Sophia and Katherine dressed up in matching blouse and trousers which is different in colour. While Sophia was putting on colour blue; Katherine was putting on pink colour. "We are set to go," Sophia said. "No...no.... A little touch on your face then you will be set to go," Katherine said. "I've applied little make-up," Sophia grunts. "Okay. Just a lip retouch," Katherine said and added little lipstick to Sophia's lips. "We are good to gooooo," Sophia grabbed her purse. The purse Sophia took was actually the one Katherine took to the restaurant the last time she met Ren.
About thirty minutes later, Sophia and Katherine alighted from the cab they had boarded to Linda's place. "Her apartment is on the third floor," Sophia said to Katherine who was giving her a questioning look. They went to the elevator and pressed the control to take them to the third floor. While in the elevator, Sophia opened the purse with her and found Jake's card which Katherine had even forgotten about.
"What can you say about this?" Sophia showed Katherine the card. "It's for the guy who saved me from Ren's so-called girlfriend. Coincidentally, he is the one who saved me twice when I was drunk," Katherine said. "You didn't tell me about that. I didn't even know you went to Ren again," Sophia frowned. "I didn't want to bother you," Katherine said feeling guilty. "It's fine. We can discuss this later. Maybe tomorrow," by now, the elevator has stopped on the third floor.
Others except Henry had arrived at the party when Sophia and Katherine arrived. "Guys," Sophia greeted as she entered with Katherine standing behind her. "How are you? You are looking beautiful as usual," Miranda said. "I'm fine," Sophia replied. "Who is this angel behind you?" Drey questioned pulling Katherine from behind Sophia. "Ooh! She's Katherine, my best friend," Sophia said. "Hehehe! You made those Sophia's meals, right?" Drey asked. "Yes," Katherine nodded. "Can I have more of your meals?" Drey said. "Is Drey here for my party or to beg Katherine for her meals?" Linda questioned. She was putting on a short flared white and red gown. The upper part of the gown fitted her so well that it outlined her curves. "I'm catching two birds with one stone," Drey responded. "Drey Stone," Miranda said chuckling. Drey looked at her helplessly.
Linda insisted that they wait for Henry before making the birthday wish and blowing off the candles. "But he isn't anywhere near. He isn't even answering his calls," Harry said. "Remember, he said he will be busy," William uttered. "Yeah! Yeah. I remember now. Let's make the birthday wish and blow off the candle," Linda said with a plastic smile. The birthday wish was made. The cake was cut. As promised, Linda got Miranda a red velvet cake. "You are such a darling," Miranda kissed her cheeks. Music played as they all swayed their body to its rhythm.
When it was getting late, everyone left for their houses after wishing Linda once again and giving her her presents. Linda sat on the floor and hugged her legs. Her main objective in celebrating her birthday was to be able to spend some time with Henry. Linda has been in love with Henry for a long time but she hasn't built up enough courage to tell him how she feels towards him. She had thought inviting him to her birthday might help him see her since he is a workaholic who sees nothing except work.
Linda sighed and forced a smile. "Maybe we are not meant for each other," the thought she dreaded most soothe her. She digs into the remaining cake. She was enjoying her cake when her doorbell rang. "Come in if it is necessary," Linda said still digging in her cake. "Happy Birthday! Did I miss anything?" the person whose voice she has been longing to hear said. It was Henry! "Thank you," Linda smiled, " You missed everything," she said. "I'm sorry. Can I make it up?" Henry asked feeling guilty. "Make it up?"Linda raised her eyebrow. " Yeah. I will fete you to dinner tomorrow," Henry said. Linda smiled. "It's fine. You don't need to make it up. I understand you are busy," Linda said. "Isn't it your dream to spend some time with me? Alone," Henry sounded more like someone giving a statement rather than asking a question.
"Here. Have your cake," Linda handed a small plate of which contained cake to Henry. "I said something," Henry collected the plate from Linda. "My manners, I didn't even offer you a seat. Please you can sit," Linda smiled. "Linda," Henry called after he had sat. "Yeah. I'll get you a drink," Linda said and dashed to the kitchen. She came back with a glass and a juice. "Isn't it your dream to spend some time with me?" Henry inquired. "It's every worker's dream. We all want to know how you are able to work so hard," Linda responded. Henry felt heartbroken. He smiled.
Henry also has feelings for Linda but he doesn't know how to tell her. He has been so engrossed in his work that he never gets time to date. "I guess I should work harder," Henry laughed. "Sure," Linda nodded. After that statement, there was an awkward silence between the duo. "Linda," Henry called. "Hn," Linda responded. "I really want to treat you to dinner. Just this once," Henry said, " Just this once and maybe never," he thought sadly but his face held the most hearted smile. "C'mon Henry, it's fine. I totally understand that you feel bad about missing my birthday party but it's not your fault. You were busy," Linda said comforting Henry for feeling guilty and herself. "Okay. Fine, if you say so," Henry said.
After half an hour or so, Henry prepared to leave. "Thank you so much for coming," Linda appreciated when she saw him off to the door. "You are welcome," Henry smiled. "Yeah. Good night. See you on Monday at work," Linda bade and made to close the door but Henry called her. "Hn. Any.....," Linda was saying but Henry jammed his lips on hers making her words stuck in her throat.
******
Mr Olsen heaved a sigh as he gently close his eyes. His head was throbbing as he rested them on the sofa rest. He has been trying to sleep but each time he closed his eyes to fall asleep, images of what he dreaded to see most will start to show. He couldn't even sleep without sleeping pills but now the pills no longer work for his body. He was forcing himself to sleep when his phone began to ring. At first, he ignored it but the call became persistent so he just swiped the answer button and put his phone on loudspeaker.
"Big bro," Gina's breaking voice came in a subtle whisper. "Gina," Mr Olsen called, "What happened?" he asked worriedly forgetting about his own pain. "I was shot and I don't think I can make it even if help arrives," Gina replied with tears streaming down her cheeks as she used her hand to cover her bleeding stomach. "Did you go out without the security guards?" Mr Olsen asked. "They were killed while trying to protect me. Can I ask for a favour because I'm not going to make it?" Gina questioned. "You will make it. Just hang on. I'll call in my securities," Mr Olsen said dialling a number with his bedroom landline. "Please treat mom and dad like a child should treat his parents. Please. This is my last wish from you. Fulfil it please," Gina said coughing in pain as the phone she held fell down. "Gina! Gina!! Gina!!!" Mr Olsen called but there was no response.
His eyes were red-hot. Of all his family members, it was only Gina who understands him better. Not even his mother knows him well. "Hello," the number he dialled earlier had been picked. "Help Gina," was all he said before breaking down.
The morning sun found its way through the curtain and shone on the worried sleeping face of Mr Olsen. The landline that rang stirred him up from sleep. "Dylan," Mrs Olsen's crying voice called. "I know," Mr Olsen said. "Are you coming home?" Mrs Olsen asked. "Let's see if I don't have an appointment," Mr Olsen responded. "But she is your sister and she loves......," Mrs Olsen was cut off by her son. "I know. It isn't as if my presence will wake her," Mr Olsen retorted. "She will be happy in heaven if you come," Mrs Olsen said. "What heaven, huh? She is dead," Mr Olsen shouted at his mother. "It's fine, son," Mrs Olsen said after calming herself for a while.
"Cancel all my appointments for today," Mr Olsen emailed to his temporary assistant. He washed up and dressed up in a black polo and black jean. He prepared his breakfast and ate in an unhurried manner.
Author's note:
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