Chapter 47: Chapter 47

It was Rita's birthday. The house had been decorated by professionals in the event decoration skill.

I licked my lips, savouring the aroma of grilled turkey as I walked towards the kitchen where the caterers were doing their job.

They could have easily cooked their meals in their own catering kitchen but Rita had insisted they did it here to supervise everything they were doing closely.

Rita loved perfection and on her 27th birthday, there was no doubt she wasn't going to live up to expectations.

"Hey, birthday girl," I said as I sighted her in the kitchen.

"Cassie, how are you doing?" She asked.

"I'm hungry, and you?" I asked.

"I'll be fine," She said.

"What happened? You know you can always confide in me," I said.

She sighed, "I'm just thinking of how much of a failure I still am at 27."

"You're not a failure and you're living well. You're my manager and your modelling career is on the rise," I said.

"But I don't even have a husband nor a child at this age," Rita said.

"Thought you said you weren't interested in getting married," I countered.

She sighed, "I just always say that to mask my true feelings. I want to get married someday and have a kid or two, but every guy I meet isn't ready for such commitments. That's why I just decided to have fun and act like I'm not bothered," She explained.

I gave a small smile, "You'll be fine and honestly speaking, you're not old."

She scoffed, "In three years from now, I'll be in my thirties. What do you have to say about that? I don't want to be sixty or seventy with nobody by my side."

I shrugged. "Well, we'll be together till we grow old if you don't get married cause I really am not planning on settling down with anyone. Cheers to that," I said.

She sneered, "Sooner or later, you'll forgive Amsey and it'd just be me here."

"I don't think I'll ever forgive him," I said.

"How about what Cameron said to you a few days ago?" She asked.

"He's my son, he's known me all his life. Soon, he'll forget about his father and stop talking about him," I said.

"You really think so?"

I nodded, "Kinda."

My stomach made a growling sound and Rita chuckled.

"You should have something to eat," She said.

"I really should," I agreed.

"I'd leave you to that. By the way, where's my present?" She asked.

"Ohh, I forgot about that," I lied.

"You shouldn't have forgotten, I'm  highly disappointed. We're supposed to be best friends," She said.

"Exactly, me being your best friend should be your present everyday of your life," I said.

"If you think I'm going to say 'awwn, that's true,' you're wrong. We're not in Disney," She said and stormed out.

I just laughed after she had said that and walked out. I had already gotten her a present for her birthday and I was sure she was going to love it, I just wanted her to be angry for a little while.

"Can we take a picture with you?" Two young chefs in the kitchen whom I had never seen in my life said as they walked up to me.

"Sure," I said, surprised.

I'd kind of forgotten I was a celebrity ever since you know when.

I took about three pictures with them and they thanked me profusely and beamed so happily.

"You look so beautiful even without an iPhone Camera," A chubby lady said.

"Thank you," I said, with a small smile.

"I can't believe that I'm in your house and I'm seeing you in flesh and blood," Another one chipped in.

"Yeah. I umm.. I gotta go," I said.

I walked out of the kitchen in a hurry. Damn! Fans were freaking crazy and having them in my own home was a challenge for me.

I bumped into Mary on my way upstairs.

"Mary, could you please bring food for me from the kitchen?" I asked.

"Yes ma," She said.

"Thanks," I told her then proceeded to my room.

I was sure she'd be wondering why I hadn't gotten the food myself when I was just coming from the kitchen but I didn't need to explain to her, people only understood you when they were in your shoes.

I got back into my room and collapsed on my personal couch, no one dared sit there apart from me. I had gotten it on a trip to Miami and had it shipped down to Nigeria. It was so magnificent and somewhat of the antique type; it had this elegance I admired and to avoid anyone sitting on it, I had put it in my bedroom.

I rarely sat on it though, my bed was my favourite furniture, anytime and at any day.

Classy ladies held parties at night but Rita's own was scheduled for 12:00 noon. I felt it was so immature but that's what Rita wanted and we had to oblige to her wishes.

I knew that it was because of Pastor James, my dad, that she did that. She wanted to look like a good girl or something of the sort in his presence. In all honesty, I couldn't see what was so special in him that she practically worshipped his presence.

Cameron had only been exchanging greetings with me. He was apparently still mad at me for being insensitive and not giving in to his demands but I knew he'd come around.

I also had disagreements with my mum when she was still alive and I'd wear a long face and ignore her but then, she was my mum and I never felt angry at her for too long.

Cameron was a child with the inability of holding grudges, I had no fear whatsoever concerning his recent behaviour towards me.

I eyed the short black and shiny armless dress which lay on my bed. I had ironed it and left it there in preparation for Rita's birthday party.

By 1:00pm, the guests had already begun to arrive and the volume of the secular music playing was tuned to the highest, I guess, because of how it was blaring all over the place.

