Chapter 4

Boxes were strewn everywhere in the bedroom; different kinds and shapes of boxes. Shoe boxes, makeup kits and more shoe boxes. There was a long rack of dresses of different styles and colours. A lot of beauty products, hair products were on the center table. It was as if a cyclone had blown through the room and left a big mess.

Claire was not able to get a hair appointment at the salon due to her busy schedule. So she opted for home service a few hours before the launch. She was also getting her makeup done at home. The hair stylist and makeup artist arrived at almost the same time and got to work immediately. The stylist began working on her hair. The makeup artist who also doubled as a beautician worked on her nails. Her designer arrived with a ton of clothes and shoes, she could not make her fitting appointment. 

The designer assistants got to work on selecting the right outfit for her. They finally settled on a strapless dark green satin gown. The bodice was fitted while the skirt flared out. It had a thigh high silt adding a classic touch. Her dress was paired with black pumps, diamond accessories and a nude clutch. She was ready on time.

As the finishing touch was laid, the beauty crew took a step back and admired her.

"You look very stunning"

"Absolutely gorgeous"

"Our work here is done"

At this moment, Mrs Nelson entered.

"My my Claire, you look......different."

"Good different or bad different."

"Good, very good. Perfection" Claire smiled at that.

"Hunter is waiting for you downstairs."

"Okay, I will leave you ladies to wrap everything up" Claire said, she left the room.

Truly Hunter was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. He was wearing a blue tuxedo, his black hair was styled and he was sporting a nice, clean shave. He looked up and smiled just as Claire made her way down. He took her hand and placed a kiss on it.

"You look lovely tonight."

"Thank you, you're not so bad yourself"

"This moment brings back so many memories, feels like high school prom all over again" Claire laughed at that. "I should have brought you a corsage or some flowers."

"I've got a camera. Let's take some pictures" Mrs Nelson called out from upstairs. They both laughed as she rushed down the stairs with a camera in hand.

"Where did she get that from" Hunter whispered.

"No idea, just go with it." She took several pictures of them in different poses.

"Mrs N, these are really good" Hunter said as she showed them the pictures.

"I once loved photography, I even thought about taking it up as a career but I'm a better housekeeper."

"I agree with Hunter on this one, you really should take up photography. These pictures are amazing." Mrs Nelson blushed at that.

"You need to go so you won't be late" she said trying to change the topic.

"Ah yes! I didn't bring flowers but I bought a limo" Hunter grinned.

"You hired a limo?" Claire asked raising a brow.

"No, I bought a limo. Okay not a limo but a Ferrari."

"You didn't" Claire was skeptic.

"Your chariot awaits outside, my lady" he mimicked a bow. She scoffed before heading outside.

True to his words, there was a Ferrari parked outside.

"Oh my gosh!" She stared at the car, at Hunter then back and forth.

"Amazing right?"

"This is.....I don't know what to say."

"We're launching everything in style. So what do you say? Wanna go for a ride?" She nodded in excitement. Her brown hair styled in ringlets bouncing with her movement. He opened the door for her before getting in and driving off.

**

"That's a terrible idea" Oliver said.

"How is my idea a terrible idea?" Yuri asked. 

"It's a terrible idea cos it's yours. You've always been the mastermind of all bad ideas" Oliver replied. The bartender slid their drinks to them.

"Name one time I came up with a bad idea" Yuri took his drink.

"Well we have the hotel incident,the pool party prank, that one time in high school, should I keep going?"

"Okay, I get it" Yuri waved him off. They both drank in silence until Yuri spoke again."But reconnecting with your ex-wife as friends is not such a bad idea."

"It is. That situation won't bode well for anyone" Oliver said looking at the floor.

"Are you talking about yourselves or Ayana?" Yuri asked. "Look I just think there should be no bad blood between the both of you. What better time to establish a connection than the night of the launch of her company?"

"She is not launching her company, she is launching a new product" Oliver remarked.

"Whatever! The point is you need to connect with her before someone else does."

