special about me, how am I the main point of discussion?

I really just wanted to blend in and await my inevitable doom.

Father didn't accept any questions, he politely refused to answer any, am sure he did this to lessen my chances of embarrassing him infront of national media.

Other people couldn't see it but father must have felt how shaky I am due to our closeness, I was practically being held up by him.

My face remained calm because faking facial expressions has become a speciality of mine.

In honest truth, I wish I could just vanish in thin air, this is all new to me, I hate this feeling, I thread it with everything in me, but I stay calm because what else?

It's not because am strong, quite the contrary, am too weak to do anything else, I can't walk out on my own neither can I speak up about my insecurities.

I somehow managed to direct my steps, my head is upright but I kept my eyes low.

Despite the chaotic walk to the main entrance, I managed to survive, the worse hadn't even started.

The large ballroom doors were opened with a creak sound that most definitely alerted those on the other side.

everything is against me.

"try as much as you can to maintain eye contact for even the shortest amount of time, looking down is disrespectful"

Father said keeping a straight face and with unrecognizable lip movements.

I raised my eyes to look around, there were some people approaching, most of them ladies with smiles and unbelieving eyes directed at me.

just perfect

They immediately hit off conversations with father, they greeted me earlier and am glad father spoke up before my awkward silence prevailed, I didn't want to appear rude.

Father told them that this was my first public appearance and that I was naturally a very timid person.

that was a very nice way to say am a naive i***t.

They thankfully understood it with no objections, some even said I clearly looked innocent and timid, some crazy ones said am the most beautiful girl they've ever seen.

yah right...... they're probably some of the ladies who have their eyes on father.

Too bad, saying nice things about the daughter won't get them the father in this story, this strategy is a concealed flop.

There's a big difference between a beautiful woman and a timid one, they must really be trying to satisfy my father's ego.

I felt so many eyes on me, most of my skin is covered but I could still feel the stares all over my body, the constant scrutiny was unbearable.

Am most definitely embarrassing father to the point that people fell the need to comment me in order to subdue the horror I present.

Thankfully uncle Gibson gave me simple look, the dress itself is very comfortable and descent, uncle Gibson clearly made this just for me, he knows me so well.

It's a black turtleneck lace dress with long sleeves and a considerable length.

I have a slim figure and medium stature and it made me feel natural.

Clothes and other female accessories have never been a concern of mine, I just wear what I get.

Father and I had moved around for a while now, nothing much was expected of me yet so I just walked along.

Our closeness gave off the image of a devoted father, who loves and cares about his daughter and a daughter who completely relies on her father.

oh how so wrong!!!

Father has so many business partners yet to interact with but I don't think I can hold on much longer, I'd like to cool my brain off, at least some extent of mental preparation would do.

I think?

I saw uncle Gibson talking to a group of people a short distance away from us, he was obliviously bragging about something.

We made eye contact and he immediately started walking towards us, father couldn't see him because he was currently talking to Mr Evans and his wife.

That's right, am even more uneasy because I'll be ruining their son and apparent daughter in law's wedding, the same one they are reminding father of and asking him to bring me along to, the same wedding everyone has been silently discussing tonight and months before, the same one I bet my existence won't happen.

How could father act so natural with people he is going to bite in the back?

Why am even shocked? His putting me in the line without a care in the world.

Uncle Gibson abruptly interrupted their conversation with agency, I knew he was doing it for me.

"I'll have to interrupt your discussion guys, hello beautiful Nora, again" he said cheerfully looking at Norah and ignoring everyone else, she just laughed casually, she's clearly used to Uncle Gibson's antics.

Mrs Nora is Mr Evans second wife, he got married to Mrs Nora just a few months after his late wife Mrs Isabella the mother of his two sons passed away,

It's been years since Mrs Isabella's passing, Mr Evans and Mrs Nora even have two teenage children together.

Mr Gilberto and his brother do not accept Mrs Nora as their mother, they hate the fact that their father moved on so quickly, they were quite young when Mrs Isabella passed and they thought the worst of their father.

Their relationship with their father got so bad that they moved out to live with their grandparents when Mrs Nora moved in with their father.

From what I know, their relationship never got better even after they were forced back into the house.

Mrs Nora is a nice woman, she is a great mother and wife but the boys weren't ready to move on from their mother's loss, they never gave Mrs Nora a chance even when they lived under the same roof for years.

