Mrs Jackson walked into Jake's house but he didn't recognize her presence.
"Jake" she called as she proceeded to the living room where he sat staring into space.
"what exactly are you thinking about? Are you alright?" She asked nudging Jake.
"I'm fine mom, nothing's wrong" he replied forcing a smile, but she sat close to him and caressing his hand, she said.
"Is it about Vanessa?" Jake sat up immediately.
"Why do you think that? Do you think all of my worries should be centered on Vanessa?" He asked Mrs Jackson was taken aback.
"I'm I mistaken?" She asked, but Jake looked away, but suddenly stood to his feet.
"it's Treasure." He said Mrs Jackson adjusted herself on her seat.
"What about her?" She asked.
"Well..." Jake hesitated
"I'm in love with her." He voiced out Mrs Jackson sprang up to her feet.
"You're kidding aren't you?" She asked, but Jake held her hands.
"I'm not kidding mom" he replied
"I really am in love with Treasure" The look in Mrs Jackson's eyes was terrific.
"I...I don't know what to say right now." She said.
"I'm not against your feelings, but you know your dad, he...he..."
"I know mom..." Jake spoke over her voice.
"I know dad works in JGM, I know this will affect his relationship with Treasure as his boss, but I really can't help it mom" he complained
"Dad is free to think whatever he likes, but I'm not going to ignore my feelings for Treasure because of him. I'm in love with Treasure and nothing can change that." He said.
******************************
A year later, Treasure recovered from her injuries and could walk again. Quickly, she returned to the office to the surprise of everyone.
"I thought you said you did a perfect job?!" Elmer yelled over the phone
"What is this news I see?? Couldn't you handle a little girl?!" He yelled again
"I can't believe I entrusted you with such an important task and you ruined it! You better steer clear for now it's already been a year and the police hasn't been able to track you down, thats commendable, but leave this country as soon as possible" he said. He hung up the call and collapsed into an arm chair burying his head in his thighs.
"Nothing seems to be working in my favor" he lamented
"It's already a year and Mrs Smith is yet to get me those property papers! Where could she have hidden it?" He asked himself.
" I need to lay low for now, and figure out a way to get back what's mine" he said
Meanwhile, Treasure went to work rather late, one Monday morning and feeling a bit under the weather, she walked into her office just to step on petals of roses, scattered all over the floor. As if that wasn't enough, flowers of different sizes and colours stood at every corner of the room making it look like a big garden with awards hanging from it's branches.
"What's this?" Treasure asked elated.
"What is the meaning of this?!" She exclaimed throwing her purse on the couch. Ancel walked in unnoticed, and closing the door silently behind him, he spoke making Treasure jerk in a shock.
"It's the exact image of my heart anytime I see you". He said Treasure turned just in time to meet his gaze.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked raising a brow.
"I'm officially welcoming you back to JGM" he said
"It's obvious you've lost your mind Ancel" Treasure replied, but he took her hand, and drawing her to himself, he hugged Treasure tightly almost suffocating her.
"Ancel have you gone nuts?" Treasure yelled pushing him away.
"You're not drunk are you?" She asked, but Ancel beamed
"You turned down my invitation a year ago, but I didn't mind because you were unwell, but you've got no excuse now Treasure " he said, but Treasure turned away from him.
"Listen Treasure" he said as he took her hand again
"You won't believe it but I have fallen in love with you, again" he said.
"Let go off me Ancel before I call the security on you" Treasure said sternly.
"I said let go!!" She yelled again, and Ancel left her
"I'm sorry Treasure if I upset you" he said,
"But, how can you still refuse me after so many years?" He asked, but Treasure ignored him.
"What exactly are you doing in Coventry?" Treasure asked him
"You shouldn't be here. You're your father's only heir and you should be handling the affairs of your father's company in Paris, how is it that you're here? What were you doing at Rendezvous a year ago?" She asked but Ancel smiled.
"I'm honoured the CEO of JGM is concerned about my affairs
"Well, I only visited a friend at Rendezvous, I haven't been in Coventry the whole time, I only just came back to keep my promise to you" he said
"Promise?" Treasure asked
"What promise?"
"I want you to meet someone" he said
"Someone special to you" Treasure stared at him without a word
"Can we hangout a day after tomorrow" he asked.
"Only then can you meet that special someone " he said
"Alright" Treasure said after a thought
"This had better not be another scheme of yours" she said, but Ancel smiled
"Tumeric Gold, 8pm." He said
"Can I come pick you up?" He asked but Treasure refused
"Never mind, I will be there" Treasure replied.
