Fake jewelry
1995 Words
Do you have any ideas why Mr. President requires my presence?” Aidan asked as the car sped off to the government house.
“I’m not so sure, who wouldn’t want to be associated with such greatness as you? When the William realize what they have done, I’ll be glad to throw them out when they come begging,” Brenton said with a smug laughter.
Aidan smirked lightly. He was looking forward to that day, but for now, he had to remain calm.
They pulled up at the government house in no time. An array of soldiers were already waiting for Aidan’s arrival. They saluted him, a sign of respect that he acknowledged with a crisp nod, then escorted him into the premises.
It had been such a long day for him, he hoped he would be able to get some rest after the meeting with the president even though he didn’t know what to expect.
As they approached the president’s office, Aidan’s expression remained stoic, betraying no excitement or nerves.
When the doors opened, and he stepped inside, he immediately saluted the president with precision, and an impeccable posture. Every movement reflected the discipline and strength of the youngest five-star general.
“You are even more noble in person. Please drop the formalities, I’m delighted to meet you,” President Gary said as he chuckled heartily and offered Aidan a seat.
Aidan managed a smile, he wasn’t expecting such warmth from the president.
“I know you just returned from base, and I’m lucky that a citizen of the united states have been declared the youngest five star general in the world. I would like to offer you a promotion as the chairman of the joint chief of staff, the principal military advisor to the president and the secretary of defense. I’ve gotten only good reports and I’m sure the nation is in safe hands with you,” President Gary said.
Aidan was shocked. He hadn’t expected such honor from the president himself!
“I’m short of words, Mr. President. I uhh I will do my best,” Aidan said as he stood up and saluted the president once more.
“It’s okay. I’m only doing what’s best for the country. So, your inauguration will be in a month. I have to send out letters of invitation. It will be a grand event. Good hard work and patriotism needs to be awarded. And you can resume your duties tomorrow,” President Gary said as he stretched his hands for a handshake.
“I’m truly appreciative of this honor and call to service. I’ll do my best best,” Aidan said as he shook hands with him, finally laughing heartily.
Brenton stood by the corner, smiling in admiration as he clapped and cheered. What a good note to end the daunting day.
Aidan was not only offered an important and it extremely high paying job, he was also given a mansion, fleet of cars, and possibly every thing he would ever need for his keep. It was the government’s way of saying thank you for making them proud.
Soon, Aidan was done with the meeting with the president and he headed to his new mansion, with lots of escorts.
It felt like a dream, a very very nice dream. Who would have thought that Aidan Cromwell, a nobody five years ago was going to rise to become one of the most important personnel in the government and country?
A part of him felt overwhelmed by his increase in wealth and status, he was sure that the Williams would not say no to him now, but then, he wanted to be cautious and make the necessary moves to reunite with Maisie before the news of his new position gets out.
“We are here, General,” Brenton’s voice interrupted Aidan’s thought.
Aidan smiled as he looked around the mansion. He was impressed by the décor ad ambience. But deep down, he didn’t fell complete as he walked through the halls.
He had imagined buying his first house with Maisie and giving birth to their first child in it. But it was different, it felt a bit lonely and quiet.
He didn’t know much about Maisie, but he knew she would love it here.
“I will retire to bed now, call me if you need anything,” Brenton said as he saluted and excused himself.
Aidan stood there, contemplating on what next to do, and also reflecting on what had transpired today with the Williams when his phone rang.
It was his old phone that he always carried around. He had saved up for months to buy it five years ago. He used it to communicate with Maisie, but when he went to military camp, he turned it off, not having the guts to speak to Maisie or explain why he left.
The phone kept ringing. He knew that number, he had continuously ignored it for the last five years. It was Maisie’s.
Without thinking, he answered the call.
“You finally decided to answer me,” she said on the other end.
“Maisie.. I-” Aidan tried to speak before she cut in.
“I wanted to tell you that Hazel’s birthday is tomorrow. She is not sure if her birthday yet. The venue she told you about is still the same. If you wish to come, we will be there by 4 pm,” Maisie said.
“I’ll be there, Maisie. Thank you… for letting me know.” Aidan’s voice softened, but the line went dead before he could say more.
He knew she didn't want to talk to him, he didn't deserve it, not after what he had done to her. But he was grateful at least that she was giving him a chance in his daughter’s life.
Now more than ever, Aidan decided to win Maisie back. He was at an advantage because she was not interested in Chris, but still, he had to put in the work.
Aidan settled to sleep, it was going to be a hectic day tomorrow.
Later the next day at Hazel’s birthday dinner
“Daddy!” Hazel ran towards Aidan in excitement as she spotted him entering the resultant.
“My big girl!” Aidan chuckled as he carried Hazel off the ground.
“I didn’t think you would come,” Hazel said as she held him tightly.
