ARLAN’S POV:
I walked in with a ready smile for the camera and my plus one, Matilda, by my side. I sighted my good old friend, Alex, already making his way towards me.
“Arlan! Hey man.” We embraced like two long lost brothers meeting after a very long time.
“Matilda,” Alex took her hand and kissed the back of her hand, ” it’s a pleasure meeting you again. I’m glad you’ve come to came to my party.”
Matilda smiled at him. “My pleasure.”
“Matilda!” A lady called out in shock. “Is that you?” She asked and pulled her into a warm hug. “Never thought I would see you here.”
“Oh my goodness, Tessy. It’s been such a long time,” Matilda replied all smiles. “Pardon me, gentlemen.” She apologized after they broke off the hug, still holding each other hands. “Meet Tessy, my friend from college.”
“Hi!” Tessy waved at me.
“Nice to meet you Tessy!” I took her hand and kisses it.
“If you don’t mind, gentlemen. I think I have a lot of catching up to do with my friend.” Matilda said as she gently clapped her hands before leaving with Tessy
“So, what, a welcoming party for a daughter? Almost two decades together and you never told me you had a secret child, am I your best friend or a potato?” I asked and teased, keeping my voice at a level only Alex could hear me. One can’t trust these journalists nowadays.
Alex rubbed his forehead with his fingers, a sense of guilt washed over his face. “Long story short, I only found out about her five years ago and all that mattered ever since, all I could think about, was to make up for all the years of my absence. I’m glad she doesn’t blame me.” Alex let out a light chuckle while I snickered.
“Well, I can’t wait to meet her. The daughter of my best friend is family to me, secret child or not.”
“Oh, you have no idea how grateful I am that you could make it here today. And for the record pal, you’re most definitely a potato.”
“Oh really old man?”
“Don’t call me old, I’m only three years older than you are. I’m just as young as you are.” We both took a glass of wine each from a waiter’s tray at the same time and took a sip to parch our throats as though we rehearsed it.
“Yeah, too bad your organs say otherwise ” I smirked at him and continued, “it keeps declining the offer to look as good as me.” I threw a jab at him.
Alex let out a good laugh. “Nice one there. At least I’ve got a family to comfort me, what have you got Mr. Young, hearty and charming?” He teased, nudging me in the chest with his elbow.
I smiled and thought of my little butterfly, Saraya, and then quickly blinked out of the fantasy upon the realization that I had just blushed in public.
“Jeez me, was that a blush Arlan?!” Alex opened his mouth in shock.
I looked away to avoid Alex’s question but he wouldn’t let me be without getting an answer from me.
“Is there a new woman, or perhaps a former girlfriend that you’re actually going to settle down with this time?” Alex asked, still surprised.
“Pppfff, what?! I am not ready to be tied down by the confines of marriage and faked commitment.” I lied. There’s no way I’ll admit to being swooned by a woman.
“But what if, hypothetically speaking, you find that woman that gives you peace when she’s near and troubles your heart when she isn’t, would you settle?” He pressed.
“Why are you suddenly acting like my mother? Has she possessed you?” I tried to wave it off with a joke.
“I’m serious, Arlan. You’re not getting any younger, remember.”
“Maybe, I don’t know yet. ” I quickly put the glass of wine between my lips pretending to drink some more to avoid saying more than I already had.
If the woman I so much sought after desires me as much as I do, then just maybe settling down won’t be too difficult.
But she had left me hanging that night, playing hard to get I believe. I have sworn to make that butterfly come to my garden. I’d make her fall for me in a way she’d never imagined.
Alex smiled, patted me on the shoulders. “I have to go now, it’s almost time.” He walked away.
The crowd suddenly erupted in awes and clapping, Matilda came back to me and locked her arm around mine.
‘She must be here’ I turned, and my gaze landed on her.
The last person I expected to see here was standing next to my best friend, her arms locked in his as they walked up the stage.
“Everyone, thank you for coming here today to celebrate with me. Please welcome my daughter, Saraya!” Alex announced.
The crowd erupted in another round of clapping.
‘Alex’s daughter?’ My mind reeled. ‘No. It couldn’t possibly be.’
Her eyes met mine, and for an instant, I felt like I’d been punched in the gut.
She smiled at me. Did she not know about my relationship with her father?.
‘Damn it!’ My mind wrestled with the wave of guilt washing over me. But it wasn’t my fault. How could I have known? She’d lied to me, fooled me into doing something forbidden.
Soon, Alex walks around reintroducing her to some of our most trusted business partners and other of his trusted acquaintances.
I desperately tried to avoid looking their way hoping Alex would forget about me and I’d dodge this bullet.
“Arlan,” Alex called out. I turned around wishing the ground would just open up and swallow me. Only that wouldn’t be happening unless an earthquake happens.
I managed to feign a smile as the daughter and father made their way to me.
I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she looked and the cleavage bouncing in obedience to her strides -ah Arlan! Get a grip of yourself you’re almost drooling!.
“Personally meet my lovely daughter, Saraya, whom I told you about.” He turned to his daughter. “Saraya, meet Arlan Reef, my most trusted ally and also my best friend. He is here with his cousin, Matilda.”
I swallowed hard, still unable to absorb the shock of my entire life. “Why did she have to be his daughter?” I couldn’t help but ask myself.
“I am honoured to meet your acquaintance, Mr. Reef.” She stretched out her hand to me
What exactly does she think she’s doing? Why doesn’t she look perplexed at all on finding out the guy she’s been naughty with is her father’s best friend?
“The pleasure is all mine Miss.” I shook her hand.
She stroked the back of my hand lightly with her thumb. I shot her a ‘wrong timing’ look and let go of her hand but she only smiled. “Little temptress! What is she trying to do?”
“Excuse me you two, I would have loved to stay and chat but my wife is beckoning to have my attention. Arlan, she’s in your hands now.” Alex planted a kiss on her head and shot me a warning look.
‘Great’ I rolled my eyes. Just what I didn’t need.