Ivy Leah Steel...
I heard Grace called me. Of course it's her.
I exit from the bedroom to the sitting room wondering why she just had to call my full name.
I looked at her and she extended her phone to me. I was a bit confused but collected the phone from her.
I looked to see what she was showing me and that's when I saw him. The arrogant bastard from earlier today.
Wait his name is Caspian Lucius Asher.
Why does Asher ring a bell to me? I know I haven't met him apart from today.
I scroll down and read about him.
CEO of Ashers Inc. His chain of companies ranges from, hotels, restaurants to clubs and casinos, building materials to coals and mines.
He inherited the coals and mines which is Archers Coals and mine from his grandfather while he built his hotels, restaurants, clubs and casino chains by himself. The building materials industry was handed over to him by his father. He merged all to be Archers Inc. Wow.
Scrolling further, he's a Playboy, changes women like he changes clothes. He was also declared the business man of the year by US times. Reporters portrays him as a ruthless billionaire (of course managing 3 different companies alone will make you ruthless)
I kind of pity him right now. I can't even manage my life not to talk of 3 different companies. Wow. Makes sense on his attitude earlier today. I remember he was on call when Emma called out to him.. he could be on a business call and he was interrupted...
Hello!!! Ivy Steel are you drooling over a guy's picture when you just met him today. Grace shouted bringing me back to the moment.
She took her phone back and asked if I still don't know him. I shook my head no but the Archers sounds familiar but I don't know where or how. Anyways what's the big deal on the guy. Why are you all so hooked up about him.
I sat down on the floor joining them on the pizza feast.
Vy are you kidding me? That guy is a Greek god, sexy as fuck and swims in millions. Ella chipped in.
You mean billions, Scar corrected.
I still don't give a fuck about him. I said.
The guy needs to check his attitude billionaire or not.
Scar snorted, says someone that got attitude problem.
I rolled my eyes at her, stuffing pizza in my mouth. I still don't care who the fuck he is. It's not like I want to have anything with him.
Grace snorted, babe you need to get laid. You need to feed that pussy of yours. And that guy can do a great job.
And join the collection of his trophies on women he has slept with? No thank you. I commented.
Grace wanted to say more but I cut her off...
Okay guys I need to go prepare for work. Are you guys staying over? I asked.
Nope, Scar said. Daniel is taking me out this night.
Nay I will pass, Ella said. I have to take the stuffs I bought home, I got something for my mum. I need to give it to her before she leaves for France.
Ella's mum travels alot ever since her husband died. I guess that's her coping strategy. I wouldn't blame her though. Ella sometimes go with her just to keep her company.
Grace? I asked
Well, Garry is.....
Stop! I get it.. I cut her off. Every one of us doesn't like Garry and we already told her that but she still feels like we are just being over protective.
Grace has been fucked up many times by guys and I guess that why she fucks guys and move on without any emotional attachment but Garry? She seems to be attaching emotions to him and the guys gives me a chilly feeling, like something is off about him. Why can't Grace see it. Ella's and Scar agrees with me but we can't do anything. I guess we will just be watching them.
When Grace's boyfriend arrived, the room immediately tensed. He was tall and good-looking, with sharp features and a charming smile that didn't quite reach his dark, calculating eyes. His perfectly pressed shirt and expensive cologne suggested he was trying too hard to impress, and yet there was an air of arrogance about him that rubbed me the wrong way.
From the moment he stepped in, my instincts flared. He greeted us with a smooth, overly rehearsed tone, as if he'd memorized the lines to a play. When he looked at Grace, there was something almost performative about his affection—like he was playing the part of the devoted boyfriend, but the spark felt artificial.
Ella, never one to hold back, gave him a curt nod and crossed her arms, leaning against the wall as she silently observed him. Scar, ever polite, tried to maintain conversation but kept glancing at me, as if silently asking if she was imagining the strange energy.
It wasn't one specific thing; it was the way he answered questions too perfectly, the occasional patronizing undertone in his voice when he addressed Grace, and the fleeting moments where his charming mask seemed to slip, revealing something colder beneath.
When he stepped out to take a phone call, Ella turned to the us, her voice sharp. "Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks he's...off."
I nodded immediately. "It's like...he's too smooth. Too polished. I don't know. Something's not sitting right."
Scar hesitated before agreeing. "He seems nice enough, but...I don't feel completely comfortable around him."
Grace, oblivious to the tension in the room, returned from the kitchen with drinks, her face lighting up as her boyfriend re-entered. But for me and the others, the unease lingered, like a storm cloud on the horizon.
We later voiced our concerns to her but she seems to be too into him to reason with us or see things as we do. Or maybe she likes the sex with him and wouldn't want to let go.
I pray he doesn't break her heart although they are yet to be official. I guess that's where I'm worried. Why is he delaying to officially ask her out but they are always together.
Ok.. let me go and freshen up then....
I will drop you off. Ella offered.
Oh thanks darling. Aren't you the sweetest person right now. (I laughed and went into the bedroom)
I stripped off and rapped a towel around me. I saw the bags I brought in earlier and decided to check the contents.
When you have crazy friends, you just have to expect anything...
Bag one contains a skimpy outfits called a lingerie which I have never wore in my life so why did they get it for me.

Bag two contains a nice black gown. Not my style though but I can manage.

I took the lingerie bag and stepped out of the room and threw it at Grace because I knew that is her idea.
What the hell is this guys? I asked.
Oh you've seen your package. Grace said.
From all of us to you.
Go and take your bath. We are going to doll you up Today.
Woaw, what's the occasion? I asked.
