A Billionaire’s Ruse

I quickly powdered my face and retouched my make up and left the bathroom. Andrew was on a call again, but his face was relaxed unlike the other times.

I stood far away for some time, observing him. He waved at me when he saw me and I proceeded to meet him.

We headed back to the park for a walk after lunch. And Andrew was a perfect gentleman

Maybe, just maybe someone should get ready to become a real bride soon. I practically heard wedding bells ring in my head. I could not stop myself from smiling. Today could not have been better.

I caught a glimpse of him texting on his phone and I had to call his attention back to the road.

When we got into the compound, I noticed that the lights of the compound were off and that everywhere was eerie.

I thought hard about what could have been the problem. Flashes of horror movie I had watched with Anna came to. mind and I shivered and held Andrew’s hands. They were cold and I quickly withdrew my hands.

Trying to act unaffected, I asked Edward

“What do you think is happening? The lights are switched off?”

But he just kept mute. I tried calling my maid, it wasn’t going through. I totally refused to get down from the car. I was thinking of what next to do, when Edward came to open the door of my side of the car.

He held out his hand for me to take, but I shook my head and refused to get down.

“Edward, let us call the cops. I am having a bad feeling about this

“Come on Emily. We have to at least check out what is happening before we call for help.”

“Are you sure everything will be fine?”

“Yes, besides you have me here.” He said holding out his hand again. I looked up at him and he gave me a sort of a reassuring smile.

Then I took his tentatively and we both moved towards the door with the help of the flashlight of our phones.

We got to the door step, and he opened the door with his keys. This had never happened before, how would no one be at home, I thought. We entered the living room and suddenly the lights were switched on and the next thing I heard was

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I almost collapsed from the shock, it was indeed a surprise.

I laughed when I saw the people gathered around me. I laughed as I greeted each of them with hugs and handshakes. I even got a bouquet from a distant relative.

Edward had called my close friends and associates to surprise me for my birthday. I was so overwhelmed by the love showered on me.

The whole space was decorated with shining lights and balls. And everyone was looking so elegant.

Even my mum and dad were both here and they were grinning from ear to ear.

“Mum? Dad?” I said, giving each of them a hug. I was truly happy.

Today could not have gone better.

“Time to change your clothes, woman.” That must be Ann’s voice.

I turned around with a huge smile as I hugged her.

“You are here also.”

“Hello, I am the ‘here’.” She boasted, touching her chest.

“I planned all these from day one girl.” She said and I looked at Edward smiling fondly at me.

Could it be that I had a wrong perception about Edwards, were all my suspicions wrong?

With this singular act of his, he had succeeded in clearing all the doubt. No one could convince me otherwise. Edward loved me so much. She concluded.

Ann and I went to my room and I changed into the silver gown Edward had bought alongside the silver heels.

It was an eight inch heel and it balanced so well on my feet.

“Come sit here girl.” Ann said.

I sat down before my vanity while Anne did a retouch on my make up. I looked at the mirror and I looked so dazzling. If I could say that myself, I wonder how the others will see it

“Ow, my eyes. You are a brimming light princess.” Anne said, blocking her eyes. I laughed as I swiped at her arm playfully.

Together we went downstairs and Anne took it upon herself to make a grand introduction despite me pleas of otherwise.

“Ladies and gentlemen, behold the Princess!!!” She said, clapping her hand as others also joined her.

I blushed as I came down the stairs. And everyone clapped. They all came to greet me. Again.

After a while, I succeeded in getting away from the people surrounding me, I stood at a corner and watched as Edward greeted those around him and had conversations with them with so much ease.

This is the first time I am seeing that about him. He was so free and carried an air of importance around him.

He saw me looking at him and he came to my side.

“Are you happy?” He asked

“Yes Edward. I have never been so happy. I appreciate your grand gesture.” I said, giving him a bow.

“I have an announcement to make tonight Emily. I hope you won’t mind?”

I smiled at him and nodded my head at him to go on.

“Okay. You won’t regret this.” He said, sounding like a young lad.

“Sarah. Robert. Please come over here.” Edward signaled for the music to stop. He got everyone’s attention

“Tonight is Emily’s birthday and I want to appreciate you all for taking your time to be here despite the short notice.” Edward began.

“Everyone here also knows that it’s been over a year since I got engaged to Emily. Most of you were there. So, I want to thank Sarah and Robert for being supportive through it all.”

Ann came beside me and held my hand as both smiled at each other. This was it, our eyes said.