OBLIVIOUS HEARTS

3: Serene Storm

AUTHOR'S POV

The couple managed to make it past the various people and found their parents where Arabella had seen them.

" don't be rude? ok?"she reminded him as they approached, seated together around a table were Arabella's parents, her father Joseph White, mother Rose White and her twin brother Adrian was also seated with them.

Adrian is another determined young man, his attitude is very similar to Gilberto's but he loves his family, he went to the same schools as Gilberto since he had to follow his sister who was dead set on following Gilberto Evans everywhere.

Adrian dislikes Gilberto and has been waiting for an opportunity to get him out of his sister's life. He hates the fact that Arabella puts Gilberto above everything in her life and has reformed her entire life in a way that pleases Gilberto and only him, nothing else matters to his sister.

Adrian is a very smart guy, he and Gilberto always compete about everything, they were the smartest guys in highschool, straight A students, if they didn't get a tie, one of them would do better and the other would do their best to beat the other in the next exam, the same thing happened at university.

Gilberto wasn't really into competing with his girlfriend's brother but he really hated being challenged, there existed this natural thirst to be the best in both of them and they did everything they could to exceed the other.

The only reason they hadn't broken each other's faces till now is because they shared a common interest and that is their love for Arabella.

Gilberto's parents were seated together with the Whites, Mathew Evans and his wife Nora Gilberto and his brother's step mother.

Gilberto totally distanced himself from his father after he got married to his new wife.

There are times they had to team up for business related issues and Gilberto made sure it stayed business.

Once Gilberto and Arabella got at the table, they all shared greetings, of course Arabella played the most part, the ladies started to discuss the wedding and the preparations they'd been working on over the weeks with Mathew and Joseph chiming in.

Mathew and Nora wanted to talk to Gilberto but they knew he wouldn't like it and they didn't want to ruin the evening with their family feuds.

Gilberto and Adrian remained in an awkward silence, both of the tyrannical billionaires have enormous egos and attitudes that left a chilling feeling.

As they were immersed in their discussion, they were approached by Constance Levine.

Constance is also a business woman, she is a famous fashion designer, a very affluent woman.

Constance is well known in the business woman and her designs have got so many appraisals over the years.

She is a good friend of Nora and Rose's, Constance as you must have guessed is one of the biggest competitors of Gibson's and they are morbid business enemies.

At every big occasion held in the city, the outfits worn and the designers behind the marvelous designs would be anticipated and talked about before, during and after the occasion.

Every designer out there wanted to be the one responsible for the best dressed elite, it was an honor they all wanted to attain.

Gibson and Constance were a few of the designers who were always successful at this.

Rose and Nora were so happy to see their friend, they were currently wearing her designs as well.

" oh my! look at the lovely family, the beautiful bride, the very handsome groom and the the in-laws, perfect family and Arabella, that looks absolutely perfect on you, I've never been more proud of myself"Constance bragged in her cherry tone.

" thank you so much aunt, this is all thanks to you and the girls you sent to assist me were perfect, they did a great job"

Arabella hugged her and thanked her happily.

She had received so much admiration tonight and the party hadn't even officially started.

" My daughter looks wonderful Constance, infact my entire family looks wonderful" Joseph white said looking at everyone.

Constance was indeed responsible for their wardrobes, Nora and Rose made sure of that and of course Arabella was in charge of Gilberto's outfits so she'd select everything he wears from their family designer's collection or have them tailor made for him.

" your welcome Joseph, your all family to me, why are you'll sitting here, you can have your family discussions somewhere else, this is a party, go mingle and brag about, met new people sweethearts come on"

Constance encouraged them lifting her friends off their chair.

Gibson was associating with some of his friends when he spotted Constance Levine his arch nemesis, he took the opportunity greet her.

more like opportunity to brag

" hello hello lovely family, how's everyone tonight Mr Evans, Mr White your beautiful wife's and the kids" Gibson intervened loudly.

here comes the drama

He completely ignored Mrs Levine, everyone knows of the obvious feud between the two, Gibson and Constance didn't mind about business ethics at all when dealing with each other.

They've argued publicly so many times that it has become so normal to them and everyone else so they chose to mind their business and leave the rivals alone.

" we're all fine Mr Keys, how are you, you seem to be in an even better mood than usual" Mr Evans said to a very giddy looking Gibson.

" oh my God, you know me so well, of course am happy, very very happy today" he said excitedly like a little girl.

Constance who had been completely ignored scoffed.

" when are you ever not, I don't see any reason for it though" she said rolling her eyes.

" oh hey Constance, didn't see yah there" he said putting emphasis on her name.

