OBLIVIOUS HEARTS

3 : Living Loving

The business party was held at the largest hotel in the country, the hotel is owned by the Murphy Family who ran the largest chain of hotels in the country and the world at large since it has been their main business for generations.

Their hotels are used for hosting the most prominent occasions in the country, today's business party will gather so many people with prominent backgrounds, elites of the country and even some foreigners, people of power.

The hotel was named after Alexander Murphy's first child, his daughter Moriah, it's located in the mountainous areas of the country making it have one of the best views.

The business party had started but the guests were still arriving.

There were so many journalists at the entrance hoping to take the best pictures and get some juicy gossip for the tabloids, it's known that there's always drama where rich people are gathered.

Hotel Moriah had a very large ballroom that was quickly being filled up, everyone dressed up to impress, the best designers of the city were probably so loaded right now.

The ladies looked like a million bucks and the men were equally good looking in the various tailor made suits.

The mood in the ballroom was vibrant and lively as people interacted with each other.

There was some commotion at the entrance, the journalists were trying their best to interview the couple of the year and the bodyguards were trying their best to subdue them.

The news of their wedding had been circulating ever since their engagement two years ago and it was finally confirmed some months ago.

Only specified media companies were qualified to attend and cover the grand wedding so they tried to get the best shots of the couple today since it's believed to be their last public appearance as an engaged couple.

Gilberto Evans and Arabella White are what is believed to be the actual definition of true love.

They are childhood sweethearts whose love is believed to have grown deeper with the years, they've had an unshakable love, a smooth trail unlike most of the love stories today.

They are one of the few couples with no scandals, no reported or discovered hidden battles, there are some journalists who've tried their best to uncover anything shady about their union but there never was any, their love did look to be true, even insiders testified to it.

They didn't have the kind of cheesey relationship like most couples do. They weren't always together, they didn't take so many cute pictures for social media or go on dates everytime.

Their love wasn't showcased like most relationships are but it was known to strongly exist, they acted like a very mature couple.

Every girl wished they could have a guy like Gilberto Evans, it's almost impossible to find a man of his stature dedicated to only one woman, no questions.

Arabella White on the other had was the true meaning of beauty goals, all the modern world's beauty standards present.

The classic blond with green eyes, standing at 5,8 and a natural hourglass body that most ladies spend their lives trying to attain.

Gilberto on the other hand was the most influential young man in the business world, he didn't start from the roots but he's expanded his family's business to unimaginable heights in just a short period of time.

Gilberto has very striking features, he has dark hair and deep black eyes accompanied by sculpted brows.

He has a chiseled jaw, defined cheekbones and thin lips, Gilberto's whole look is very attractive yet lethal.

Gilberto wore a tailor made navy blue suit with a clear white shirt, he looked very attractive and this wasn't new.

His hand was kept around his prized possession, the only woman owning his heart.

literally.

Arabella kept her beautiful thick shoulder length blonde hair down today, she wore a long white dress that hugged her nice body accentuating her beautiful curves and navy blue designer five inch slingback pumps, her look wasn't as exquisite as that of the other ladies in the room, her makeup was even kept minimal but she undoubtedly was the lady of the party.

Arabella unlike her boyfriend was a very approachable girl, she's a very kind and welcoming girl, everyone who's ever met her has deduced that Gilberto is indeed a lucky man.

Gilberto Evans on the other hand is ruthless, the kind you didn't want to cross, he actually had a somewhat bad reputation out there, most people took him for a tyrannical billionaire.

The only person enjoys his soft side is Arabella, it was preserved only for her, even his family wasn't spared from his horrible attitude, it was like he didn't need anyone but Arabella.

Gilberto had never been spotted smiling but the little light in his face was seen only when he was with his fiancee.

Many people especially in the business world made sure to gain the favour of the Whites especially Arabella in order to pacify the dominant monster.

Arabella was invited to all sorts of gatherings in order to please Gilberto and in hopes that he'd would tag along with his woman so she is a very esteemed person, the daughter of a real estate mogul and the fiancee of the one of the richest young men in the world.

GILBERTO'S POV

I just arrived at the country from a business trip, it was obviously a success but I was worn out, all I want right now is to have a peaceful rest but unfortunately, that won't be the case.