Well you're going to work and your work place happens to have lots of guys. Rich and handsome guys. Scar said.
And you're going to find yourself a man today. Ella completed.
How many Times do I tell you guys that I don't need a man, I trailed off but Ella and Scar pushed me inside again.
Go take a shower bitch and shave your little cunt. Grace added.
I went into the shower and I guessed I listened to them, I shaved as well.
It's not like I keeps bush. I do shave and take care if myself. So it's Normal for me.
Coming out, the girls are in my room already.
Scar is arranging make-up for me while Ella is getting my uniform ready. Grace is holding a comb waiting to work on my hair.
Wow I feel like a queen but all these are not necessary. I commented.
Grace dragged me to a chair and started on my hair, they knew my work ethics so she packed my hair up with few tenderlings out to frame my face. She folded the rest and neatly packed it up. Afterwards Scar started my make-up. With a warning from me that I will wash it off if it comes out heavy.
On finishing I smiled at myself. It was perfect, just the way I like it. I thanked her.
They succeeded in making me wear the lingerie then my uniformed black skirt and short sleeve shirt, paired with a black heels.
God knows I hate heels but work is work I gat to work. Checking time. It's 4:47 and I need to start leaving right about now.
I thanked my girls and checked my purse for what I needed. Nodding, we all stepped out.
I locked the door and we went outside.
Grace stopped all of a sudden and turned to me.
Well, Steel, go out there and steal a guy's heart. Get a dick and help your life.
I rolled my eyes at her while others laughed.
I entered Ella's car and blew kiss to Grace and Scar and she speed off.
30 minutes later we got to the agency. I got down and thanked Ella. She wished me Goodluck which I seriously needed if I'm going to deal with the rich arrogant asses today.
I was 30 minutes early so I took my time getting in.
On getting in Mrs Smith smiled at me.
I greeted her. Hi Mrs Smith.
My favourite girl, how are you doing and you look beautiful my dear. She chipped.
Thank you and I'm doing well Mrs Smith, how about you? I asked.
Dear I told you to stop calling me Mrs Smith. Call me Carol and I am quite good.
Mrs Smith... Sorry Carol is a sweet woman, she lost her husband very early in life without a child. She's 47 years old. I always tell her that she will find love again but she doesn't believe it. I have been working with her for over a year now and it's worth it. One time she was ill and couldn't take up jobs as usual, I had to beg her to let me help by stepping up. Of course I was very nervous but she thought me things and how to run the business, it's quite easy being that I have always been interested in events.
She was very happy that she didn't loose any job in her absence, so she made me her PA and over the time I have learnt a lot.
I smiled back at her and picked up today's chart to go over the event we have before others starts to arrive.
Scrolling down, one thing got my attention. The venue. It is at Archers Hotel.
How did I not notice and that's when it striked me. The name Archer was familiar to me for a reason. We have been at his numerous hotels many times for work. But I have never met him or paid attention. And now that I think of it, the girls knew which explains the sudden make-up and lingerie.
God.. those witches...
Any problem Ivy? Carol asked.
No. No I just forgot something but don't worry. Giving her a tight smile I continued going through the chart.
The driver notified that everyone is ready to move and they have packed everything needed.
I have cross checked yeste
rday on the things needed so I don't need to check again.
I told Carol that we will be leaving and she can join us later at the venue.
She thanked me and I left her to go down.
Getting out of the elevator. I met all the other hostesses and took a roll call just to make sure that no one is missing and we are not short of staff..
We got into the cars and moved to the venue.
The event is a charity ball which should be starting at 9pm but we have to be there early to set up things and then wait for the guests.
One thing I love about this job is the way we smile and hear gossips. Yes while serving guests, you tends to hear other parties talking about someone especially among the women folks who always dress like sluts. And the good thing about it is you seal your mouth no Matter what you hear and see. Hard right? But not for me. I never cared or notice them. I am always minding my business.
We're here. My train of thoughts was cut short by the driver.
I got down and started instructing them on what to do and how to do it. I joined them in taking things inside while arranging them.
We took out the already cleaned glasses started arranging then. Getting the set and drinks ready.
Guest started coming in and I put on my best smile.
Welcoming the guests, instructing other while they pass drinks around.
The venue is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, transformed into a magical setting for the evening. The grand ballroom boasts a towering ceiling adorned with intricate crystal chandeliers, their warm light casting a golden glow over the space. The walls are draped with luxurious fabric in deep jewel tones—emerald green, sapphire blue, and rich burgundy—accentuated by golden trim that adds a regal touch.
At the center of the room, a polished marble dance floor gleams under the lights, ready to host the night's festivities. Round tables are arranged in a semi-circle around the dance floor, each covered with pristine white tablecloths and adorned with elaborate centerpieces of fresh flowers, flickering candles, and shimmering gold accents.
A raised stage at one end of the room features a grand piano and a live band, softly playing classical music to set the tone. Nearby, an elegant podium awaits speeches, while a large screen behind it displays the charity's mission and achievements.
A buffet area is set up in one corner, featuring silver chafing dishes filled with gourmet delicacies, alongside a bar serving fine wines and signature cocktails. Our Waitstaff in crisp black-and-white uniforms move gracefully through the crowd, ensuring every guest is attended to.
The venue's large arched windows offer a breathtaking view of the city skyline, twinkling lights adding to the enchantment of the evening. Outside, a red carpet lined with lanterns welcomes guests, who arrive in their finest attire, adding to the glamour of the event.
What do I expect, it's the Asher's grand venue... Everything speaks of luxury which I can only dream of.
______________________________________