Sonya
When those words sunk in my head, I didn't feel sad for some reason. I rather felt motivated to fight for Kelvin's attention, no matter what I have to do to gain it.
"You don't love me anymore ?" I smiled.
"Yes....." Kelvin looked confused. "That's what I said seconds ago."
"I see." I smiled more mischievously.
"Why are you smiling like that ?" Kelvin inquired with a curious face.
"It's nothing." I smirked.
The waiter brought our meals to the table and left when he was done setting it up for us. I started eating for a while before looking at Kelvin. He was eyeing me and he didn't touch his food yet.
"Won't you eat ? Come on, dig in."
My words brought him back to earth and he started to eat his meal. We both ate in silence and we hardly exchanged looks with eachother. I was thinking about a whole lot of things whiles I was eating. I didn't understand why I didn't feel sad to some extent. I rather felt proud and determined. Because I had once caught Kelvin's eye, which means I could do it again if I tried hard enough and Kelvin would be mine.
After lunch at the mall, we went back in the car and I wasn't surprised when Kelvin moved the front seat. He still had the mindset that I would see him in a negative way. Convincing him wouldn't be easy but I'll try my best. I continued work at the textile company and it was less hectic than I expected. Tomorrow was the handover and everything was getting in place for the event, so I had less to do. I had to go to dad's mall but I didn't feel like going for some reason. So I had an idea.
It was around 4pm that day and I had closed from work but I had no interest in going home just yet, so I called Olivia to find out if she was free and finally, she was. I went to her place and Kelvin had to follow me to her house. I spent about four hours at her place with Kelvin and we were doing the most random things there.
My intention was to make Kelvin see me in a new light and fall for me but I wasn't sure if it worked or not. By 8pm, we left Olivia's place and made our way back home. This time, Kelvin sat at the back seat with me and that made me happy but our conversation wasn't chatty enough than usual. We went our separate ways when we got into the main house. I got in my quarters and got ready for bed.
* * *
It's the day of the businesses handover and I got out of bed with a huge smile on my face. Today is the day I make dad's wishes come true. I was a little nervous but when I thought of him, I got confident and ready for the ceremony. The ceremony was starting around 1pm and I had to prepare myself adequately for the ceremony. I had to make speeches I would use at the ceremony and forsee the questions that I may have to answer at the ceremony.
Normally, I would feel pressured in situations like this but this time, I didn't feel anything at all. I was just waiting for the ceremony to be over and the handover completed. I reached out to Olivia to see if she could come over. She told me that she wouldn't be able to come to my place that late morning but she would come to the ceremony when it starts. That was a relief and I was content that I would see Olivia there.
I spent some hours composing my speech and getting prepared for the ceremony in my room. When it was almost time to leave, I wore an expensive African wear I had in my wardrobe and it looked really good on me. I wore a moderate amount of make-up on my face and I adorned myself with jewelleries that blended with my African wear. I smiled when I saw myself in the mirror cause I was looking flashy.
What made me more happy was the reaction I saw on Kelvin's face when I got out of the main house. It was almost like he was drooling. I smirked to myself as I got into the car. Kelvin joined me at the back seat as we made our way to the venue of the ceremony—the textile company.
"You look very beautiful." Kelvin complimented.
I replied with a smile. "Thanks. You also look handsome as always."
"Appreciated." Kelvin returned the smile. "I wish you good luck on the handover. May everything go according to plan."
"Thank you very much. Let's hope so...."
We got to the company minutes later and we got out of the car. Kelvin walked with me into the company and the place was set for the ceremony. I was informed that the ceremony was being held in the auditorium, so that's where we went to. The auditorium was partly filled with workers from the businesses my dad owns and there were a few executives and middle managers who were sitting on the chairs placed on the podium.
