10weeks Later
Heather
My birthday this year was kinda of big deal as I’d be turning 30 and also officially announcing the official grand opening date of Minnesota’s newest Resort and Hotel.
I felt blessed for the much I had and planned to have a big party to celebrate today. Everyone who is anyone is present today at my place.
Some business associates from my time in Shanghai as well as investors in my newest venture, have already arrived.
Jeffery has been such an amazing boyfriend and help in putting everything in place for today.
I was truly surprised to see some people I never thought would make it tonight here- that’s the likes of Andrea Alfredo.
Markian and Olivia would be coming later, but separately. Since Markian would be coming from Denver on a business trip, he’ll have to go home to freshen up straight from the airport before heading here. While Livy who have been staying at her mother’s place after the incident with Sophia, and Markian’s tight business travel schedules, she will be coming with Judy.
After the commotion my father created immediately after the Press conference 2months ago, Markian have been trying to clear all business deals and trips so as to have more free time with Livy and their unborn baby starting next month.
The most of the guests had arrived and among them was my father, my uncle- Matthew Winfrey and his wife- Barbra Winfrey.
It’s been ages since both my father and uncle had been in a room together, so it is a bit unsettling for me.
‘Daniel. Jeffery. Where are they anyway?’ I asked myself as I went back inside to search for my brother. I have to let him know that our father is here.
Daniel came back from Shanghai yesterday morning just for me, but surprisingly I can’t seem to find him anywhere.
I was about to go upstairs to look for him when I saw him coming down the stairs.
“Hey sister.” He called out with a smile.
“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you.” I stated as I covered the distance between us and pulled him down the stairs.
“Hey hey hey… why so serious?…” He asked as he winced in pain to my rough handling, “… today is your birthday, there’s a party and everyone here came just for you. So why are you in such a fowl mood?” he added.
“That over there- is the reason.” I stated pointing at our father.
“Oh sh’t… what is he doing here? When did he get here?” Daniel asked surprised.
“He came in few minutes ago. I really don’t know what to say to him. You are his favorite child, please help me.” I pleaded with my brother.
“I don’t know what to say to him either. The man tried to use the press release of Markian and Livy’s marriage to take over Castlehill, and he wanted me to help him do that. Our father will never change, we just have to accept that.” He stated irritatedly.
Our father had tried to take advantage of the fact that the stock market value of Castlehill shares dropped dangerously during the rumored affair fiasco by asking Daniel to buy Markian’s shares from him.
But thanks to Daniel’s refusal and Judy Luthel’s help, Markian rose back on his feet in no time. The only downside of it was that Markian has spent the past 2 months away from home, on one business trip or the other.
I know that our father is incorrigible, but he honored my invitation and came to my birthday today. This is the first time he has ever taken interest in anything that concerns me.
“So, what do we do?” I asked concerned.
“Avoid him as much as possible if you don’t want your mood to be ruined.” Daniel adviced, so I nodded.
Finally Markian arrived, and I was very happy to see him. I went to greet him with Daniel by my side. Jeffery walked up to us as well as he saw Markian walked inside.
“Thank you so much for coming Markian, I know you must be stressed out but you still made it.” I stated in appreciation as I gave him a hug.
“C’mon Heather, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Congratulations on your sweet 30. I got this for you on my way back from Denver, I hope you like it.” He replied as he handed me a small box wrapped gift.
“You didn’t have to Markian, your presence is more than enough.” I replied as I placed the gift on a tray for the servant to take it to where my other birthday gifts are being kept.
“Hey Bro.” Daniel greeted with a smile as he gave Markian a hug.
“Sorry I wasn’t here to welcome you home when you arrived. Denver got me tied down a little, but I’m glad you’re back.” Markian apologized candidly.
“Yeah, don’t worry about that…” Daniel replied casually before adding, “… and it’s equally nice to see you again.”
These 2 are something else, they’re almost the perfect duo. One would even mistake them to be lovers instead of cousins. I still wonder how they were able to stay away from each other for almost 5years.
“Hey man, nice to finally have you back.” Jeffery greets Markian as they both hugged.
“It was a lot easier since you’re always here.” Markian replied sarcastically, making both Jeffery and Daniel chuckle a bit.
Guys. I still can’t how and why they deliberately tease themselves and laugh about it.
“If y’all are done kissing each other’s asses, I need your help inside to keep my guests entertained while I handle last minute alterations in the kitchen. Ok?” I stated hastily as they nodded in uniform.
I tried to leave them to head to the kitchen, but Markian gently held me back to ask about his family.
“Have you seen my wife? I wonder if she has arrived yet.”
“I haven’t seen her either. I’ve been waiting here but no sign of her yet, neither she nor Judy. But I’m sure they’re on their way.” I replied carefully.
But my answer didn’t seem to set Markian’s heart at ease before him, Jeffery and Daniel entered the room full of guests to exchange pleasantries and make small talks.
I on the other-hand went into the kitchen to investigate the matter of the delayed cocktail drinks. I had a planner for all these but somethings I wanted to handle by myself.
I was asking for inventory when my dad walked inside the kitchen looking for me. I pretended I didn’t see him, maybe he’ll go away.
“Hi honey. Can I please talk to you for a minute?” He asked politely- as if.
“Hi dad. I’m kinda in the middle of something right now, can’t it wait?” I inquired plainly.
“Just a minute of your time and I’ll be out of your hair, I promise.” He insisted.
What the fu’k could he possibly wants to talk to me about? I wondered.
When I realized he wasn’t going away, I gave a slight nod as I returned the inventory on the table and walked out of the kitchen with him striding behind me.