Two days later, Treasure left for Tumeric Gold on company of her body guards. At the sight of Treasure, Ancel stood to his feet. Treasure sat opposite him on the table reserved for them, and half an hour later, a white skinny girl with the physique of a ballerina, and a curly brown hair more charming than anyone Treasure had seen walked in and joined them on the table. She wore the brightest smile as she hugged Ancel. She kept pushing her bangs away from her eyes as she held on to Ancel's hand.
"Have a seat" he said and the pretty girl sat opposite Treasure beside Ancel.
" 'ello" she said to Treasure, and Treasure smiled in return.
Ancel watched them both without a word, and Treasure was forced to ask
"What is this about? Are you going to introduce us or something?" She asked
"Relax Treasure" he said
"Let's order" he spoke again as he signalled the waiter.
After they had placed their orders, Ancel looked to the girl he had invited.
"I'm surprised you both failed to recognize eachother"
"What do you mean?" They both asked simultaneously
"You told me you 'ad a surprise for me, I don't get zis" the girl spoke and at once, Treasure detected her accent.
"You...you must be french" Treasure said, and the girl beamed
"Yes...I am" she replied
"I once had a friend with the same accent" Treasure said
"Really?" The girl asked
"Where is she now?" She asked again, but Ancel spoke up
"She's right here." he said. Treasure was taken aback.
"D...do you have any idea what you're talking about right now?" Treasure asked as she stared intently at the girl before her.
Ancel laughed
"This is Romane Edouard, your long lost friend" he said, and turning to Romane, he said
"This is Treasure Elaine Marcus, your childhood friend" Romane's eyes widened in shock.
"No way!" She exclaimed
"You cannot be serious" she said as she stood to her feet walking towards Treasure.
"eez she really my Treasure?" She asked as she drew Treasure into a warm embrace. Treasure on the other hand was dumbstruck. Her grip around Romane tightened as tears filled her eyes
"I can't believe this " she finally spoke when Romane had released her.
"It really is you Romane, how could I be so dumb" Treasure said and hugged her again
"Oh no Treasure, you shouldn't cry" Romane said as she wiped the tears off Treasure's face
"eet feels so good to see you after so many years" she said, and turning to Ancel she said
"Zis is ze best surprise ever cousin, you 'ave reunited me with my best friend, 'ow can I zank you enough for zis?" She asked
"It's fine" Ancel replied proudly.
"I only hoped it could bring so much happiness to Treasure. She has been looking for you all her life" he replied and Romane hugged Treasure again.
"I'm sorry Treasure" she said
"Zere was no way to reach out to you, and I 'ad to leave Coventry for France on my father's orders. But I 'ave been trying to reach out to you ever since zen, please don't be upset with me" she pleaded.
"No...no, I should be the one apologizing" Treasure replied
"I was the one who left you all behind, please forgive me" she said as a tear escaped her eyes. Just then Treasure turned to Ancel
"How could you hide my whereabouts from Romane?" She asked
"You knew too well that Romane would have been worried about me, but you kept the truth from her "
"I ...um.." Ancel struggled for words, but Romane walked over to him.
"Really Ancel?" She asked in surprise
"You knew I was trying to reach out to Treasure but you never told me anything about her whereabouts, why did you do such a zin?" She asked, as she reached for her purse to hit Ancel, but Treasure stopped her
"It's fine Romane, let's forgive him" she said
"He has atoned for his sins so please spare him" Romane looked to Treasure
"You're still as adorable and innocent as you were years ago, I really 'ave missed you" she said hugging Treasure again.
Finally, their dinner date was over, and after Romane and Treasure had exchanged contacts, Treasure headed home in company of her bodyguards.
******************************
With Romane at Treasure's side, she no longer felt lonely. She had finally found a friend to talk to, someone she could hang out with in her free time. She had found out that Romane was still a ballerina and was only back in Coventry because of a show she was to perform.
"I really envy Romane" Treasure muttered to herself
"She has the opportunity to live the life she has always dreamt of, while I'm here, trying follow in my dad's footstep by being the best CEO of JGM." She lamented.
"Excuse me ma'am" Treasure's secretary spoke breaking into Treasure's thoughts.
"The documents are ready, you have to leave for New York tomorrow morning" she said
"Alright thank you" Treasure replied. She got out Jake's letter and smiling broadly to herself, she said
"I'm coming to you Jake, I'm coming to give you my reply"
Treasure arrived at the airport in New York on a Wednesday night. She lodged in one of the five star hotels with her secretary and Mr Donald. It was already noon time when Treasure was done with her meeting with the branch managers of JGM in New York.
"Shall I book a flight back to Coventry?" Her secretary asked
"No, we are spending the weekend here" Treasure replied
"I've got something to do" she spoke again as she stared at her secretary's skeptic face.
Treasure picked up her phone to dial Jake's number, but on a second thought, she decided to call Vanessa instead
"Hey Treasure it's been a while" Vanessa spoke.
