Dining with the enemies

Amira combed her hair carefully, looking into the reflection of herself in the mirror. She sipped her coffee and picked up the picture on her dressing table. It was taken seven years ago when she was leaving this country to another.

She selected a red gown from her closet which had the most exquisite collections. She placed it back in it's place and moved to the shoe rank, she stood fixed for a while trying to make a decision on what to pick but she was unable to.

After standing for what seem like an hour she decided to close her eyes to make a preference that she was going to settle for no matter the outcome. She wore a smile after the result and thought, 'it couldn't have been any perfect'.

She headed back to her dressing table, there were a lot of body lotions for different part of her body, she applied a few and got into the business of dressing up.

When she was done, she thought highly of her looks. She was tall and elegant, she bore looks like that of a princess, with skin that is as fair as porcelain, almond shaped eyes and thin pink lips, she was an epitome of beauty who had an old school girl charm. She was of great attitude and awesome potentials, she was idolized by many.

Fredrickson Amira, the only daughter and second child of the multi billionaire Fredrickson Daniel, who commanded a large chain of businesses, in the business world he was the don.

The Fredrickson's Empire was an organization that had over 20-30 league of business under one flag. They were into textile industry, tea plantation, programming and software development, copper manufacturing, mining, recycling, Agriculture and hotel management amongst others.

Fredrickson Daniel, an easy going kind of man, hardworking, decisive and refined. He demonstrated exemplary strength even while aging.

His success story comes with a lot of rejections and disappointment which were the stumbling block to his stepping stones.

He never stopping telling the society that his late wife played a significant role in the development of himself as well as his empire.

The Impact of my late wife in my success can not be over emphasis was his regular line. Late Mrs. Cristina Fredrickson was the strong pillar that never collapsed during his hard time, she was wise, brilliant, stunning and a wonder woman. No doubt Amira is the direct replica of her late mom, she died during the birth of Amira.

Amira felt the absence of her mom sometimes but with the help of Mrs. Cynthia who was a motherly figure to the family, she contributed a great deal in bringing up the kids when their mother passed. Their father consider her a very dedicated and compassionate person with subliminal attributes, she hasn't proven to be otherwise all her years working for him. Although he wasn't happy that only a few people knew she isn't the mother to Amira and Clinton that made him feel like a part of his wife had been forgotten. He randomly console himself with the fact that Mrs. Cynthia was doing an incredible job raising his kids and treats them exactly the way their late mom would have. They both banged great grades in their high school and better grades in their colleges, how comforting that was for a busy business man like him who rarely had time to put his children in check.

Clinton Fredrickson, the heir to The Fredrickson's Empire, an handsome looking young man, the most eligible bachelor in town, only a few of his peers were a little close to achieving his achievements. Respectful, diligent, calm, cool and a lot more of phenomenal personalities made him the pride of his father. Life gave Mr. Fredrickson and his late wife a fair share as Clinton also share amazing characteristics with his father.

The wind blew softly but cold, it caressed Amira hair laying them back on her shoulder after swinging them in different directions. Her feet marched in order and the aura of her beauty left men waggling their tongues as she stepped in majestically to join the soiree organized by her father for Clinton who had just sealed the biggest deal of the century. She had decided to use the opportunity to surprise them with her arrival.

The music was slow and so melodious, it captured the heart of many and a lot danced in accordance with the rhythm.

Amira's heart ached as they played the music her and her boyfriend loved the most and sang word for word. It was the same song Clinton had used to teach her the first dancing steps she learnt. She couldn't wait to show him how much danced steps she knew now, her boyfriend was talented and one of his numerous talents was dancing, so she could place a bet that she was doing much more better than her brother when it comes to dancing.

Clinton hardly removed his eyes from his phone as the meeting with share holder went on, it was somewhat obvious that he was expecting someone and his father couldn't help but notice. He only wished that the person his son was this eager to see was the lady they had been waiting to meet all this while.

Clinton looked up from his phone where his gaze had been all this while and his face met with his father's. They stared at each other for a while trying to convey their words through gestures.

