Chapter 26: Chapter 26

For the past few days Charlene noticed something unusual about him, he wasn't harsh on her like before. Sometimes he was grumpy but not like before, Charlene thought he was being nice because of what happened and she was yet to understand him. Today was her birthday, of course she and Charles were going to celebrate their birthday. Normally Charles used to be the first person to wish her or Javier, they always competed. She wondered if her 24th birthday would go well now that she wasn't living with her parents anymore.

The continuous beeping of her phone woke her, she removed the nightmask she used to blinded her eyes. She glanced at the other side and Richard wasn't in bed with her, she scanned the bedroom but he wasn't in the room. She sighed after checking the radio clock, she believed he had left for work.

She extended her hand to the nightstand, she picked the phone and checked. There were tons of wishes. She didn't bother to read the messages, she dropped her phone on the bed, she moved to the edge, put her feet on the cold floor she slid into her scuff and went to the bathroom. She halted in front of the mirror, she unbandaged her head and touched the wounded part, it had healed. She took off her nightdress and stepped out of it.

She had a warm bath, dyed her golden hair to auburn. She stepped out after she was done, went to the closet and dressed up. Their midterm examination was over, she had time to look after Miguel since he had been frequently rejecting his babysitter whenever she made an attempt to get close to him. Their attraction was getting intense everyday, sometimes Richard became jealous but he always refrained himself from expressing it.

Her phone rang instantly and she stepped out of the closet, she was wearing a strapless pink dress which reached above her knee. She was about to leave the room when her phone rang, she grunted softly before whirling. She walked up to the bed, she picked up without checking the call ID.

“Happy birthday love.”

Charlene moved the phone away from her ear, Charles' voice was loud that rang in her ear. “Happy birthday, Charles.”

“Are you coming over now? Let's celebrate like we always do. Mummy is going to bake us some cookies. Or do you want to organize a party?”

Charlene shook her head as if he could see her. “No. I'll be right there. ”

“I'm waiting.”

Charlene hung up, she sauntered out of the room. She went to Miguel's room, he was playing with his toy. He pivoted his head when he heard the sound of the door, he gurgled cheerfully. She smiled, strode to him and extended her hands to carry him.

“Good morning, ma'am.” The babysitter greeted her.

“Good morning.” Charlene carried Miguel in her arms, she pecked his cheeks and his forehead while smiling brightly at him. “Did you sleep well baby? I can see it in your eyes, Miguel. So fresh, do you mind going out with me?” Charlene kept talking to him as if he could respond to her but Miguel only made a few sounds but reacted with a smile.

She turned around to look at the babysitter. “You should take a break today. I'm taking him out.” She informed her calmly.

She gasped bewilderingly. “What! You can't take him out. Sir Richard will scold me if you take him out without his permission.”

“Leave me to deal with that.” Charlene rolled her eyes and walked out of the room. She feeds Miguel before having her breakfast. She knew Richard would definitely scold her for taking Miguel out, however Miguel wouldn't stay with his babysitter now that Charlene showed up.

James drove them to the mansion, she alighted with Miguel in her arms. She glanced around, the air was fresh and soothing. She headed inside, instantly she stepped into the living room and she was welcomed by everyone.

“Happy birthday, Charlene!” Kathleen, Rowan, Flavia, Javier, Fiona and Charles were standing. Two different cakes were placed on the luxury table.

Charlene looked around the room, she was super elated and happy. “Oh, my God.” She exclaimed delightfully.

“Happy birthday, Charlene.” Javier wished, walked toward her and pecked her cheeks.

“Seriously, Charles? Why didn't you tell me everyone is here.” She walked closer.

“It will ruin the surprise. Happy birthday to us.” Charles kissed her forehead, he lifted a brow as he nodded his head at Miguel.

Charlene understood his gesture. “Miguel is here to celebrate with us.” She mumbled.

Kathleen walked up to her, pecked her cheeks and wished her. Rowan smiled at her. “Happy birthday princess.” Kathleen stroked her hair behind her ear.

Charles pouted his lips, faking a frown. “You're doing your favorite, mum.”

Rowan chuckled at his countenance.

“Of course not. I woke you up with a kiss on your cheeks, singing your favorite song but my princess never got one from me until now. Don't be a silly brother.”

Everyone burst into delighted laughter. “Don't be a jealous freak, Charles. It's our day so relax.” Charles knocked him tenderly on his head.

He groaned silently and glared at him. “Stop, Charlene.”

“I didn't do anything.”

Charlene attempted to make him sit on the sofa but Miguel clung to her as he clutched her dress. Charlene looked at everyone before returning to her standing position. She didn't bother to put him down, Miguel would definitely cry if she did. Kathleen raised the cake to her face, she blew air on the candles. Charles blew the candle and everyone roared happily.

She knew there was no birthday she would ever celebrate that would be more splendid like celebrating home with her parents around. Kisses on her face and fingers that would ruffle her hair tenderly, she was obviously satisfied.

She had a bite of the cake when Kathleen extended it to her mouth. They celebrated, danced until Kathleen was called for an emergency, she left. After a few minutes Rowan also left for what.

