June sat before a vanity table while an artist worked on her make-up, ahead of the night’s event. The most anticipated Birthday celebration in the history of North City was going down in the Fernando Estate tonight.
It was Liam Fernando’s birthday. The estate wore a light atmosphere as they prepared for the guests and events ahead of time. It was only a few hours to the event and though June preferred to spend her time working on the design, Liam asked her to escort him to the party.
Despite the excuses on the tip of her tongue, she bit her lip and accepted to be his date at the party. It wasn’t like she could say no to her boss. She also found that workers were very hands-on in the preparations and she felt bad having to sit up in her room, doing nothing than her job.
Her mother would be disappointed if June spent her time in North City without proof of having a good time-or at least looking like she was having a good time. Her life was a big ball of boring these days, but with the chaotic life she’s led, June figured she’d take that over unpleasant drama any day.
“You look beautiful,” June was startled by the masculine voice behind her. She met the intense eyes of Liam through the glass and just then, her make-up artist wrapped up, bowed and left the room.
“Thank you.” She said without turning around. “Happy birthday, sir,” June added, suddenly feeling nervous at the silence that enveloped them.
“Liam.” He breathed. “You are permitted to address me informally today.”
June’s brows furrowed in confusion. She chose to pick her battles and nodded instead. Liam was pleased by her obedience. It sparked a side of him that he’s kept locked in for the longest time.
“I believe the gowns are to your taste.” Liam suddenly said, only then did June remember the dilemma she’d been plunged into by the man standing before her.
“I would’ve been fine if I got one dress. They brought in three beautiful dresses and I’m confused about which to choose!” She lamented and a smirk drew on Liam’s lips.
This lady was effortlessly funny and seemed to occupy his thoughts more often than not. He didn’t realise he was smiling until June called him out.
“Is something funny?” She snapped, “Excuse me, Mr-”
“Liam.” He corrected. June felt her fuse blow.
“Whatever! Are you finding my dilemma amusing?” She asked with a frown. This only made Liam laugh. June felt upset by his insensitive approach to her mini-crisis and wasted no time expressing herself.
“Are you courting death? Do you want to be without a partner at your birthday party?” She gritted and Liam continued laughing.
His laughter was contagious and June felt her lips twitch but refused to give in. Liam looked ethereal and it was hard to maintain an angry countenance.
Coupled with the serious disposition he held since the assassination attempt on his life, seeing her boss so laid back and laughing was a refreshing sight. June didn’t realise she was staring until Liam called her out with a smile.
“Take a picture. It’ll last longer.” He delivered his words with a wink that could melt every upstanding woman. A red tint appeared on her cheeks and she struggled to speak and keep up the facade.
“I was wondering why you are not yet dressed.” She lied through her teeth. “You sir, are the celebrant of the day. I expect you should be busy with your glam team, prepping you for the appearance.”
“I look fine,” Liam said. “Taking your reaction to my smile, I am confident I will do just fine if I appear looking like this.” He sent another heart-throbbing wink that set her cheeks on fire.
“I am confident you are in a happy mood today.” June bit her lower lips. “Is it a birthday thing or did you just become the richest man on the planet?”
Liam shrugged, “I am arguably the richest man on the planet-”
“Let’s not be preposterous now, Liam.” June tsked and that drew a smile out of him.
“You can say I have a good feeling about today.” He said with a smile, walking over the dresses placed by the side of the room. “These are all beautiful, but if I may say, I’d love to see you in red.”
He walked towards the door, stopped midway and met eyes with her. “It’s a perfect match with the tint on your cheeks.” June grew redder.
She’s close to combustion with having him around! Liam opened the door with a smile. “I will be waiting for you in the hallway. Try not to disappoint me, little Rivera.”
June’s hotness disappeared after Liam left the room. She stared at the glamorous options before her and decided to narrow her choice between the amber and blue coloured dresses.
There was no way she was wearing red! Liam would be in for a rude surprise!
Meanwhile, Carson was at the hotel, getting ready for the most anticipated birthday party in North City when he received a call. He frowned at the caller ID. It was Rafael.
This friend of his didn’t care about him! He thought and swiped right. “I already told you! Darn it! I am not in South City! I am on a vacation! I can’t try to help you get back with your ex-wife!”
The line was silent and Carson looked at his phone, thinking the call disconnected. Thankfully, it was still in session. “Are you still there?”
“I just arrived in North City.” Rafael said in a calm tone, “Come pick me up at the Airport.”
Carson was shocked at his friend’s words. “What? Are you joking?”
“Don’t keep me waiting.” The line disconnected before Carson could respond. Rafael was at the Airport. Did he come to hound him into cutting short his vacation?
These days, Carson didn’t understand what happened in his friend’s head, and why he did the things he did. Carson looked at the time and figured he still had some spare hours before he went to his event.
He had gotten the invite from one of his patients who was thankful after a successful surgery. It was his time to enjoy and build more connections in the advanced North City. No one could get in the middle of that!
Not even his friend.
Rafael window-shopped the Airport as he waited for his friend’s arrival. He had taken the first flight to North City when he realised his wife was somewhere in the country.
Rafael got the information after spending forty-eight hours locked outside Mrs Evelyn’s house. Thankfully, his suffering wasn’t in vain and his hard work earned him the name of the City.
All he had to do was find out where his jewel lived and who she was working for. Rafael knew she would only travel so far for a contracted job. It was either that or she was so hurt she didn’t want to be in the same country as him.
For his mental health, he leaned towards the former, pending the day he finally set eyes on her. “Rafael!” A familiar voice called from behind and he turned.
Carson spotted him. “Did you get run over by a truck?! Why do you look so pale?!” He rushed towards him with worry, “Darn it! You are not allowed to look like shit after surviving cancer! Let’s get you out of here!”