Arabella has been going on and on about that stupid business party, I won't deny it, they can be very beneficial but the fake faces can be very annoying and you have to be unnecessarily nice to everyone.

I really hate the environment there but not everyone feels the same way.

Arabella can convince me to do practically anything with just a word.

I am aware of how my business partners, company staff and even my family have been using her to get me to do things, even with that knowledge, I still can't resist her.

I always get invited to business parties filled with fake people trying to warm up to me, I only manage to keep calm because of Arabella' s presence, she has a good relationship with everyone and is to sweet for her good.

Attending these parties has always been and felt like a complete wastage of time for me, Arabella loves them and I can't just let her show up on her own to various occasions.

unfortunately, what people think actually matters.

My assistant had organized a helicopter to take me to my pen house immediately after I got off my private jet, the helicopter landed on my condo and I smartly walked down to it.

Arabella asked me to pick her up from her parents house, we always show up together so I had to hurry up.

I took a quick shower to freshen myself up, my assistant had informed me of the suit Arabella had delivered for me so I wasn't going to have to look for an outfit, she has been in charge of my outfits for years, I opened my large walk in closet and easily spotted it.

A navy blue suit, no doubt a perfect fit, everything was organized, the shoes, the watch and even a new cologne, she always thought of everything.

I dressed up quickly, I didn't want to keep my fiancee waiting, I walked to my dressing mirror to check myself out, everything was to my standards and fit perfectly, she knows me so well.

I was about to walk away when I saw a small note attached to the mirror, I don't know how I almost missed that, I must have been really hurrying.

The notes aren't new, I probably have a million notes from her all safely kept, my hardened heart was filled with warmth after reading it, she's such a considerate person.

'welcome back darling,

'I know you've missed and can't wait to see me.'

'' I've missed you too and am dying to see you but ' I need my man well fed.'

'I made your favorite, warm it up and come for me.'

'am waiting , love you!'

I walked into my medium sized custom made kitchen, it was clean and neat just like the rest of the house.

This pen house isn't t that large but it's enough for me since I am the only one living in it. Arabella doesn't stay with me but she spends alot of time here, she takes care of the whole place, her female touch makes a big difference.

Arabella doesn't like apartments, it's understandable since she grew up in mansion.

She said she'd love to have her own house, with a large compound and many trees, I can do anything for her, I have the resources to fullfil all her wishes.

I bought a large piece of land and got the best gardner's to start planting trees even before construction started.

I wanted Arabella to design our future home personally to her own liking, she was so ecstatic when she found out.

I gave my personal assistant Larissa Jones clear instructions to give her everything she needs, any amount whatsoever.

I hired the best architectural company in the country, am not the biggest fan of the Moras for no reason in particular but their company is no doubt the best in that field.

I didn't have a particular plan for a house, any thing she loves would do, I don't mind being anywhere, all that matters is her presence wherever that may be.

The mansion was completed some months ago and the results were beyond my expectations, the mansion has been the talked about by every house fanatic, many architects wished to be designer, the name attached to creating the magnificent mansion and many people wished to be the occupants.

The Mora architectural company never revealed the name of the designer, this unknown designer has been behind the best buildings done by the Moras.

Many people wanted to know his name before hiring him since they found it suspicious and mysterious that a very intelligent and creative person didn't want to receive credit for their work but eventually gave up since his work spoke so much of his skill.

They eventually had to drop their ego and work with an unknown designer.

including me.

Besides that, this designer had been working for a while now and there weren't any irregularities discovered, his designs have the best reviews.

Arabella and I have decided to move in our house after the honeymoon, I have been struggling to finish all my agent work and postpone those that can wait because I want to be with her, I have been so busy that we've rarely spent time together lately, she's also been busy with the wedding preparations.

I knew she'd want me to be around for the preparations but I had to clear my schedule inorder to fully be with her after our wedding.

Arabella being the supportive person she is completely understood me, she would call to update me on the progress of the wedding and I was glad she had her family, mine and the best wedding planners with her, I wouldn't know what to do there anyway.

She was busy yet she thought of me always, am her first priority and she's mine.

The fridge was fully stocked up with fresh vegetables, snacks you name it, I spotted the pink lunch box she always kept my food in, there was yet another note stuck to it with a smiley face drawn on it.

