Trevor Stonefield

Trevor’s assistant who was in the passenger seat handed him his tablet.

“Here’s the guest list” he said. He took it and glanced at it.

“It’s my father’s birthday today. I’d like to go to his party with a surprise” he said, smiling at Michelle.

“Where’s the surprise?” Michelle asked, looking around. She thought she would see a box or gift bag. But no, she didn’t. Trevor said....

“You’re the surprise Rose. Drive the car” he ordered. Michelle’s heart starts to beat faster. She doesn’t know where she was going and what Trevor had in mind. His father owned a lot of oil company across the world. He’s the number one oil supplier in the country. He’s popular and very influential.

She was going to the party.

Few minutes later, they got to the city mall, which was quite empty. It was very unusual. Trevor Stonefield has proven his financial status and booked the whole mall just to get his date ready for his father’s birthday party.

The guards behind opened the door for her. Michelle gave Trevor a questioning look.

“Why are we here?” She asked.

“You can’t go to my dad’s party, looking like a punk. Go in, they are waiting for you” he said and turned to stare at his phone. She rolled her eyes and obeyed what he said.

Michelle spent another hour in the mall. Seeing herself dressed in a beautiful red gown reminded her of the past with her parents. They all go to business parties together. She majestically walked out of the mall, looking like the goddess she was. Trevor took his eyes off his phone for some seconds and his eyes caught Michelle’s beauty. She walked majestically towards him and cleared her throat.

“Two hours gone already. It’s 9pm” she said, softly.

“If you’re concerned about the money, it’s not a problem. All I need is your time and dedication” he said. She nodded.

“Fine” she said. He opened the door for her and they entered the car and finally drove to the location.

It was one of the biggest event center in the city. There were paparazzi everywhere. Michelle gasped loudly. She can’t get in the news. What if her family sees her?”

“Are you nervous?” Trevor asked.

“Not really” she stammered.

“Hmm” was his short response.

It was finally their turn. The car stopped and the guard opened the door for them. Michelle heaved a breath of relief. She remembered what Francis said to her before she left.

She gathered every courage in her and alight from the car. Trevor did the same and took her hand. Michelle vibrated as his hand touch her skin. Flashes and sounds of camera shuttering filled the air. They were dying to ask questions and even take the best shot.

Michelle just smiled weirdly, waving at them.

“You’re doing well” Trevor said to her in a very low tone.

“Oh please” Michelle whispered back to him.

They entered the hall. It was busy. People of high class and even foreigners were here. They were busy having a chit chat here and there. For some reason, she felt she didn’t belong. She wasn’t a Will anymore. She’s just a girl without a last name.

Michelle knew that if her father didn’t have any feud with Mr Stonefield, he would have been here.

“Now that we’re in, let’s go meet my parent” he said.

“What am I to say to them?” Michelle hurriedly asked.

“You’re my...date for today. They’ll understand “ he said. She agreed. At least, they’ll be nothing more to that.

She was introduced to Mr and Mrs Stonefield, by Trevor.

“Mom, dad, meet Rose” he said.

“It’s nice to meet you and happy birthday to you Mr Stonefield” she said.

Mr Stonefield chuckled softly and held his wife.

“Trevor brought you to us as his date? That’s...”

“Unbelievable” his wife concluded.

Michelle was confused, but she tried so much not to hide it.

“I can’t believe Trevor finally brought a girl to see us. I’m so happy honey “ his mother squealed.

“We should plan their engagement next” Mr Stonefield added. Michelle shot her eyes wide open.

“You don’t have to rush dad. I’ll be with Rose. Excuse us” Trevor said and walked away with her.

“Have a nice time together!” Mrs Stonefield waved.

They got to the bar and she was handed a champagne.

“I’m sorry for that. Don’t listen to them” he said.

“It’s fine. Parents will always be parents” she replied, sipping from the glass.

“I’ve never brought a girl to see them before. I’ve been busy learning business and making them proud. I did this tonight for a reason” he said.

“To prove you’re not gay “ Michelle said. Trevor scoffed.

“You’re smart. I like that” he said.

“I’ll spend another hour with you, then I’m off” Michelle said. He raised his cup in agreement. He has seen his parents this happy in a long time. That’s all he wanted. He watched as Rose drank with elegance and style.

“You look like you’ve been to a party like this before “ he said.

“No, not really “ she lied.

“I know it’s against the code of conduct in the meet up app to ask about personal information but I’d like to know more about you “ he said.

“Code of conduct?” She asked. Of course, she knew nothing about it because the app was opened by Francis.