" of course you didn't, what are you doing here anyways, I thought you travelled, I was hoping this would be a great party"

Gibson laughed loudly in a sarcastic tone.

" so you know it huh? you know you can only amount to something in my absence, huh! I feel sorry for you"Gibson teased her and laughed at her face.

" Oh Constance, remember something, even when am not around, my creativity in action will always overshadow your entire existence" he said gesturing at her.

" really? Are you sure about that? You haven't been making the impression lately" Constance pointed out.

" that's because I've been busy, developing my empire all over the world you see, make good use of this chance, am going to come back like a raging storm" Constance laughed at this.

" why are you laughing? just look around, even if am not personally active right now, my company still is and many people today are wearing clothes from my brad approved and one way or another designed by yours truly"

Gibson said puffing his chest proudly, Constance could not deny that but she isn't one to go down without a fight.

" why look so far? look at my dear Arabella right here" Constance said pulling Arabella closer.

Apart from Gilberto and Timothy who retained their stoic expression, everyone else was trying to hold their laughter in.

" what do you think about her look tonight? Be honest and true"

Gibson was beside himself, Arabella honestly looked so good tonight, there was no denying that Constance was an excellent designer and Gibson knew this, he didn't want to admit it.

Gibson really wanted to make a snide comment like usual but he didn't want to offend Arabella, her family or her brooding fiance.

He took along breath trying to conceal the tight spot he was in, he'd surely make her pay later.

" Arabella, you look lovely tonight, Miss White in white is such a site" he complemented.

There was sincerity in his voice and expression, the silky white dress Arabella wore is indeed remarkable, Constance isn't a plausible competitor for nothing.

" thank you so much Gibson, I have Constance to thank for all of it though" Arabella smiled.

" I agree, she really out did her self this time" Gibson relented, Constance loved this outcome.

" thank you Gibson, I appreciate your honesty" she asserted.

" be careful Arabella, she has worn out her brains so much, don't be surprised if you have very ugly wedding dress, you'll know where to find me" Gibson criticized all of a sudden, Arabella and everyone else just laughed it off.

that is those who can laugh.

" at least you admit it right, every journalist out there is talking about my designs"

Constance said pretending not to have had his comment.

" not so fast darling, Gibson Keys is always number one and for good reason"

Gibson said holding his hand up smugly.

" no offense Arabella but when my girl shows up here tonight which is very soon," he said checking his wrist watch.

" you and every other females in this party are going to feel very........ very invisible"

Constance laughed mockingly to annoy him.

" no offense taken Gibson, am totally fine with it"

Arabella didn't mind it, she knew she'd have the attention and love of the main person in her life no matter what, he only has eyes for her, that's all that matters.

Gibson left from there and everyone dispersed, Arabella and Constance went to meet her wedding planner who was also present.

Gilberto decided to join his friends who were seated at the distant bar, they'd been expecting him for a while but he ignored their expectant gazes, the boys are always ganging up on him, he finally decided to give them the pleasure, Arabella suggested so and anything is better than being left with Adrian.

Gilberto is someone who doesn't like changes in his personal life, he doesn't adapt to change in a normal way, these boys have been in his life for years, he met them before he became the mess he is today.

" don't tell me you weren't going to come meet us if Arabella didn't suggest it?" Wyatt asked as Gilberto grabbed a stool to sit without saying a word, they had been giving Gilberto signals he completely ignored.

" to think am his best man, how are you so emotionless?" Aiden asked exasperatedly.

Gilberto of course remained unfeeling giving them all a lazy look.

" you guys aren't used to it yet? I get to deal with this attitude a lot more than I'd like to" Sebastian scoffed.

" he asked you to be his best man?"Wyatt asked in shock.

" he doesn't have much of a choice does he?" Aiden said it like he was stating some obvious fact.

" excuse me, there's three of us, why would you think he'd chose you? " Wyatt pointed out.

" relax boys, Arabella said we could all be his best men and the only reason we haven't gone for our cloth fitting is because he hasn't been around" Sebastian said trying to subdue the argument.

" and you waited till now to say that? " Aiden complained.

" that is not the point guys, let's discuss other things" Sebastian changed the topic. He had actually forgotten to inform the boys about the plan after discussing it with Arabella some weeks ago.

" yes, for example how Arabella looks so ravishing tonight" Wyatt commented looking in Arabella's direction, he simply wanted to rile Gilberto.

Aiden and Sebastian laughed when they saw Gilberto's facial expression.

" that explains his horrible mood tonight" Sebastian said referring to Gilberto.

" his woman is attracting so much attention making him so jealous" Wyatt joked.

