I was preparing for Iyke's arrival from the U.S. it had been months since i last saw him and i had a lot of things to discuss with him. We had put the wedding arrangements on hold because he wanted to see the wedding venue first hand. He had initially proposed a wedding in Dubai but knowing my family and how they would love to invite all their friends together with their close and distant relations i just couldn't do it even though i personally would have no objections to a small wedding with just close friends and family.
I was the only daughter of Chief.Oscar Ajayi Atkins, owner of the Atkins Conglomerate. I had a twin brother which i was grateful for because he had to take over the family business while i went ahead to chase my dreams of owning a fashion house. As much as i was saved from dad's clutches i couldn't say the same for my mum and this wedding was without a fact a social gathering of Elites. I couldn't escape the fact that even though i was getting married in a few months i was still an Atkins and according to my dad 'An Atkins have never been known to throw small parties' so i was still pretty much held down by my loving but quite overbearing parents.
I had put everything in place and was rounding up preparing Iyke's favourite food of pounded yam and egusi soup when i got a call from Ariel telling me that Adrian was on his way to the office. I took this as my cue to leave home and hurried to the office. i wasn't going to be late to my first photoshoot with Vogue's finest and my annoying friend Adrian Williams whom i have been pleading with for ages to model for my brand. What would that say of my brand and duty to commitment?
As soon as i reached the office i headed straight for the studio. The photographer, hair stylist, make-up artist and my assistant were already there awaiting my arrival. I brought in my new and exclusive clothing line which i wanted to showcase. it was a limited collection i intended selling to Elites only. I had a lot of exceptionally wealthy clients who only wore customized or exclusive outfits.
As usual i received a text from my receptionist alerting me of Adrian's arrival into the building. i said to direct him to the studio. Few mins later he came in, his masculine presence filling the whole room. There were lots of whispers from the room and i noticed even my assistant was enchanted. i couldn't blame them Adrian was a very handsome man, very well built, blue eyes, natural curly hair, fine-toned skin coupled with his Caramel complexion. He spoke ever so softly and his laugh was music to the ears. There was no doubt people would love him so easily especially my best friend Izzy.
"Hi Hopey! Adrian reporting for duty." he said feigning a salute. He always had something funny to say or do which was why i liked him.
"Very well Adrian...you may proceed as planned" i said trying to play along.
He quickly gave me a big tight hug and whispered "we have a lot of catching up to do" and proceeded to begin the preparations.
The hair and make-up didn't take too long because Adrian didn't quite need it ( like i said, he was handsome). I tried some of my exclusive outfits on him and he looked divine on them. We began the photoshoot which took a few hours. The runway showcase was scheduled to be held the next day.
After the shoot, i led him into my office where my secretary offered him a drink. I hadn't even settled down when he began bombarding me with questions.
"So a little bird told me your fiancee is coming back this weekend. Are you guys going to resume your wedding plans? Should we be expecting an invitation soon? Are you finally going to go further with him?...give me something girl" he asked taking a seat on my couch, his legs resting on the table
"whoa! you really have to chill" i laughed "besides this little bird, does it happen to be Izzy?" i asked. Izzy was the only one i told so i was certain she had told him.
"That's not important" he shrugged "seriously though what are your plans girl or are you suddenly developing cold feet?"
"Of course not....you know i love Iyke... you would have all your answers when i finally meet him. I'm just really not in the mood to chat right now"
"Is something bothering you?" he asked coming close to hug me.
I hesitated for a while pondering whether or not to reveal such a sensitive information but then i thought since the news had already leaked i might as well tell him.
"Well...its this guy" i began.
"A guy huh?" he smirked.
"Cut it out Adrian...i am being serious here" i said slapping his arm.
"okay....i'm sorry...go on" he laughed.
"As i was saying...a partner of mine by name Luke Adams who i am supposed to work with for a year is currently going through a lot of stress and breakdown cause his mother has to undergo surgery for cancer of the liver."
"Hold up...isn't that Luke Adams the son of Judy Adams owner of that famous Boutique Zarah's collection?"
"yes that's the one...but how do you know her?" i asked curious
"I have modelled for her company before. she's such a nice woman...extremely intelligent...its so sad..i hope she would be alright."
"I hope so too" i sighed.
"So are you just being a concerned partner or is there something more to this" he asked searching my eyes a slight smirk forming on his lips.
"You know what?"...i said as i stood up. " I think i am done with this conversation"
"Oh! come on you always tell Izzy everything...just tell me this once" he pleaded giving me those cute puppy dog eyes.
"i am not falling for that this time...meanwhile speaking of Izzy...When are you going to tell her you like her?"
" Wait...What! how did you know?" he asked surprised
"Oh...please you cant fool me...i have known for a long time now...the way your eyes keep lingering on her like she's some sort of snack" i laughed "but seriously" i continued "you know my bestie is a catch...you should go for it while you have the chance...word on the street is she kinda likes you too"
"No kidding?"
"No jokes dear...so you have to step up your game before someone else does"
He was silent as if in deep thought, he wanted to speak but then kept silent again. i thought he might be struggling with something and decided to confront him about it
"Hey b you know you can always tell me anything right? i said as i sat close to him giving him a slight nudge
"Yeah i know" he looked at me smiling. He seemed to be more comfortable now and began to speak
"Thing is i've always been scared of rejection. i just felt like if i told her how i felt and she didn't feel the same way. it would ruin our friendship and make things awkward between us." he seemed really vulnerable which was a first for me. Adrian was always one to hide his emotions and opening up to me about this made me feel special.
"Well you would never know if you don't give it a shot and i'm pretty sure the reverse would be the case" i tried to encourage him.
"Thanks love" he said as he stood "I have to get going now... i have a shoot in an hour"
"Okay hun, bye" i hugged him and escorted him out.
I stayed in my office working on my latest project till the early hours of the evening when i received a call from Iyke
"Hey babe...i just got to the airport...I'm on my way home." he said excited.
"Okay babe...i can't wait" i replied closing my laptop and files and leaving the office.
I got home and quickly took a shower knowing that Iyke would be home at any minute. I was about stepping out of the bath tub when i heard the door bell riing. I put on my bath robe and went to open it.
"There's the love of my life" he said as he happily lifted me up, swinging me around and planting kisses on my cheeks.
"Someone is overly excited" i said as i let myself down.
"You have no idea how much i missed you...What's it been months? years? cause it sure feel like years...and i really love the bath robe welcome you are giving me...he winked
"whatever you say babe" i laughed as we went into the living room and sat down.
"So tell me what have you been up to lately"
"We'll discuss that when you must have showered and had your meal...I love you but you really have to shower...now go" i ordered.
"okay but you have to promise you won't change from the robe." he smirked.
"keep talking and i might have to reconsider"
He left quickly which made me laugh. Having him here made me realize how much i had missed him and how he always made me laugh even in his slightest actions.
I went into the kitchen to heat up his meal when i heard the doorbell ring, i wasn't expecting anyone so i was really curious as to know who it was. I hastily went to door and opened it and to my utmost surprise it was the famous Luke Adams standing at the door of my apartment.
Thank you for reading.
What is the reason for Luke's visit?
stay tuned to find out more
Follow me on web novel @Alexa_Cosmas123 for updates on this story.