Scarlet Truth

Five

Clara Daniels

“Oh my God, Clara look!” Mason said while tapping my shoulder. “It's Damian Astor!”

I turned and froze.

What is he doing here?

He sat at a table for two. I pulled myself together and went close to his table.

“Mr Astor,” I said, forcing myself to remain calm. “Welcome to Le Petit Haven.” My voice was steady, but my heart was racing.

His eyes met mine. “Miss Daniels, I was in the area and decided to have your risotto again,” he said, smiling.

Coincidence? Or what? I wondered. I could not tell with the expression on his face.

“Of course,” I replied. “Would you like anything else?”

“Just water,” he smirked.

“Alright.”

“Is Mr Wilson around,” he asked.

“No, he stepped out,” I said. “I will be right back.”

I walked quickly to the kitchen and informed Mason of Mr Astor's order.

I carefully plated the risotto, set the plate on a tray, and ensured it was perfect.

“Enjoy your meal, Mr Astor,” I said, trying to sound professional despite the flutter in my chest.

“I have no doubt I will, Miss Daniels.” The way he said my name gave me goosebumps.

I went back to the counter and kept staring at him from a distance. The way he ate, he looked so perfect and composed.

Some customers recognized him, and a lady went asking for a picture and an autograph. I stood there frowning.

Why am I angry? It's none of my business.

When he was done with his food, he raised his hand, signaling me.

I walked back to him, trying to maintain my composure.

“Clara,” he said, "we need to finalize the conference arrangements."

" Can you come over tomorrow by 11am?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure."

"Thanks for stopping by," I added as he stood up and left.

***

Later that evening, I got a call from the hospital.

“Good evening, am I speaking with Miss Clara Daniels?” She asked.

“Yes, how is my mom doing?” I asked.

“She is fine. She has been asking for her children.”

“What?"

"Is my mom awake?" I blurted out, tears rolling down my face.

"Yes, she is. We just served her a meal."

"I am on my way."

"Thank you so much!"

I hung up, feeling a sense of relief and excitement. I called Nadia and rushed out of the restaurant.

“Nadia!"

"Mom is awake!!" I screamed.

“Really?” She said, sobbing. “I was already on my way to the hospital.”

***

As I got to her room, I could not contain myself.

“Mom!” I screamed, hugging her tightly. We were all crying.

“Clara!” My mom said, “How have you been?”

“How have you guys been coping?”

“How long have I been here for?”

"Don’t worry about that," I interrupted her.

"Thank goodness you are awake!"

"I am happy to see you like this, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"Any pain or cough?" I gently touched her chest.

“I am okay.” She smiled weakly.

“Now I feel we are complete again,” Nadia said.

We hugged ourselves tightly, sobbing with joy.

The door opened, and it was the nurse. "Evening girls."

"How are you doing?" she asked.

“We are fine, thank you for taking care of our mom.” I smiled.

“You are welcome,” she said,

The nurse checked her vitals and reminded me to see the doctor before leaving.

“Good evening doctor,” I said tearfully. “My mom is awake thanks to you and the team.”

"She still needs surgery."

"We should not waste more time."

I understood what he meant. It is about money.

“We are working on it.”

“Alright then,” he said. I left his office and went back to my mom’s room.

Mom was already lying down by the time I got back to her room.

Nadia and I stepped out to talk to not disturb her.

We sat on a bench in the hallway.

“Hey… things are looking good, right?” I said, holding her hands.

She nodded.

“Are you okay?” I asked. "You seem a bit off."

"How is work?"

Her face fell. “It is work,” she said.

“Work has been hard, they treat me like I am invisible, like I'm not worthy.”

“You are not,” I said firmly. "Tell me everything."

"When I try to contribute to anything, they dismiss me."

"I hear rude remarks about me all the time." Her voice trembled. “I feel undervalued and useless sometimes.”

"Hey!" I moved closely to her.

"You are not!" I held her hands firmly. "You are valued, loved, and appreciated."

"Don't let anyone make you feel less." My chest tightened as I listened to her.

“If you want to leave the place, you can…” I said.

“What of bills?” she sighed.

“We will be fine, okay,” I said.

“When mom leaves this hospital, I will resign and pursue my passion for hairstyling.” She said.

“We will figure it out.” We hugged tightly.

***

I woke up feeling much better today. Mom is fair now, Nadia and I still need to figure out the hospital fee, but I feel way lighter now.

I wore a pink dress, applied a thin layer of eyeliner, and my pink lip gloss. Then I straightened and combed my hair, letting it loose, wore black block heels, and sprayed my perfume.

Nadia was also getting ready for work while I stood in front of my mirror, giggling.