' enjoy and take your time'

I quickly microwaved my meal, it was indeed my favorite and she made it just the way I like it, she was an excellent cook no doubt, there was some fruit salad in another bowl expertly cut out on distinct shapes.

I enjoyed my meal just like she asked, she made a light meal, and she always uses recipes so familiar to me, oddly satisfying and it's not only about the taste, the meals are just absorbing.

I finished my meal and walked out, I quickly entered in the elevator and pressed the button leading me to the underground parking lot.

As expected, my driver was already waiting for me in my white rolls royce, I don't like the colour white for a car but there is someone for whom I do the things unimaginable.

He quickly got out and opened the back seat for me, I entered and he closed the door and went back to his seat.

" she chose this?"I asked him after he got in his seat, I knew he'd understand who am talking about.

" yes sir, miss White personally asked me to drive you in this particular car" he responded, of course she did, she had everything covered like always.

" hmm, drive" I ordered getting comfortable on my seat.

Arabella doesn't like having all my bodyguards around, only a few follow me to public events, I know I most definitely have so many enemies but I've never really been a target, although they still take their jobs seriously, I don't want to make Arabella uncomfortable so most times, they just stay lay solo.

My driver slowly drove out of the condo and increased his speed once we made it out, Thomas Hart drives me practically everywhere.

Thomas has been working for my family for years, his a dedicated man who does his job perfectly.

I love my luxury cars but am a very busy man and sometimes work in the car so a driver comes in handy.

The only time I ask to drive on my own is when I really need to clear my head and when Arabella and I need some private time.

I got out my phone and texted her to inform her and alert her, girls tend to take so long getting ready, I don't mind waiting for her, i just hate the attention she'll end up having, all those greedy men can't take a hint, it's obvious that she's mine, everyone knows it, they can't even compare.

We eventually entered the rich neighborhood, everyone with a good pocket wants to live here, it was a pride of some sort, the place is indeed beautiful and posh.

It also has tight security which is something rich people really need.

My family lives here too, I spent my childhood years in this neighborhood as well, it was longer than I hoped for but am glad it passed.

We reached the White's mansion and the gates were automatically opened for us, they are clearly expecting me.

I love how organized Arabella is, everything is on point just the way I like it.

Thomas parked the car and I got out before he could get down to open the door for me, I smartly got out of the car, it's been a while so am honestly expectant.

We haven't spent any quality time together for months since we've all been busy, I have made sure to be with her fully in the coming two weeks before our wedding and even longer after the wedding.

The White's butler welcomed me and ushered me in, I know my way around here but I most definitely deserve this special treatment.

He lead me to the living room where I had a seat and waited for Arabella's anticipatory walk down the glamorous stairs.

" she will be down soon, she is almost done sir"

the old man assured respectfully, he offered to serve drinks in the usual cherry language of house workers but I just kept quiet, my attitude normally speaks more than any verbal words could.

I don't want to be rude to him, he looks like a nice old man and Arabella won't like it, she treats every hoise worker like family.

" her parents?" I asked in my monotonous voice looking around, I knew they'd definitely left.

" they left for the business party some minutes ago, Arabella stayed waiting for you as usual"

I kept quiet after that and tried to distract my self by reading some old emails.

The old man got the signal and politely excused himself.

I waited for about fifteen minutes before I heard the sound of heels slowly walking down stairs, it was so quiet that I wouldn't have heard it if I wasn't intently anticipating.

I slowly turned around since the stairs were situated behind me from where I was sitting. What I saw was worth all the wait, I had never doubted that.

She was wearing a white dress that fit perfectly, her makeup was beautifully done and her shoes and jewelry were matching the same color as my suit.

I was already waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs once she got down, I don't know how I got there since I was constantly looking in her eyes.

" Gil, you look very handsome" she said pecking my cheeks and looking back in my eyes.

" I missed you" I could see the happiness in her green orbs, happy to see me.

I just grabbed her waist and tightly hugged her inhaling her beautiful scent, I missed this feeling.

" I missed you too, a lot" I said to her sincerely, I slowly let go of her but kept my hands on her small waist, she had her usual beautiful smile, the smile I planned to keep and cherish for our entire lifetime.

" you look so handsome tonight Mr Evans and the cologne, just wow" she gushed and and said with a playful glint in her eyes.