"What are you talking about?"

"She is a beautiful, talented young lady. You're the only one who can't see that. Make a a claim on her quickly."

"Ayana?" Oliver asked narrowing his eyes at this best friend.

"Forget about her. You already know mg opinion of her, a gold digger."

"I'm about to marry her, watch your tongue."

"Alright! Your loss. I think I'll go after Claire, definitely worth my time" Yuri said. Oliver glared at him.

"Just kidding" he threw his hands in the air. Oliver finished his drink, paid his bill and stood up to go 

"Hey! Where you going? We're not done yet" Yuri asked.

"I'm done for tonight"

**

"Remind me to go shopping with your credit card" Claire said as he parked his car at the entrance of the hall. A red carpet was strategically placed. She could already see the flashes from the cameras and hear the cheers from the paparazzi. Hunter laughed at her statement.

"Its showtime" he emerged from the car and opened the door for her. He held a hand which she took and emerged from the car.

The cheers and lights from the paparazzi engulfed her. She smiled as she took a pose on the red carpet with Hunter by her side. After taking a few pictures, they went inside the Hall. Only a handful of people had arrived, more were yet to come. Hunter took two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter. He handed one to Claire.

"I think the best thing to do first is to calm down."

"Is it obvious I'm nervous?" She took a sip of champagne.

"You're sweating" Claire gasped. "I'm just kidding. I can tell when you're nervous."

"This is the first time I'm actually hosting a public launch. I'll also give a speech" Claire said taking more champagne.

"Hey! Slow down with the drinking" he brought her hand down. "Its not the first time you're going to be addressing people. You do this all the time, you got this."

"You need to appear calm, cool and confident. This is a very good opportunity to attract potential investors" Hunter took her glass and handed it to a passing waiter.

"You're right, I got this."

**

Oliver arrived at the hall just when Claire was giving her speech. The alcohol was getting to him, everything was blurry but he thought she looked like an angel. She concluded her speech and everyone clapped as she left the stage. There were few more speeches all were about the new products the company was launching then everyone was left to socialize. Oliver recognized some of the faces at the event. 

The crowd consisted of businessmen, C.E.Os and major stakeholders in the business and food industry. Other high profiled members of society were also present. Oliver spoke to some of them, exchanging pleasantries and the rest all the while keeping an eye on Claire. He sipped some champagne while he waited for an opportunity to speak to Claire.

The perfect moment finally came when Hunter left her side to speak to other business partners. Claire was talking to Jason Lester, the owner of a multi-billion dollar shipping conglomerate. He and Jason were buddies despite their age gap. He had even signed a deal with him weeks ago. Jason was considered as old money, his family had been involved in the shipping business for generations. By the time he got to them, a woman had joined them. The woman looked familiar but he couldn't recognize her. She was the one who spotted him first.

"Hello Oliver" she smiled. Claire and Jason turned their attention to him. Oliver noticed Claire's smile falter a bit before she put up a smile which didn't reach her eyes.

**

Hunter had been by Claire's side for most part of the night. His presence helped calm her nerves. She delivered her speech, talked to investors, shareholders, potential business partners and clients with confidence. Hunter left her to go talk to other people. It was an event and socializing was necessary. Claire was doing just fine on her own.

Jason Lester, the owner of the largest shipping conglomerate approached her. He had plans on expanding his business to the Asian market and wanted to make a deal with Claire's company. Claire was quite flattered at the business deal. Lester was practically handing to her. She was well aware that top dogs in the industry hardly invested in small companies or startup companies unless they saw potential in it. If she was able to get this deal, it would take her company to a whole new level.

They were still talking about this deal when someone joined them.

"Hello there. I believe congratulations are in order for you Claire. This launch is quite successful" she said.

"Thank you" Claire said a smile plastered on her face.

"Good evening Mr Lester. I didn't think you'd have time to attend a small event as this" she said. Claire knew this lady had thrown a barb but she kept smiling. "Please do go on with your conversation. Its about business right?"

