That Saturday was faster than the wind. There was a whirlwind of activities prior to that day, but all that occupied Daisy's mind was this one activity because later that day, her accountant had called her and told her that someone in the name of Santiago had deposited a whooping sum of money into her account.
It mesmerized her that someone who she wasn't related to and hadn't made any physical impression on would be showing her so much kindness. Even Amanda thought it was simply surreal. Which is why even though anything by any chance comes up that would make her not attend the ball, she would rather forfeit it than miss meeting this man.
The only thing that scares her is that she is likely to meet Ethan today at the ball. His family was one of Americans' most influential people and it is not impossible that such activity would take place and his family won't be represented. Since he has the fortune of being here, it is imperative that he attends. Still better than that hawk of his mother, she supposed.
Her phone vibrated and she spared it glance. It was Mandy.
"Hey, Mandy," She coursed, running the lipgloss through her lips and smacking it together for evenness.
"Hey..."
"Don't tell me you are ready?"
"Far from it..." She smacked her lips-a behavior she displays when she is reluctant to say something, "I don't think I can be able to go..."
"What! Babe, why?" Daisy was alarmed. She hardly knows this man and won't be happy to be left alone at the mercy of maybe even a serial killer who entices women with big dreams.
"I'm sorry. Becky woke up this morning with a huge headache and I can't leave her just like that. I can come pick Daniel and Ella while you are gone."
Daisy exhaled. Anything that had to do with Becky, she has learned not to stress it. Now she would be left to handle this huge event on her own. "Fine... How is she?"
"Gave her some aspirin, now left for it to kick off. I would be there in ten minutes to pick the dudes..."
"Okay... because I will need you to check me out too," Daisy affirmed and dropped the phone.
She rounded up her makeup and went to pick up the red gown from the bed where she had it out initially. Twice she brought out the gown, and twice she attempted dropping it back. It was too alluring and with her kind of body, might draw too much attention to her. However, that's the whole point, right? She was a renowned fashion designer and her work should show for it. So, she's going to rock it!
She wore it and went to the mirror and instantly started purring. It was even more exquisite when worn. The intricate sparkles became prominent and the curve of her waist made it more seductive. God, she hoped the press wouldn't notice her tonight.
And most especially that bastard! He hasn't pestered her for the last few days and she was almost believing he had regained his senses and left her alone. That's what he is, a loser. He couldn't even fight enough for her forgiveness and had run off. It relives her as well as irked her. All the same, all that matters is this night and she has to nail it!
The door opened and closed downstairs and she knew Amanda was here. Her son's screech proved it.
Two minutes later, her door swung open. "Damn!" Amanda careened. "If you weren't my best friend now, I might just have some mushy on you, "she commented and Daisy started laughing.
"You are an ant!"
"I know, seriously, girl, this gown is gorgeous. That man must have an eye on his head to pick this."
"Maybe he asked someone that has an eye to pick it. It doesn't necessarily mean he did it himself. He knows I'm a fashionista and had to impress me." Daisy intoned.
"And he did more than impress you, girl.... Look at those sparkles and the silk!" She came to touch the material of the gown. "I think we will need to design something like this." She reasoned and Daisy shook her head. This is so Amanda.
"So from your reaction, I assume I'm good to go?" She twirled with her bag in hand.
"Yeah, dude, you are. So is his stuff packed?" She asked, referring to Daniel.
"Yeah, I'm sure his nanny packed his stuff, including Ellas. Thanks for watching them."
"Nothing much. And maybe the man might be dashingly handsome and you can, you know..." Amanda cleared her throat as she trailed off, assuming Daisy would get her joke.
"You are entitled to your opinion, Mandy. I'm never hooking up with some strange dude just because he wants to invest in our business. I'm not a horny teenager..."
"I'm just saying, girl.." Amanda dragged on as she walked back to the door, meaning to check on her companions for the night.
When Daisy came out of the room, she was looking dazzling to her satisfaction and somehow it made her feel good. If she is going to be an internet sensation, she should at least be her best.
She has been hiding for too long and maybe as Amanda often said, she would need to come out of her shell. She represents a brand and has to be out. Amanda has been featured twice in Vogues because of her exhibitions and great fashion sense. She represented the branch of Latinos in the last Forbes list for the Caribbean and all this is because of how open she was.
Most of the top clients they have bagged were all thanks to her, this Daisy knew. It wasn't fair. So, it's time for her to stay woke.
"See you guys later," She went to kiss her son on the cheek and made her way out of the house. Once she came outside, packeI in front of her mansion, was a black Ferrari. She passed at the door, meaning to go in and ask Amanda when she launched the new car when the driver honked at her.
Plus, parked by the side was her black Audi which Daisy was familiar with. So who has the car?
She stalked closer, tilting her head to the side to see who was driving the car but couldn't recognize the man so, she tapped the window until it winded down. "Sorry, I'm sure you are in the wrong house."
"No, ma'am. Aren't you Mrs Richard."
"It's actually a Ms. But yeah... Who sent you?"
"My boss asked me to bring you to the gala, so if you don't mind, may we leave?" The back door slid open and she hesitated, looking behind to determine if to venture into the car or not, but seeing as she had no choice, nodded and slid in.
The car drove out of the compound and as much as she wanted to ask him who sent him to bring her, each time she opened her mouth, she found herself shutting it and relaxing back. Amanda had her location connected to her phone so there was no way they could kidnap her.
The drive was an unbearable one as Daisy had to sit there unable to say anything other than watch the flitting cars and endure the mad rush on the road as the driver twisted and turned. One time she had nearly told him to slow down but then as before, she lost courage because this man looked like he wouldn't listen to her. So she laid back and prayed she wouldn't die today because of an investment.
Eventually, the car arrived at the venue and to her greatest astonishment, she was whole, every part of her body intact. She rushed out of the car, thinking she was going to throw up. But standing by the sidewalk, tapping at her chest, she couldn't release anything so she stood up and jumped when she saw the driver behind her.
"I'm sorry about that..." He bowed slightly, looking very frightened.
She knew he might be afraid she might tell his boss about his relapse so she quickly smiled. "No worries, it remains strictly between us. But, if by chance you take me home, please don't drive like that anymore."
"Thank you. I promise." He bowed again. "Let me tell him you are here."
"No!" She stopped him. "I can find my way inside from here." She indicated to him and began making her way in.
From the flits of exotic cars parked outside, she knew people had already arrived so she walked faster so as not to miss the show. At the door, the bouncers opened the door and took her coat to hang by the side, and gave her a card of identification hence she proceeded in.
As she anticipated, the place was brimming with people already seated in the seats talking inaudibly amongst themselves, and the stage was being arranged.
This is where she regrets not accepting the driver's plea to call the man that invited her. How is she supposed to identify him when she didn't even know who invited her?
As she stood there, running her eyes about the hall, she didn't see the funky figure sauntering from behind her until he was an inch away from her.
"You are just as beautiful as I had imagined the dress would be on you, Daisy."
Her body froze, hot goosebumps sprouting through her pores. The unfuckenbelievable! How could she not know?!
"Ethan?" She whirled around with so much force her head spun.
...