The Betrothal Party

Book:Fate Published:2024-6-2

It was the dawn of a new day. The Clinton’s residence bustled with preparation for the day’s party. Jane searched out the mansion for her father, she still had not seen her. She needed to give him the piece of her mind.
She searched everywhere in the mansion but he wasn’t seen anywhere. Her mother was busy chatting away with her friends, she couldn’t approach her. She turned back and made her way to her room.
“Ma’am,” one of the maids called out to her. “l said Janet! Janet, not ma’am!” Jane screamed out loud. The maid shivered and moved behind her with her head bowed. “I just want to inform you that your package has arrived,” The maid rolled out the message and took to her heels.
Jane marched forward angrily, she entered her room and shut the door loudly behind her.
There on her lush sofa was a medium sized box. She grabbed it and tore it open without enthusiasm.
Her eyes lit up, “wow!” She exclaimed without meaning to do so. The package contained a rose gold gown, a pair of golden penciled heeled shoes, accessories and cosmetics. Whoever did the shopping must be a wizard as all items fitted her taste perfectly.
Jane had her bath and was dressed up. She wasn’t allowed to fix anything as usual. Her mother had hired professionals to dress her up.
The party began fully. Cole and Jimmy Johnson; the father of the groom-to-be were well seated. They chatted and prayed the kids would like eachother.
The groom looked clearly displeased and unhappy. He had a smug look about him. He was clearly displeased. He pecked at his wrist watch at intervals as they all awaited the emergence of the soon to be bride.
Jane walked out like an angel descending from amongst the heavenly host. Each of her steps was cladded with elegance and beauty. Cole smiled at her daughter proudly.
Just as her heels touched the red rug, the groom-to-be sprang up in disbelief. “How could this be?” he thought and remained glued to his feet as he continued to stare at Jane in wonderment.
The crowd roared in applause. They took the groom’s surprise for admiration. Jane was lost in the little world she created for herself. The thought of how she would turn down whomever her parents had chosen for her filled her head.
She shook off her thoughts and looked straight ahead. That was when she saw Jeff he was her supposed groom.
Jeff smiled wide and nodded his head, he whispered. “It is I.”
Jane was a ball of emotions, she rushed forward into his embrace and hugged him tightly. “Is it really you?” She whispered and lifted up her head to gaze into his eyes.
Their parents were the happiest. Cole Was skeptical about the whole setup. He had thought his daughter would turn down the offer but he was wrong. Although he wasn’t clueless, the glances and sparkles between the two made it obvious that it wasn’t their first time meeting each other.
The rest of the party was filled with dances, merriment and feasting.
When the party ended, it ended for the guests but not for the lovers. They couldn’t get over their excitement.
“This is crazy!” Jeff cooed into Jane’s ears and walked her away from the crowd. “It’s the most crazy coincidence I have ever experienced, it seems fate brought us together.” Jane responded.
I did not realize Mr Clinton was the business associate dad was referring to, he never mentioned his name,” Jeff said. “Even if he did, you wouldn’t have known since you were not aware I was his daughter. As for me, I do not know most of my father’s friends and business associates”, Jane replied.
“l am happy it ended this way. Nothing is stopping us now,” Jeff exclaimed and pulled Jane in for a kiss.
Jane broke off from the kiss and dragged Jeff down to her mother. “Mum, remember? I told you l had a lover already,” Jane said.
“Yes..” Mrs Clinton responded, she was uncertain about the direction of the discussion. “Guess what? It was Jeff! He was the lover I wanted to introduce to you,“she exclaimed happily.
“What?! What a coincidence! I was actually taken aback at your reactions. Mr Johnson told us that Jeff insisted that he has a fiancee, you told me the same. So, we were skeptical about the whole thing but seeing two obstinate cows becoming love birds nudging into each other’s feathers was a surprise. I am happy for you two, you have our blessings.” Mrs Clinton celebrated the couple.
******
Lisa walked into Evans Mechanics and knocked at Benny’s makeshift office. “Who is it? come on in,” Benny responded and Lisa walked in. They exchanged a handshake and Lisa took her seat.
The company was gradually becoming alive. Few workers had resumed based on the mail sent to them. The first floor of the company was pronounced safe and workers were summoned to resume.
Few designs and constructions had begun.
“l am indeed grateful for standing by me during these trying times”, Lisa said. “Oh, it’s nothing, l am just doing my job here ma’am,” Benny said and filled her in on the projects at hand. He also told her of the prevalent financial constraints and how some of their investors had promised to help. The insurance company would also help buffer the situation but they insisted on thorough investigation before anything. Lisa promised to reimburse the company’s account in her own little capacity.
Just as Lisa was about leaving, Benny called her back. He looked timid, less professional and unsure. Lisa wondered what could make the young and seemingly egoistic man feel relegated.
“Ma’am, l am really sorry for bothering you.. hmm, it’s about your friend… I know she isn’t married… Actually I liked her… can you help me out here?” Benny said hurriedly.
“Oh, you’re referring to Jane? You should have spoken up earlier. Well, she isn’t married but she is engaged and I doubt if she would like to be involved with a younger man… who knows, never say never, I will surely let her know.” Lisa said.
The young man was relieved, he heaved a sigh and said “Thank you ma’am.” Lisa smiled and made her way out. She ventured into her car and drove straight to her store. She needed to take the store more seriously now that her husband’s company is in need.
Lisa smiled all the way, the arrogant and confident PA suddenly turned to a jelly when it got to love. Why are most men like that? She smiled at the memory of Alex proposing to her.