Chapter 6: ANNOUNCEMENTS

Larry's face was stoned cold. He called the number that the investigator gave him but Jewel did not answer his call. He knows that the message he sent was seen but there was no reply. His currently still in San Diego, he hired a professional to check on Jewel and report all details about her. Since he left West Country he was constantly reminded of her face. At first he thought he just like her at his bed but there's a big lump on his chest every time he remembered her crying face the last night he shared with her. She was warm and he was her first. He wants that woman only for himself. He totally forgot about Cherrie. Now looking at the pictures of these two, the most beautiful in his eyes is the smiling photo of Jewel. 

After the night in the hotel he still can’t accept that Jewel climbed on his bed for Cherrie's sake. He hired a detective to further investigate thats when he knows the truth. If he met Jewel first would he be so patient and keep to himself like he was with Cherrie. "I don't think so." He still remembers how his body reacted on her simple touch, most of all she's also sensitive with his touch, if not then why would she sleep with him.

The investigator said that the two woman stop communicating since the day Cherrie send her friend to the hotel on his demand. He truly regretted that day. He hurt her unknowingly due to his stupid assumption. He could understand now why she refused his call.

His secretary gave him the next report from the investigator. Jewel is in Australia, she was hired as a junior creative designer in Hall Industry. He glared at the pictures in his table. It shows Jewel but not only her. She was always with Simon Hall. There are two particular picture he doesn't like. The first one, Jewel waist hugging Simon and she seemed whispering something that her lips almost touched Simon earlobe. The second picture was Simon gave her a piggyback ride. Jealousy is boiling in his blood. Simon Hall is a good man, his one of the few friends he have among the elite. Given his good heart he knows Simon wouldn't mind the previous scandal that entangled her with him. Jewel is a childhood friend and looking back on the pictures they seem to get along pretty well. He needs to work fast; he needs to get to her as soon as possible.

Jewel pregnancy is still unknown. She doesn't have any problem concealing it. In 3 months her tummy is not yet visible. She continued to work with Simon. In the office there are a lot of rumors circulating about her closeness with Simon. They just turned a blind eye about it.

She will fly back with Simon in West Country for the founding anniversary of Hall Industry. She wants to break the news with her dad personally. She never received any call or news about Larry so she no longer feel the need to tell him. She planned on giving birth here in Australia. According to Simon, Larry already took over Williams Corporation and its based in San Diego maybe it’s for the better. She totally cut her connection with Cherrie since the day she sent her to the hotel and served Larry on his bed. She at least tried to keep their friendship but she severed it beyond repairs.

Simon will be going out with some friends so she stayed at home today. They usually eat out or Simon will do the cooking in his condo and bring the food to her unit for them to eat together during dinner or week end. Since she doesn't really cook she noticed her lack of spices and condiments. She only has stocks of instant noodles and canned goods. She wants to eat healthy for the baby. She grabbed an apple in the fridge and decided to go to the supermarket. It’s really convenient since the supermarket is just next to their condo building she just needs to walk a little.

After 30 minutes she was able to find all the things she needs and now waiting in line to pay her groceries. She noticed a magazines stand in the corner. There are three people in line ahead of her so she leave her cart and walked towards the stand. She took one of the known entertainment and business magazine. When she went back in line there are still two people ahead. She removed the plastic cover of the magazine to read while waiting. At the bottom part of the cover she saw that one of the featured stories was the engagement between Cherrie and Frank. It’s a marriage between family and business. Miller Corporations and Mason Enterprise. Does it mean the Miller Corp. will compete now with Williams Enterprise since it is known that Mason Enterprise rivals with Larry's company although Williams Enterprise is far bigger compared with the other. How about Hall Industry? It is known that Miller and Hall companies have long friendship and collaboration.

She dialed Simon number, it keeps ringing but no answer, it’s odd no matter how busy he always answered her call. It's her turn to pay her groceries. At home she tried to call Simon again but still no answer.

Early in the morning she went to Simon's unit. When he open the door he looked like a disaster. He let her in and went to the kitchen to get some water. Eyes widened and turned back to get back in the living room but it was too late. He saw Jewel holding one of the photos scattered on the coffee table. Before he could explain his phone rang, it is also on top of the coffee table. He was hesitant to pick up the phone and Jewel saw through him and answered the call for him.

"Have you received the photos?"

"Yes I did. Who are you?"

Jewel asked full of dominance in her voice. The man on the other line was surprised he didn't expect a woman to answer the phone. 

"Who are you?"

He asked back at her.

"I'm his fiancée."

She hears the man laughed wholeheartedly.

"I didn't know he has a fiancée, I'm sure it quite a shocked to discover your fiancée secret."

"When is this pictures taken?"

She secretly gestured to Simon to go back in his room and then she followed him. 

"Last night."

"Did you take these pictures yourself?"

The man on the other line is getting confused with her questions but he answered anyway. 

"No, a friend of mine did, the one he spent the night."

 Once again Jewel gestured to Simon to take off his shirt and lay down the bed. 

"You almost got me there."

She tries to sound more calm and relieved. "Your friend took someone else on his bed, Simon is with me all night. As a matter of fact he still asleep that’s why I received the photos for him and i answer your phone call this early morning. I recorded this conversation by the way to let him know." She sound so annoyed that the man couldn't speak.” I almost believe you there." She scoffed. ”I’ll send you a real picture.  She hanged up. Simon pretended to sleep when she snap a shot with him on the bed half naked. Send it to the caller then dialed back the unknown number. "Did you see the photo? Next time do it yourself so that your schemes will be successful. I have to prepare our breakfast before my darling wake up. Good bye!!"