I sat in front of my dressing mirror, trying to apply my mascara as nicely and slowly as I could, making sure it wasn't ruined and wasn't messed up.

Rita had called in a popular makeup artist to do her makeup but since I was bored and had a lot of time on my hands, I had opted to do my makeup myself.

Besides, I didn't want to look way more beautiful than the celebrant after combining my natural beauty with a makeup artist's magic; it just didn't feel right.

"Hi," I heard Amsey's voice say.

Startled, my fingers quaked and my mascara missed its way and landed close to my eyebrows.

I turned around and saw Amsey standing in my doorway clad in a blue sharkskin tuxedo and a pair of black Venetian loafers.

I couldn't help but stare at his breathtaking appearance. I quickly reminded myself that I was supposed to be detesting him and not admiring him so I blinked and shut my mouth.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, after putting on a tough composure.

"I..umm.. I was invited by Rita," He said.

"You're lying, there's no freaking way in the world she'd have invited you to come here when she's aware that I'd hate that," I opposed.

He shrugged, "You can ask her yourself. I had been skeptical about coming here but she'd assured me that you won't get mad, she specifically told me that you had said she could invite anyone of her choice."

"My goodness! So that's where she was playing at," I said as realisation hit me.

When Rita had told me that she wanted me to accept any guest of hers happily and not send anyone out, I had agreed unaware that she had been planning something dubious.

"Your silence implies you know I'm telling the truth," He said.

"That's something worth praising," I said sarcastically.

"What do you mean by that?" He asked.

"You telling the truth is something worth praising," I said and opened the drawer.

"Cas, I'm very sorry about what happened," He said.

"Listen, Amsey, Rita invited you for her party which is taking place in the living room downstairs, not in my bedroom," I said.

"You're sending me out?"

"Apparently, I am," I said.

I brought out the tissue paper and tore out some and proceeded to dab the mascara that had accidentally gotten close to my eyebrows.

I saw Amsey walk towards me from the corner of my eyes but I simply ignored him.

He touched my bare shoulder and I tingled inside.

"What is it? I already told you you're not welcome here," I snapped.

"I really love you, Cas, and all I did was for you to be happy," He said.

"I know."

"So why are you so closed up? Why aren't you talking to me anymore? Why can't you forgive me?" He asked.

"Why didn't you just tell me the truth when people were clamouring for a DNA test? Why did you let me go through much humiliation by people questioning my character?" I retorted.

He heaved a sigh, "I wanted to reveal it in front of the world."

"To achieve what?"

"If you hadn't gone on with the test, people will have thought you're lying and you slept with more men and I had just connived with you to lie that I'm Cameron's father.

"By doing what I did, it was obvious that you were confused about the whole situation and you didn't involve yourself in any foul play. What I did brought shame to those bastards and saved you from having one of them as Cameron's father," He concluded.

After successfully dabbing out the mascara, I dumped the used tissue in the trashcan.

"I... I prayed a few times that... that there was a way..a way that none of those three men shared any relationship with my child. God answered my prayers," I said.

"Yeah. How about we raise a glass to that?" Amsey joked and chuckled.

I swallowed and looked up, meeting his eyes.

"Amsterdam, I'm never forgiving you," I said and stood up.

He held both of my hands, "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness but just remember the love we once shared. I respect you a lot, Cas and I may not say this again because of my ego, but you're the best thing that ever happened to me," He said.

I rolled my eyes, "You're just saying that to make me give in to what you want."

"No, Cas. I've never loved any girl as much as I love you. That day we met, it wasn't a coincidence, it was all ordained by fate. We're a match made in Heaven and it was our destiny to meet. I know we're facing a lot of hard times in our relationship but just give me another chance," He pleaded.

"How many more chances should I give you?" I asked, blinking back tears.

"Just one last chance."

I removed my hands from his hold before my emotions could get the better of me.

"I have no more chances to give," I said, and began walking out.

"What about for Cameron's sake?" He asked.

I stopped right in my tracks but I didn't look back.

"He'll understand...soon enough," I responded and walked out of the bedroom.

I headed downstairs and camera lights flashed in all directions at me as they recorded my entrance into the living room where the party was taking place.

"Oh my, you're looking so beautiful," Rita said as she came towards me.

She was putting on a yellow ball gown and had on a tiara with golden accessories and heels, her makeup was quite heavy though but she looked pretty much amazing.

"And you too. Happy birthday once again," I said and hugged her.

"Mum, can I use your phone?" Cameron asked as he ran to meet me all dressed in a black tuxedo.

"For what?" I asked.

"To take some pictures of you, dad and I," He said.

"Cam.....e...ron!" I yelled.

