Chapter 8

• Soon, they arrived at a building. It was huge; and people were trooping in and out of it. There was a red carpet; and a lot of celebrities were present at the event.
• "Good day Mr. Hartman. Right this way". A lady said, leading him and his escorts to a place reserved for VIP'S.
• "You may leave". Alex said to his guards.
• "Do you need anything? We have wine varieties". The lady said to him.
• "Give me the best, and nothing but that". Alexander said.
• "Okay". The lady said. She signalled to one of the waiters; who hurriedly left to get the wine.
• Hilda looked at the whole place, it was truly amazing. Although, she felt uncomfortable because Alex failed to introduce her as his wife. The lady who attended to Alex didn't even notice her presence. She couldn’t help but wonder what was going on because her wedding was broadcasted live. At least, she should be given some sort of recognition, right?
• "Hilda! Hilda!!" A voice startled her, bringing her back to reality. It was Alexander.
• "Uh-yes, um, did you say something?" She asked, turning to face him, and looking a little terrified.
• "We need to act as lovingly as possible. This event is important. I was invited here by someone, who will be an important asset to my company". Alexander said.
• 'As lovingly as possible?' She muttered to herself.
• "Okay". She said to him, and he gave her a smile that almost seemed convincing; that he actually loved her.
• "Mr Hartman! It's so good to see you!" A young man who looked in his early thirties said, walking over to Alex, and embracing him.
• "It's good to see you too. You look grown!" Alex said, returning his embrace.
• 'They seem close'. Hilda said to herself.
• "Oh, come on! It's only been a year. I heard you got married. You didn't even send me an invite". The man said.
• "Oh Ethan, I'm so sorry". Alexander said.
• 'His name is Ethan? Where have I heard that name before?' Hilda said to herself.
• 'I need to use the ladies'. She thought, and stood up and left.
• "Where's your pretty wife? I could tell she's pretty. I haven't seen her around you".
• "What do you mean?" Alexander said, looking frantically at him.
• "C'mon bro! It was broadcasted live. Your wedding, remember?" Ethan said.
• "Oh, yes. I almost forgot about that. It's difficult being a man like me".
• "It's not, bro. All the ladies out there are dying to be with you. You can't say the same for me, can you?" Ethan said, and they both laughed.
• "So, where's your wife?"
• "Uh- she's…" Alexander turned to point to where Hilda sat, but she was nowhere to be seen.
• "Um, I'm sure she just went somewhere shortly, she'll be back soon".
• "Okay then". Ethan said.
• "So, about the sales in…"
• *********
• "Where is this darn restroom!" Hilda said, frustrated. She had walked tirelessly around, and couldn't seem to find the restroom; and no one was around her.
• "F-ck!" She cursed, as her right heel got broken. "What do I do now?" She said to herself.
• She stood there for a while, before someone approached her.
• "Excuse me". The voice said. It was a deep, yet calming voice. It spoke from behind her; and Hilda couldn't turn to face it.
• "Excuse me, ma'am, are you alright?" The voice asked. This time, she turned to face it. It was the man Alexander was talking to.
• "Hilda!? Is that really you?"
• "Ethan?"
• "Yes, it's me, Ethan".
• "Oh my God Ethan! I've missed you!" Hilda said, hugging him. He returned the gesture, by hugging her back, tightly.
• "Where have you been? You just ran off from the company. Did you resign?"
• "I had to". Hilda said, sadly.
• "But, why? You didn't even inform me".
• "You travelled then. And, I thought you knew. You're the C.O.O., remember?"
• "You know we have a lot of employees. I didn’t notice your presence for a while, but I didn't bother to ask; I've been pretty occupied".
• "It's only been two weeks, Ethan".
• "That's more than enough. Please, you can't resign. Come back".
• "I can't do that, Ethan".
• "But why? You know how much I care about you, Hilda. Tell me what's bothering you. Something is clearly bothering you".
• "It's complicated".
• "How so?"
• "I'm married, Ethan".
• "What!? To whom? Wow, this is rich. My two close friends goy married, and none of them deemed it fit to send me an invite. Funny how the both of you are here".
• "He's your close friend?"
• "Wait, who?" Ethan asked, confused.
• "We can't be seen together, Ethan".
• "Now, that's just ridiculous. How? Why shouldn't we?"
• "If he finds out I'm talking to someone, let alone a guy, he-"
• "Hold on, hold on, is Alexander Hartman your husband?"
• "Um-"
• "I knew it! I couldn't really see your face but I could recognise you a little but I wasn't sure. You looked really pretty out there! Wow, my friends got married. This is epic!"
• "Ethan, don't be silly. Please, we can't be seen together. If he sees us, I'm done for. You should probably go back to him".
• "We're only having a conversation, Hilda. What are you so afraid of?"
• "I- I have to go". Hilda said.
• "Your heel is broken. I should probably call Alexander. You can't go anywhere in this state".
• "I was just looking for the restroom". Hilda said.
• "It's just there". Ethan said, pointing to a door which was just opposite where Hilda stood. It had a ladies sign on it.
• "Oh, thanks". Hilda said. She hurriedly went in and came out seconds later.
• "You're still here?" She asked, looking at him.
• "Your heel is broken. I couldn't leave you like that. I called Alexander, but he didn't take my calls".
• "Oh my God!" Hilda gasped as she stared at her phone.
• "What's wrong?" Ethan asked, staring at her with concern in his eyes.
• "Thirty-five missed calls! Oh my God! He's going to kill me!" Hilda said, her voice sounding teary.
• "Who? What's wrong?"
• "I have thirty-five missed calls from Alexander. I didn’t hear my phone ring. He's going to deal with me, Ethan". Hilda said.
• Her eyes were teary already, and Ethan embraced her, which made her calm. She calmed down a little before hearing a voice; which disseminated that calmness she once felt.
• "What are you doing!?"