" Gibson, I clearly see what you meant earlier, she really is worth bragging about"

She took my hands in her warm ones and looked at me lovingly, apart from Lady, I've never had a female companion in my life a loving female companion.

" sweetheart, Gibson told us earlier about you, your even more beautiful in person" she expressed looking in my eyes, I maintained eye contact for a while and I could see sincerity in her eyes, I really wanted to thank her but I was confused, why was she being nice to me? Does she want something from me? She did look sincere but what if she's just being nice?

Her being nice whether acting or not made me feel......... guilty.

I just slowly looked down at my feet, she probably thinks am just an ungrateful rich girl, she squeezed my hands comfortingly, it was like she understood my dilemma, I must just be reading too much into it.

Mr Evans is a kind woman, she definitely treats everyone like this, it's just maternal instincts.

it's just courtesy, I don't matter to anyone.

"ok, ok, Nora, give her to me, Loli is mine now"

Gibson interrupted quickly and Mrs Evans slowly let go of my hands.

"I'll see you soon Loli" she said lovingly.

yes you will and you won't like it...... you'll hate me too.

"bye chica" Gibson cheered.

"bye Gibson and Loli" she responded, father and Mr Evans were completely ignored.

Gibson pulled me closer to himself and turned to walk away, along with me of course.

I really do need to get away from here.

Father got edgy and and tried to stop Gibson from taking me.

"get your hands off her" Gibson said glaring at father, I think they had a disagreement again.

Father sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Gibson listen, we still have a couple of more people to meet, I know she's tired but she has to get used to it"

So he knows am tired, this is something I can't understand, father clearly hates me but he's best friend is practically the only person who cares about me and he allows it.

Uncle Gibson has had several disagreements with father regarding me, I just find it hard to fully trust him because their obviously best friends, I can't wrap my mind around the situation, it's honestly confusing.

Is he really sincere or is this just a bad cope good cope tactic?

"first of all Stephanie, I am angry at you right now so I momentarily hate you and secondly, she is coming with me, you had your chance, it's my turn to brag"

Uncle Gibson said in a serious tone and pulled me further away from father.

brag about what though?

Gibson and father kept looking into each other's eyes with non of them giving up, no one asking for my opinion which would be to get out of here right now.

"Mr Stephano and Gibson, how about we consider Loli's interests first, she really looks tired right now, as you said she isn't used to this"

Mrs Evans spoke out to clear the confusion.

where have you been all my life?

"I know that Nora, I was just taking her to sit at my table right over there, am actually very thoughtful you see," Gibson said pointing at a corner table and side glancing at father " unlike some people" he added.

"excuse us, again"Gibson said and we walked towards the table he talked of, it was in a corner and there weren't any tables close to it.

"I prepared this spot just for you, I knew you'd be overwhelmed with just a few minutes in this stuffed up ballroom"

He helped me to one of the seats and I was more than glad to to find a much reliable support for my body, more than scared and anxious, I am just physically tired, my muscles are stiff, sore and achy from maintaining a constant stance.

I started looking around, there were some people many people still looking at me, some had sneaky looks only staring slightly and looking away but there were others who practically didn't blink, Gibson looked around and deciphered my confusion.

" I think am responsible for that" he said laughing nervously, I looked at him not understanding what he meant.

" let's just say, ever since I arrived here tonight huh, I have been you know, telling a few people......no actually I made sure everyone heard about it.....you know in one way or the other...I might have,........can we just talk about something else?"

what did he do?We are not talking about something else, am not even talking!!

I looked at him more intently to indicate my interest in knowing what he meant.

He held my hands in his and spoke softly for like two seconds before he went off point.

" Listen Loli, I was just so excited tonight, you know how much I have been dying to make you up and dress you up for world to see, and make you the face of all my creations and..."

I slowly pressed his hand to bring him out of his imaginations, if that had happened, his products would have been a complete flop.

He saw my interest and spoke slowly and honestly.

" ok, I'll get to the point darling, I told everyone here directly or indirectly that when my girl shows up, she would be the most beautiful person tonight and they would not even come close to your beauty because it's more than just physical appearance with my little Loli, she has a bright light emitting right from her heart" he said pointing at my chest, he was being honest, Uncle Gibson was the kind of person whose honesty showed obviously, he was joking most of the times in his life so when he was serious, you'd easily know.

Even if he means it, his truth is not everyone's, no wonder I received so much scrutiny, they must have been wondering what uncle Gibson possibly meant, he over exaggerates everything, they must have had high hopes.

why would you do that to me uncle Gibson, this is a business party not a gala.

