Chapter 37 Roger, it's me, Tonia
In the days that followed, Roger focused only on the most important tasks at the office, making sure to eat on time, even if he didn't have much of an appetite, and ensuring he got enough rest.
He wanted to look his best for Karen, and each day without her felt like torture.
The birthday party took place at one of the Dawson hotels. Molly, who hadn't celebrated her birthday in decades, made sure to give it her all.
The multiple crystal chandeliers created an elegant ambiance, blending with tiny blue LED lights that resembled stars in the sky.
The classic Chiavari chairs were adorned with baby blue satin fabrics around large round tables that could accommodate six to ten guests.
The glassy floor reflected the lights, giving the illusion of walking on clouds when the smoke effect was activated.
Guests from around the world, as well as family and friends, were invited to the party. Delanie and Declan shared tables with Hector, Hendrix, and Lexi, as both families wanted to keep their relations with their heirs private until they were married, to deter gold diggers.
The tables were adorned with various decorative items and bottles of assorted drinks. A podium displayed an elegant decoration of special balloons that read ‘Happy Birthday @ 30,’ adding a touch of class and beauty to the event.
Despite the preparations being completed in under a week and invitations sent out just days before the event, the turnout was massive, partly due to Roger's identity being revealed.
Guests arrived, amazed by the grandeur of the party, with each table labeled with the names of expected guests. The party was strictly by invitation only.
Roger arrived, grateful to his mom for organizing everything, though his main focus was on Karen.
Molly had arranged a cocktail session for business discussions and mingling after dinner, which happened to be Roger's favorite spot since he had no appetite for food. Karen was all he could think about.
"Thanks, Mom. I'm not a fan of parties, but this one feel right," Roger expressed.
"Turning thirty is a significant milestone, Roger. I wouldn't have it any other way," Molly replied, embracing him.
She looked radiant in the elegant couture dress that Roger had designed for her as a gift, and seeing her wear it among her other designs brought joy to Roger. Lexi went over to him as soon as she arrived. He was talking to Hendrix under the slow classical music playing when Lexi’s voice interrupted him.
“You look dashing, Roger. I think all the girls are after you now, especially with that haircut,” she said shyly, caught off guard by his domineering aura.
The haircut gave him a much younger look but did nothing to diminish his domineering aura.
“Girls don’t matter to me, Lexi, only Karen does,” he said seriously. She lowered her head. Everyone said she looked beautiful in that mermaid gown she wore, and she was hoping to hear it from Roger but he only glanced at her face.
All her hard work to get his attention was in vain. His secretary, Dahlia, arrived, but this time she dressed respectably. Delanie and Declan quickly sent Roger’s special drinks to a waiter assigned to it.
She had also prepared a song for Roger but feared he wouldn’t like it. “Hey Roger.”
“Lani,” Roger replied, almost in a whisper, as he pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. Her heart warmed, feeling like the old Roger was back. “You look stunning,” Roger acknowledged, and Lexi’s eyes filled with tears.
If only Roger could look at her the way he did with Delanie, she would be happy.
“And you are the star of the show,” Delanie giggled, not needing to raise her voice because the music was low, Roger’s style. “That tuxedo, I should get you more,” she thought aloud.
Roger smiled and embraced Declan. “Men, you’ve gained weight,” he observed, and Declan was a little embarrassed. “I didn’t think you’d notice. I haven’t exercised in months.”
“I’m sending back your trainer tomorrow,” Roger said seriously. Chasing Karen had taken his mind off those schedules, and Declan, for instance, always needed the push.
“Happy thirty, Mr. Dawson,” one of his business partners greeted. Roger turned around and responded, “Thank you, Mr. Peters. I like your suit.”
The sea-blue tuxedo looked so good on the middle-aged man. “Thank you. Hetty’s choice,” the man laughed, pointing at his wife as he raised the glass.
“She has good eyes,” Roger remarked in a polite but elegant tone.
“Roger, I've been trying to reach you," Tonia's voice rang out behind him, interrupting the moment. Everything exuded class, and this was truly extravagant.
Roger was clad in a black and white tuxedo, exuding an air of elegance and power.
This was exactly how Tonia had envisioned her future husband, and she was certain that if Roger had appeared like this before, they would have been married by now.
Despite Tonia's dazzling one-shoulder gown and perfect accessories, Roger remained engrossed in conversation with his guests, seemingly oblivious to her presence. Tonia felt a wave of despair wash over her.
Roger had always been in her space, even bordering on stalking her at times, but now, he seemed indifferent to her very existence.
Wasn't this the same guy who used to follow her around and strike up conversations at every opportunity?
She was the one who used to push him away, and now she found herself unaccustomed to the coldness he was projecting.
Tonia had to acknowledge that Roger was more attractive than any of the wealthy kids she had been fixated on, and now she discovered that he was wealthy as well.
With Karen out of the picture, having him back in her life would be even easier. Even if Karen were still alive, Tonia was confident that the nerdy girl wouldn't stand a chance.
Tilting her head slightly, she playfully tossed her wavy blonde hair back and flashed her most infectious smile. "Roger, it's me, Tonia."