She hanged up without waiting for a reply. She took a deep breath before handing the phone back to Simon. 

"What a stupid schemer, he should at least waited until the afternoon before sending the pictures and call you. Who blackmail a person this early morning with their deeds just a few hours after?"

Simon was still speechless. 

"What happened last night?"

She asked softly. 

"I don't really know, I woke up inside a hotel at 2 am, but believe me I didn't do it with anyone... At least that’s what I remember." 

“Go ahead and take a bath, I'll prepare breakfast. I'm starving." 

Before she could leave the room Simon hugs her from behind. 

I'm glad you dropped by early. He buried his face on her hair. Come to think of it, it’s just 6 AM. It’s good that she just lives next door. 

"I'm glad I did too, I've got this uneasy feeling last night since you ignored my call." 

"Thank God for woman intuition."

They both laugh. 

Jewel knows Simon preference but that doesn't mean he would just sleep with anyone. His ego was way up to the heavens and the last man he was attracted too is the one and only he would be willing to do it unfortunately he was happily married and doesn't even know Simon existence. Simon is adamant to marry a woman for the sake of his family and their business. He won’t do anything that will tarnish his honor and dignity. 

After breakfast Simon called someone to investigate the matter, he needs to know who’s behind it.

They flew back in West Country after two days. Her dad is still busy with the preparation of the founding celebration. She does not have a perfect timing to inform him about her pregnancy.

Simon is still worried about the threat he received as long as he does not have a woman in his side those photo can still steer the honor and dignity of his family. He remembered Jewel and thought of an idea. He called Jewel to join him for their clan luncheon before the night of the founding anniversary. 

Jewel was invited to have lunch in the Hall Residence. Simon asked her to bring her dress and all the things she will need for the evening party of the Founding Anniversary. He said they will go directly from the house to the hotel were the celebration will take place.

She was surprised to see her father and the entire Hall clan, she thought it was just a simple lunch. Her father was also stunned to see her. All eyes are on her when Simon walked towards her and placed her hands on his arm.

"Simon what's going on?" She asked almost like a whisper.

"Play along with me please."

Earlier before Jewel arrived he already mentioned to his family that he will introduce his girlfriend. James Anderson was there so he was surprised when he saw his daughter. He remembered she told him that she has a very important thing she wants to tell him. Seeing her together with his young master was a bit unnerving.

Jewel is feeling a little odd when they stop in the middle of the living room. Simon is looking at her differently and all eyes are on them. When she met her father's eyes it's full of questions as well. 

"Dad, mom and Uncle James. I would like to ask for your blessings."

"Simon..." Jewel gasped. Simon looked at her lovingly. She now understands what he was trying to do. She saw him took a red velvet box from his pocket.

"Jewel and I are getting married."

Simon opened the box, took the ring and put it on her ring finger. Simon looked at her with a pleading eyes and she was not able to contradict his announcement. Everyone shocked in silence her father clear his throat and asked. 

"Jewel, why did you not tell me about this?"

"Dad… I..."

She doesn’t know what to say either. Lost for words Simon answered for her. 

“Uncle James, I'm sorry if we surprised you. Jewel planned to talk to you after the founding celebration."

Simon turned to his parents. "Dad, mom I decided to announce it in front of everyone today since the entire clan will be present." 

Mrs. Hall was the first to overcome the surprise. She smiled and walked towards Jewel. 

"If my son will be happy with you, who am I to refused. I know you since you were little so I'm happy for the both of you." Mrs. Hall held her son hands as a sign of blessing. She gave Jewel a warm hug.

"This is so sudden.." Simon cousin Ramil broke his silence. "Just months ago that girl was involved in a scandal with Larry Williams." 

He added. Mr. Hall squinted his eyes and his cold aura gave every one a chill. 

"That was a baseless rumor and just a drama scandal to cover up the real reason about the Williams and Miller fall out." Simon gazed to his cousin almost cut through his head but Ramil didn't stop.

"How about the pictures?"

He added. 

"Pictures can be edited..."

Simon's word is double meaning 

Murmurs filled the air. 

"Dad, there's another thing...” 

Jewel grabbed Simon's hand. Her eyes full of worries. She does not want to add more lies. He just smiled at her and kissed her hand.

Everyone who saw his action can tell he loves her a lot. They look like a real couple. Since Mr. Hall does not react or expressed his blessing. Simon looked directly at him.

"Dad, with or without your consent I'll marry Jewel, she's 6 weeks pregnant."  

Simon did not announced the real count of her pregnancy. He wants everyone to believe that Jewel conceived the child at the time they started living in Australia. It’s a good thing that her stomach was not that big and her dress is not body hugging which still gave her the impression of a lean and sexy body. 

"Let's talk in the study."

The head of the family walked towards the study room. He stopped and turned. "James come with us."

Her dad followed silently, he works with the Chairman/CEO for so long she can see that her father was calm and collected.

"Simon, why didn't you tell me about this before you make an announcement?"

"Everything will be fine."

 Simon tucked her loose hair behind her ear. It look so sweet to everyone around. "Mom, take care of her for me please, it's not good for our baby if she worry too much."

Simon entered the study and Mrs. Hall guide her to the couch. She was looking at her lovingly. Mrs. Hall was always fond of her since she was young she really wanted to have a daughter.