I got to the podium and sat on one of the chairs and reserved one for Olivia. Kelvin went back and stood behind of the podium. As time went on, other executives show up and some entrepreneurs also joined us at the ceremony. Finally, the man we all had been waiting for showed up. My dad walked to the podium and the workers stood up in respect. My dad stood before the lectern and started with an opening prayer. We all stood up as he gave a short prayer and we all sat down when he was done.
It was a formal ceremony, so my dad gave an introduction and went straight ahead to give the podium over to the executives and middle managers to start their speeches on how the businesses has been throughout the years. Each speaker spent a long time on their speech. I was really getting bored till Olivia showed up and sat next to me. After a dozen speeches later, dad got up to start his speech and it was very emotional.
He noted it was his time to leave and handover. He had no regrets and he wished the best for me. My dad's speech pulled a tear from my eye and I wiped it with a smile. When he was done, it was my turn to give my speech. I got to the lectern to give my speech but I turned back to see my dad smile. I smiled back and started my speech.
The whole auditorium was silent as my voice echoed throughout thanks to the speakers and I made sure I didn't make any mistakes. My speech was much short and compact than the others and when I was done, a deafening round of applause came from the workers. I smiled and went back to my seat. Olivia also cheered me and I heard Kelvin do the same as well.
Dad got to the lectern and gave me some advice before the symbolic torch was brought on the podium. I got up and went over to my dad as he took the torch from one of the executives. He give me his blessings before handing over the torch to me. Photographers took photos and everyone cheered as I took the torch from dad. I held it out for everyone to see before I gave it back out.
A document was brought to the lectern which displayed the ownership of the businesses. Dad signed his part and I signed mine also. When we were done, the document was held out for everyone to see and there was another episode of applause and cheering. When everything was done, I went back to my seat as a few executives went forward to give their closing remarks. A closing prayer followed and everyone cheered as the ceremony was over.
There was an after-party, so the workers started moving around, setting up the auditorium for the after-party. Food and drinks was brought in and music rolled on the speaker. Some executives left and I was looking for Kelvin. I couldn't find him anywhere. I was looking for Olivia who also mysteriously vanished but I didn't see her. I wanted to leave the podium but my dad made me talk with some of the remaining executives. It took me a while but when I was done with them, I left the podium. I did not get far from the podium when I met Olivia. She was sweating and seemed to be happy.
"Where have you been ? I was looking for you." I complained.
"I was Kelvin." she laughed. "We were taking some pictures outside as I suggested."
I gave her a serious eye. "You can't be serious."
"I'm serious, girl." she nodded. She handed me a phone. "Here, this is Kelvin's phone. When you see him, give it back to him. Right now, I have to rush to the washroom. See you later."
Olivia rushed out of the auditorium and left me with Kelvin's phone. Surprisingly, his phone was opened. Curiosity got hold of me and I went through his phone. I expected to see messages of him and the person who stole his heart but I found nothing. Just as I was about to put the phone in my bag, a phone call came through. I looked at the number and it seemed familiar. I left the auditorium and got to a quiet hallway before I answered the phone call.
"Hello ?" I called out.
"Kelvin ? Is that you ?"
That voice sounded familiar. I didn't respond right away. I heard two people speaking in the background.
"Hannah, are you sure this is Kelvin's number ?"
"Oh yes. Why ? Is he not picking up ?"
"I heard a strange voice."
I finally realised whose voice it was. "Delilah!"
She also realized it was me. "Sonya ? What are you doing with Kelvin's phone ? Where's Kelvin ?"
"Isn't it obvious ?" I chuckled. "I'm spending time with Kelvin at the ceremony of course. We are enjoying ourselves here and he doesn't want to leave. We are lovers of course, so that makes sense, right ?"
"What nonsense are you uttering now ?" Delilah shot back. "Where's Kelvin ? I demand to speak with him."
"Kelvin is with me..... sleeping. He's drunk and lying on me. If you don't believe me, listen to this." I made a snoring sound with my mouth for a while. "Did you hear that ? That's Kelvin alright."
