Chapter 53: Chapter 53

SOME YEARS LATER

BELLA

Getting things done in the office lately is quite difficult. I had to move from one place to another. From one country to another. Within a short space of time, we've been able to open up new branches. People were willing to work with us too.

Everything seems to work out well. I looked around my office. "It's been how many years now?" I thought. "Since I left St. Vincent and my passion to take over my father's companies?". "It's been how many years now since I lost my dad?". I blinked the tears threatening to fall. It's been almost two years, I hear him call me Bella. That I watch him smile.

I couldn't help but remember his last words before he finally closed his eyes. He had told me not to let go of the one I love. Right there I knew he was referring to Jay. He said when I finally meet him again, I should make sure we visit his grave together. He said he would like to see the one who and won the heart of his daughter. The one who had made his daughter happy again after experiencing heartbreak. The one who had...

I sniffed. My dad knew he was going to die but he wasn't bothered about his death. He wanted me to be happy. I let the tears flow freely. It's been three years since I lost my dad and I'm yet to fulfill my promise of bringing Jayden to him.

My phone rang and I checked the caller. It was my mom. I wiped my face quickly and cleared my throat. "Hello, mom," I said when I picked the call.

"You should get back home now"

"Mom, I'm busy at work, you know that"

She sighed. "Can't I spend time with my single daughter anymore?"

"Mom, we shouldn't talk about this now"

"It's been almost two years since your dad died. Don't you think you've mourned him enough? Don't you think you've worked so hard to keep his legacy?. Don't you think it's time you get to settle down"

"Mom, we've talked about this. I don't want to date anyone. Just let me be"

"I can't let you be. Just round things up and come back home. I've got someone for you. It's a business marriage proposal"

"Mom..."

"I know this will turn out well, trust me"

"I'm not doing that"

"You have to. Remember your promise after your dad's death"

I groaned. "I will be home, but I have a meeting by 10 am"

"Cancel all meetings. You can reschedule it for tomorrow"

"Mom..."

"Ok, mom. I will cancel all meetings. But you have to give me like an hour. I am expecting some files. I must sign them before leaving"

"Take your time but I want you home before 1 pm. I need to brief you and also get you ready for the date"

I frowned. She already set a date?. "You can't set a date..."

"See you at home, sweety," she said and ended the call

**

My assistant brought in some magazines. "Ma'am, your magazines are here"

I gestured for her to drop it on the table. "Who knows about the magazine?"

"Nobody"

"Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Very sure. I made sure they were well wrapped. I did not use the usual delivery man" she assured me

I sighed. "Thanks. You can leave. And please cancel all my appointments for today. I will be going home"

"Yes boss"

After she left, I picked one of the magazines up. As usual Jayden's picture was on the first page. I smiled. It was good to see him though only in the magazine.

It's been a year and I wondered if he thought about me as much I do. I wondered if he's still single or he has moved on. I couldn't follow his personal life cause my mom won't let me. She has prevented me from doing that right after I came back from St. Vincent. She made me delete his numbers too. But thank goodness I knew his number off hand. I tried calling him but when mom found out, she threatened to hurt him if I don't stay away from him and focus on making my father proud.

She said he was going to be a distraction if I keep getting in touch with him. I cried so much and locked myself up in my room for so many days but nothing changed. I could only hope he wouldn't forget about me and hope he understands why I did all that.

My mom had also tried to make me date so many guys. I had gone on so many blind dates but none seems to work. She gave up when she realized it wasn't going to work. So many times I was tempted to call him and ask if he has thought of me for once. I wanted to call Ethan too but I knew I couldn't that would only make me want Jayden more. I will want to know how he is faring and might run away.

I stopped worrying about him when my dad had an accident. And some days later we lost him. Mom blamed me for his death. She said if I had given all my best at work, dad wouldn't have gone on that trip and died. If I did not tell him I was going to St. Vincent for Jayden's convocation, dad would not have gone to the meeting on my behalf. I hated myself for letting my dad go.

If he did not go by land, there was a possibility he would be alive today. He couldn't go by air because the doctor told him not to. Mom was mad at me. She wouldn't talk to me also. Dia was angry too. Katie wouldn't talk to. They all blamed me for killing my dad.

Remembering all these, I couldn't stop myself from crying. It's been two years since I lost my dad but I couldn't stop blaming myself. If I had stayed back he would be alive now.

I dropped the magazine on the table. How I wish I could take him off my mind but I couldn't. If I could I won't be smuggling his magazine to my office. I picked the magazine again. He was looking nice. I could tell he is happy. I was proud of who he had turned out to be.

I was proud he was making waves. I was proud to see him make headlines in newspapers and magazines. I was happy he has been able to move on. I stared at the magazine and smiled. "Hope you are well?. Hope you're happy?"

I packed all the magazines and stood up. I kept them on the usual shelf. I made sure I locked it before heading home.

**

"Mom I don't think all this is necessary. You should let me go the way I want"

"No, you can't. I know you too well. I need to dress you well for the meeting"

I frowned. "I am not going to marry him. You know that. This has happened so many times"

"There is no time. You should get going and make sure to be at your best"

I sighed. Mom..."

"I will be waiting for good news"

I scoffed. "Good news indeed" I whispered

She started at me. "What did you say?"

I stood up and hugged her. "I will see you soon"

I left the house and headed for the restaurant. I was seated, waiting for my date to show up. I waited but no one showed up. After waiting for some hours, I got tired and returned home. I was furious and told mom I wasn't going on any date again.

She called the following day to tell me he scheduled another meeting at another restaurant. I told her I wasn't going but she made me go. The same thing happened he didn't show up. This went on for a week. I kept going to different restaurants hoping to see whoever he was.

I was furious each time I come back but usually get a bunch of flowers from him. He always apologizes and promises to see me the next day. I wondered who he was and how he was able to know the kind of flowers I love.

I got back from work, tired, and needed some rest when I received a message. It was from the secret admirer. I call him that cause he reminds me so much about Jay and how jealous he would have been if he was to be here. He asked me to come to a restaurant and promised to show up. He sent his driver to bring me some clothes and also bring me to the restaurant. When I told mom, she asked me to go. She seems to know who he is but kept shut.

I was skeptical about going but I finally decided to go. When I got there, I met the shock of my life. I batted my lashes in surprise. He was someone I had hoped to see soon. "Jay?!!"