Chapter 3 Three

The hall was a grand, high-ceiling space filled with elegance and sophistication. The atmosphere is warm, and inviting with every detail precisely crafted to create a breathtaking beautiful setting. The decoration outside made it look classy and added elegance to its castle-like shape.

The creamy white walls are adorned with intricate gold molding and ornate frames. The rich, dark hardwood flooring she had polished to a high shine since last night.

The hall had multiple coloured chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, its spectacle of colours made the hall look more stunning. The intricate patterns on the table cloths with fine China and crystal glasswares, the scent of fresh flowers, the media team displayed photos of Mrs Reed's early life.

The other end of the hall, the caterer was already setting up her buffet stand. The 7 tier birthday cake was sitting beautifully close to the place set up for Mrs Reed. From the decorations and settings,one could tell Mrs Reed got herself the best and most expensive event planner in Zenith City. She really outdid herself.

Actually, Mrs Reed is a very boastful woman, from the event planner, cake designer and the caterer. She must have done a lot of boasting and she just outdid herself again. She has done everything to ensure she saves her face today.

Pearl was still lost in her study of the hall, when her mother in-law poured her cold water bringing her back to the present. She looked up in surprise to find her glaring at him.

"What do you think you're doing, standing and gazing into space? Lazy fool, there's so much work to be done and you're just standing there. You think time would wait for you, you fool. Get back to work!"

Pearl apologised and walked swiftly towards the event planner who was also staring at her with disdain evident in her eyes.

"Look at her, where's that deaf fool heading to?" Mrs Reed said, "You fool! Will you come back here?" She ordered with resentment in her voice.

Pearl stopped immediately and turned to face her mother in-law.

"Did I ask you to face me? She asked her,her attention was drawn to the figures walking towards them.

Tricia walked in with her two friends." I've been searching all over for you, mother. It's time for you to rest a bit".

One of Tricia's friends walked towards Pearl and spanked her ass.

"Oh babes, when did you last get laid?" she asked, laughing as she walked close to Tricia. "Her ass is so hard, I bet no man would look at it".

"You can't be sexually inactive and lazy with work at the same time" The other lady added with a smirk on her face.

The other workers turned to look at Pearl, like they were waiting for something to talk about.

"Wait, is she Lady Reed's daughter-in-law?" One asked.

"Lady Reed's son is so handsome and I'm sure he's huge down there," the other one said, touching her breasts.

"We didn't recognize her because their wedding wasn't on the internet".

"Maybe, they were ashamed of her poverty"

The female workers whispered amongst themselves.

Pearl laughed out loudly as she heard the last statement, this left everyone in confusion. Why's she laughing? Is she really normal? Pearl was already used to the insults about her sexual life with Julian.

"Do you have anything else for her to do?"

Mrs Reed asked the event planner,who was still watching Pearl in confusion. Mrs Reed felt embarrassed at the way Pearl laughed when she was being insulted.

"Nothing ma, we're done with everything" she replied, "Oh! Before I forget, the hall needs final cleaning. She can do that for us." She added.

Pearl's eyes widened, how was she supposed to clean that large hall alone? She was already feeling tired from the day's work. Her back aches from carrying that chair alone.

"And the idiot is still there, you time-wasting fool, you're still standing there or didn't you hear what she said?" Mrs Reed was furious. Her party starts in less than an hour and Pearl has just been lazy throughout the day.

"You've been sponging off this family, yet you don't work your ass off for every dime you've gotten from us. Keeping a dog is better than having a lazy, useless piece of trash like you around" Tricia shot a glance at Pearl.

Pearl was so enraged that she clenched her fists tightly. Tricia's insults were beginning to get on her nerves. Someone who doesn't know how to handle money,or had plans to make money by herself. She doesn't want to talk about the leeches following Tricia. They were fated to be friends from the beginning.

"You've got something to say?" Mrs Reed asked when she noticed her clenched fist. "Or do you want to hit me in front of everyone?"

"No, moth..."

Mrs Reed looked at Pearl with hatred as she realized what she was about to call her.

Pearl noticed the look, "No, ma'am" she said, forcing a smile on her face. She looked around and found all eyes on her.

Mrs Reed sneered, "Good for you, hurry up and clean this hall. And don't use the vacuum cleaner".

"Then get to the villa and do the same, you don't have a choice fool!" Tricia patted Pearl's back as she walked past her. "Don't embarrass us tonight" she whispered.

Pearl knew there was nothing else to say, she had no choice like Tricia had said. She went to get the brush while others left the hall.

That evening, the entire Reed's family were excited, especially Kate Steve who was over the moon. It was the most important day in their lives, the glamorous 50th birthday party of Lady Reed.

The hall was already filled with well-wishers, enemies and media firms who have come with different intentions.

Some came to celebrate with the family, others want to be there to witness things first hand.

As Mrs Reed entered the hall, heads turned in awe. Her gown's classic design commanded respect, the intricate embroidery whispered tales of royalty. Indeed,she was the queen of her Kingdom.

Her gown glowed under the chandeliers casting a warm, golden light across the room. The beading sparked like diamonds, the silk fabric flowed, covering her legs.

With every step she took as she revealed herself to the guest, she felt like a goddess. Her 50th birthday marks a new chapter in her life- one filled with elegance, sophistication and joy.

"Mrs Reed looks very stunning," said one of the female guests.

"The gown looks like it was made specially for her," another added.

"That gown is Oscar worthy, she really fits into it perfectly" another replied, her eyes fixed on the gown.

"I'll get the designer's number, I will need something more stunning for my marriage anniversary" the first one continued. Her companions turned to face her. Their eyes filled with surprise.

***

Julian stood in front of the mirror grinning as he put on his charcoal grey blazer and navy blue trousers. His outfit was perfectly tailored to enhance his physique, making him feel confident and powerful.

"Whoa, Julian you look stunning" Pearl whispered, her eyes widened in admiration.

Julian frowned, "How did you get into my room? Are you here to insult me?"

Pearl bent her head in regrets, "I'm sorry, Julian. I just said I should check on my husband".

Julian chuckled, "You're very funny. Did I hear you call me your husband?"

Pearl didn't say anything as she was too embarrassed to reply to him, she was so thoughtless, how did she think he was going to be pleased to see her?

"I guess you didn't think about it before coming here". Julian concluded from the look on her face. "Hey, don't embarrass my family today". He said, leaving her in his room.

She felt so embarrassed that she didn't leave his room immediately. A few minutes later, she walked out of the room. She got to hers and dressed up in her new maid uniform, this uniform was designed specially for the occasion.

She glanced at the mirror, took a deep breath, "No mistakes today". She muttered as she walked out of the room.

The big day!!