Chapter 7: The Stage

JASMINE

I'm not a fan of flashy things, so I just stood aside, watching Prisca, who was all over the car. She was oohing and aahing over the design and luxurious interior. Some of my father's workers at home helped in unveiling the car fully, the gate opened, and I saw my father's car driving in. When the car drove towards us, the driver stopped, and my father stepped out. I rushed to his side to show him the new car.

"Uncle Mat bought me a new ride," I exclaimed, gesturing to the car.

My father smiled, rubbing my upper arm. "Enjoy," he said simply, before heading inside with his briefcase.

I watched him go, but I was also confused about Uncle Mat's motives. Why had he bought me such an expensive gift?

Prisca who was admiring the car suddenly beckoned me. "Hey, how about we give her a ride?" she suggested, smiling.

I laughed and got in beside her. After a few minutes of driving, I told Prisca to head to "Enamel designs", one of the biggest jewelry shops in town. I wished to buy Uncle Mat a birthday present because he had given me such a costly car. It wouldn't be thoughtful to arrive at his birthday without a gift.

Prisca shifted the car onto the main road, and we traveled in quiet for some time. I was lost in thought, thinking about what to get Uncle Mat.

After a while, Prisca spoke up, "Hey, Jas, what are you planning to get Uncle Mat?" she asked, glancing at me sideways.

I paused briefly before replying. "I’m still uncertain." I want something special, something that will show him how much I appreciate the car."

*******

Stepping out of the new car with Prisca, I kicked at my long dress, the slit making it easy for me to move without stressing myself too much. I wanted to look sexy tonight. It was Uncle Mat's birthday, and I knew that there would be high-ranking businessmen and top billionaires from California and different parts of the world in attendance.

I paired my elegant dress with a high heels designed with gold-colored stones, making it a matching combination with my gold purse. I paused to take a look at myself for the last time, smoothing out my dress. Prisca called out to me, "Jas, stop checking yourself out! You look stunning!"

I took a deep breath, held my purse in one hand and the dress in another while my entire hair rested on a part of my shoulder, before walking to the entrance. We showed our invites to the men at the door and were allowed access into the main hall. The hall was very large with luxury decorations that fit flawlessly for the birthday of Javis-k group co-owner.

I looked around, trying to spot Alexander, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I strolled with Prisca to a table occupied by two young ladies about our age. They gave us a kind of look, but easily took their eyes away. I had thought they were with other people, but their silence only meant that Prisca and I were welcomed to sit in the empty chairs.

The two ladies, who looked gorgeous, began to talk about Alexander. "Have you seen the son of the celebrant by chance?." The other one replied. "Just relax, there's no way he's going to be absent today, and secondly, there's no way he isn't going to notice you."

Hearing the two of them talk on and on about Alexander, Prisca leaned in to my ear and whispered, "You have a rivalry who has already lost before the race began." I just remained put.

Just then, the announcer spoke through the mic and called in a dance group to perform. Everyone's attention turned to the stage, and as they were dancing, I noticed five men walk into the hall using a different door from the one we came in from. Uncle Mat, my father, and Alexander walked in, accompanied by two hefty guards.

I couldn't help but stare at Alexander. He looked even more handsome. Prisca noticed me staring and whispered, "Indeed, your father chose well for you. That dude is hot, no wonder you have so many rivals."

My father's name was called after the dance show, he was invited to come forward and deliver his speech. The audience applauded as my father stepped onto the stage, he fixed his glasses before he began to read aloud the speech he had crafted for his friend and longtime business associate.

While he talked, I really felt proud. My dad was an excellent speaker, and his remarks were filled with honesty and kindness. He said so many sweet things about Uncle Mat, but one particular comment got me laughing inwardly. He made mention that "Mr. Mateo Palacios here is a man of dignity and he's someone to reckon with. I must tell that his quality of selflessness and dignity is top-notch."

I rolled my eyes, thinking to myself, if my father really thinks Uncle Mat is a person of dignity, then he can be easily fooled. I thought of how he had managed to get to this height in business if he really thought of uncle Mat that way. I didn't blame him, though - if only he knew.

When my father concluded his speech, he remarked, "Family, friends, and supporters, please rise as we invite tonight's man, my brother and friend, Mr. Mateo." Everyone stood up, clapping, and I participated as well, applauding courteously.

The two ladies beside us began to gossip again, one said. "That man who just spoke was the one i heard that's trying to force his ugly daughter on Mr. Mateo's son." They laughed together, " i read online that the young man had rejected the wife that was forced on him." The other one said and they laughed even harder.

Prisca was about to take it out on the two ladies, but a soft pinch from me stopped her. As she turned, I flashed her a smile, warning her to let it go. I knew that reacting to their gossip would only attract attention.

Instead, I leaned in toward Prisca and murmured, "Let’s simply disregard them." Prisca agreed with a nod, and we refocused on the stage, where Uncle Mat stood with a smile, acknowledging the applause.

Uncle Mat appreciated everyone for coming. Soon, the massive cake was rolled in front of him, and he beckoned my father and Alexander to join him. He whispered something to my father, who waved at one of the guards that came in with them earlier and told him something. The young man left immediately.

"Attention everyone," the announcer spoke up on the mic. "Miss Jasmine Peterson, the celebrant requests that you join him on stage for the cutting of the cake." I didn't feel like going. I wondered why Uncle Mat kept getting me angry lately.

One of the ladies at our table, the one who had been fantasizing about Alexander, said she would go out there if the "ugly girl" wasn't ready to show her face up there. Prisca looked at me with disbelief, and I knew I had to go already.

To avoid making everyone wait, I started to walk gracefully towards the stage. I speculated on how those ladies would respond if they discovered I was the person they had been talking about all along.

As I arrived at the stage and stood next to Alexander, I noticed his mood change, but I cared less. After spelling out "sixty" with candles on the cake, it was cut, and a toast was made afterwards. People started bringing their gifts and shaking hands with the celebrant.

I also presented my gift that Prisca helped me in bringing it up there to uncle Mat. Then, as we left the stage, he asked me to sit in their table.

The interment began as we ate, and I would occasionally place my hand on Alexander's thighs, but each time, he would take it off. We continued that way without our father's noticing at first because it was done under the table.

However, a forceful exchange happened beneath the table that caused the glasses to shake. Uncle Mat later leaned in and whispered something to Alexander who looked at me.