"Lies." Delilah sounded angry. "I won't believe a word you say. You expect me to take you seriously after you tried to paint him black ?"
"You don't believe me ?" I asked. "Very well. Ask Kelvin what happened on Saturday. That's right. Something went on between us and we spent the night in my room. Why do you think he has been acting weird these days ? He doesn't want you to know."
Delilah didn't speak up. She went silent and then hanged up.
What I did is unexplainable. I don't know what got into me but when I realized that Delilah was the one who had captured Kelvin's heart, I overreacted. I placed Kelvin's phone in my bag and I received a text message from dad, demanding me to come over to his office. So, I made my way there....
.
Writer
Kelvin was making his way back to the auditorium after some female workers had dragged him outside to take some pictures. On his way back to the auditorium, he noticed a beautiful lady looking around for something. It seemed she was searching for someone and she had a worried look on her face. Kelvin went over to confront her.
"Hello, there." he greeted. "Are you looking for someone ?"
"Yes." the lady affirmed. "I'm looking for Sonya Hanson. I came late and I can't find her anywhere."
"Alright, I will lead you to her." Kelvin offered.
The two of them started to walk through the entrance. "Thank you very much but we need to hurry. She is in grave danger." the lady warned.
"Grave danger ? Why ?" Kelvin asked.
"Because someone is coming after her. That person wants to kill her." the lady revealed. "He's my boyfriend and his name is Raymond."
Kelvin stood and faced the lady with serious eyes. The name rang a bell in his head but he couldn't remember thoroughly.
"Raymond ? Why does he want to kill her ?" Kelvin quizzed.
"Because he's one of the masterminds behind her kidnappings. He wanted to kidnap her, so his father could get the businesses from Mr Hanson but when it failed twice, he wants to kill her as revenge." the lady answered.
"Raymond ? Raymond ? I know him!" Kelvin exclaimed. "Your name miss ?"
"Serena." she introduced. "We need to find her and warn her before Raymond does something. I tried reaching out to her on Monday but she wasn't at her workplace. I tried on Tuesday but she wasn't at the company I went to. Finally, I heard she would be at this ceremony, so I knew it was my last chance."
"This is serious." Kelvin uttered. "How didn't I figure out that it was Raymond all along ? Serena, are you sure Raymond would be here ?"
"I'm certain cause he didn't find her the previous days."
"Alright. Listen to me, I'm Sonya's bodyguard and I want you to do something that can help all of us." Kelvin held her shoulders. "Call the police and inform them of Raymond. If he's really here, they should come apprehend him."
"Alright. I'll do that."
"I'm going to stop him." Kelvin declared as he decided to leave.
"Please be careful. He has a gun." Serena warned. Kelvin didn't turn back as he started looking around for signs of Raymond.
Sonya was in her father's office with Olivia as he gave her some few words before he left the company. Unexpectedly, someone barged into the room and the trio turned to see who it was.
"Raymond!" Sonya frowned. "What are you doing here ?"
Raymond smiled with mischief. "I searched everywhere for you and I'm surprised to find you here unguarded. Thankfully, your bodyguards are eating at the party and this would make my work much easier."
"What is he talking about ?" Olivia faced Sonya.
"You!" Raymond pointed at Sonya. "You are the reason for what is happening right now in my life and no kidnapping can fix that. My father won't accept me again and it's all because of you. For my heart to be at rest, there's only one thing I have to do."
"Raymond, leave this office right now!" Sonya shouted.
"I'm not leaving till I put some bullets in your chest." Raymond brought his gun out. Everyone had the look of surprise on their face. "That's right, I was behind the kidnapping. How is this news ? Anyways, it doesn't matter, so say your last words..."
"Raymond.....listen to me." Sonya tried to soothe him. "Why don't you.....put the gun down...and we can talk ?"
"Are those your last words ?" Raymond laughed. "It's so boring. Now....you die!"
BANG! BANG!!
Olivia fell down to the ground as the bullets made their way into her chest.