" am gonna have a hard time dealing with other women tonight" she laughed and tapped my nose with he soft fingers.

" you have nothing to worry about, I have eyes for only one" I got my hands off her waist to hold her head and kissed her forehead.

"I know" she whispered with a proud smile that reached her bright eyes.

" you look so beautiful in white" I complemented looking into her warm eyes.

" really? " she asked with a satisfactory pride.

" you have no idea, as far as the other men are concerned, I might spend this night in jail" that got her laughing hard.

I meant it

" I just wanted to give people a gist of the wedding, thank you Gil"

" am only being honest, you'll be the most beautiful woman tonight and many more to come" she placed her arms around my neck seductively.

" how do you manage to be this sweet with such a straight face huh?"

" you love me just the way I am"

She pulled me along as we headed out.

" yes, yes I do" she whispered.

All I want to do right now is get in some cozy clothes and spent the rest of the night without any interruptions.

" were getting late, come on" I sighed, I know she really wants to go, I won't kill her mood.

We were slowly heading out when a girl came down the stairs and handed over her purse to her.

" thank you so much, I almost forgot this, thank the others for their help too, am in a hurry right now but I promise to thank them properly next time" The girl smiled at me but I paid no attention to it.

" your so nice Ms Arabella, there's no need for that, were just doing our job and you've made it so enjoyable for us" she praised heartily.

" it's no big deal, I also love being with all of you, goodbye for now" she said and hugged the strange girl I believe is part of her makeup team or something.

I held her hand and we went straight out, we got out and Thomas had already turned the car around ready to head out, I opened the door for Arabella and he opened mine for me.

" good evening Thomas, your looking good tonight" she greeted happily

" thank you miss White, you look beautiful tonight like always"

" oh, thanks, I told you to call me Arabella or Ara like everyone else does Thomas, I thought we're that close"

The old man just saw me through the rear view mirror and responded with an awkward smile

There was some sound coming from outside, we all looked out and saw a group of girls waving and shouting goodbye wishing her good luck.

Thomas quickly opened the window and Arabella waved back pushing her entire head out, they weren't that important, does she have to be so welcoming?

" goodbye girls, thank you so much" she shouted

I slowly pulled her back in and closed the window

" were getting late" I quickly justified my action.

like I cared about this stupid party.

" Thomas"

" sure sir" he responded to my indirect command and started driving

Arabella is a kind person with a social nature but I'd rather she keep all the sweetness for only me.

It annoys me when she is all loving to people especially males, a person has to have some boundaries.

If you're this good, to you might never know those who really like you, I love this side of her but it sometimes gets annoying especially when the people see to much into it and try to use her to get to me.

opportunity seeking fakers.

" your jealous of girls now? the night hasn't even fully started yet Gil"

I just kept quiet, we were not going to discuss this today, she understood it and kept quiet laying her head on my shoulders.

We had a smooth ride and soon arrived at Hotel Moriah after covering the hilly fields.

" were here Gil" Arabella declared joyfully and adjusted her self, she got out a small portable mirror form her purse and and started retouching her face.

" there are journalists everywhere Gil" She was clearly anxious, she didn't have any reason to be though.

I held her hands and took the mirror away "relax Bella, don't you trust your designers, yourself and my judgement?"

The journalists had seen the expensive car approach and now everyone of them was anxiously waiting to see who comes out of it.

" look into my eyes, you look great and everyone's going to see, not that I like it"

I joked to calm her and it worked judging from the smile on her face.

" alright my jealous man, let's head out?"

" sure" I kissed her forehead and walked out when Thomas opened the door on my side.

Most of the people already knew it's Arabella and I in the car.

Thomas was known to be my driver by most of these people who can't mind their business.

I walked to the other side ignoring all the flashes of cameras and and ridiculous questions to get my attention, I opened the door for her and extended my hand towards her to help her out giving her an encouraging look.

Arabella slowly put her small hands in my large rough ones and eased herself out, the crowd was wild, I knew she'd stun everyone with her beauty.

The bodyguards were doing a great job keeping the crowd in place, we walked up the stairs with me still holding her close.

Arabella kept smiling for everyone and the cameras, I really don't care about any of these fools and their opinions about me.

" you look great tonight Miss White, would you like to tell is all something about your outfit"

" Mr Evans, is the wedding really going to happen, it has been two years since your engagement?"

