On a crisp winter, I was mid way stretching out the hem of my tuxedo before the spacious mirror while my costumier ran a make-over on me.
I could over hear the knocking of stiletto on the floor and I needed not be told that someone was walking through.
In few seconds, my automatic door sensed a body and yanked open on its own, and when I swirled around a charming face flashed at me, it was Clara Roham, my wife.
I could swear she was walked up this time around; the mountains of frown that decked her face; the blue frame that layered her skin and the cloud of fury that sagged her jaw, was evidence of her cage being rattled by someone.
But I guessed I wasn’t responsible for her horrible mood this morning. She stood staring, arms folded, shoulders pressed against the wall, and eyes staring and locking eyes with me.
Noticing that the costumiers were done with me, there was no need hesitating to hear from my wife.
“Please can I have a moment with my wife,” I mumbled.
The party of costumiers almost bowed at once, packed up their gadgets and tools. “As the world richest man pleases. May you have a safe trip to Manila, boss,” they wished me and made away .
My wife, noticing we were all alone now cat-walked behind me and I caught her distressed looks in the mirror before I turned around.
“Morning sweetie, “I greeted warmly and didn’t expect any reply from those lips that curved in fury.
I swallowed hard, not feeling exactly the reason for her anger.
Ordinarily Clara Roham would be at my side to stamp me a kiss on my forehead. I must have really rattled her cage.
“So finally you are about to make it to Manila, just to fulfill the wish of the Most Beautiful Girl in the world, huh.” Her voice was sharper than any two-edged sword.
This wife of mine was heart-broken beyond repair. I took in a deep breath, thinking we had discussed about this a night ago.
“But you know my arms are tied,” I replied her, threw a few steps to her side and patted her shoulders.
She shrugged off my arms, and nagged even harder. “Ever since you became the world richest man, all the pretty ladies in the world court you. I don’t need a soothsayer to remind me you are cheating in me with them,” her voice subsided to soberness and this wife of mine staring blankly at me might break down in tears soon.
I tossed my head firmly. “Hell no, dear. Why would I cheat on my pretty wife?” I queried, and earnestly locked eyes with her but she kept averting her gaze. “Is it because of the wish of Miss Philippine huh?” I snorted and dared to rub her yet again on the shoulders and she fought off my arms with a shrug.
“Take your filthy hands of me!” she fumed, “I can’t stand that anymore. Of all the men in the world why would she want a dinner with you? And what do you think would happen after the dinner? You think I don’t know of your plans to take her to bed in one of the five star hotels?”
“Enough, Clara!” I hated to call her by her name. I was offended now but this was my wife; I just needed to remind her who I was. “Listen up sweetie, I am Mike Don the world richest man…”
She interposed me, “But when you were Brian Patrick none of them noticed you, none of them wanted you. None of these bitches courted you. They didn’t even know if you existed…” tears stole away her voice as she wept through sob.
“Enough reason you shouldn’t nag about infidelity. They want me because of who I am now and the money I command. On that day I made you my wife at first sight before the Fannys, I knew we were meant to be. Trust me when I say I have never cheated on you.” my cold palms entrapped her warm chin and she felt abandoned to me.
She wanted to speak yet further but her sobbing wouldn’t permit her.
I petted her. “Once I have dinner with Miss Philippine in Manila, I would be back in your arms forever. My word is my bond. I have given her my words to fulfill her wish, please…”
I would have to pet her forever because her sobbing wasn’t going to end any moment.
***
When I pranced outside, Zion and a host of my well-suited security and aides were standing in row, in black sunshades and their chest held out, just beside my private jet as they waited for me.
“Let’s go!” I commanded and climbed into my jet. Clara Roham was weeping quietly as we flew away
***
Our arrival in Manila was epic. As usual my charismatic presence pulled fans and while my security waded off the ocean of fans that wanted to meet with me, I and miss Philippine dined inside an exquisite restaurant.
She was as dashing and curvaceous as she was on TV. Ever since we hugged and settled down to our sauced roasted prawn and wine, she was yet to get off the blush.
She couldn’t believe the man seated before her was Mike Don; she couldn’t tell what had possessed her.
“This is the best achievement of my life.” She sounded gagging her mouth, all smiles and blushing hugely.
Flashes of camera light frown paparazzi, fans and the media kept interrupting us.
“Congratulations, Miss Philippine on your win,” I sounded, lopsided smile curving my lips, “My company, the Saint Don Group has reached agreement to endorse you as our global ambassador.”
“Thank you,” she appreciated quickly and her smile was brief. Soon her face lost brightness. She was thinking heavily. “I…I” she stuttered, “I would prefer you call me by my name, I am Ashmara Khloe.” She shot a contagious smile at me and rubbed my hairy arm lustfully. “I don’t know why I am into you Mike Don.” She sounded shyly and lowered her gaze.
I was still at my smiles, not until, she sounded yet further, “Instead of making me your ambassador why…” her voice broke out as she sucked a deep breath, “Why don’t I be your wife.”
My face scowled, brow folded. I grinned.
“Apologies dear, I don’t want you to feel embarrassed.”
She intoned, the moment she noticed my face, “But I can’t tell why I am into you. I wish I could be called Mrs. Don.”
“I am sorry, Ashmara.” I tossed my head, “I am happily married. I can’t marry you.” I dug into my tuxedo and pulled out my complimentary card. “This is my card. When you are ready for the ambassadorial deal, you can call me. Nice meeting you, Ashma.”
I rubbed her on the cheeks and stood up to go, and she went on her knees and grabbed my arms. “Please Mike Don. I don’t mind being your second wife. I love you so much…”
I gazed upon her with pity. “I am sorry Ashamara. There are other men out there, men who will love you…”
She interrupted me, “Yes many men are out there but not many Mike Don, please…”
“I am sorry, dear; I can’t do this to my wife. Good bye!” I pulled away
Zion who had been staring at us, smiled cheek to cheek and walked to her, “Hey pretty if the world richest man doesn’t want you, his personal aide does,” he sounded humorously.
Ashmara ignored him and wailed on.
Zion got to my side. “Boss all the pretty ladies want you now. You are such a blessed man.”
“Looking back how life was for me, I never knew some day the most beautiful girl will court me. Indeed money stops nonsense and pulls the pretty ladies into your arms,” I replied.
“Yes boss,” Zion affirmed.
Fans clamored and chanted to meet me. They all demanded for my autograph and photo shoot.
I needed to attend to some of them so as I pulled out my pen to scribble my signature on the shirt of one of them, the young lad queried. “I would love to be like you when I am grown, Mike Don, what advice do you want for me?”
Staring at the young lad, I replied, “Stay hopeful, work super hard, never you contemplate suicide because of poverty. Some day you may realize you are the true heir to a rich consortium and you will put your enemies to shame.”
“Thank you the world richest man,” he appreciated, “I love you all,” I bade and waived at them before joining my entourage.
Once we got on the private jet, Zion queried, “Boss what is next?”
“I will keep conquering the world because I am the world richest man,” I intoned confidently.
The jet flew away.
Light faded…
THE END