Chapter 6

CALEB

I decided to go with Silas to freshen up at his house and purchase a new outfit that I will use tonight.

All this while, my phone rang. It was a call from Laura. I wasn’t in the mood to talk, I needed time to fix my mind. I assured myself that I was going to talk with Sarah but I couldn’t tell how easy or how soon it would be.

After some minutes of being reluctant, I answered Laura’s call because Silas asked me to.

“Why did you ignore my call? Why aren’t you home yet? Do you need a lecture on how to be a caring and loving husband? You are becoming unbearable.” Her fury rang out from the other end.

I sighed and raced my hand through my hair. If only this lady knew the mess my heart is battling with, then the least she would do is to give me peace.

“I don’t have time for this. If you can’t bear with it, please you can leave.” I replied confidently.

“What? Caleb, what has come over you? We need to sort this out in person. When will you return home, I am waiting.” With the shock evident in her voice, she tried to keep her cool.

“I have something to attend to. I have to go.” I announced.

“Hold on…”

She couldn’t complete her statement as I abruptly ended the call.

“You have to be patient in handling, Laura,” Silas uttered as he arranged his tie.

“I know right, it is my mistake. I have to deal with it.” I said calmly, finding it hard to swallow saliva.

Soon, we were dressed and made our way to the venue of the event in my car.

I was curious to know the people or person behind the event that has been the talk of the town. A partnership won’t be a bad idea, I thought.

Through the drive, my heart couldn’t help but think about Sarah. When we get to the fashion event, my mind’s focus will eventually be diverted. I was sorry for all I did to Sarah. I hope my mistakes can be corrected.

Her words the last time we met made it obvious that she was over me and didn’t want to have anything to do with me. Was returning to California a wrong step?

About half an hour later, we arrived at our destination.

“This is breathtaking! I never knew the latest designs of houses existed in this vicinity.” I couldn’t help but express my views.

“A lot has changed in this city, pick a day to drive around and you will confirm that,” Silas uttered with a smile. “There is no place like a home but only a fool like you were before will choose a place other than home.”

Silas disrespects me without any remorse. Sometimes I wonder who was the superior. He is a thorn in my flesh that I can’t do without.

Everything about the mansion was exquisite. From the beautiful flowers at the entrance to the well-illuminated vicinity to the outstanding runway prepared for models that were pleasing and soothing to the soul.

Saying the mansion is huge was an understatement.

“Who owns this place?” Was it rented for this event?” I had no choice but to ask.

“Rented, I don’t think so. We will find out soon,” said Silas.

After exchanging pleasantries with some familiar guests, I and Silas had our seats. My eyes were fixed on the young lady who held the microphone to give the welcome speech and introduce special guests.

After some minutes, the lady urged everyone to stand to give a round of applause to Miss. Tonks for organizing a unique event.

I remember Sarah also bears the surname Tonks. Several people can bear a name after all so I waved it off.

I rolled my eyes and almost fell when I saw Sarah walking up the stage. Unbelievably, my ex-wife was behind such a wonderful event. More than ever, I knew I had lost a precious treasure.

She had a red short gown on which made her hourglass figure noticeable. Her ponytail hair and light makeup made her elegant and charming.

She exchanged handshake with all the special guests and I grew jealous when I saw a man planting kisses on her hand.

I never expected to see her again so soon. And she was more beautiful than the last time we met. I have to find a way to have a word with her.

I quickly slammed my hand against Silas’ back. He was engrossed sipping his drink and scrolling through his phone.

“Sarah Tonks, my ex-wife organized this event,” I said calmly.

I added, “Sarah is the CEO of ST Atelier. Are you aware that she was the host of this event and kept it away from me?”

Silas cleared his throat, “If I had an idea about who organized the event, I would have told you. I promise I am more surprised than you are.”

I sat and leaned on the seat, thinking of the next thing to do.

My gaze didn’t deviate from Sarah as I sipped my drinks.

While she was discussing with the guest at the high table, a young man walked up to her and kissed her cheeks.

The bright smile that beamed from Sarah’s face showed that she liked the kiss. I couldn’t help but wonder who the man was.

Was it that she was now married to another man? Or could it be she is in a relationship that is leading to something serious?

Jealousy, guilt, and anger raced in my mind. I slammed the table hard which drew the attention of those sitting behind me.

Just then, models began to show ST Atelier's latest designs and all were breathtaking. After ten models had showcased their outfits, the little boy who came to show the collection of kids drew my attention.

I was gobsmacked, the little boy was a mini version of me. I had to stand and take a snapshot of him.

‘Was I just thinking wild or was my imagination far beyond normal?’ I asked myself.

“Let us leave if you cannot bear seeing her.” I turned to hear Silas’ concerned voice.

Was leaving the solution? How long will I flee from the questions in my head that need answers?

“I will go out to cool off, I will be back in a jiffy,” I said with a fake smile.

With my hands in my pocket, I paced around a waterfall which was outside the mansion. I overheard the discussion between a man and a woman.

“I have been crushing on Sarah Tonks for some time now.” The man said sheepishly.

“Brother, why haven’t you made your intentions to her? Well, I once heard she was once married but now divorced.” The woman uttered confidently.

“I will look into that. I am always shy to express my feelings to her,” said the man.

“I understand, if you need me to come in, just let me know. Don’t be like that her foolish husband who divorced her for reasons best known to him. Wherever he is, I am sure he will be gnashing his teeth in regrets when he finds out how successful his ex-wife had become.” The woman uttered coldly.

I now have many rivals to contend with to win Sarah again.

She was right I am gnashing my teeth in regrets. Yeah, I am foolish.

It was good they didn’t see my face, there was a high possibility of them recognizing me. I quickly moved from that spot.

At that moment, my phone rang. It was a call from Silas.

“I am at the parking lot, let’s leave.” He spoke softly, I felt he blamed himself for inviting me to the fashion gala where I unexpectedly met Sarah.

“Hey man, the event is not over yet.” I teased him.

He didn’t fall for it. With an indifferent tone, he said. “Let’s go home.”

I didn’t bother to argue, maybe leaving will give me time to get myself together to face Sarah another time.

Upon getting to the parking lot, I saw Silas and a little boy chatting and laughing out loud.

I recognized the boy, he was the one I saw on the runway earlier.

“What do you mean by you are a superhero?” Silas asked the boy.

“Because my mom and grandaunt call me a superhero.” The boy said with an ounce of pride evident in his voice.

“Some folks are having fun here,” I uttered, drawing their attention.

“Yeah, right.” The boy uttered and turned to leave.

“Hold on,” I said to the boy. “Silas is your friend and he is also my friend. That implies you are my friend too.”

“Hmm, my mom forbids me from talking to strangers. I was just out here looking for my maid because I am thirsty and I saw him.” The boy mumbled.

I felt attached to the boy and the heavy burden in my heart lighted up a bit.

“Thirsty? Follow me to the event venue and I will give you water.” I said. Without wasting time, Silas and the boy followed after me.