CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

I sent an email to those who were selected after the interview, inviting them to resume work on October 20, 2025, to plan the grand opening party. Although it won't be a big party, it will be a mini and classy one particularly with the calibre of people I invited.

I quickly resumed work on the 20th, I was the first to arrive at the studio, and the staff arrived one after the other. 

After the arrival of everyone, each and every one of us introduced ourselves.

I assigned the roles and duties of everyone to them.

“ The reason we are meeting today is to plan how to do the studio grand opening party as you know is coming up on Saturday of this week”.

“ What do we need to do to make the party a success?”. One of the staff asked.

“Well, we are not doing much for now, I will give you fliers when you are going home to invite more people, tell them what we do, and let them know there will be samples on that day” I handed them the fliers.

“ Also, we need to pack some of the items we will sell just for the occasion.”. I showed them the items and gave them the lists of the things they will pack together. We are through in no time. I told them to come early the next day as they have officially resumed work.

The next day, we moved from street to street, house to house, shop to shop to share the fliers and tell people about our store and where it's located. We got back to the shop very exhausted. I ordered drinks and snacks for us to eat, and after that, we closed for the day.

It's been three days now, and Lawson has not been sleeping at home, he will come in the morning, change his clothes, and then go back to work.

I was in the sitting room waiting for Caroline to set the table for me, then he walked in.

“You are home today, I thought you knew where you sleep”. I said immediately he entered”. He sat on the couch.

“ You can't tell me when to come to my house, I can come in anytime I want”. He said harshly

“ Lawson, I am not fighting with you, I am just looking out for you. You shouldn't leave the house without saying anything to us at home, in case something happens to you. If you won't come home, let us know. That's all I want from you”. I calmly said

“ If that's what you prayed for, it won't be answered, and you will be held responsible if anything happens to me.” He said angrily

“ You are taking it too far, I would never pray for something bad to happen to you. Let's just forget it”. I pleaded.

“ Thank God you came home, I wanted to call to remind you about the studio’s grand opening tomorrow. I sincerely wish you to come”.

“ Tomorrow? I didn't know it was that close, I didn't plan for it. Let's see if I am less busy tomorrow”. He stood up and went upstairs.

The next day, which is the grand opening day, Caroline followed me in order to help with some things.

We showcased the items for sale and made sure everything was ready.

The decoration was simple and classy, and the mini cupcakes and mocktails to be served were placed in one corner.

The staff were all dressed in white tops with black trousers and black shoes. “Rach Beauty Studio” tags on them.

The party was set to be in the evening around 3 pm since it's on a weekend. People who went to work would have returned by then.

People start coming for free make-up touches, free samples of simple hair, and samples of nail polish. They were all satisfied with our services. Some bought our mini packages. Some go home and invite other people to the studio. It was fun but stressful.

My staff was on each section of the studio, they attended to our guests very kindly, and all the mini packs were sold out within a short period of time.

Mom and Dad arrived, and they were so excited at what they saw.

“ You really did a great job here” Mom complimented

“ This is so amazing, it must have cost a fortune,” Dad also added.

Aaron walked in at that moment and greeted my parents, they were not expected to see him at the station.

“ What is he doing here, I hope it's not what I am thinking”. Dad was frank

*Dad, it's nothing like that, he is here as a friend, he helped me put these together”. I told them

“Mom, why is Grace not here? As a model, this is a part of where she should be, She still holds a grudge against me”. 

“ Grudge how, are they not on good terms?” Dad was confused.

“It's not that serious Dad, She will come around”

The mocktails and the cupcakes were served as the guests explored the studio.

Lawson walked in while this was going on, and everyone's gaze was fixed on him as the scent of his perfume filled the whole studio.

“Lawson”. Someone amongst the guests called him and gave him a long hug and a kiss on his cheek