" don't worry kid, am gonna pray and hope that someone shows up soon, someone that'll take away all the attention on your woman" Sebastian declared confidently.

"I really doubt that anyone can beat her tonight, that is Arabella white, the only daughter of billionaire Joseph White, a well known paediatrician who loves her job, she is also engaged to the eligible bachelor the rich and handsome Gilberto Evans and to get married in two weeks, their wedding is currently the most anticipated occasion in the city"

Aiden expressed holding the wine glass he just downed as a mic and speaking like a journalist.

This was how their conversations were, everyone else would be so chatty and Gilberto just sits and watches.

This isn't how it has always been, he has the kind of friends he has because there was a time he could relate to them.

whatever changed wasn't for good.

GILBERTO'S POV

Every second in this ballroom makes me feel out of place, no doubt it's promotionally beneficial, I just feel unduly uncomfortable today.

There was a commotion outside and most people got curious, another fake figure probably showed up, you could here the journalist's chant

'money.'

" who do you think it is?" asked Aiden

" I'll get it this time"Wyatt said confidently "Mr Mora" he boasted

" how are you so sure? Could be anyone, they haven't even gotten out of the car" Sebastian pointed out.

" easy, just look at how giddy Gibson Keys is" Wyatt explained, I unconsciously looked as well, Gibson did look excited, it was so obvious, I remember him talking of a girl earlier, Mr Mora never shows up with companions much less females.

He's known to be one of the most handsome bachelors in the country and he didn't seem to want any change in that.

Many young influential ladies have been reported to have tried seducing him and yet never succeeded.

" so am I right?" Wyatt asked after sometime.

Sebastian was so fixed on his phone, am sure he was watching the live broadcast at the entrance, he reduced the volume not to be suspicious, they always played ' guess the guest' in parties to rid off boredom.

so childish.

" your right but from the looks of it I think he brought a female companion" Sebastian said looking intently at his phone with a shocked expression.

This startled all of them, I must say my curiosity was piqued as well.

" No way!" Wyatt exclaimed.

Aiden got off his stool, we were currently sitting at the bar, it's to early to just sit around but who cares.

Aiden stood behind Sebastian and both of them kept their eyes on the love broadcast.

Some seconds later, they had shocked faces, it was like they'd seen some prized possession.

Wyatt grabbed the phone from Sebastian's hand after looking at their faces.

" hey don't you have your own phone" Aiden complained

" don't you have one? that's mine" Sebastian retaliated.

I wonder who could get them this fixed.

" wow.......damn" Wyatt said dreamily sitting down on his stool slowly

" I always knew she'd grow up to be drop dead gorgeous but this......... this is way out of my expectations" Wyatt seemed to be very impressed.

" wait, you know that beauty, where did he get that girl? she looks too young right ?"Aiden asked, they were all acting like teenage boys who just saw the beautiful new girl at school.

" Excellent questions" said Sebastian, even I was curious about this, I of course didn't show it but I really wanted to know which woman Stephano Mora came with, that guy presents himself as an esteemed man but I just feel something off about him, I just can't put my finger on it, I must be the only person who believes there's something shady about him.

" guys, I can't believe this, it's Gilberto and Adrian's arch nemesis, the girl who put them to shame countless times"

" get to the point"Aiden bellowed

My attention was now fully on their stupid conversation.

a girl who put me to shame?...... it's her.

" It's Loli Mora, Stephano actually brought his daughter with him today" he declared.

Now that is a shock, Stephano is so protective of that girl, I can't believe he'd bring her here today.

Aiden grabbed the phone out of Wyatt's hand to get a clearer look.

" mama mia, indeed....... indeed" Aiden nodded slowly as he starred.

They were acting like complete fools, am just glad everyone else was distracted.

" I told you, someone did show up to take the attention right off your woman, your welcome" Sebastian teased wingling his eyebrows at me.

Loli Mora, that girl was a thorn in my flesh at highschool, she was just too smart for her good.

She joined highschool in her last grade.

Adrian and I were real bookworms, we weren't into sports, partying or girls like the other guys in school, we were always in the library trying our best to nail the next academical task.

There was a silent competition between us, the whole school knew about it, the teachers would sometimes give us equal marks inorder to deflate the unspoken hatred between us.

It never worked and in our last year, she happened.

I can still remember the day a little girl appearing to be about twelve years old was introduced as our new classmate, so many students laughed at this and wondered whether our principal had got the wrong class which was impossible since she was personally introduced by him.

The girl kept her head down the entire time and didn't say a word.

They said she had been homeschooled her whole life and was too smart for ninth grade where most fourteen years olds were.

