Yearning for Love

His protective nature

“I swear, this lady put a lot of work on this event. I wonder who her other half is.” Jummy took a sip of her own drink with an impressed look as Caroline walked in. "I never knew anyone would take this company seriously."

“Hey,” Caroline greeted them, walking towards where they stood. Andrew was still immersed by her beauty. She’d drew him for a brief hug, but seemed disappointed at his non-welcoming act.

“Wait, is Andrew your second half?” Jummy asked with surprise.

“Yes, we got married recently.” Caroline explained, hooking her hand into Andrew’s.

“So, he is married. He never acted like he was. I thought he came here because he was an organizer.” Jummy confessed, running her hands down her hair. “Andrew has lots of girls' eyes on him. Keep him well.”

Jummy had offered them a wave before leaving.

“So, you won’t speak to me?” Caroline asked, hitting Andrew on the shoulder.

“Why did you come late?” He questioned.

“The dress up took so long, but does it matter? You haven’t told me how I look.”

“Do I have to tell you how you look? You should know how you look yourself.”

“I swear I do not. I think the make-up is too much and I believe I could have come in my simple gown without going through all this.”

Andrew had a laugh escape his lips. Caroline did look cute when she’s angry. Aside from her upset look beneath all the clay, he could agree with her for the first time ever. She did look beautiful with it without make-up, and he kinda regretted asking her to overdress. Most of his male counterparts had eyes on her every second and their sight had upset him so much.

“Next time, go with your gut feeling and dress anyhow you wish.” He advised, adjusting her silky hair. She blushed.

“That’s more like it.”

“Come with me. Let me introduce you to some of my friends.” He informed her before going with her, hand in hand to the rest. The men's eyes were at her every second and it was no joke. He hated the idea of her being noticed and wondered why their stares furnished him.

“When I introduce you on stage, I want you to go home.” He informed her, when he was done introducing her to some personal friends.

“Why? The party is booming.”

“Just do as I say,” he insisted.

“No, I am done with you telling me what to do, Andrew. Let me have some fun and do as I wish for ones.” She pleaded, before heading to Jummy who chatted with some singletons. Andrew hated her stubbornness.

“Andrew Pak, please come on stage and tell us what you wish to tell us.” The MC gave way for him. He turned his focus from Caroline and walked up the stage.

***

Caroline Halls turned to the stage with smiles, as she got prepared for her husband to speak. She heard Jimmy laugh at something she’d told another chubby female among them, Daisy, but she ignored them.

“As you all know, I have always been a free man who avoided being tied down. I am present in every location, no matter the hour of the day, and try all I can to be useful.”

There were murmurs among the guests.

“Your husband does like blowing his trumpet, huh?” Jummy said with sarcasm.

Caroline wasn’t surprised at her reaction. Andrew was easy to read and an open book. He’d made his intention obvious; Work, Fun and nothing more than that.

“As we all know, life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. Sometimes, things happen. You know.” He was silent for a while before his eyes met with hers.

“I met a woman….” Caroline felt her cheeks blush. Jummy held her in her hand and offered it a slight squeeze.

“People will see you as lucky. Andrew is something else to everyone here. He never takes relationship talks seriously.”

“Her name is Caroline Halls. She is beautiful, hardworking and smart. In fact, she possesses the traits of a woman I have always dreamt of.”

Caroline clenched her hands together in shyness and had put a strand of her black hair behind her ear.

“When I first met her, I thought in her mind she would be the perfect medium for my achievements.” He continued. There was a confused stare from the people around. “By achievement, I mean she would be my peace, my long-lost happiness and the woman whose smile radiates my heart.” He explained instantly, realizing the misunderstanding that sprinted. Although that wasn’t what he meant by achievements, he was sure that was what the audience wanted to hear.

“I married her and made her Mrs Caroline Pak, the woman whose dreams are my dreams and whose struggles are my struggles.” He said with a smile, which went well with the act.

“Who is this lady?” The MC asked, looking around the audience for Caroline Halls.

“Caroline, please come on stage.” He waved her to the stage.

She held her gown and walked up the stage. He had his arm stretched out to her and together they stood before thousands of audience.

“I present to you my second half, Miss Caroline Pak.”

Most guests were surprised at her sight. There was a round of ovation, causing loud claps to bounce off the non padded walls.

“I knew you never settle for less.” The MC said, offering Caroline a cute look. “I can assure you that when I first saw her walk in, I assumed she was a special guest. I was right. She really is a special guest.”

Caroline laughed. This was her way of lessening the tension she felt since she had never been on stage before. What the MC said wasn’t even funny.

“Let’s go, Caroline.” He held her hand again and made an attempt to help her out.

“Hold on, you call her by her name?” The MC asked with surprise. Caroline could feel that Andrew was getting upset by the unnecessary small talk. He’d turned back to the MC, trying not to be rude. “There is no pet name yet, huh?”

“No. I haven’t thought of any yet.” Andrew answered nicely.

“I am thinking of calling him my Grumpy fine man.” Caroline said, offering Andrew a wink. She’d noticed Andrew’s upset look at the fact she reacted.

“Your what?” The MC was interested. “You did notice he is always grumpy.”

“He is a grumpy young man with a pure heart. That I know well.” Caroline placed her hands on Andrew’s chest. The audience made some “Awning” remarks.

“You have nothing sweet to say about your wife Andrew?” The MC asked.

“Mind your business.” Andrew threatened, and walked down the stage with Caroline. He’d walked so fast, he had scurried away from the stage into the crowd of guests. “I will fire that dude.” He said in anger.

“Hold on! You’re going now?” Jummy asked, as he walked past her and Daisy. He offered her no response. Caroline threw her a kiss and signaled her she would call her. Jummy winked. It was funny how Caroline bonded with Jummy after knowing each other for such a short time, but she hadn’t cared. She hoped no one would.

“Wait!” Caroline pulled her hands off his grip as soon as they stepped towards the exit.

“What?” He asked.

“Why are you doing this? I do not want to go home yet. I haven’t even stayed here for an hour.”

“Our work here is done. I do not think this party is your business anymore.”

“I don’t know how your mind works, but this party is my business. As far as I know, I made a new friend and got to know some of your colleagues. Allow me to have fun with them for a while.” She pleaded.

“What you requested would have been possible if those men hadn't stop staring at you. I do not trust any of them.” He’d gripped her tightly and turned back to the building. She blushed.