By the time Yvette woke up the following day, it was already late into the afternoon and tge space beside her was long empty and cold.
She hurriedly got up, took her bath and dressed before heading downstairs just in time to meet Mrs Lawrence setting the table for lunch.
She watched as she passed the cup of sobering soup to tge disheveled mens on the couch.
"Afternoon". She greeted and they nodded in acknowledgement with a smile. "Afternoon".
Ezekiel clean and dignified walked up to her. "I was just about to get you for lunch". He held her hands and led her to the dining room, pulling out a chair for her before settling beside her.
"Thank you". She smiled, she wasn't still used to the care and attentiveness he never stopped showering on her.
"I see , someone can't wait to get all cheesy and affection. Didn't even invite us to lunch, tsk". Angelo mumbled as she settled beside Eriq and Knox on the dinning chair.
"What?. You have a problem with it?". Zeke raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"I dare not. Your Majesty". Angelo chuckled reaching for his utensils.
The five of them settled around the large oak table, leisurely enjoying lunch. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed, the room filled with the sounds of soft laughter and the clinking of utensils as they dined.
Just as Angelo was recounting a particularly amusing anecdote from his recent trip, the door swung open and in walked Mrs Lawrence with her usual soft smile plastered on her face. Behind her were three young ladies and Yvette's eyes brightened up upon seeing them.
"They were stranded at the gates". Mrs Lawrence began explaining. "No outsiders are usually allowed in but they said they're Madam's friends so I let them in".
Zeke gazed at the three ladies and could instantly recognize Yvette's manager, Leila and the two other women behind her.
One, brazen with an air of unbridled confidence and the other more matured and reserved followed behind Leila closely.
Olivia, a petite yet striking figure with wild curls and a bold gaze took in the sight of the four dashing mens at the table.
Her eyes widened and she almost drooled in surprise at the scene before her. "Well, well, well". She clapped practically rushing to get a better look .
"I didn't know we were walking into a room full of greek gods". She exclaimed, her voice dripping with playful astonishment. She stared at them openly, her eyes lingering a little too much on each of the mens.
Odiette had a knowing smile on her lips as she smirked, teasing Olivia gently. "I remembered someone promised to beat Yvette's husband to a pulp and so some unholy things".
Olivia grinned mischeviously , her eyes twinkling as she replied. "But nobody told me he'll be this goodlooking so i take back my words ". She replied and everyone burst into a bout of laughter.
Olivia gaze flitted to Zeke and she walked over to him with a cheeky grin. "So this is our dashing, infamous husband". She chuckled, her gaze flitting from one man to another until she finally stopped just beside Angelo.
"Oh my. Isn't this the infamous doctor. I've heared so much about you, I guess the stories didn't do you justice".
Angelo, ever the good spot returned her grin.
"Well, if the stories were bad they were probably true".
Just then , Mrs Lawrence returned carrying a tray of additional utensils, she placed them on the table gesturing at the ladies to join the meal. The trio took their seats with Olivia sitting directly across Angelo.
"I heared ladies even faint just to get treated by you whenever you're on duty". Olivia's eyes sparkled as she said mischeviously.
"Of course. I guess it's my fault for being too handsome". Angelo boasted. "And you're quite well informed too". He then added a chicken on his plate to her's. "Here's your reward".
"Hehehe, you know". Olivia continued happily munching the chicken. "If you ever need a partner in crime, I'm your girl. I'm good at getting into trouble".
"Hmmph, bootlicker". Eriq interrupted their conversation.
"Hahaha. My male god, I think you're extremely handsome and great too. Everyone's unique in their own way". Olivia taking his cue didn't waste time to praise him.
"Great". Eriq had a satisfied grin as he patted her head.
"Hey, how dare you steal my people". Angelo pointed his fork at Eriq.
"What do you mean by your people, hmmph . . ."
The mischevious trio immediately struck up in a lively conversation, trading jokes and banters.
But as lunch continued, Olivia's enthusiasm got the better of her. She suddenly leaned closer Knox who was quite reserved and blurted out a rather embarrassing comment about each kinds of specimens the mens were.
Knox face turned red as soon as the words left her mouth and Odiette immediately scooped a forkful of food to Olivia's mouth to prevent her from saying anymore.
Caught off guard, Olivia choked out a laugh but in her surprise she accidentally spat some of the food onto Knox's face.
Knox wiped his face with a napkin and stood up. "I think that's my cue to go get fresh". He said, rising from his seat.
Olivia now laughing waved him off apologetically. "Sorry about that, I guess I was just a little too excited to be around such good company".
After lunch, everyone settled back to the sofa, content and relaxed. The conversation shifted to more personal matters and Odiette who had been observing quietly finally spoke up. "Yvette, what's the next step now?".
Yvette who had been quietly reflecting in the whirlwind of events that brought her to this point looked up with a renewed sense of determination.
"I'm planning to become and even supercede the most popular actress. I've had some time away but I'm ready to make my comeback. It's time to reclaim my place".
They all exchanged supportive glances and Olivia reached over to squeeze Yvette's hand encouragingly. "We're all behind you. Every step of the way". She said softly, her eyes brimming with pride.
Even Zeke who had been listening quietly beside her placed a reassuring hands on her shoulder.
The evening wore off amidst the cheerful conversation and banter until Odiette's rang .
She massaged her temples as he saw the caller's ID with an esparated expression.
"Your father is in trouble again. Odie, you need to come help".
Odiette ran her hand through her raven hair as she replied, getting up from the couch. "I'll be on my way".
"Do you need help?". Yvette asked, knowing fully well what her answer would be.
"Nope. I can handle it, Dad got into trouble again. I'll take my leave first". Odiette replied helplessly as she said her goodbyes.
Her father was a troublemaker, when he wasn't scammed by shams, he's held and beaten at the casino for gambling and even owing debts, handling this was a usual occurrence and wasn't new to her.
"Didn't we come together, wait for us". Olivia yelled after Odiette and dragged Leila alongside after saying her goodbyes.
The other mens took their leave and left as well.
"We'll be leaving since we're considered a thorn in your eyes anyway". Eriq stood up.
"We'll be crashing Eriq's place". Angelo followed suit. "Darling, you sure can accommodate this homeless boy for a few days. Right?".
"Well, it depends. My dear". Eriq answered.
"It'll be relaxing if you don't get thrown out of the house at midnight". Knox laughed.