So we had a fourteen year old girl with a much younger look in 12th grade, a class full of so many older students.

It wasn't long before that little girl proved everyone wrong for judging her, she would finish all the class assignments first no matter how difficult they were, it was like she knew the answers even before seeing the questions.

She became the best at every academical project regardless of the topic given.

She, Adrian and I would get the first position in class but that would be only if we got a hundred in everything because Loli never ever missed that mark.

Regardless, it was clear as day that we weren't any match, if one hundred wasn't the limit mark, she'd obviously go beyond.

Timothy and I struggled to get our marks, we read day and night but the girl didn't even try at all, she was a bookworm too but the books she read were even beyond what our teachers could comprehend.

There were no books like that in a high school library, she carried her own text books.

Everyone had suspected she was from a well off family but couldn't point out which one it was.

There was a time she was bullied by a ninth grader, just common kids gibberish.

that's what we thought.

Someone didn't take it lightly, that was the day the whole school and city found out Stephano Mora the billionaire has a daughter.

The environment at the whole school was so tense, every teacher and even students were on edge, it was so chaotic, but it explained a lot of things, like how no teacher ever asked her to give answers in class, how she wasn't asked to do group projects and many more odd exceptions made only for her.

No one ever had of the bully and her entire family again, it's said they left the country never to return but that isn't any of my business.

The little girl did so much damage to my ego, she ended up being the best in the entire country in our final exams, it was a shock that the news didn't receive the attention it should've, the youngest 12th grader was the best in the whole country, she even got a scholarship from very many elite universities.

Nobody ever saw her after highschool, Stephano is so protective of his daughter explaining how shocked people were to see him bring her out today.

" they just walked in" Aiden whispered.

There were so many people around them, opportunity seekers at work.

" I bet all those ladies want to be her stepmother" Aiden's giggled.

No doubt about that, Stephano attracts quite the audience.

I can see him since he's a tall man and there was clearly someone attached to his side, I couldn't see her clearly, she's always had a small stature.

I looked around and I saw Adrian intently trying to spot her as well, we definitely have the same reasons for that.

the girl did disgrace the both of us terribly.

I looked back at them and now there wasn't any obstruction, once I saw her, I immediately understood what the boys meant earlier, infact their reactions did no justice to her ethereal beauty.

When she joined our class for the first time, more than shocked by her age, everyone was blown away by her physical appearance, she looked like a doll, a very fragile and beautiful doll, her features were so sticking and she exuded so much innocence that you'd feel this strong urge to protect her.

And tonight just like before, she wasn't trying, to be honest I'd say she is the most simply dressed person at this party.

Am not one to pay attention to such things but her look is so distinctive from that of all the unscrupulous ladies here.

Her brown hair was tied in a sleek bun, the facial make-up was minimal and just right, she was wearing a very simple black straight midi dress, it had lace material and it brought out her small frame making her adorable, she wore black stiletto sandals, honestly, for a person wearing all black, she gave off so much brightness.

I didn't even realize that I had summed up her entire look.

Am not one to admit even to myself that any woman is physically more attractive than Arabella.... but this wasn't even up for discussion.

" Am going in" Wyatt declared startling all of us, I didn't realize I was so fixedly starring.

Wyatt adjusted his suit and fixed his hair.

" excuse me handsome, where ?"Sebastian asked smugly.

" to meet an old friend" he said like it was obvious. Aiden and Sebastian shared a throaty laugh on hearing him.

" what's so funny about that?" he asked in confusion.

" are you being serious or is it that you don't see the domineering father right next to her" Aiden mused.

Stephano is a protective father, that's no secret, it's very obvious, he'd definitely destroy anyone who even tries to lay a hand on her more so a man.

"That's isn't even the most scary part, if Lolita is here then......"Sebastian hinted and they all looked at each, communicating some thing indirectly.

" coach" they said uniformly and all started looking around anxiously.

Now that I remember, a new coach was hired for the boys football team just a week before Loli joined, he was quite young and energetic, everyone else didn't know it but the boys told me he gave them a serious warning when he found them talking about Loli in the locker room.

I was the only one in my the group who wasn't in our highschool football team.

They said he even gave them a really hard time at training just for saying a few things, not even hurtful things, they were honestly complementing her.

He let them go after he made them promise to protect Loli from anyone in his absence.

They got curious and eavesdropped on one of his phone calls thus finding out he was an undercover bodyguard for Loli.

They were of course discovered and it didn't end well for them.

Aiden suddenly gasped and looked away hiding his face.

" what happened? Wyatt asked trying to see whatever it is Aiden saw.

