The reason why i don't like coming to gathering like this, is that i easily get bored.
I looked around me to see people with smiles on their faces, laughing and talking to one another.
Of cause not everyone smiling is genuinely smiling, majority of them are putting on an act.
I sat in the secluded corner observing eveyone while not drawing attention to myself.
I took a sip of my champagne and wondered the length we go for our friends.
It has been a week already, so i'm currently at Alaric's engagement party.
I haven't heard from, or seen Tove.
Zee got her occupied and training hard.
I would have gone to see her, but i did not want to disturb her.
Zee said she is doing fine and better than expected.
This week has seen me sucessfully closed deals too; i've been flying in and out
of country A for the past six days.
It's odd, i haven't seen Xavier around.
I know he is occupied managing Tove but this is Alaric's engagement party.
It's so strange he is not here.
Is everything alright with them Ian?
I turned to look at Josh.
It's complicated Josh.
What's complicated in attending your best friends engagement party.
It's not my place or story to tell but he is not here because he was not invited.
What?
That's crazy.
I don't like Xavier that much, but i know he is a good friend to Alaric. No matter the issue Alaric should be celebrating this joyful occassion with loved ones.
You know, when i tell people you are strange they don't understand.
Two minutes ago you were about to crucify Zee for not being here, now all of a sudden you are fighting for him?
Josh you are a nut case.
All you do is call me names, Xavier gets to be adorable all i get is nut case. Tell me where is the fairness in that.
Grow up already will you, and stop being jealous of Zee.
I've told you i'm not jealous but let's leave that for now. Look who just walked in.
I looked to see Dylan with a group of people.
Since when is Alaric friends with Dylan that he get's an invite to his engagement party.
Maybe it's just for formalities Josh.
Look at them talking and laughing. They are even whispering, if you ask me they look like they are close. I really don't like that Dylan guy and it has nothing to do with his rivalry with us. I just think he is scheming and shameless.
I agree with you Josh.
While we were discussing, Linda and Alaric where approaching my little hideout.
Ian thank you for coming to celebrate with us, josh you too thank you for coming.
Yes Mr Ian thank you for coming added Linda.
I saw Alaric looking around as if searching for someone.
He is not here.
He really did not come; said Al quietly.
Baby that Xavier is too much, i know he don't like me but he should at least be here for you; began Linda.
What sort of friend is he? i'm glad he is not your best man.
Excuse me baby i need to use the ladies room, with a bow to us she left.
Alaric took a sit and poured himself a drink.
I'm surprised you are surprise he is not here Al; i said.
He is my best friend Ian of cause i will be expecting him.
Did you invite him?
No.
And you expect him to come?
Al you got engaged without telling him.
You call him your "best friend" yet someone else is your bestman.
You held an engagement party without inviting or telling him?
And you still expect him to be here?
Wow just wow.
He was about to say something when he received a text.
I need to go, Linda needs me. Thanks for coming you guys.
Wait, Xavier is not his best man?
He isn't.
What happened? this is nuts.
Is Xavier okay? he must be hurting.
He is fine, honestly he is handling it better than i expected. Maybe it's because he does not want any trouble. Regardless, i'm really proud of how he is handling it.
Damn, this is really cold of Alaric; said Josh.
Xavier hope i'm not the one keeping you here, is today not your bestfriend's engagement party? The media is all abuzz with it.
Why are you at my house helping me practice, instead of being tthere with him?
I wasn't invited.
What?
Your bestfriend did not invite you to his engagement party? but do one need an invite to attend one's bestfriend's event?
It's complicated Vee.
Did you have a fall out?
That's one way to put it.
Anyway don't worry about me i'm fine.
Now i'm leaving.
Go wash up and rest early.
I got home after i left Vee.
After washing up i was lying down on my bed while surfing the net.
The trending topic is Alaric's engagement party.
Videos and pictures flooded my screen.
They both look happy and in love.
Good for them.
I dropped my phone and embraced sleep for i refuse to pine over someone else's husband.
After Xavier left i freshened up and climbed my bed.
Still not sleepy i decided to call Ian.
It has been a week since i saw or heard from him.
I decide to call him and tell him of my progress.
The phone has started ringing when i remembered he must be at the party.
I was about ending the call when he picked.
Tove?
Good evening Ian.
Evening Tove, i must admit this is a pleasant surprise.
Really? that's good then, i was about ending the call thinking you are probably at Alaric's party when you picked.
I just left, i'm currently on my way home.
How was it then?
It was okay.
How have you been Tove?
I'm fine Ian just busy with practice. Zee is wonderful, he is strict and direct but with a touch of understanding and compassion that you just can't help but put in your very best.
I'm happy to hear that and i'm sorry i haven't been able to reach out. I don't want to disturb you.
Disturb me, you?
That's crazy, you can call me anytime.
I work for you remember, plus i know you've been busy the news and papers have your name on repeat with the deals you've been closing.
Congratulations by the way.
Thank you Tove.
Why don't the media have a picture of you though?
I'm a very private person Tove.
Only few people know what i look like.
What about your workers then, they know how you look.
If they see you outside, they can easily tell others who you are.
Everyone that works for me or work with me, know what i am like.
So they know how to behave and act accordingly.
Well you are popular, i can see why you value your privacy.
You don't even have bodyguards.
I really found it strange.
Even my family have at least one bodyguard following them around.
And they are not even on your level.
While you only have Sam.
I guess since many people don't know your face, the danger is not that high.
I yawned as i stretched on my bed.
Well Ian i just wanted to fill you in on my progress, I'm sleepy now.
Take care and i will talk to you some other time.
Okay Tove, thanks for calling.
Ian.
Yes.
You will be coming to the show, yes?
Of cause i will be there.
Okay night night.
Good night.
I was wearing a smile after i ended the call with Tove.
Silly girl, if only she knows how trained Sam is in both physical combat and handling of guns not to mention the secret team that is constantly following me moving like shadows undetected by others.
If only she knows how dangerous my life is.