“Of course, I would come. I’m back now, baby girl,” Aidan reassured her as he kissed her forehead.
“I was thinking of taking you shopping tomorrow so you can pick whatever you want. Is that okay?” Aidan asked.
“Yes, I would love that, but I’ll have to ask mommy for permission,” she replied.
“Don’t worry about your mom, I’ll ask her,” Aidan said as he dropped her on the ground when they got to their table.
“If it isn’t the reject, I wonder who it would be,” Shanice hissed through her teeth as she rolled her eyes at Aidan.
Aidan just sighed deeply. He had prepared himself for their insults and neglects, he only came because he wanted to spend time with his daughter and if tolerating insults from the family was the price he had to pay, then, so be it.
“Mom! Please, today is supposed to be Hazel’s special day. Try not to ruin it,” Maisie said.
Aidan simply smiled at her and went to sit opposite her, next to Hazel. Apparently, Maisie’s parents had forced her to sit next to Chris.
“This was supposed to be a family dinner though, but I guess visitors are allowed,” Walter said.
Aidan was trying to hide his discomfort as h distracted himself with little conversations with Hazel. He occasionally stole glances at Maisie, wishing he was the one sitting next to her.
“Ahem!” Chris cleared his throat drawing attention to himself.
“Well, now that we’re all settled, it’s time for Hazel’s birthday surprise,” Chris announced, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket.
The William family watched with admiration as Chris stood and walked around the table, presenting the box to Hazel.
“I wanted to give you something special, Hazel. Something to remember me by,” Chris said, his voice dripping with pride. He opened the box to reveal a gleaming sapphire bracelet.
“This is a rare sapphire bracelet from an exclusive jeweler in Paris.”
Gasps of awe filled the room. Shanice clapped her hands together in delight. “Oh, Chris, how thoughtful! You always know how to spoil our little Hazel.”
Walter grinned approvingly at Chris. “A man of taste, I see. Aidan, perhaps you could take some notes. This is how you treat family.”
Aidan remained calm, his eyes fixed on the bracelet as Chris fastened it around Hazel’s wrist. Hazel’s face lit up, admiring the bracelet.
“It’s so beautiful, Chris! Thank you!” Hazel exclaimed.
Chris shot a triumphant look at Aidan. “I’m sure it’s much more than you could ever manage.”
Aidan hated the fact it was becoming a competition with Chris.
Aidan raised an eyebrow but said nothing at first. His mind raced as he recognized the type of bracelet it was. He had seen something similar during one of his missions overseas. There was something off about it. He leaned forward slightly, looking closely at it.
“Hazel, sweetheart, can I see the bracelet for a moment?” he said in a low tone.
Hazel, oblivious to the sudden shift in tone, innocently held out her wrist.
Aidan studied the bracelet closely, then looked up at Chris, who was still grinning. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward Aidan.
“Chris, I’ve seen this design before. It’s not what you think it is.”
Chris’s smile disappeared, but he shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Aidan. It’s a sapphire bracelet—very expensive, too.”
Aidan’s gaze hardened. “No, it’s not. This isn’t just a fake, it’s dangerous.”
The room erupted into confused murmurs. Shanice shot a worried glance at Hazel’s wrist, and Maisie’s eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“What do you mean, dangerous?” Walter demanded.
Aidan took a deep breath. “This bracelet… it’s made with synthetic sapphire. And I know for a fact that the manufacturer who makes these bracelets uses radioactive materials in their products. It’s not safe.”
Shocked gasps filled the room. Shanice jumped up, reaching for Hazel’s wrist in panic.
“Radioactive?! Are you serious, Aidan? This has to be a joke,” Chris stammered, the confidence draining from his face.
Aidan shook his head.
“I wish I was joking. But I’ve seen this exact bracelet during a government investigation. If you don’t believe me, I suggest you have it tested. But I wouldn’t let Hazel wear it another second.”
Walter’s face twisted with anger and embarrassment. “Chris, is this true? You brought a dangerous gift to my granddaughter’s birthday?”
Chris stumbled for words. “I-I didn’t know! The jeweler… he swore it was genuine!”
“Genuine or not, you’ve put her at risk,” Maisie snapped, her voice rising in fury. “Hazel, take it off now.”
Tears welled in Hazel’s eyes as she quickly removed the bracelet and handed it to her mother. She didn’t know what was going on, all she knew was that she liked the bracelet.
Walter’s gaze burned with anger, but he was at a loss for words. Shanice stood frozen, clutching the bracelet as if it had betrayed them all.
“I’m just looking out for Hazel’s safety,” Aidan said quietly, glancing at Hazel.
Chris, red-faced and humiliated, glared at Aidan. “You did this to make me look bad.”
Aidan met his gaze. “No, Chris. You did that all by yourself.”
- Writer