" he's here guys, couch is here, I saw him and he saw me" Aiden said sounding petrified.

" oh my God, there he is" Wyatt said ,we followed his gaze and it was indeed him, Clarke Davids.

" oh no, his even bulkier now?" Sebastian complained.

" why do you guys seem so scared?"I asked, eerily angered by their actions.

" oh so you can talk huh, my muscles still ache because of that guy"Aiden scolded pushing his hands in my face and touching his butt.

" I know right? He's actually still her bodyguard? It's been years" Wyatt wondered, they were being dramatic like always.

The party got more serious, most people had arrived so the guys and I decided to spread out.

I met various business tycoons and celebrities fake and friendly.

I can't pin all the blame on them, amidst them I also put up an act, my honest character is way to chilling.

Arabella approached me after a long time, her bright smile made me feel alot better.

"apple juice?" she offered, the apple juice looks like the alcoholic drink most people were holding so no one would suspect am drinking sweet juice.

I can take alcoholic drinks but it was only ceremonial, I really hate the test, I have a sweet tooth and prefer to keep it a secret.

It's s kinda embarrassing

Arabella made sure to make me comfortable at events like this, she'd offer me apple juice or any sweet drink that looks alcoholic.

I gulped the entire drink, I was really thirsty from all that talking.

" did you see Loli, the little girl from highschool, she has grown to be even more beautiful" she said excitedly.

" hmm" I've had enough of that girl today, it also annoyed me how she made me lose focus for a good number of minutes earlier.

" are you ok? why do you look so uninterested?"

'Because I am', I wanted to say that but I know she's having so much fun right now so I refrained from it.

" let's go met them, come on"

" who?" It better not be who am thinking it is.

" you know who am talking of, Gil I know you don't like him for reasons only known to you but please understand, I've been working closely with his people, they were so nice and they've done a perfect job on our mansion, it's the least we can do"

the least we can do? I paid millions of dollars for that mansion.

I honestly don't know why I dislike him, it's just instinctual, he hasn't even done anything to me.

I just find him strange, for a good number of years now he's been acting really weird, I've caught him staring gravely at me on several occasions and he looks away immediately after being caught.

It's almost like his observing my every move, it may not be obvious to others but am someone who pays attention to my surroundings.

I was on edge about it for sometime but he never made any move against me so I eventually tossed it aside but never forgot it, there's just something about Stephano Mora.

I have a feeling I'll find it out soon

Stephano and Loli had already sat down, I could see the both of them along with Gibson and Constance.

Am sure he's rubbing it in her face now, Gibson is known to be Stephano's closest friend so no doubt she's the girl he mentioned earlier.

He didn't brag for nothing though.

We got at their table and Stephano got up to greet us, he really lived up to his reputation.

a very friendly and honest billionaire

" I got your wedding invitation card, I'll definitely be there"

" I'd love that Mr Mora, Gil and I love how the mansion turned out, your team really is the best"

Arabella commented, I let her do all the talking.

I'd have to admit that the mansion is indeed spectacular but they just did what they were paid so well for, does everyone have to make such a big deal out of it?

" am glad you like it, we always try our best to impress our clients" he kept speaking with Arabella in a professional way.

His daughter remained seated and indifferent, it looked like she'd rather be anywhere else.

well, that makes two of us.

She looked even more beautiful up close, I just glanced at her for a second before looking back at Arabella who was having a natural conversation with Stephano.

It looks like he doesn't mind that am quiet, I've made my disdain towards him obvious several times, if his as smart as I've heard, he knows about my dislike for him yet he's never brought it up and that's very weird.

Gibson interrupted their discussion after a little while "hmm excuse me, you were defending your aunty earlier, what do you have to say now Arabella?be honest and true" he said repeating Mrs Levine's earlier phrase.

" am sorry aunt but I think Gibson nailed this one" Gibson got so excited after hearing this and pulled Constance along am sure to embarrass her infront of more people.

" hello Loli" Arabella greeted waving at her but the girl just kept her head down.

" am so sorry about her, she must be tired , it's been a busy night" Stephano apologized .

" it's absolutely fine Mr Mora, Loli was in my class some years back, I know she's naturally quiet, she must also be overwhelmed by tonight's events"

" thank you for understanding"

" it's ok sir, we'll leave you to it, I hope you'll attend our wedding, Loli too"

" of course"

I started feeling dizzy and weak after a while, Arabella timely offered me a key card and directed me to the room, it's kinda strange, I thought it'd be better if we just left but she probably wanted to stay much longer.

If only I knew the storm awaiting inform of a serene little girl.