Maybe his father's wish were finally coming true, he thought. He has been seeing this lady for a while now, the butterfly in his belly seem not to stop playing so hard. His heart kept racing and he couldn't stop thinking about her, the sparkle in her eyes, her smile, her carriage and charisma was all he could think of all day. It was as if she had him wrapped under her pretty fingers.

Finally, he believes that luck had come his way and he found someone who loved him for whom he was, there was this feeling she was for real and he had to stick with it maybe that will make a positive impact. He had gone through so many heart breaks and had redrawn himself from love but at last love found him and he hoped that for the umpteen time this was going to be his last attempt at love for good.

'I am having a lot of troubles parking my car', she texted.

How didn't he advise that she took a ride, the empire was definitely going to be crowded even the shareholders had their guest also. Her message instantly lightened up his mood and face, he excused himself from the board and went to attend to Cecilia.

Clinton passed by Amira in the waiting compartment, Amira resisted the urge to hug her brother so tight. She didn't feel too bad when he couldn't recognize her, she hid her face under the speck she wore, she would not bare any one recognizing her and spoiling the surprise she has carefully planned for months. The hardest part was passing through the place where Mrs. Cynthia and her son sat, but then she did and must successfully completed her mission too.

Clinton hurried back to the meeting when he was satisfied that Cecilia was in save hands. The girl at the waiting space had this familiar figure, he could have swore he knew her but then he wasn't able to get himself together and think straight without remembering that his girl was somewhere out there in the cold waiting for his warmth. He wished the meeting could end just immediately, but this old men and women looked like they still had a thing or two to say.

Randomly, he would text her and asked if she was settling well and if she needed something. After a couple of replies she warned him not to get distracted that she was doing just fine, 'Doing just fine without me?' he texted

Not like that, of course I want you here but I understand you also have to been in that meeting so stop texting and focus. I'm not running clitty.

Is that supposed to be my pet name?

What's that?

Acting dumb doesn't suit you well enough *smiley emoji*

I take that as a compliment, and yes clitty would be your pet name till I find something more suitable.

That's lovely, I'm yet to get a pet name for you but I will soonest, hope that goes down well with you?

I'm okay with whatever you call me till you decided.

You want to know another awesome aspect of Clinton's lady, she had the largest and purest of heart.

I envy your sense of understanding, he texted back.

Someone is flirting with your babe here, she replied.

I promise to get you his head, he typed and clenched his fist.

The meeting was getting longer than expected and Clinton wasn't relaxed since the last text he got from Cecilia, how dare the guy flirt.

Amira stretched her feet for what was like the hundred and one time she was doing that, she signed up for this right? She went to the washroom and as if that's was the sign the board were waiting for, the meeting ended.

Amira bumped into one of the shareholders, she recognize him at once. He was that man that his presence didn't always go down well with her, she thought by now her dad would have gotten rid of him. He felt to her like someone that would give her dad for an icing on the cake.

Her instinct never failed her and it won't fail her at least not this once.

She wore her speck immediately before rising to apologise for not looking.

That's okay, are you the girl Clinton seem to be anxious to meet?

Clinton had a girl? What was his business by the way? Trying not to sound suspicious she replied. 'No, I am the secretary to one of shareholders in there'

Oh okay, do have a wonderful evening pretty.

I will, and you too sir. She adjusted her gown and went back to the position she was sitting. A lot of people were coming out of the conference room, Amira used that medium to go retouch her make up and went back to her seat.

She walked into his office when she felt only himself and Clinton were in.

Her guesses were good as right, only Mr. Frederickson and his heir apparent were in.

Shocked at the audacity a girl would have to enter his office without an appointment on an evening like this. Good evening young lady, Clinton greeted.

Evening Clinton, She replied.

That voice made Clinton stepped back a little, Amira noticed that he was finding it difficult to detect the voice, she stopped the acting pull off her speck easing his drawback.

Amira! Father and son shouted in unison.

It took you guys long enough, Amira said and smiled.

The family went into a warm embraced almost forgetting the reason they were there in the first place.

Fredrickson was super excited, he never thought he was going to see his daughter this soon, Amira made it seem she was totally avoiding home.

By the time they got of the elevator, Amira noticed she hadn't taken a closer look at the empire. Her father's empire had improved a whole lot since her last time here.

