Chapter 57 Giving meaningful gifts
Chapter 57: Giving Meaningful Gifts
Golden had spent the night at Alex's and went back home the following day.
For the first time in years, she was looking forward to Christmas.
She and Alex had agreed that she would talk to Varney about the whole boyfriend situation since it was her idea.
Golden went to Varney's study and saw him deep in thought.
“A penny for your thoughts.” She said.
“When did you get back home?” he asked snapping out of his thoughts.
“I just got back. What's on your mind. You seemed far away?”
“I was thinking of doing something different this year and I want to run it by you first.” Varney said as he goes to join Gigi on the couch.
“I want to do something special for Florence. She's been loyal and dedicated all these years.
I feel this is the right time to honor her.”
“What do you have in mind V?” Gigi looked expectantly.
“You know about her sick son. I feel his environment is the reason he's always landing in the hospital.
So I bought her a five-bedroom bungalow in a nice neighborhood.
It's one of the houses the company developed. I just transferred ownership to her.
That's not all. I also spoke to the principal of one of the private schools close not too far from the neighborhood and placed Octavia and Rema on full time scholarship.
It's a school for the middle class so they wouldn't have problem fitting in. All they need to do is get on the school bus and it would take them to-and-from school.
Then I bought a health insurance scheme for Rema so that Florence doesn't have to break the bank everytime she needs to pay for his meds.
If she would agree, I can get her a job in one of the companies ”
“V you know she wouldn't agree to that. Gigi said with tears already gathering in her eyes.
“Well I have that covered also. Grandpa Butler is retiring so I intend to promote her to Head of Housekeeping.
She would no longer be just a maid. And that comes with a salary increment by 10 times what she presently earns.
I want her to worry less about having to pay so much bills because I noticed that although I pay her well, she is barely afloat.
Yet she comes in everyday with a smile and worry about us.
With all the major expenses taken care of, she would have less to worry about and more time to look after herself.
So what do you think? I hope I'm not going overboard?” Varney asked worried that he might be doing too much.
Gigi reaches for Varney and hugs him tight as she lets the tears that have gathered fall.
She puts herself together and clears her throat.
“V this is the most thoughtful present anyone can ever give.
You are not just giving a gift, you are giving hope. Every gift is well thought of.
Like you said, she's been loyal and faithful for years and she deserves to be honored.
“When do you plan to give her this gift?”
“I was thinking of taking her to the house later this evening so they can be settled in before Christmas.
I just wanted you to get back so I could run it by you before I proceed”
“Can I be there when you present her with the keys?”
“I was hoping you would say that. Of course. I want us to do this together.”
“Now that you have planned the perfect gift for Florence. I also have one for you.”
“I get to have a Christmas gift this year?” Varney asked surprised.
“Something like that. I got you an invitation to the Chen's Residence for a Christmas Dinner as Alex's boyfriend.”
“Gigi I'm lost. Explain.” Varney said confused.
Golden goes on to narrate everything that happened at Alex's house and how Varney ended up becoming Alex's boyfriend.
“And she's cool with it?” Varney asked a little excited.
“Well she did say: “better Varney than someone I don't know...
...once I don't like someone, not even a gun to my head will make me stay...”
So I guess she likes you a bit if she's willing to bring you to family dinner.
Her dad was pretty serious when he said once you are in, there's no going back.
Plus Nana Chen might already like you. She called you a hunk and said you are way better than every other guy she has seen.
One more thing, Alex's full name is Alexandria Xinyi Chen.
V, since you said you've fallen in love with Alex. I have just given you an opportunity to be her boyfriend.
Make the most of it and make her fall in love with you.
Like she said. If she doesn't like someone, not even a gun to her head will make her stay.
I am rooting for you guys. Maybe this might just be the best Christmas I've had in a very long time.” Golden finally finished a little teary.
It was Varney's turn to hug Golden.
“Thank's Gigi. This is indeed the best gift you can give me.” he pulled away from the hug and continued
“If she likes me just a tiny bit, I would make her fall deeply in love with me that she can't bare to leave me.” Varney said confidently.
Later that evening, Varney asked Florence to accompany them somewhere.
They drove and arrived at a quiet neighborhood in the West side of the City.
The neighborhood was called Parkview. It had a children's park, a convenience store, a beauty salon and a central pool.
All the houses were fenced and properly maintained.
They got to Apartment 18B. It had a smart lock and Varney keyed in the code.
The apartment was fully furnished and ready to moved into.
Florence was confused why they had brought her here.
Varney led Florence to the living room and asked her to sit.
He then brought out some documents and placed on the table.
He explained everything carefully and told her this was their Christmas gift to her.
When he was done, he left her with yet another surprise. A brand new Toyota Saloon Car so she can commute to work since the apartment was a bit far from the Estate.
Florence was speechless. She put her face in her apron and wept.
This was more than a gift. It was a Christmas miracle.
She tearfully thanked Varney and Golden for turning her life around.
They had not just given her a gift, they gave her a new life.
After staying for a little while, Varney and Golden left Florence alone to soak in her new reality.