Javier, Fiona, Charles and Charlene were the only people in the living room, chatting happily. “Did you invite her, Javier?” Charlene asked, looking at Fiona.

“She knew today's your birthday. She called me and I invited her here.” Javier ate the cookies in his hand.

“Thanks for coming, Fiona. I love you.”

“You're welcome. Is that not Miguel Sullivan?” Charlene nodded. “Wow! He resembles his mum.”

“But he has the same eyes as Richard. That appealing dimple and long lashes... I think he resembles Richard a little.” She said knowingly.

“So tell me, am I the first person that wished you or was it Richard?” Charles asked humorously.

Mentioning his name reminded her that Richard never wished her, she woke up to find him gone, probably to work, she couldn't conclude in her contemplation that he knew today was her birthday.

“I did. I beat you to that.” Javier teased.

“It was mum.” She eventually replied, she moved her hand to Miguel's face and caressed it tenderly.

“Oh.” Charles' eyes with disappointment. “Just like previous years. If it was Javier I would have cried my eyes out.”

“But he did it before you.” Charlene laughed mockingly.

“Why should I believe that?”

“You have to.” Charles kept smiling at Miguel who never let go of Charlene, he hugged her like she was running away. Charles's phone rang, it was in between them, luckily she caught a glimpse of the call ID. “Castigator?” She knew instantly that it was Veronica, his nemesis.

Charles glared at him grimly, he took his phone and excused himself. Her eyes darkened with suspicion while looking at him. “She should take you out on a date.” Charlene hollered enthusiastically.

He winked at her surly and walked away. Javier stood up from where he was sitting, he strode to where Charlene was and sat beside her. “Should I treat you for dinner?”

She chortled as she focused her gaze on him. “Are you asking me on a date?”

“Uh-huh, yeah.”

She glanced at Fiona before switching her gaze on him. “Tomorrow.”

He dipped his hand in his pocket and brought a small red box out. “No problem.” He shrugged his shoulders. He opened the box and brought a silver necklace out.

“Wow!” She admired the necklace, she couldn't wait for him to hook it on her necklace. It was as if Javier heard her thought, he giggled, he unhooked the necklace, extended his hands and hooked it on her necklace. Charlene touched the pendant, staring intently into his eyes in rapture. “Thank you. I love it.”

IT WAS TWILIGHT when she returned to the mansion. She really had a great time with Javier and Fiona, after the call Charles hadn't returned. Charlene was familiar with the tension, seeing the maids flocking around everywhere like birds, she knew instantly that Richard must have returned. She was overwhelmed with anxiety just by the thought of what he might say to her.

She ascended the stairs upstairs, took Miguel to his room, fortuitously his babysitter was inside. “Welcome ma'am.”

“Here, carry him.” Miguel had slept off on her shoulder, gently the babysitter carried him and took him to his crib.

Charlene exited the room. She opened the door and entered their bedroom, it was dark, no lights were on. She clapped her hands and the lights came on. “Oh, my God.” She gasped at the sight of what she saw in the room. Her eyes popped open.

She walked leisurely toward the bed, the bathroom was heavily decorated with roses including the bed.

She covered her mouth, getting a warm fuzzie from the beautiful sight. There was a card on the bed, and beside the standing lamp there were many gifts. Charlene crouched, she picked the card and read what was written in the card. “Happy birthday, Charlene.” She read out. She was about to walk over to where the gifts were when she heard footsteps approaching the bedroom, she abruptly turned around and saw him already inside. He was wearing a black joggers and white undershirt.

“How did you find out today's my birthday?” Charlene asked calmly while looking at him.

“Charles told me.”

“Charles did?” He nodded. One of his hands was in his right pocket, he halted in front of her and glanced at the card in her hand. “Happy birthday.” He whispered, he brought out a small box, he took a simple ruby necklace out of it and tilted his head close to her, he extended his hands toward her neck and packed her hair to one side.

“Wait–” She tried to stop him from taking off the necklace Javier gave her but Richard had unhooked the necklace. He took her hand and dropped it in her palm before hooking the ruby necklace on her necklace.

“It looks great on you.” He said.

Charlene was dumbfounded for a moment, she looked at the necklace in her palm and touched the one he gave her. “Thank you. It's beautiful.” She purred.

“Come with me, I got you another gift.” He led the way out of the room, then to the garage.

When they arrived, Charlene spotted a new latest Hummer among the cars in the garage. She was completely puzzled, perhaps excited that she lost all the sense of her emotions. He handed her the remote, before she could conceal the excitement in her she jumped on impulsively. However she thought he was going to push her away but Richard surprised her by not reacting, he didn't hug or push her away.

She disengaged quickly and stepped away from him, she adjusted her dress and cleared her throat. “I'm sorry.” She apologized for not looking at him.

“It's nothing.” He said apathetically.

“Oh, my God. All this for me?” She paused. “Thank you so much. I love it, thank you.”

“One more thing.” Richard said. Before Charlene could figure out what he said he pulled her close to himself then leaned over. Charlene widened her eyes, thinking he was going to kiss her because their faces were close. She shut her eyes, anticipating a kiss.