04: Charity Meeting

**FIVE YEARS LATER**

“So what is my next on my schedule for today?” I asked Bishop, not looking away from the file I was working on.

He shifted on his feet as he scrolled through the iPad in his hands. “The charity event.” He replied, casting me a look and I nodded.

“What time?” I asked, still not looking up. I needed to finish this correction of this file before I leave the office today. It was a business deal with a company I was not familiar with. Bishop had been the one handling the deal but when he could loaded with other work, he dropped this for me to finish up.

“In twenty minutes’ time. And Felicia and Israel will be having their presentation.” His curt reply came, pointedly in his tone. He knew where to catch me and he used it.

He knew I could close the most important meeting to be present to watch my kids do their presentation. I could not even miss it.

I let out a deep sigh and dropped my pen. “Can't you just let me finish this up?” I groaned.

He clicked his tongue. “Your children are going to be at the event and I bet that they would have reached there, expecting their mother.” He said, checking his time, and I pinched the bridge of my nostrils. I was caught between finishing the file and going early.

Ever since I became the CEO of Holly Empire, I have been working hard non-stop but I still managed to spend time with my three little cuties. Isreal, Sabrina, and Felicia. It had not been easy being a single mother of three and a working-class woman but I had to prove them all wrong. I could do this by myself. I didn't need any man to do at all. I have even been getting offers from other business owners to go on dates with them but Bishop has been doing me the favor of declining their requests. It's been five years and I have not allowed myself to fall in love. I had to keep my focus on improving the empire and taking care of my kids. This time, I want to be selfish. I would not seek attention or even the slightest love from anybody.

I bit my lower lip as I thought of what to do. “You know what? Pack up the files. I will check them out when I get home. Let's leave for the event.” I told, picking up my purse and walking out as he stayed behind to do what I told him. The secretary rose to her feet as she watched me move past her.

Not long after, Bishop came to join me in the car and he shook his head as he heard the conversation that I was having. It was another business consultation call. He sometimes urged me to keep everything to a minimum and that was exactly what I have been doing but apparently, it did not seem like that to him. I was still stressing myself.

He ignited the car’s engine and headed directly for the event venue. During the drive, I ended the call and went ahead to check for emails that had not been answered and I did my best to answer the ones I could then leave the rest for later dealings.

We soon reached the place and Bishop did as usual. He ran to my door and opened it for me. He has been doing this for the past five years, honoring and respecting me. I gave him a smile of acknowledgment as I stepped out, my black heels a contrast against the red carpet. I could hear the chattering voices of kids around me. This was a charity event that was organized by different esteemed schools, like the one my children attended.

The aim of the event was to raise funds to sponsor orphans from the orphanage. As someone who knew the life of an orphan, I could not decline the offer to come so here I was, standing on the red carpet. I glanced around and noticed the number of flashy cars around. The funniest part was that these people came here for more connection and even more competition. People thought they could use pitiful events like this to earn the hearts of the people.

They were not wrong, either.

My legs moved forward and I clung to my bag. I was not nervous. I only just wanted to discreetly go in. I was not an attention seeker. In fact, I would prefer that I help people secretly without knowing me. As I entered, my eyes scanned the place for where my children would be. I had asked Bishop to take them to school this morning while I rushed to work for an urgent meeting. I had to turn up for them.

It seemed like the event was just starting so I went to take a seat. Bishop cleared his throat, leaning closer. “Your seat is at the front,” He whispered.

I snorted and shook my head. “I am a parent so I will stay here,” I told him and I knew he must be shaking his head at how determined I was. The host started and everyone began to give speeches here and there. Then it was time for the presentation and I caught sight of my babies in blue uniforms, looking smart and prepared.

They introduced themselves and started their presentation. I grinned wide as I watched with pride blooming in my chest. My palms did not stop clapping as they finally finished and what they ended it with warmed my heart so much. “We love you, mommy!”

Tears glistened in my eyes as they stared at me. I smiled at them, nodding to tell them I knew. They were soon ushered down the podium. I rose to my feet and headed toward them. But as I got there, I only found Israel and Felicia who had just finished.

Where was Sabrina?

My heart hammered against my chest as fear slowly crept into me. Had she gone missing?

My hands were starting to tremble as I glanced around, not seeing any sign of my baby.

“Where is your sister?” I asked them, my voice shaking.

“She went to the toilet. Her juice had stained her dress.” Felicia explained and I did not even waste time. I turned on my feet and asked for directions to the toilet.

“Sabrina,” I called as soon as I stepped into the bathroom, my legs shaking from fear.

“Sabrina-” I stopped as I met the scene of a man crouching down to her level as he cleaned Sabrina’s uniform. They seemed to be having a conversation as she smiled up at him. I paused as I let myself relax. I walked up to them, keeping my hands to myself because I could hit the man from behind for touching my baby.

“Sabrina, what are you doing here?” I gave her a reprimanding look.

The man rose to his feet, speaking as he turned to me. “I'm really sorry, her uniform had a stain and she needed help with it. I didn't mean to–”

“Jessica?”

“Brian?”