A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE FIFTY THREE

THEME: Cold hearted Christopher

CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

CRAWFORD MANSION

When Hope had informed Raven that they were going to have a small dinner for everyone in attendant at the wedding, she didn’t tell her or probably forgot to tell her that they were going to have a fully decorated table with exotic flower designs and another filled with different mouth watering delicacies at their backyard.

Everywhere was littered with beautiful white roses making it all seem real like an actual wedding. About four people stood around ushering them to their expected seats and the tables were arranged into fours. Christopher and Raven had the chairs at the edge facing the whole family. When they all settled, Christopher stood up with a glass of champagne in hand.

Clearing his throat he looked around at the gathering. “I would like to make a toast on behalf of I and my pretty wife here…” He said by turning towards Raven and dropping a not so light kiss on her lips.

Raven was beginning to think he enjoyed doing the act than he appears. “I want to thank my parents for always supporting me. I love you mom and dad.”

Both Hope and James raised their glasses at him. “You are welcome son.” Hope said.

Christopher continued. “I want to thank my lovely sisters, Ashley and Ava. Most importantly I want to thank Eva for not refusing to let me marry her daughter even when the family wasn’t experiencing a good moment. And to my wonderful friend turned brother Benjamin, I appreciate you man. Thanks for all you do. Hey kiddos, you are not forgotten thanks for gracing this occasion with you restless feet, the cleaners would have a load of work to do by tomorrow.” Everyone laughed at that. “And the final toast goes to my beautiful wife, baby, I am so proud of you for staying strong not just for Rowan but also for me too. Thanks for not turning me down and for standing by me. I promise to be the best man to you, your best friend, confidant and lover. I love you so much.” His words flowed so smoothly as if he had been rehearsing the lines all along.

Everyone clapped unrelenting at the end of his speech. To avoid not being seen as unappreciative, Raven stood up to kiss his lips. It was supposed to be a quick one but Christopher decided to deepen the kiss and it lasted for a few seconds. She had almost had tears in her eyes for what seemed like a speech from the heart. But he could have had her fooled, he was really good at faking and she wondered if this wasn’t his first time.

“So everyone it is a serve yourself party, you can eat as much as you want.” Ava announced.

The children danced in excitement as they rushed towards the pastry table. Too many colorful, icy and sugary pastries were flaunted on the table.

“Be careful to not indulge in too much sugar Rowan, you are on drugs.” Eva warned, calling out to Rowan when she noticed him picking up a cup cake with icing on it.

The adults didn’t seem ready to eat yet as they picked partners taking turns in having side discussions. Raven watched as her mom chatted away with James and Hope. Ashley had her husband glued to her side and it really made her wonder if the man ever leaves her side. Christopher and Benjamin stood few feet away from the food table talking in low tones. And she knew it had to be about her.

Raven felt lonely, she had dropped series of texts for Tiana but none had been read or replied to. It felt like she was all alone in the world where everyone had someone to talk to.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Missing your husband already?” Ava taunted.

Raven rolled her eyes and let out a light chuckle. “Why would you say that?”

“Your face says it all, I see your eyes lingering on him there. You can’t wait can you?”

Raven didn’t understand Ava’s assertions and it didn’t seem right that anyone would think she was giving Christopher the googly eye. All she had done all morning was roll them deep into their sockets and she was beginning to fear they would roll back in and never pop up again.

Raven acted shyly and gave off a tight smile. “That’s not true.”

Ava wiggled her nose. “Well… it’s not like you would admit it. But I do know you both are crazy about each other. You couldn’t even let yourselves off for a second at the registry.”

Not wanting to put up any further argument, Raven just nodded and checked her phone again.

“Perhaps are you expecting someone?” Ava questioned when she noticed Raven was distracted.

“Ahm… yes… yes… yes, it’s my friend, Tiana. She should have gotten here by now.”

“Maybe she got stuck in traffic. Let me get you something to feed on, do you mind some salad?” Ava offered.

“That would be great.” She replied still looking at the entrance.

In a few minutes, one of the ushers brought back a plate of salad for her saying Ava had to step out quickly. Deciding to distract herself, she chewed on the salad rigidly.

“Those kisses were way out of this world that I could have sworn you were deeply in love with her. ” Benjamin jeered at his friend, sipping on his glass while keeping an eye on Raven. “She looks nervous as hell and you aren’t helping matters.”

Christopher looked towards her, seeing how unstable she was, even when she seemed busy with the salad plate in her hand. “It’s not like I can help it, but can she at least keep her fucking ass down and not look so lost.”

“Why are you getting all angry?” Benjamin queried with a raised eyebrow.

“Am I now?”

“Don’t do that Chris, she isn’t Jessica. She wasn’t the one that put you in a frenzy. Please be nice to her because she is going through so much.”

Christopher felt the urge to bawl. “I am going through just as much. At least she is getting paid for the service she is rendering.” He whispered, staring around to see if anyone wasn’t listening to their conversation.

“So as you are getting promoted to becoming a CEO.” Benjamin fired back.

Christopher snorted and he replied in sarcasm. “Points noted, thanks.”

“You are so annoying!” Benjamin bit back. “You know what? I should stuff myself with enough sugar. Your sour attitude is beginning to leave a bitter taste in my mouth!” And with that he stomped off to the food tables.

Christopher exhaled, staring at his friend back as he walked away. He laughed to himself. Benjamin was initiating a who can eat the cupcake faster competition with Rowan. He seemed to be quite friendly with the boy. He wouldn’t blame him though because Rowan seem like a lively kid.

“You would have yours as soon as you both get to it.” His father’s voice boomed from behind.

“Dad!” Christopher exclaimed. “When did you get here?”

“Long enough to see how much you adore the little boy.” James answered.

Christopher raised an eyebrow. “Dad, what do you mean?”

“You can’t fool me boy, it is obvious you want your own kid so badly.”

His father’s words had him laughing so awkwardly. “Please stop it dad. I will like to go see my wife now, if you will please excuse me.” He said and walked away.

“You sure do!” James called out, laughing heartily at his son’s shyness.

Raven bit hard on her lips, it was becoming more of an habit. Since she was becoming more anxious as of late. Tiana still hadn’t shown up and it has been almost thirty minutes since the merriment began.

“I am so going to murder, Tiana!” She grumbled, Tiana’s name coming out in a muffled tone.

“Isn’t that too soon?” Christopher muttered as he stood in front of her with his hands in his pocket and his eyes throwing daggers at her.