"and you know what? The reason so many people are looking at you is because they've realized, Gibson Keys didn't lie, he was completely honest, looking at everyone's expression, I should have exaggerated a little bit more" he giggled

'Ucle Gibson, they aren't looking at me for those reasons but rather completely opposite ones'

I wish I could tell him this and that everyone was surely mocking him and I.

Uncle Gibson has so much confidence, he is social, friendly, funny and more whereas for me, it takes everything in me to just greet a person, he can obviously deal with this.

"let's change the topic, you know you owe me a favour right? I just got you out of a sticky situation" he said mischievously.

That is true but why is he whispering, it's making people even more curious, it's attracting more attention.

"could you please tell me or just show me who he is? I mean your fiancee, I know his somewhere around here, your stupid father isn't telling me anything and am currently mad at him, that stupid Harry is so faithful and that bodyguard of yours honestly scares me" he whispered.

Am surprised, this means father hasn't told him anything about the sinister trap with me as the bait.

I indeed haven't seen my victim tonight, where could he be?

I tentatively started looking around, Gibson also started to follow my eye movements but he loudly gasped after a few seconds.

"oh my darling, I just saw someone who deserves a good lesson, I'll be back in a second, don't worry, Clarke won't let anyone close to you, the guy isn't even blinking"

Uncle Gibson quickly walked into the crowd and disappeared.

I usually don't mind being on my own, I actually preferred having my personal space to my self with an exception of Lady invading it but I don't want to be alone right now.

I looked around and Clarke was indeed standing just a few steps away doing nothing in particular, am sure his two other assistants are somewhere keeping hawk eyes on me as well.

There are so many people at the party, I know most of them especially those in this country, I've been made to dig out information so many people with absolutely no regards to privacy.

I don't understand why father is so insecure, most of the businesses in the country have nothing to do with architecture.

I have never met any of these people personally but I probably know more about them than they themselves did so there were familiar strangers everywhere.

Soon enough, I laid my eyes on more familiar faces, my old........ friends? Can I even call anyone that?

Sebastian Valor, Wyatt Martinez and Aiden Williams, we were in the same class in high school, they are really funny guys, it's not that I cracked up and laughed to their jokes, they just made highschool a lot more bearable.

When I'd first joined, they and other classmates teased me a lot, there wasn't much bullying from my classmates but people from other classes hated me, it must've been because a younger girl was in an upper class compared to them.

The three boys became very protective of me, they made sure I was comfortable and fine always.

I know Mr Davids had something to do with it since he was the temporary football coach and the boys were all in the football team.

Besides, he wouldn't have let anyone especially boys get close to me unless he controlled it.

Father has been hiring different mentors for me at varies levels of my life, most of the lessons were online and the tutors worked under strict restrictions, I really didn't need to go to highschool, it was so beneath my level.

I completed my high school level education when I was around 8 years old.

Father said I was too much of an introvert and had zero social skills, I was too young to be sent into a university and am guessing father knew a 14 year old in a prestigious university would attract so much attention thus I was sent to highschool in hopes of equipping me with people skills, he believed placing me in a community filled with people my age would change me.

it never worked.

That was the time Clarke Davids was hired to be my bodyguard, father even found a way of convincing the school administration to hire Mr Davids as a substitute coach for a year.

That was better than letting me walk around with a bodyguard all over a school.

The guys are so mature now, I wonder whether they even remember me, did I ever matter or were they just appeasing Mr Davids?

Mr Martinez loves sports, he even got a football sponsorship in college, he followed his passion and is now a fitness Coach and personal trainer owning a number of gyms in the city, Mr Williams is from a rich family, his father has numerous car dealerships all over the country and he now helps manage them.

Mr Valor on the other hand manages one of the Evans branches in the city.

They are interesting guys, always happy and trying to spread joy, the only gloomy one in their group was.......... him.

I looked around desperately again, the boys were currently socializing with various people so they weren't together, there were people on the dance floor, others drinking, waiters walking about so my sight range was limited.

I averted my curious eyes, closed them and inhaled sharply, you know that feeling when you're searching for something that you don't want to find but you have to keep searching just to reassure yourself? That is my dilemma, I just wish he didn't make it, I really hope he didn't show up, please.

I opened my eyes and and looked straight ahead, I completely froze once I laid my eyes on him.