Every darn thing in the environment had the touch of a new technology, she was proud of her father and brother, she sincerely wish to achieve more during her stay here.

Amira spotted Miss. Cecilia the CEO of the top one fashion band in town, she had the rare privilege to meet with her one on one when she applied into the just launched modelling agency department, after the success of the company. Cecilia welcomed her well and she was so humble with all her response.

Her father left them to join his groups of friends, although she wanted only a few people to know of her arrival for now she had to stay with Clinton to avoid been so bored.

Clinton started going towards the table, Amira drew him back and asked 'do you know her? Or wait, was she the girl that man said you appear eager to meet? She asked him.

Having you back is no doubt priceless, you just crashed my opinion that you would have graduated from this your questionnaire ministry, your questions are just so exhausting, Clinton said.

What you just mentioned would be addressed later on but for now answer me.

Let's go and meet her, you should feed your eyes and make your own conclusions.

He hugged Cecilia and whispered 'Where is he?'

Someone certainly blew your thoughts to him and he feared for his head, he left few minutes ago. She gleamed.

I bet he did, I don't completely blame him though, did I mention how breath taken you look?

Oh yes you did, she said turning around to give him a better look.

I think I'm being excluded here, Amira chirped in feeling envious.

We won't dare miss Amira, Cecilia replied laughing at the look on her face.

You know Amira? Clinton reacted

Clearly, she does. Amira mumbled excitingly.

She is such a beautiful damsel, isn't she? Cecilia admired Amira.

I don't Clinton knows, thank you for the compliment Cecilia you are not looking bad yourself. Little wonder my brother was in such an hurry to man his territory.

Why am I be opted out of this discussion? You guys talk like I'm a mile away.

Amira gave Cecilia a look and they both chuckled.

Clinton, do you hear that song? And do you remember it? Amira inquired hell bent on showing of her acquired skills.

Of course, I do. He responded.

Let's dance to it, she mumbled.

She wasn't sure it was the right thing to do since his girlfriend stood there. She might not have liked the idea but it seemed like she didn't mind.

You seem eager to dance, please don't beat Clinton hands down in it.

I taught her how to dance and I'm the better dancer here. Clinton revealed.

Most times, student turn out better than their teacher. Amira said.

That's when the teacher relents in leaning more, Clinton argued.

The empty barrel makes the loudest of noise, Amira argued further.

Cecilia watched the siblings closely, they really amused her. She envied their bond, if not for Clinton in her life it would have just been work all through. She was an orphan who lacked the feeling of loved until Clinton came around. Now she felt fulfilled, he was the kind of guy everyone would want in their life. He is so caring, he...

Cecilia! Clinton cried out, jolting her back to reality.

You seem lost in your own world, Amira commented.

The thought of Clinton is enough for me to make my own world, she held his hands and continued. He is god sent to me, I'm undeserving of this love he shows me.

Shhh, Clinton said shutting her up. You deserve more than I'm offering, you are the best, I would not have asked for more.

Amira left the duos to their lovey dovey, she had a lot of catching up to do with Mrs. Cynthia. Staying with those two would only make her miss her heart robe more.

Let's dance to the front, Clinton said. One of his men slipped something into his pocket, 'it arrived earlier than expected boss' he whispered and left.

Hope there's no problem? Cecilia inquired.

Not at all babe, he just informed me of something important. At that moment he felt warmth in his heart like never before, he drew her closer and kissed her so passionately.

Cecilia was taken back, she knew her man to be reserved but now he was letting down his guard for her, what more could this guy do for her.

He dragged her and moved to the front of the audience.

Can I get your attention all? He didn't even need to say that, all eyes were on him, maybe not him but the beauty beside him.

When he was sure he had the attention of all, he continued.

First, I will like to thank all that's present here for making out time from your busy schedules to celebrate with me, words can not explain how grateful I am.

The Fredrickson Empire has been known to deliver the best of services but today we promise you all that it will always be better.

There was a loud cheer from the audience, the media had started buzzing, questions on who the lady Clinton held was to him started pouring in, while some people commended his good looks the other praised his hard works.

He studied the audience and felt this was the moment.