"No we were just talking about the different types of champagne that should be served and those that should be preserved for generations" Lester tactfully changed the topic. Claire was quite grateful to him for that act.

The lady that stood with them was none other than Darla Roberts. The renowned blogger who specialized in celebrity gossip and scandal. Her blog, 'Daring' was the most read in all the country.

She was well-known and most people tended to avoid having encounters with her to prevent their secrets being exposed. She could also resort to blackmail to get whatever she wanted. Claire knew that the moment she brought herself out to the public, there would be wolves ready to rip her to bits but she was prepared. She wouldn't let anyone bring her down or know her including the infamous Darla.

"Oh that's fascinating indeed!" Darla remarked. "Claire tell me what gave you inspiration to start up your own company? Was daddy dearest not able to take care of you anymore?" Claire knew Darla was fishing for gossip, but she would prove to Darla she was fishing in the wrong ocean.

"My dad is doing just fine, thanks for asking" Claire kept her smile. Darla smiled back but she knew if it was possible Darla would have strangled her. Jason began talking about shoes and high end fashion brands. Claire laughed internally, Darla rolled her eyes clearly irritated and bored out of her wits.

"Hello Oliver" Claire was shocked to see Oliver here. She didn't think he would actually come.

'Doesn't he have a wedding to plan?' She thought. She kept smiling, she can't allow Darla suspect something was up between she and Oliver.

Oliver groaned internally when he realized it was Darla Roberts who called him out. He knew she was at this event to find gossip and expose secrets. He wanted to have an audience with Claire. As if the intrusion wasn't enough, Hunter joined them and excused Claire claiming something needed her urgent attention.

Lester got him roped up in business talk, Darla left looking for her next victim. Normally he enjoyed talking to the older man but today, his mind was elsewhere. He was able to excuse himself from the conversation. He espied Claire leaving the hall to the mini garden by the side surreptitiously. He immediately followed her. He found her in a corner watching the sky.

"Why did you follow me out here Oliver? What do you want?" She asked without turning back.

"I want to talk to you" she turned to him.

"About what? Don't you have other things to do, other important people to talk to" she narrowed her eyes at him. "A wedding to plan."

"I'm sorry" he blurted out.

"What?" She asked surprised.

"I'm sorry about everything. The way I treated you" he stepped closer until there was no space between them. "I shouldn't have ignored you no matter what and I'm sorry."

"Why?" She asked calmly. "Why do you choose to apologize now?"

"Because I hurt you, I was so wrong but I'm willing to give us a chance to establish a connection."

"Do you really expect me to forgive you and....." He cut her off with a kiss. She gasped and he thrust his tongue into her mouth. His hand went to her waist, drawing her closer. He kissed her for a few seconds before she stepped back. Their breathing was ragged as they both stared at each other.

"Claire" he reached out for her.

"Don't" she held up her hand. "Never do that again" she abruptly turned in the direction of the hall when she paused. 

"Oliver" she called. "My dad wants Auxton Oaks back." She left.

Oliver knew he had taken too much wine.

"That's the last time  I'm listening to Yuri" he said to no one in particular.

Claire returned to the hall, she was glad no one noticed her absence. She faked being tired and Hunter took over for the rest of the evening, most of the guests were already leaving. He wanted to drop her off but she assured him she could get home on her own.

She sent for her driver, he took her home. She didn't see Oliver again until she left. She wondered why he had come.

She wondered why he kissed her. The truth was she enjoyed it. He wasn't first kiss but he was a really good kisser. She touched her lips as she relived the moment. 

No! She can't! He was still in love with Ayana and he was getting married to her. She was only thinking this way cos she drank so much. 

When she got home, Mrs Nelson had retired for the night. She went up to her room. She couldn't allow Oliver dominate her thoughts anymore. The launch was a success, she met a lot of potential investors and clients, her company was growing.

Those were the things that mattered. 

By tomorrow, all this drama would be over, she reasoned.