If my wishes ever meant anything, I wouldn't be in this position right now.

He was standing right at my sight line, he's looks way more scarier than he was at high school, his much taller, muscular and his face, the features are so striking now, even the tabloids aren't accurate enough.

Mr Gilberto has a very morbid loathe for me, it's not something he told me, we haven't ever spoken.

He was the most scary person at highschool, unlike others, he didn't mock or tease me but I'd prefer that.

I still can't understand what I ever did to me, he'd pin me down with bone chilling glares that my teenage heart couldn't take.

I had to take numerous measures to avoid him, all that obvious hate was when I hadn't even done anything to him.

What will he do to me once I give him a reason to squeeze the life out of me by ruining his perfect little world?

I've been following up on Mr Gilberto for a long time now, father asked me to keep a close eye on him and report to him, I wasn't allowed to do a background check on him or any of his family members but I could review his current lifestyle.

I had some suspicions about it but I knew I couldn't pry into it, I did what I was told.

I did think it's weird, he isn't the first person whose privacy I've infringed but the others weren't this serious, now I realize why, father has had this plan for God knows how long.

I practically helped him plan my own doom.

It didn't help that his fiancee, Ms Arabella is such a nice person, she was so kind to me at highschool and would often say encouraging things to me.

They are such a loving couple and have been for years, everyone knows it, Arabella is clearly the only person he cares about, literally.

He doesn't even spend much time with his friends anymore, from what I found out, all his personal phone calls are mostly with Ms Arabella.

I can't blame him for that, am a living example, even I have only one person in my life as well, one person to live for, I know the pain and hurt you fell when you're separated from that particular person.

Am going to put him through a similar pain, am going to break the bond he has with her.

They look so good together, Ms Arabella is wearing a beautiful white dress matching his shirt, her shoes, diamond necklace and purse were navy blue matching Mr Gilberto's suit.

am really doing this huh?

I was so lost it thought that I didn't notice Father approaching, he set a drink on the table pushing it closure to me

"drink it," he emphasized gesturing to the drink, I looked at it and fear engulfed me.

"it's just sleeping pills, all you have to do is sleep, I've heard your good at that" he mocked.

I shakily picked up the glass of juice and quickly gulped it down in a go, the mango juice helped clear my sore throat.

I might as well get done with this, at least I won't feel it.

Gibson soon arrived dragging a middle aged woman with him, on close observation, I realized it is Mrs Levine, she and Gibson are in the competitive business of fashion and they share a kind of friendly feud.

Gibson looked so excited, he clearly had the upper hand this time.

"Loli, this is Constance and she has something to tell us"

Mrs Levine smiled at me and complemented me, Uncle Gibson was clearly at it yet again.

Father gave her his usual welcoming response and excused my silence.

I zoned out for a while looking down as the three conversed around me.

I was brought back to real life when I heard a voice I never wanted to, I've been trying to avoid so many people today but they are the last people I'd want around.

my victims.

They were standing right next to our table, literally right infront of me.

I was so freaked out, I felt so watched and exposed.

I've had so many people's attention this night but none of them were this intense. Ms Arabella, was naturally conversing with father in ways I never have, Mr Gilberto didn't say a world, father was right when he said he doesn't like him.

He doesn't like my father nor me, aren't I just lucky?

Ms Arabella said 'hi' to me but I felt like my throat was clogged with heavy boulders.

Luckily Ms Arabella being the kind lady she is understood the situation.

She invited father for the her grand wedding and asked him to bring me along.

poor girl, if only she knew.

Once they left, It felt a heavy weight lifted off my shoulder, like I was just granted the right to breathe.

The last thing I need is a reminder of the great love I'll wreak havoc on.

Ms Arabella's sweet nature and Mr Gilberto's imposing one made me so uneasy.

"you can now go to your suite, everything else will be handled accordingly, you don't have to do anything, just relax" Father sounded surprisingly reassuring as he advised me to walk into the lions den.

He held my hands and helped me up, he then walked me out through the back exist, am glad no one stopped us on the way, bottom line is, I do need to rest.

Father escorted me to the elevator and softly kissed my forehead after pressing the elevator button.

"see you tomorrow" he whispered emotionally.

I must be losing it.

Mr Davids was already waiting for me like always, he took me to my suite and closed the door behind me.

accept it Loli....... haven't you wished your whole life, what has it ever gotten you?

just close your eyes, escape.......you won't feel.