She paused, then turned to face me.

“Someone looks happy this morning,” she teased.

“It’s nothing.” I chuckled.

“Really,” She said, folding her hands.

“Hypothetically speaking… if I told you I met a super-influential CEO, what would you say?”

She narrowed her eyes, “Who did you see?”

“Let’s just say…you know him.”

“Claraaaa,” she dragged my name.

"Okay, fineee."

"I saw Damian Astor."

She screamed. “Damian? As in Damian Astor?”

“Tell me everything.” She ordered.

I told her everything, our first encounter, eye contact, and how intense it was.

She looked at me, more composed than before.

“Wow… how do you feel?”

"I don’t know."

"I mean he’s attractive, but I don’t think he will be interested in me. "Besides…” I sighed. “You remember what Lucas and Ava did to me, right?” She nodded.

Lucas was my first love. We were in love, or I thought we were, dated for a year. Ava was my best friend. We studied together, partied together, and shared everything. I wonder how long she had been sleeping with Lucas before I caught them that night. They both betrayed me. I started noticing changes, he was giving attitude and excuses. I went over to his place unannounced one evening. On getting there, I heard disturbing sounds. I was already mad, then I entered the room and saw Ava on top of him.

"I don't think I can ever forgive them," I added.

"I remember how they hurt you."

"Have you heard from them since then?" she asked.

“I blocked them and did not look back,” I said. “I’m just skeptical, you know, Lucas had nothing and didn’t treat me well, how much more a billionaire.”

“Anyway, there is nothing going on between Damian and me.” I stammered with a nervous laugh.

She raised a brow and smirked, “yet.”

“Huh, what do you meannn.” I yelled.

She smiled. "I’m going to the hospital this morning."

"You will be fine Clara." She hugged me. “Have a nice day.”

“And you too, my love.” She left the room.

By 11am today, I will be in Astor Group with Mr Damian and the others. I had butterflies dancing in my stomach. It got me anxious and excited.

I stopped by Le Petit first, did some inventories, answered a few calls, and left for Astor's group. I got there and met the same receptionist.

“Hi, I am here to see the planning committee regarding the conference,” I said.

“Yes, take the lift to the 30th floor.” She replied with a smile.

“Thank you.”

When I got to Mr Astor's office, the secretary welcomed me.

“Welcome, Miss Daniels, you can go in,” she said,

“Thank you,” I replied.

Mr. Damian was sitting in front of his desk and I could only see the back of his computer.

“Miss Clara!,” he stood up and came closer, extending his hand for a handshake. “Thanks for coming,” He said smoothly.

He has a soft yet stern voice that gives me goosebumps.

“Good morning, Mr Astor,” I replied, trying not to fidget.

Mr. Nicholas will be joining us soon.

“Sit down.” He called his secretary in. “What would you like to have, Miss Clara?”

“Water is fine.”

“Okay.” He turned to his secretary to get me water.

I brought out my notes, the menu, and my pen. I walked him through the menu selections with additional dishes added. Our eyes would meet and every time our eyes met, I felt off balance.

“Tell me, Miss Daniels,” he said suddenly, interrupting my flow. “Are you usually this soft-spoken?”

Oh wow, I was not expecting that, I gasped. “I… I always speak like this.”

“Impressive,” he murmured, leaning his back against the chair.

At that moment, I was confused. I could not tell if he was testing me or admiring me. The question threw me off. I almost forgot everything I was saying.

He wasn’t asking about the menu or making special orders. He kept watching the way I answered his questions. Listening to my tone and watching my gestures.

At one point, I felt him staring while I looked down at my notes. That made my heart flutter.

Why was he watching me like that?

I cleared my throat. "Is there anything else, Mr Astor?"

“Hmm. Yes, actually…how long have you been working in Le Petit Haven?"

"Huh?"

"I mean…sir?" I spluttered.

“I don’t mean to pry, but you take this job like it is yours,” he added.

“A few months now,” I answered.

“Well, keep it up!”

“Thank you, sir.”

“This conference is a big deal. Different people will be coming from different countries, so there should be no mistakes. Each meal must be exquisite and properly displayed. Tell Mr Wilson that you guys have won the contract. Everything you will need, send it to the managing team.” He hardened his tone.

“Write down your contract details and that of the restaurant.” He called in his secretary to get the details.

“Alright, thank you. That would be all.”

"Thank you, sir."

"We will not let you down," I said.

I saw Mr. Nicholas on my way out. “Miss Clara, did you see Mr Astor?” he asked.

“Yes, we just concluded the meeting.”

“Alright,” he said with a weird look on his face.