"Hello Vanessa how have you been?" she asked calmly
"Been good" Vanessa replied, but Treasure asked again
"...and Jake?"
"He's fine" she replied casually, but Treasure didn't mind
"I'm in New York right now" she said, and Vanessa gasped in surprise
"I've got a little surprise for Jake, can you help me out?" Treasure asked, but Vanessa said nothing.
"Vanessa are you still there?" Treasure asked
"Y...yeah!'" she replied rather coldly.
"I can help you out, why don't you come over to my house tomorrow, I will invite Jake as well" she said
"Alright, thanks Vanessa" Treasure replied and hung up the call.
Vanessa thought of a way to ruin Treasure's plans and immediately, an idea struck her.
On Saturday morning, Treasure woke up early to prepare for her meeting with Jake and Vanessa, she wore the prettiest smile on her face as she took a last look at her image in the mirror
"He'd be so shocked to see me" she said as she made her way out of her room. She arrived at Vanessa's house at exactly 8 am, but as she rang the doorbell, no reply came
"She can't be asleep right?" Treasure thought
"Maybe I should give her a call" she said as she reached for her phone on her pocket, but just then, Vanessa opened the door
Treasure's gaze fell on the tired and untidy form before her. Vanessa was on her night wear, which was missing some buttons like someone had pulled them off aggressively. Treasure's eyes met the hickeys on Vanessa's neck and alarmed she was forced to ask
"I'm sorry is this a bad time?"
"Oh no...no" Vanessa replied with a yawn
"I'm so sorry I didn't forget about our plans it's just that...that..."
"What?" Treasure asked curiously
"Umm..." Vanessa itched her head
"Jake is still asleep" she said. Treasure's eyes widened in surprise, but Vanessa was indifferent
"I...I know I should have chosen a later time, but I didn't know Jake would come back all wasted yesterday, I'm really sorry Treasure she said
"I...it's fine" Treasure said still trying to wrap her head around what was going on"
"I...I could wake him up if you want, but he'd have to take a shower first, and I guess he'd need me to help him so...
"It's ok" Treasure replied batting her eyelids in disappointment
"I...I should leave now, maybe I will drop by some other time" she said and turned to leave without looking back
Vanessa beamed and flicking a strand of hair off her face, she shut the door behind her.
"Mission accomplished!" She said underneath her breadth.
At the hotel, Treasure stared at her image in the mirror.
"I can't believe I fell for that" she said as a tear rilled down her cheek
"He's been with Vanessa all this time and he dared to flirt with me and even kiss me!" She yelled
"I wonder what he thinks of me now, an easy catch? How dare he do this to Vanessa?" She lamented
Treasure returned to Coventry the next day with the intentions of forgetting all about Jake. She tore up the letter Jake had written to her. As she walked to her car, Ancel called out to her
"Ancel what are you doing here?" She asked in surprise
"Well, I'm going to Paris" he said
"I've had enough of this holiday, for now anyways" he said and Treasure smiled
"What about Romane?" Treasure asked
"She's presently in France, but she asked me to give you this" he said as he handed Treasure a small red box with a red rose on it.
"Thanks" Treasure replied as a smile curled up her face
"I have to leave now see you when I get back" he said and Treasure waved him goodbye.
At home, Treasure opened up the box Romane had given her. A diamond bracelet stared back at her and a tiny note in it read
"To my childhood bestie" Treasure blushed and taking out the bracelet, she dialed Romane
"Hey Treasure did you get my gift?" Romane asked immediately she took the call
"How can I thank you Romane?" Treasure asked
"I really love it" she said
"eet was nothing Treasure, I'm glad I met you again after a long time" she said
"Let's hang out once I get back to Coventry" she said
"Wow, that'd be awesome" Treasure replied
"Let's meet up during the Christmas holiday " she added
"I wish Jake and Vanessa could be there" she said. Treasure hesitated, but finally spoke
"I could invite them over if you want" Treasure said
"Really?!" Romane exclaimed
"You found zem? Unbelievable! Please do invite zem let's 'ave a little get together " she said excitedly
"Alright Romane, thanks again for your gift, I will wear them for you" Treasure said
******************************
"Mr Jackson, Miss Montez has been calling, you left your phone in the cafeteria" One of Jake's colleague aid as he handed the phone over to Jake.
"Hello Nessa what's the problem?" He asked as soon as he took the call.
"I just got a call from Treasure, she was asking if we could visit Coventry during the holiday for a get together. I think she mentioned something about a surprise, someone she wants us both to meet. But I told her we can't make it. You know... you've got loads of work at the office..." Vanessa broke off.
"Why did you tell her that?" Jake asked a bit alarmed.
"We are going, we are definitely going." He said. Vanessa's countenance reduced to a frown.
"Really?" She feigning excitement.