"Mum!!" He yelled back.

"You know that's not possible," I said.

"Mum, I've been reading hard and writing my exams well," Cameron said.

"That's good," I said with a smile.

"Do you know why?" He asked.

"You want to make me proud?"

"No. I'm hoping that you'd give me something if I'm among the top three in my class," He said.

"And what's that? An iPhone?" I asked, chuckling.

He shook his head.

"Then what?"

"I want us to take a family picture," He said.

I sighed, "I should have guessed that's what you had in mind."

"Please, mum. You have to promise me that," He said.

"That's not an issue, I'd do anything for you," He said.

"Stop lying. You can't even forgive my dad for my sake," He said.

"Cameron, when did you start calling Amsey your dad?" I asked.

"But he's my dad. I can't be calling him my uncle when he's really my dad," He argued.

"I understand. I'm just surprised, that's all," I said, trying to mask the hurt I felt.

"How do you like my tux?" He asked, changing the topic.

"It's nice. At least, they delivered what they put online and not some semblance of it," I said, feeling the material with my hands.

Cameron giggled and brought out a glass case from his pocket.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Sunglasses," He muttered.

"I don't recognise them," I said.

He opened the case and brought out a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses.

"Did...did Amsey give you those?" I asked.

"Yes. I was going to ask you if I could keep it. How did you know it's from him?" Cameron asked.

I smiled, "That's just his style, and yes, you can keep it."

"Thanks mum," He said and smiled.

"My phone's on my bed if you still want it," I said.

"Double thanks," He said with a broad smile.

I giggled, "You're welcome."

I watched him run up the stairs with a grin transfixed on his face.

"You're not mad I got him something?" I heard Amsey say behind me.

"I'm not happy you did but he already collected it from you, what could I have done?" I retorted, not looking back.

"You're a good mother," He said.

"Don't start. Today's a happy day, I don't want you ruining it," I said.

"Look at your dad and Rita," He said, now standing behind me.

I traced his gaze to where they stood laughing heartily at only God knows what.

"They look happy together," I said in a small tone.

"I think they're in love," Amsey said.

"I'm happy for them," I said.

"Don't you feel like having what they share? They'll probably get married and have a family. Don't you want that as well?" Amsey asked.

"I don't. I'm so obsessed with making it in life that I don't really care about family and marriage; especially marriage which is at the bottom of my to-do list," I responded.

"You're just trying to conceal your true feelings by saying that marriage isn't your priority," Amsey said.

"I'm being honest," I said.

"Mum, you have a call," Cameron said as he rushed down the stairs with my phone in his hand.

"Thanks darling."

I collected the phone from him and walked out of the house to receive the call since everywhere was noisy.

It was an unknown number which showed on the caller ID.

I was skeptical about picking up the call at first but I later answered it.

"Hello," A feminine voice said from the other end.

"Who are you?" I retorted.

"I'm someone you need to meet," She said.

"I can't just meet anyone I don't know. Who are you?" I asked again.

"Meet me at MyYa's Cafe in an hour for your own good," The voice said.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked but the line had gone dead.

I tried calling back but it didn't go through.

Just then, Michael came up.

"Good afternoon ma'am," He said.

"Yeah. If someone calls and tells you to meet them for your own good, will you go?" I asked.

"Ma, is this personal?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Then you have to go. You're a celebrity. The person may know something that could ruin your reputation and have some evidence to back it up. Maybe he wants some settlement," Michael said.

"You're very correct, but it's a 'she' and I haven't done something that could tarnish my reputation," I argued.

"You never can tell, ma'am. It's hard living as a celebrity and you don't know what you may have said or done that could make your reputation get tainted," Michael said.

I thought for a while and reasoned with him.

"Thank you so much, you're a good advisor," I said.

"Sure. I'd go inform Wale and Franklin so we could accompany you. Where are you meeting the person?" He asked.

"MyYa's Cafe," I said.

"Okay then, we'll go get ready," He said and turned his back.

"Wait, Michael, why were you here in the first place?" I asked, getting suspicious.

He turned around and brought out a bunch of car keys from his pocket.

"The car arrived. I came here to inform you but I got carried away with what you said," He said.

"Ohh, thanks," I said, receiving the keys from him.

"It's parked downstairs. It's lovely and feminine, I'm sure she'll love it," He said.

"Thanks again. You're such an amazing staff," I said.

"You're welcome," He said and walked away.

As I was going back inside, the door opened and I bumped into someone.

I looked up and saw it was Amsey.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Sorry, I was just leaving."

"And for how long did you stay?" I sneered.

"Are you missing my presence already?" He teased.

"Missing your presence? In your dreams."

"I only came to see you and I've done that. I have to be somewhere now," He said in a serious tone.

"That's none of my business," I said.

