Chapter 40: Chapter 40

She had not been able to go back to work for sometime because she had been occupied with alot of things, one of which was her marriage to Gerhard.

It had been unavoidable and her hands had been tied.

Staying with him at the Villa he had in London, Gerhard's feelings for her had skyrocketed.

Her daughter Deborah was doing fine. She had given her daughter her surname so that there wouldn't be any confusion.

Deborah Smith was one hell of a lovely girl, she had dark hair like her father and dark eyes as well but her colouration was that of her mother and she was so smart and had a lovely disposition that everyone could not help but love her. And she was almost two years old.

David had pleaded with her to come back to work and she might have but she had been busy being a dutiful wife to Gerhard and making his last days memorable.

Now that was over and she now had her freedom, she was faced with another dilemma because a job she took up in an advertising firm, her boss who had been good and friends with her seemed to have intense feelings for her and she had never encouraged that.

After Gerhard's death, she had packed out of his villa and found another flat where she stayed with her daughter and her nanny.

Sharon had thought that such a wealthy man that had his success stamped all over him, Oliver Stevenson could have any girl of his choice but the look she had seen in his eyes that evening had thrown her and had bothered her greatly.

Sharon found him interesting to work with and thought of him as a man of contradictions.

Sipping a gin and tonic, she glanced through the air-conditioned suite. It was elegant and comfortable, the walls were peach and white, the carpets incredibly thick, the long sofas flanked by white porcelain lamps.

Near the shuttered windows stood a mahogany table set with silver and crystal, white bases making a delightful centre piece beneath the small chandelier.

Oliver was discussing with a friend of his and Sharon was aware that Oliver kept glancing her way with a slight frown between his eyes. She picked up a newspaper from the low mahogany table in front of her and began to flick through it.

She didn't want to face any questions and Oliver was always so protective, so easily worried about her. He treated her as if she was a piece of China that needed gentle handling. Usually, she appreciated his kindness but this night, she felt that she might burst into tears at the slightest show of concern from him.

'A Renowned Banker in a Car Crash'. The photo beneath the story was that of Bryan Ferdinand.

It went ahead to state how a renowned banker had gone on a function with a beautiful actress Annabelle Cole and had been involved in a car crash.

The actress was shocked but unhurt but Bryan had broken some ribs in the accident.

David had invited her to his birthday celebration and she had been contemplating whether or not to go. He wanted it to be a lavish occasion because he had not believed that he would be alive to celebrate another birthday but he was and very healthy too and according to the reports of his tests,the tumor was dwindling and soon would disappear completely. So his birthday was actually a celebration of life but she could not tell why she was afraid of seeing Bryan again but with the news of this accident, she had to find out if the father of her child was okay as well as show David that she wished him well by being present at his birthday celebration.

Annabelle Cole, another beautiful woman, no doubt, Bryan attracted them so effortlessly. They fell over themselves to get to him.

She looked up at Oliver and his friend and they were still engrossed in their discussion. She stared at the photograph of Bryan, her body going weak inexplicably. Three broken ribs. Was he in the hospital? Why had David not told her about it? Maybe because she had made it clear to him that she did not want to know anything about Bryan nor for Bryan to know anything about her.

She swallowed her gin and tonic, trying not to think about the pain she had felt when she thought that he might be dead.

'Oliver, could I have another drink? She stood up and he was beside her within a second.

'Dure love, same again?' As Sharon nodded, Janet's voice drifted across.

'Pour one for me while you are at it'.

Sharon turned smiling, all her actions automatic. Beneath the brilliant smile, she was a confused mass of raw nerves.

'Ah, you are ready at last, I thought we would have to start eating without you'.

Janet ignored that. 'Bourbon and water', she advised him with a cool smile.

She looked stunning, Sharon thought without envy, in a heavy red silk, low off the shoulder with a rustling layered skirt. Around her neck glittered a gold and ruby necklace implementing the colour of her dress.

They ate bear the long windows, the white muslin curtains drifting in the breeze. Silent waiters served the food which was exquisite. The hotel was worth it's price in elegance and unparalleled service.

Sharon aye with little appetite. The part of her that was running in automatic was smiling, throwing remarks into the lively conversation around the table. Underneath, she felt like a zombie and it was a relief to be able to refuse the rich orange desert in favour of figs and coffee.

After the meal, Janet asked Oliver's friend Sam to dance with her to the lilting strains of waltz Oliver had found on the radio. Sharon took the opportunity to slip into the balcony. She leant against the rail, enjoying her peace, able to drop her smiling mask. Her solitude was short - lived. over came and stood beside her. 'Ehat is it?' he asked quietly.

She was silent for sometime. 'Nothing. I just felt like some air', her voice sounded over right, strained. She stared at the black sky and wished he would go away.

'Sharon...' he paused as though searching for the right words. 'I have been watching you all evening. We go back quite a few years and I know you well enough to know that there is something pretty damn serious the matter. Can't you tell me?' He took her arm, turning her to face him, his voice coaxing.

He was right. He did know alot about her. He knew about Gerhard, she had needed a shoulder to cry on at the end and although he also knew about Bryan, he knew none of the details She felt she couldn't tell him about it.

'Really, Oliver, I'm fine. Please don't worry about me', she couldn't meet his eyes, her eyes resting on the top button of his immaculate white shirt. His arm still lay along her arm and she realised that they were standing close. 'We'd better go in, I suppose', she said lightly.

Oliver nodded in silence, and looking up into his eyes, she caught some emotion there that made her step back in shock.

'No....' she didn't realize that she had spoken.

Oliver's mouth twisted self- deprecatingly. 'Oh, Sharon, don't you know?'

Frowning, she asked, 'What?' She had to be sure, even though it might change things forever.

'I guess you'd run like hell if I told you', his eyes were serious but she knew by his voice that he was deliberately trying not to frighten her away.

'Oliver...' It was totally unexpected and she felt nothing but shocked surprise and a nagging worry. How could she not have known that he cared for her? How could she have been so stupidly blind?

'Don't say another word'. He dropped his hand and when she looked uncertainly into his eyes, she saw nothing but his usual friendly cynicism.

'I don't... I'm sorry I...' She couldn't bear to hurt him and that together with her surprise showed I. her face and I er sighed.

'Think about it, okay?'

'But...'

He held up his hand. 'No, look, I know that my timing is lousy - I had no intention of letting you know how I feel. Oh, hell's. He shook his head wryly. 'I don't know about you but I need a stiff drink'.

'Make it two, I'm dying of thirst after all that dancing' Janet's voice was dry, hard edged. How long had she been standing there, near the window, Sharon wondered worriedly. Had she heard everything? Oliver merely laughed. 'Serves you damn well right', he replied and they all went inside.

Sharon was lost in thought on the way back to the flat. Her head was spinning with the evening's startling events. But shamefully, her overriding thoughts were of Bryan, injured in that car crash.