He turned to Cecilia and he was reassured that he was about to do the right thing, any delay was going to give chance of more men trooping in and out of her Dm.

She had no idea of what Clinton had in mind but she trusted him and her instinct told her, she was about to experience the best thing in her life.

Clinton suddenly turned to the audience again, isn't this lady beautiful? He shouted hold her hands up in the hair.

He heard a lot of comments, the louder one was 'very beautiful` feeling satisfied he continued. It's going to be a long night, I'm however glad to inform you that there's free accommodation for as many of you that will love to sleep over.

He returned his look at Cecilia cleared his throat and started into her crystal eye ball, he summoned courage and continued.

I might not be in the category of the best men you had come across all your life and I am not perfect either but then you complete me. He paused and got on his knees by then the social media began whizzing, different people were taking record of the moment and as well clicking a lot of pictures.

He look around, Amira gave him a thumbs up signalling that he was doing well, the look on his father's face was satisfying.

He proceeded, I had prepared to say the most ideal words unfortunately they fail me. I might not be able to give you the world in which the humans live because there's no where all the people here would live in.

The audience chuckled but he didn't stop. But deep down here he pointed to his heart, a whole world belongs to you that would always be yours. I promise you to be the best husband and father to our unborn kids.

He took a long pause and said 'Miss Cecilia, would you spend the rest of your life? Would you be my wife and mother to my unborn kids?

Cecilia tried as much as she could to fight back the tears that assembled in her eyes but they betrayed her and flowed uncontrollably.

She took a glance at the audience and spoke in tears; You are right, you are absolutely not in the level of the best men I have met.

Clinton Fredrickson, you are the best of men. You shouldn't be categorized, you are love and peace. And yes, I Cecilia would be your wife and mother to our unborn kids.

There was a loud uproar from the crowd, the biggest eligible bachelor was off the market.

Clinton slipped the ring with inscription Cecilia on it, into her pretty fingers and embraced her. His shirt was soaked in no time, her tears were streaming endlessly. He didn't mind his shirt, 'I feel your pain and I'm here to share in it' he let out. She peeked at him and engaged him in a hot kiss.

A resounding round of applause from the crown filled the air, Mr. Fredrickson was mad at his son for putting him in the middle of all this. I thought my son shared everything with me so he had secrets. All the same he was the happiest man in the party, apart from his son though.

Clinton had given him the impression that he didn't care to get married, so his pleased at turn out of event.

Amira, Chris (Mrs. Cynthia last born and only boy) and Mrs. Cynthia jumped in jubilation. 'This has to be the best thing I'm witnessing this year' Mrs. Cynthia revealed.

Amira texted her boyfriend, 'my brother just proposed to his girlfriend, I'm so happy'

'Okay', he texted back.

'Okay?' Amira was so surprised at his reply.

'Oh, congratulations. I'm happy for him too. I can't wait to do same soonest'

'I can't wait too, she texted. She suspected something was wrong, he has been indifferent since she left. Was he missing her? If he was he could just say rather than sulking.

She didn't want anything to spoil her mood tonight so she shrugged it off.

People went to their respective room reservation to rest after congratulating the couple to be.

A few of them who wanted to pair their daughter with Clinton wore long faces.

Sunrise the next day was earlier than usual, the guests were grateful it wasn't a work day and rested.

Tired Amira used the opportunity to pack up her things to the Fredrickson's Mansion, she took someone staffs along and they did the most work. Amira just sat at a corner and gave order to everything that was done from there.

She couldn't get across to her boyfriend and that worried her a lot.

She decided to take a long rest and go for sight seeing the next day.

She took up her phone when she got home and chose to browse across the Internet but it was full of reports from last night occasion, she slept off as soon as her back touched the bed.

Cecilia had a delivery to do the next day, she woke up early pecked Clinton hoping that she doesn't disturb his rest. Fortunately, he was too busy enjoying his sleep to be woken by a peck.

She took her bath and headed straight to her own little empire.