“Yeah, didn’t you read that?” He asked.

“I did. It must have slipped my mind “ she smiled.

“So?”

“You don’t need to know anything about me Trevor. You shouldn’t get involved in my life, trust me, it’s messy”

“Can’t I help?”

“No, I don’t accept help from strangers” she answered almost immediately.

“Ouch” he groaned like he was hurt.

Mr and Mrs Stonefield climbed the podium. They clinked their glass with a fork to get everyone’s attention.

“Thank you all for coming to my birthday party which was thrown by my son, Trevor” he said and paused. Trevor raised his glass in style where he stood.

Everyone clapped their hands gently.

“I know that I’m not getting younger every year. But, I know that once I’m gone, I have a son who’s capable of handling everything. I trust you Trevor” he said and everyone clapped their hands. Trevor smiled more. Michelle just stared at him with envy in her eyes. Only if her father gave her a chance and accept her with the child, she won’t be here in this party, acting like a fake date.

She dropped her champagne as everyone was clapping.

“I want to go now” she said.

“It’s just four hours” he said, staring at his watch. For some reason, he wanted her to remain with him.

“Please “ she added.

“Fine, come with me” he took her hand and they went to the car park, through the back exit.

.

.

“Four hundred thousand transferred to you” he said.

“Thank you” she said and checked her phone to see the confirmation.

“My driver will drop you off” he said.

“It’s fine. I’ll take a bus” she said.

Trevor rubbed his nose, trying not to laugh. He got closer to her and kissed her forehead.

“Thanks for tonight, Rose. Drive her safely” he ordered the driver and walked away. Michelle rolled her eyes. She entered the car and the driver indeed took her back to her house.

....

Michelle sluggishly entered into the house. Someone grabbed her and twirled her around the room.

It was Francis. He was always angry and moody but whenever it comes to money, he’s the happiest in the whole world.

“So, how much did you make?” He asked.

“Four hundred thousand” Michelle answered.

“Great. We’ll split it equally. But, we do this tomorrow again” he said.

“What? Tomorrow? I have my own job and kids to take care of”

“Leave the kids to me. You do the honour of making money and bringing it back to us” he said.

Michelle lowered her head and sniffed in. She has been trying to control that tears since morning. She can’t hold it anymore.

“Michelle, are you alright?” He asked. She pushed him aside and ran into the room. Francis didn’t go after her. He scoffed and leaned back on the chair, biting his lower lips. He wished he’d found that app earlier. Michelle would have a lot of guys after her because of how beautiful she is.

He didn’t even go after her. He claims that she’s the cause of the mess they’re in today. He even regretted accepting Michelle six years ago. He thought he would be the W son in law, but no, he was thrown out.

.

.

The next morning, hoping to forget everything that happened last night, Michelle went to the neighbouring estate to pick up the dogs to walk.

Just while she was walking with the dogs and checking her phone, she saw her face on the news. It was because of last night. The media took it seriously and claim that she was dating Trevor Stonefield. Her only prayer was her family not to recognise her. She has been gone for six years. Her looks and the way she speak must have been different from then.

A call entered the phone but, she could recognise the number. She stopped walking to answer the call.

“Hey”

“You must feel bad seeing the news. I’ll take it down immediately” he said.

“The media must be crazy” Michelle rolled her eyes.

“It’s not the media. I told them not to post any pictures about you. It was my dad. He thought you really are my girlfriend”

“I’m working now. Please, clear the mess” she said and disconnected the call, not saying any more words.

.

Trevor sat in his office as Michelle hung up the call. He dropped the phone on the table.

“She’s perfect. She’s not after me because I’m filthy rich” he said, smiling

He turned to his assistant.

“Take down the news immediately “

“Yes sir!”

“And yes, find out more about Rose” he added.

“Yes sir!” His assistant bowed and left his office. Trevor sat on his twirling chair, rubbing his palms together.

.

.

Michelle got back from the cleaning job. She was preparing lunch before going to the restaurant. She already filled the house with foodstuffs and other stuff the house needs.

Francis came and leaned on the wall.

“Any call yet?” He asked.

“No” she replied.

“Are you lying to me?” He growled.

“Are you going to beat me up?” Michelle asked.

“You should go through the app for yourself and see what you’re supposed to go through” he said and went back to the sitting room. Michelle remembered Trevor talking about the code of conduct. She turned off the heat after the food is cooked.

Immediately, she brought out the phone and read the code of conduct of the app.. Let's meet.

She shot her mouth wide open.

“What the...”