Chapter 125 BOOK 2: CHAPTER 15

Chapter 125 BOOK 2: CHAPTER 15
—Amira—
I dashed into the house and slammed the door.... then plummeted to the floor, hollowed out with pain.
Shamefully, I hoped he'd come running after me. Pull me into his arms and kiss me. 
Only to hear his convoy reversing and slipping back into the midnight traffic.
Tears spilled down my cheeks.
He was messing with me.
Perhaps I should resign and stay away from him.
But that was worse... I couldn’t just throw away a million naira job, not when my family was in tight corner.
I gathered myself off the floor and went to my room. Still in my party clothes, I climbed into bed and closed my eyes.
But sleep eluded me.
I tossed back and forth in bed and literally watched as daybreak came.
That morning, Nathaniel didn't show up at the office. He sent in a text while I was walking down the corridor of the Tech Lab.
‘Flew to Abuja for an emergency meeting with Mr. President. Won’t be in today.’
A meeting with the president? 
It only confirmed that he was completely out of my league. We came from different worlds.
“Amira,” someone called. 
I spun around as Joyce hurried over, tools in her hands. “Joyce.”
We started walking down the corridor. 
“I like your clothes,” she said.
I was wearing one of the tailored suits Nathaniel bought for me. “Thanks,” I mumbled.
Joyce grinned. “I heard you attended the banquet with the boss. How was it?”
I shrugged. “It was okay.”
“Did you see the pictures from the paparazzi?” You both looked so cute together.”
“Yes, as his assistant,” I drawled and almost rolled my eyes.
She glanced around. Then took my hand and led me to a corner. “I overheard some staff talking. They think the boss is interested in you.”
“What?”
“They say it's why he promoted you and took you to the banquet.”
I blinked. “It's strictly business, Joyce. There's nothing personal between us.”
We had a one-night stand weeks ago, and even that felt meaningless now.
Joyce lowered her tools and sighed. “But have you ever thought of dating him?”
“Joyce—”
“He's handsome. Tall, and well-behaved. Add to the fact that he likes you... even a blind could see that?”
Wasn't it clear they were all seeing things? How could Nathaniel like me when he refused kissing me last night? Whatever feelings he had must've died the morning I chose the money.
“Of course, not!” I breathed. “I can assure you there's nothing going on between us.”
Joyce groaned. “I know I said I wanted him, but you two make a beautiful pair. Like it or not, I'm already rooting for you.”
I couldn't help the smile that lit my eyes. “Joyce?”
She grinned and pulled an envelope from her pocket. 
“What's that?”
“I'm sorry it's coming late,” she said and gave it to me. “It's an invitation to my birthday party.”
I opened the envelope and quickly read through it. The party was tonight, in the hotel across our facility.
“I'll see you tonight?”
“I'll try,” I murmured. “Happy birthday.”
She pulled me into her arms. Then grabbed her tools and continued down the corridor. I stepped into the elevator and headed to my office.
The day unwound quickly as I worked behind my desk. 
One minute, it was lunch break. And the next, it was close of business. My phone vibrated on the table.
A text from Joyce.
‘The party is starting soon.’
I grabbed my bag and headed out.
“Welcome to Hamilton Hotels,” the valet said, opening the door.
I offered a smile and proceeded inside. 
Some guests lounged on couches, while others swayed on the dance floor.
Music thumped. Laughter and chatter drifting in the air.
“Amira!” a familiar voice called.
I turned to see Joyce in a red dress, her hair elegantly swept over one shoulder.
She hugged me. “Oh, thank you so much for coming.”
I smiled. “You look stunning.”
She took my hand. “Come. Let me show you to your seat.”
Joyce tugged me toward her table. Heads tilted, some conversations faltering as we walked past.
Just as we sat down, I spotted Steve and Madam Grace chattering at the bar. When Steve met my gaze, he lifted his glass in salutation.
I offered him a small smile and turned my attention back to Joyce. 
She sat beside me and placed a hand on my knee.
“What would you like to have?” she asked.
“Anything is fine.”
She signaled over a server. “Two glasses of rosé.”
“Right away, ma'am,” the young man said, and hurried away. He reappeared with our drink, and set them on the table.
I picked mine. “To many more years to come.”
We clicked glasses and sipped our drinks. “I invited him,” she said, nodding slightly to the music.
“Who?”
“Mr. Rivera. I heard he's away on a business trip.”
“Yes,” I swallowed, praying he wouldn't show up.
We sipped our drinks again. Just as we lowered the glasses, the lights dimmed.
A server approached with a cake and the DJ switched to a ‘Happy birthday’ instrumental.
Joyce covered her mouth in playful surprise.
The rest of us stood up and keyed into the birthday song. When it was over, Joyce blew out all the candles and cut the cake.
An applause rang across the room.
Then guests lined up and shared their heartfelt messages with her. I joined them.
It was brief. It was fun... Especially when we took photos.
“Excuse me,” someone said behind me.
I turned to Tunde, my former superior at the sanitation department. “Hi,” I said.
He scratched his ear. “I was wondering if you’d like to dance?”
I blinked. “Yes, but that’ll be after Joyce opens the floor.”
“I’ll wait.” He gave a small bow and left.
I went back to the photo session.
Just as we finished, the conversations around us faltered.
I glanced over my shoulder and froze.
Nathaniel stood in the doorway, eyes sweeping the entire room until they found mine.