"But I thought this could be a little bit choking for you..." She said.
"It is, but you know I can do anything for Treasure, this is my only chance to meet her again and probably clear things up" he said
"Text me the date, time and the venue immediately, I'm already excited about this" he said and hung up the call before Vanessa could say anything else.
******************************
Time passed by so fast. It was already the long awaited Christmas holiday. Treasure sat before her mirror in preparation of the get together she and Romane had hosted. She dressed in a blue dress and packed her hair into a bun. She applied a light makeover, and with her stilleto, she looked extremely georgous. As she bent over to pick up her purse, Mrs Daisy walked in.
"You look stunning my dear!" She exclaimed pecking Treasure on both cheeks.
"Thanks Mom" she replied trying to wriggle out of her mother's firm grip.
"As agreed, you're going in company of your bodyguards, no excuses. You must make sure to tell them the exact time you'd be leaving so they can bring you back home safe and sound ok?" Mrs Daisy said, helping Treasure adjust her hair.
"Yes Mom I get you, can I leave now please?" Treasure asked clutching her purse tightly to her hips.
"Yes my dear...muaah!" Mrs Daisy planted a sloppy kiss on Treasure's cheek before releasing her.
"Mom, you will ruin my makeover!" Treasure said walking out of the room.
Treasure arrived at Tumeric Gold at exactly 7:56 pm. She walked in with her bodyguards, and found Ancel just in time.
"Over here!" He said signalling her to one of the tables reserved for the VIPs where he sat. Treasure walked there, and sat beside Ancel. Her bodyguards were ushered to another table reserved for them. Five minutes later, Romane walked in with a charming looking guy. Treasure stood to hug Romane, while Ancel shook hands with Nigel. After a brief introduction, they sat opposite each other.
"Zis eez Nigel, my boyfriend, Nigel zis eez Treasure my childhood bestie" Romane said
"Oh...nice to meet you" Nigel said stretching his hand for a handshake
"Pleasures mine" Treasure replied as she took his hand
"Here..." Ancel said handing Treasure the menu.
"Umm... I'm really sorry..." She said, ...
"could we wait a bit longer, I believe Jake and Treasure will be here in a bit." She said.
"Alright, let's wait a bit" he said
After five minutes of waiting,
Jake and Vanessa walked in.
"Hey...good evening everyone" Vanessa spoke smiling broadly, but Jake was lost staring at Treasure.
"Sorry we are late." Vanessa said.
"Please sit" Ancel said gesturing to them. Romane's eyes widened in excitement as she looked from Jake to Vanessa.
"You're welcome" Treasure said, and looking at Romane she spoke
"Relax Romane, I will do the introduction
"Jake, Vanessa, this is Romane Edouard, I bet you can recognize her right?" She asked. Both Jake and Vanessa's gaze fell on Romane
"Really?!" Vanessa and Jake spoke simultaneously, and without waiting for an invitation, they both stood to hug Romane who was already tearing out of excitement.
"I'm so excited to meet you two again, zis eez such a happy moment" Romane said, and Jake burst out laughing
"You've still got that accent of yours" he said and they all laughed.
Romane introduced Nigel to them and after so much pleasantries, they made their orders and began to eat.
"So Romane was the surprise." Vanessa said again reaching out to her champagne flute.
"Zanks Treasure, I really appreciate ze effort you've made towards bringing us back together...zank you." Romane spoke, and Treasure smiled.
"It's alright Romane, I'm so glad we are all here, I hope we meet Lexi soon." She said.
Vanessa turned to Ancel.
"I pretty much know this face. Aren't you Ancel Edouard?" She asked sipping her wine. Ancel adjusted his tie.
"Yes you're correct." He replied.
"Wow...it's so good to see you in person sir" Vanessa replied as she shook his hand
"How did you two know eachother?" Jake asked
"I was opportune to attend a conference in Paris one certain time, and Mr Edouard here happened to be the chief speaker" she replied with a smile
"I see Jake replied a bit irritated. Ancel understood his countenance and seeing how annoyed Jake was he felt satisfied.
Treasure's orders were mostly fruits, and she was a bit slow as she ate. Nigel caught sight of her and feeling concerned, he asked
"Are you on a diet or something?" He asked, but before Treasure could say anything, Jake replied
"Treasure doesn't eat out." He said. He looked to Treasure, but she avoided his gaze. She managed a smile, and as she dropped her wine glass, she said.
"I'm sorry Nigel, but it's an old habit of mine, I really cannot eat out, but I hope to learn soon" she said.
"Well I hope to teach you someday." Ancel said reaching out to Treasure's hand. He kissed it, and placed it back on the table still staring at her. Jake swallowed his food so hard from disgust, trying to focus his attention on something else.
Immediately, Treasure dropped her cutleries and excused herself to the ladies