Chapter 5

~ LILLIAN'S POV ~

"Miss Tylor, You look nervous, I honestly didn't want to see you again but for the record I need to make you understand that asides from being the CEO of dove fashion, I have no side jobs so take back you 100 dollar.

I swallowed.

I can't believe he came all the way to my place of work to clarify that he wasn't a prostitute

"I understand sir" . I said forcing a smile.

I picked up a 100 dollar note from the table.

That night never happened... I exhaled, extremely relieved.

I turned to leave and...

"Oh don't be shy, come pick up the change I mean you clearly need it". Javier's voice called out.

So demeaning.

I bit my lower lip and I tried to control my temper.

I reminded myself how badly I needed this job. I can't afford to mess things up.

I turned back slowly and picked up the rest of the money on the table.

Still embarrassed, I forced a smile on my face "Thank you sir". I responded.

*********

As soon. As I got back to the bar,

Lojain came over.

“Girl, spill the tea.. why did you take so long?

What did he say? What happened? Tell me everything.”

She asked almost at the same time.

I signed and replied ; “he came to tell me that he's the CEO of dove fashion and not a prostitute.”

“Is that all?” she probed.

I rolled my eyes…

She laughed her ass out.

“Wait, that was all you two talked about”.

I shrugged.

“what we're you expecting?” I asked.

Lojain giggled. “ I thought, you know…

I cringed, Instantly. “Get that idea out of your head. I'm not even interested.”

“You're joking, right ? Do you know how many of our female colleagues are gushing over him. Not to talk of the women that would kill to have a taste of a man like that.

How did it feel to have sex with him?

Hiw dis it feel?

I rolled my eyes.

I don't even know because I can barely remember it.

I just know I was very tender this morning

To save face, I replied. Ah..I'm never getting drunk again.

Deep down… I wished I could remember every detail… I mean he's good looking…

It's sad that there would be no opportunity for me to experience how good he is with his member with a clear eye.

My thoughts drifted back to the night I wished I could forget but also secretly wished I could relive.

I had gone out that night trying to blow stress, not planning anything wild.

Yet Javier, the way he held me like I wasn't just another girl in that crowded bar...it all came back to me in waves.

Everytime I thought I was over it, my mind betrayed me and replayed every moment.

I sighed.

I pressed my pillow closer, letting myself smile for a second.

Did he do it to me so well then?

I felt good, I admitted to myself... Good in a way I haven't felt in a long time... Good in a way I knew I shouldn't still be thinking about.

My phone rang suddenly.

Snapping me out of the memory.

I sat up and grabbed it. It was my mom.

I knew she was calling to remind me of uncle William's party tonight.

"Hello mummy", I said, trying to sound normal.

But... my mother didn't bother with greetings.

"Lillian, don't forget your uncle William's birthday party is by 8 pm tonight. Please be there on time, you know how he is with time."

"Yes ma, I'll get ready soon ," I answered.

"Dress well, you know the kind of people he invited."

After the call ended, I let my phone drop onto the bed. I stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking about uncle William. Out of everyone in my family, uncle William and his wife had never turned their backs on me, my mother or my sister.

If not for uncle William, my childhood would have felt much colder.

I owed them more than I could ever pay.

So yes, I would show up tonight.

*********

At 8: pm, I arrived at the Magriott Hotel.

I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the taxi. There was no way I could have brought my wreck of a car here.

Everywhere was beautifully decorated.

I trust uncle William went with the best party planner.

I walked in with my gift in my hand and spotted uncle William immediately. He was laughing while talking to one of his guests.

"Lillian." He called, cheerfully.

"Happy birthday uncle!" I said with a smile as I hugged him.

I handed him the gift I bought him.

" My beautiful lily," he said. "Look at you. Thank you , this is so thoughtful of you."

Well... uncle William has always been a humble man.

He said thank you to his domestic staff.

I walked over to find a seat at the large round table near the front where uncle William's wife Grace, my mother and sister were already seated.

I hugged and greeted both my mom and Grace.

My mom quickly scanned my outfit like she always did, then nodded in approval.

I let out a relieved breath, happy to sit down and avoid unnecessary interactions especially with my father and stepmother who had just arrived.

I promised myself I wouldn't start any drama tonight.

Seeing him and his wife makes me angry. It makes me think about the past.

But...

I didn't want to take the attention away from uncle William. No matter what happens.

I would keep calm.

I reminded myself.

And...

Just when I thought that was all I had to deal with.

Javier, come sit here. Your father said you would be joining us. This is family."

Family?

I blinked.

What was my uncle talking about?

My confusion didn't last long.

"Javier is the son of my old friend from college." He said proudly.

"Very responsible young man ." He added.