Chapter 7

SARAH

ST Atelier has gotten a lot of partnership deals and the latest designs were launched at values that I never had dreamt of.

Everything went so well, interacting with dignitaries and some special guests made my day. I felt when I was married, I was living in the shadow of my dreams.

Josh arrived a bit late because he went to welcome some guests for the event from the airport. The moment he briefed me about their arrival, I was excited to greet them.

Having international brands at my event and having them partner with me made my joy immeasurable.

Josh always went out of his comfort zone to help me out. All my achievements can’t be complete without mentioning him

After the models had showcased the latest collection, there was a special seat allocated for them to sit at the event. However, I noticed that the moment Nelly got off the runway, he made his way out.

I assumed he needed something and was out to look for his maid.

Upon seeing his maid, I asked about Nelly but she claimed she had not seen him. I became tense, I whispered to Josh to keep the special guest entertained as I excused myself to look for Nelly.

I stumbled on Aunt Olivia and with a fearful look I said. “I can’t find Nelly.”

I was returning from the gate to the entrance of our house but the security guard made it known that since the event started, Nelly hadn’t come into the house.

“What do you mean by you can’t find Nelly? He is somewhere. Keep searching and I’ll search for him too.” Aunt Olivia uttered.

“Alright,” I whispered.

Aunt Olivia and I went in different directions to look for him. I sincerely hoped that my son was safe.

“Look who we have here, the popular and business-driven Sarah Tonks.” A familiar voice spoke. As I turned, I met Fred whose face beamed with joy.

Fred was one of my business partners who had always professed his love for me at every little chance he got. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to him.

“Hi, Fred. Good to see you but I am busy now.” I uttered with a frown.

“I know but I won’t take much of your time. I have been expecting to get a response from you. We are made for each other, Sarah. Find a place in your heart for me.” He said softly.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Fred, enough of the drama. You don’t have a place in my heart. I have better things to deal with and not relationship matters.”

“I will treat you better than your ex-husband did and…”

I raised my hand, implying for him to keep quiet. I was having a wonderful night and I didn’t want my past and bitter memories to ruin it.

“I have to go,” I said as I walked away.

“Give me a chance,” I could hear Fred’s faint voice.

If only Fred knew that my son matters to me more than any man in the world. I had checked the garden and the parking lot but I couldn’t find Nelly.

Crazy thoughts filled my head. Could it be that Nelly was kidnapped? Or did one of the cars run over him and try to cover it up?

I could barely think straight.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Aunt Olivia.

“Did you find him?” I asked quickly as though I was expecting her call.

“Yeah,” her calm voice filled my ears.

I heaved in relief, I don’t think I would have survived if anything bad had happened to my son. She described where they were and I ended the call to meet with them.

Getting into the hall, my eyes fell on Aunt Olivia who was standing beside a table around which three people were seated. I could only see their backs.

“Where is Nelly?” I asked as I approached her.

With an unreadable expression, she pointed to someone. When I locked my gaze with the people whose backs I had seen earlier, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

My past was hunting me!

Nelly was in the company of Caleb and Silas.

Caleb could barely look at me but his best friend, Silas made the first move.

“Hi, Sarah. It is good to see you. To be candid, your event is one of its kind.” Silas chimed happily.

“Hi, Silas.” I managed to reply as I carried my son.

“Haven’t I warned you to stay away from strangers?” I scolded Nelly.

With tears brewing in his eyes he said. “They are my friends.” He paused and pointed to Caleb. “He gave me water when I was thirsty.”

I found it difficult to gulp down saliva. Was it so easy for people to make friends?

As I turned to leave, his familiar voice that once sent chills down my body got me angry. “Why are you ignoring me? Aren’t you happy to see your husband?”

I widened my eyes, Nelly was too tender to be hearing such words. Aunt Olivia understood my expression and took Nelly from my arms and left.

“Caleb, you are not my husband. Stay away from me.”

I wondered who invited them to the event. Were they here to see how everything would turn out? Were they here to see how successful I had become after my failed marriage?

Their views about me are invalid. I hoped they hadn’t revealed their identity to Nelly.

Caleb’s lips parted slowly. “We have to talk.”

“There is nothing to talk about,” I yelled.

That was a lie, there was a lot to talk about. He needed to explain why he treated me like a scumbag and tossed me out of his life for no just cause.

Maybe things would work between us again if he opened up and admitted his error. I deserved an explanation from him.

But at this point, Caleb was my bitter past and it is best if it remained so. His presence just opened up wounds that had healed.

As Caleb was about to speak, Silas interrupted. “Sarah, please talk about what happened with Caleb. I will excuse you both.”

“You don’t have to leave; the past remains in the past. I don’t want to have anything to do with him,” I said.

“Wait, but is that kid your son?” Caleb asked with a confused expression.

“Hey Sarah, some of the guests want to leave so they don’t miss their flights. You have to bid them farewell.” Josh uttered as he approached me.

I gave a nod. ‘Thank goodness.’ I said inwardly. Josh had just saved me from a dreadful question.

Josh went on to ask, “And who are this people?”

Without mincing words, I pointed to Caleb. “My ex-husband, Caleb.” Next, I pointed to Silas, “And this is his best friend, Silas.”

Josh placed his hands around my shoulder and I noticed the anger in Caleb’s eyes.

“Good to see the two of you. Sarah has told me a lot about you guys.” Josh said.

I could read Caleb’s expression. He wondered who Josh was to me and if he thinks I told him how inconsiderate he was up to the time of our divorce, then he is right.

But concern pricked my heart as I wondered how Caleb felt seeing me in another man’s arms. Although, it will be nothing compared to how I felt when he chose Laura over me.

With mixed feelings, I held Josh's arms as we left their presence.