Clinton woke up and found out that Cecilia had left, he saw a note and his heart skipped. That was exactly how one of his exes left, they had had a good time but she was no where to be found in the morning, she dropped a note appreciating him for his financial assistance and that she dated him because she needed to complete the money for the kind of wedding wanted with her fiancé and even dropped an invitation card inviting him to the wedding that was going to take place in three days. His heart shattered into unamendable piece, so he had thought but Cecilia mended it.

He picked the note that read 'My love, I hope you had the nicest of night because mine was beautiful with you next to me. Work calls but I promise to be back before you know it *love emoji*.

Who works after that long night they had yesterday? Of course, Cecilia.

He dashed into the John, he was going to join her at work today.

Amira felt less tired when she woke, she heard her dad was still resting. Poor old man, she commented.

Her brother hurried out muttering something like he was going to meet Cecilia, those lovers seem to be shoving their love in her face.

She went to the dinning to have lunch and headed back to the family sitting room.

Mr. Frederickson came out all dressed up.

Dad, are you leaving too? Amira asked him moving closer to adjust his shirt.

I have an appointment with the head of all department, I won't take long though. He responded.

So I will be home alone, Amira said feeling lonely.

Mr. Frederickson placed a soft kiss on her forehead and reassured her that he was soon going to be back.

She grabbed her phone from the table beside her and decided to go online believing that the news from last night would have died down a little, she was right.

She scroll down her news feed again and again then a message dropped 'Check his timeline', it was a message from a friend of her whom she complained to about the recent change in attitude she noticed in her boyfriend . She hastily searched for her boyfriend username but she couldn't find it. ' I don't seem to find it' she reported.

'He has certainly blocked you'

'Block me, why should he?'

'Is anyone at home?'

'The house staffs are and I'm seated in the sitting room, why do you ask? And how's that related to what we were saying'

'It would be obvious when I send some pictures'

'What pictures?'

'The attached photos, your boyfriend got married few hours ago'

Amira found it so hard to process the message until she saw the pictures.

Her blood rushed to her brain, she felt winded as her eyes filled with tears. Her fingers curled tightly around her phone and her knuckles became white from clenching her fist too hard.

She gritted her teeth in an effort to contain herself. She exuded so much animosity that it was like slicing, very venomous. Her face became red from tears that she couldn't let out.

She ran to her room, she couldn't let the staff see her in that state.

She cuddled on the floor, curling her knee in her hands and resting her head on her arms, where did she go wrong in loving him? Why did he had to hurt her this bad? Wasn't it enough that he lied about having a kid out of wedlock when she inquired? With all the sacrifices she made for him, not that she meant to brag but he might not have been where he was today if not for but what did he use to pay her? So he cheated and lied all through her relationship with him, she deceived him.

The muscles of her chin trembled like that of a small child and her tears burst forth more like water from an embankment, spilling down on her cheeks.

She stopped crying and began a desolate sobbing, which made her feel as though she was drained of all hope. She sank her knees in front of her beside where she kept her late mom's photo, not worrying about the scratch her knee received from a sharp side of the bed.

Her tears dropped on her dress and her gasping echoed around her room, she picked her mother's photo and ran out to the balcony of her room. It had started raining heavily as the water and wind inside the balcony making her wet. It was chilly and her tears mingled with the rain, she was in pains and it flowed from her in the rain.

She held her mother's photo near her chest and clenched the first of the other hand so tightly that sweat soon got trapped inside. She couldn't tell why she was holding to her mother's picture but it wasn't premeditated though.

She sank to her knees in the balcony not caring about the cold marble that made her skin blotch.

She heard car packed and peeped through the balcony, it was her dad.

Hurriedly, she wiped her tears and ran downstairs to meet him. As soon as he opened the door, Amira threw herself on him and said 'Dad!' she hugged him so tight and started crying once again, this time she didn't mind the presence of staffs.

He pet her, softly stroking her hair liked he had always done, this is one thing Amira had always loved. He wasn't sure she would still liked it and even though he didn't know what could have hurt her this much but he saw that she was in so much pains.

Whatever her dad was doing with his hands on her hair helped ease her pain, he directed her to her room and stroked her hair till she slept off.

He was certain she would feel better when she woke. He told one of the staff to place her eyes on his daughter and make her some coffee when she gets up, her father retired to bed.