" did you two delay the wedding to wait for the completion of your mansion?"

"Mr Evans we had about your wedding to your fiancee happening in two weeks, when are you two going to reveal the venue?"

" there are rumors that you and your brother have common interests, is he going to attend your wedding to the woman he loves?"

All this questions and even more rude ones aren't new to me and I got used to brushing them off, when you're successful in life, you'll have a lot of haters and we are walking into a hound of them right now.

people with bright smiles but devious hearts.

We made a few poses for pictures before we entered into the ballroom.

Alot of people had already arrived by the time we got there, everyone's attention was fixed on us when we got in, different emotions could be seen on the various faces.

Some people looked mad, others genuinely happy, some looked envious and some people just had blank faces.

Arabella easily found her group of friends and started to mingle.

it was so in her nature.

" Gil, I love you but my girl friends will murder me if I don't join them right now"

wasn't it too early for this?

I looked at where she gestured and saw her friends frantically waving at her, I did not have any personal relationships with them, I'd be reasonable for me to to say hi but that won't be happening, I might as well make use of my presence here for more plausible things.

" see you later then"

I didn't even take two steps before I was approached by some people in my field, we made conversations for a while, the most I did was nod and say a few things.

The fact is that am a business man, I need to maintain a good relationship with other businesses since we somehow coordinate.

After some minutes of chatting with some people, I saw Bella approaching me with abroad smile and my mood felt a lot better, she linked her arms with mine and politely greeted the old men I was with.

I introduced her to them proudly, because I am proud.

" so this is the well talked of beautiful fiancee of Gilberto Evans, people's descriptions have done no justice to your beauty" one of them complimented her, they are old married men so I kept my cool.

" thank you so much sir, I appreciate it" Arabella said formally. She grew in the business world so she knew how to handle herself around people of stature.

" you Gilberto are a very lucky man, don't you ever forget that" one of them said, he's the oldest in the group, Ganesh Verma a very wealthy diversified large scale indian farmer.

I won't.

" ok grandpa, let's let the young couple catch up" One of them joked " am sorry about him, once he starts to give advice, you wouldn't want to hear the end of it," they laughed it off and Arabella drew attention away from my awkward face by joining them, I wonder what the joke is.

" I hope I get an invite to the wedding"

Arabella laughed again and promised to send him an invite through his assistant.

" they are such nice old men" she said still looking at their disappearing backs.

" so you came here to talk about them huh?" that got me in a bad mood.

" here we go again Gil, stop it, do you really think I don't know how lucky I am to have your heart?"

she said what she knew I needed to here at that moment.

I have a big ego you see.

" look at how all the girls are envying me, wishing they had what have, the most handsome, brave, smart, rude, very rude guy"

"you like rude guys huh? "I asked playing along.

" yes, I have loved one for years and I plan to marry him soon" she said adjusting my tie and slowly bringing her hands down my chest.

We were in a place a little hidden away from the. rest which explains her boldness.

Arabella was very scared of PDA saying it was disrespectful and all, she is a descent woman and I respect her opinions.

" I came here to get you, our parents are seated together right now, come let's go meet them, come on" she urged trying to pull me with her.

" I still have a lot of people to meet, connections to make" I excused, she always makes me do this, I give in and the end results are very awkward conversations.

I don't get along with my family, I do communicate with my father, not loving conversations but they at least happened.

My relationship with my step mother and siblings is absolutely non existent.

" come on Gil, they are your family, we won't have anytime later when the real agenda starts, let's go and meet them now, my parents are there too and your parents will be mine soon enough " she reasoned

" you don't need them"

" Gil!!" she scolded, I didn't want her to be sad.

" you know I'll go with you anyways, I just want you to know that I hate being in their presence, I'll go because you asked and because my future in laws are there" she smiled warmly.

We couldn't just walk straight up so we got stuck and stopped by several people we passed.

Most people were congratulating us on our wedding, others appreciating and admiring Arabella's looks and asking for information on the designer, am glad they chose to say nothing about me, that wouldn't end well.

Arabella and I have come a long way, she helped me overcome some of the most difficult moments of my life and accepted me with all of my demons.

She makes me feel worthy and I'll never trade that for anything in this world.

living Loving