"You look beautiful today, I love your dress," He said, ignoring my previous statement.

"Whatever happened to "you're ugly in whatever you put on?" I retorted.

"I always mean the opposite whenever I say that," He said.

"I don't believe you," I argued.

"I don't have time for your drama right now. I'll answer you some other time," He said and walked down the stairs.

Oh my goodness! Did he just practically ignore me and walk away?

I felt highly offended and got into the house.

"Mum, it's time to present the presents," Cameron said.

"Is that so? What did you get her?" I asked.

"A box of chocolates. I used some of the money I've been saving in my piggy bank to get it for her," Cameron said.

"Darling, you're so sweet," I said with a smile.

"I actually had Aunt Mary buy it while she got groceries," He said.

"Did you thank her?" I asked.

"I did."

Rita came to where we were standing.

"Even Cameron got me a gift. How come you didn't get me something?" She asked, looking really annoyed.

"I get you birthday presents every year, it's not compulsory I do so this time around," I said.

"You're so unbelievable," She said, crossing her arms.

"I'm sure mum got you something. She's just pretending," Cameron said.

"My son knows me so well," I said, revealing the keys.

"Oh my God! You got me a car?" Rita screamed.

"Yeah. A Mercedes Benz to be precise," I said.

"No way!" She screamed and hugged me.

"Here are the keys," I said, handing them over.

She collected them and laughed hysterically.

"Where's the car?" She asked in between laughs.

"Downstairs," I said.

She scurried out of the house with Cameron tagging along, leaving the guests by themselves.

I smiled, happy that she was really happy.

"Sandra," My dad called.

"Yes?" I responded, beaming at him.

"You're such a good person. I'm proud of you," He said.

"I know. Do you like Rita? You guys have been pretty close lately," I said.

"She's a good girl. I don't know how people will react though if I get married to someone of the same age as my daughter," He said.

"She's older than me with almost a year, we're not age mates, but I understand your point. Listen, dad, you should follow your heart and ignore everyone else," I said.

I saw tears trickle down his eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"You called me dad for the first time, I've waited so long to hear that," He said.

I smiled, "I'm sorry for making you wait that long, dad."

He hugged me and sobbed, ignoring the camera lights flashed at us.

"You're my daughter, I love you."

"I love you too, dad," I said.

Barely an hour later, my car pulled over at MyYa's Cafe, Lekki, Lagos.

I was still putting on the same black dress but I had worn a hat and dark sunglasses to compliment the outfit and to hide my identity.

About the same time, a White Ferrari pulled over in the parking lot.

Damn! I admired Ferraris.

I had the money to buy it, I had just felt it wasn't a necessity.

After I'm paid for featuring in Laura Nutshell's song, I'd most definitely get myself a Ferrari, probably as a birthday gift.

I was surprised to see Amsey alight from the Ferarri from the backseat.

He walked towards me.

"What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?" I asked.

"I was just about to say the same thing," He retorted.

"Fine then. Since this was a coincidence, let's pretend like we didn't see each other and go about our business," I suggested.

"Whatever," He said and walked into the Cafe, without so much as a glance back.

I scoffed. He could have argued with me but he didn't for the second time in just one afternoon. I didn't even give a damn, after all, what I've always wanted was for him to leave me alone.

I adjusted my glasses and hissed.

He had even started wearing expensive designer clothes again, gotten Cameron Ray-Ban glasses and was driving a Ferrari.

How in God's name was he able to afford that car? Oh! I'd forgotten he now had all the money that once belonged to Mr Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye who was likely to step down from the office of the Lagos State Governor soon.

I entered into the small but exquisite Cafe and looked around, hoping the person will just see me and beckon at me.

How was the person even to recognise me when I had on a hat and glasses and was so desperately trying to avoid eye contact with anyone?

"Cassandra Msheila Peters," I heard the same feminine voice who had spoken to me over the phone call my name.

I turned around and saw a woman apparently in her fifties dressed in a long skirt and an oversized t-shirt.

"By God, you look so much like your late mother!" She exclaimed.

"Are you the one who called me here?" I asked, finding it hard to believe.

"Yes," She responded.

"I was expecting to see a young fierce-looking lady. Good afternoon, ma'am," I said.

"Good afternoon. Let's go and sit," She said.

"Sure."

I followed her to a table for two people and sat opposite her.

"So, you knew my mother?" I asked.

She gave a faint smile and nodded.

"But who are you?" I asked.

"My name is Mrs Rohim. I used to work as a cook for The Okorie Johnson family. You know Mr Okorie Johnson, don't you?" She asked.

"Who's that? Oh, Mr Grumpy? Yeah, yeah. My mum worked there as well," I said, getting interested.

"I have some vital information for you," She said.