Just a Night

Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE (9)

“Hazel, what is it? Tell me right now,” Mrs. Volz pressed gently but firmly.

I paused, my thoughts spinning rapidly. If I reveal what I know and they go to check, what will come of it? Even if Kayla and Paul are caught in the very act, I’ll just look like I’m stirring up trouble or making things up. Worse still, Jason and his mother might end up making enemies out of both of them, and I refuse to be the one who starts all that mess. No… I can’t say a word. I have to keep this secret and pretend I know nothing at all.

“Hazel?” Mrs. Volz called again, noticing my silence.

“Yes, Mum?” I answered quickly, forcing a calm tone.

“What exactly happened? Why do you dislike Kayla so much?” she asked, studying my face closely.

I scratched the back of my head nervously, choosing my words carefully. “Oh… it’s nothing serious really. It’s just that… to me, she is extremely rude, very spoilt, and loves spending money recklessly on useless things. Half the time, she talks and behaves like a complete fool too.”

Jason’s expression darkened instantly, and his voice came out sharp and stern. “You will not speak of her like that in my presence, Hazel.”

I glared right back at him, refusing to back down. “Oh, but I will. In fact, I am saying it right now, and I mean every word… because that is the absolute truth.”

Mrs. Volz let out a soft sigh, shaking her head as she looked between us. “That is enough now. You two really shouldn’t fight or argue over someone like her… she honestly doesn’t deserve your time, energy, or anger at all.” She paused for a moment, glancing toward the door. “Speaking of Kayla… where is she anyway? I haven’t seen her around today.”

Enjoying pleasure with her fiancé’s best friend… this is truly a nightmare, I thought silently.

“Hazel, where is she?” Jason demanded.

“How am I supposed to know?” I shot back.

“Go look for her… and drop that attitude of yours,” he ordered sharply.

I stood up, walking away slowly, muttering under my breath as if I had any desire to stay there a minute longer.

I walked toward Paul’s office and shouted loudly, “Kayla! Kayla!”

From inside, Kayla peeked out cautiously. She quickly scrambled down from the table, wiping her face and straightening her clothes in a hurry before stepping out.

I turned to face the hallway, calling out again, “Ma’am Kayla, where exactly are you?”

She stormed out, glaring at me. “Why are you screaming my name like a mad dog?”

“Jason’s mother is here looking for you,” I replied flatly. “Where did you disappear to this time?”

“Jason’s mum is here? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she asked, sounding nervous and panicked.

“Why should I tell you anything? She is waiting for you right now in Jason’s office,” I said coldly.

“Alright… fine, let’s go,” she said, her voice trembling slightly as she grew visibly anxious.

We walked together toward Jason’s office.

“Good day, Ma’am,” Kayla greeted as she stepped into the office, forcing a bright smile.

Mrs. Volz looked up at her calmly. “Good day, Kayla. How are you today?”

“I am fine, Ma’am,” Kayla replied, though she shifted nervously on her feet, her eyes darting around the room.

“Sit down, please,” Mrs. Volz said, gesturing to a chair. “And tell me… where were you just now? I noticed you are hardly ever at your desk whenever I come by. You seem to disappear quite often. Where exactly did you go?”

Kayla hesitated for a split second before answering quickly, “I was… I was just in the restroom, Mummy.” She sat down, smoothing her skirt and trying to appear composed.

Mrs. Volz raised an eyebrow slightly. “I would prefer if you address me as Ma’am, please.”

“Ah… I apologize, Ma’am,” Kayla corrected herself, looking embarrassed.

“Now then,” Mrs. Volz continued, her tone turning serious and business-like. “Regarding the engagement… I have decided we will host a grand celebration right here in the city. I want it to be beautiful, memorable, and something everyone will talk about for a long time.”

Kayla’s face lit up with genuine excitement and surprise. “Oh, really? Is that actually true?”

“Indeed it is,” Mrs. Volz confirmed, then turned her gaze toward me. “Hazel?”

“Yes, Mummy?” I answered immediately.

Kayla scoffed quietly under her breath, unable to hold it back. “So she is allowed to call you Mummy while I am strictly told to say Ma’am? That is quite interesting.”

I looked right at her, my voice steady and clear. “Of course I am allowed. I am practically like a daughter to her, and you know that very well.”

Mrs. Volz completely ignored Kayla’s comment and focused entirely on me. “Hazel, my dear… I remember now, you were a very successful event planner back in Nigeria, weren’t you? You and your group of friends organized some of the biggest events there.”

I nodded. “Yes, Ma’am, that is correct. That was my profession for a long time.”

A satisfied smile spread across Mrs. Volz’s face. “Perfect. Then I have made my decision. I am putting you fully in charge of planning and organizing Jason and Kayla’s engagement celebration. You will handle everything from start to finish.”

Kayla’s mouth fell open in shock. “Ma’am!”

I beamed happily. “Does that mean you’re serious, Mummy? For real?”

Mrs. Volz smiled warmly at me. “Yes, my darling. I truly want to see what you are capable of doing. I know you will do wonderfully.”

“But Ma’am, you cannot possibly test someone’s abilities on such a special and important occasion!” Kayla protested sharply, her voice rising in panic.

Jason nodded in agreement, siding with her immediately. “She is right, Mum. This is a very big, important event. I honestly don’t think Hazel can handle something this huge and significant.”

I looked between them, my heart stinging a little. “Are you both seriously doubting me right now?”

Mrs. Volz turned to Jason, her tone firm and final. “Jason, I do not mean to offend you or upset you, but my decision has already been made. Hazel will be in full charge of your engagement celebration, and that is that.”