Monique left and Eden got back to her work. She was a bit lost in thought concerning Monique's words. She knew it wasn't right to prolong her relationship with Julian any further. She had hurt him a lot and knew he didn't deserve to be deceived in this manner. None of them were ever going to be happy in the slightest and last night proved it clearly to Eden that she could no longer do this.
She could no longer continue to deceive herself and Julian at the same time. Julian was too precious of a person for her to hurt so much in this way. She had to stop being selfish. Just because she wasn't with Julian didn't mean she would automatically go back to Lionel. As much as he was changing for the better, she couldn't forget the pain and agony he had put her through. It was something that stayed with her for three years. Even after their divorce, she still had hope that their love could be rekindled but everything shattered to pieces for her as soon as she found out he was married. That killed the love she had for him.
She tangled her client's hair and the client wasn't happy. "Hum. Eden. I'll take care of it. You're almost done anyways." Katherine quickly came to the rescue and Eden smiled at her. She apologized to the client for being absent minded and walked out of her station.
She couldn't hold in any longer and dialed for Julian's number. It was ringing but he didn't pick up the call. She guessed he must be mad at her for walking out on him last night. She couldn't blame him though and her heart weaved a little knowing what she wanted to tell him was going to hurt him even more but she had to do it. It was better this way. Susan was right in saying the heart can't be forced.
She decided to send him a text via Whatsapp but he wasn't online either. She decided to send him a message, "Let's talk later this evening. It's important" She sighed tapping her fingers on the screen waiting for him to see the message but he never did.
Just then a staff came to her. "Miss Eden. Mrs Souqeline is calling for you." Eden nodded and shoved the phone in her pants pocket before heading to her boss' office. Anne was out on work and wasn't at the office at this time of the day. She quickly took off her work apron and kept it aside before heading straight for Souqeline's office.
She knocked before hearing a come in. She slowly opened the door and walked in. She hadn't yet noticed a second person in Souqeline's office as well. Her face was focused on Souqeline only. "You sent for me?"
Souqeline smiled. "Yes Eden. I sent for you. I have a guest here with me and is in need of your skills." She pointed to the man who was sitting from across the office and Eden's eyes dropped in shock. Never would she have imagined to see him of all people in her workplace and that too needing her help. Her face instantly cringed in a frown.
"This is Mr Greyson. He's a very good friend and a client in need of our services. Particularly your service my dear." Souqeline introduced Eden to Greyson who stood up to his feet straightening his suit and walked up to Eden while wearing a dashing smile. He stretched forth his hands towards her and Eden didn't do the same and simply folded her arms against her chest still giving him her expression of not being at all happy to see him.
"Eden?" A confused Souqeline found Eden's attitude a bit off. It wasn't like her to be so rude to anyone. Eden blinked and faked a smile. "It's an honor Mr Greyson..."
"Call me Greyson. It's been a long time Eden." Greyson smiled and Souqeline couldn't help but pick up something about a past between them. Eden had always despised Greyson for his cunning ways of doing business. He was always envious of Lionel in the past and often resorted to shady means necessary to be on top in the business world. Never would she have imagined she would meet him here again after all these years.
"Well...Mr Greyson here wants your help urgently tonight. He's getting engaged." Souqeline said and Eden widened her eyes. Greyson chuckled lowly after studying her expression. Eden was appalled. She never would have guessed he and Janette were separated. The duo were both horrible people and fitted each other perfectly.
"Congratulations." Eden whispered. "And I hope the girl is lucky to have found someone like you." She added with a smile taunting him. Greyson didn't feel offended in the slightest and Eden couldn't help but notice the evident change in his attitude. The old Greyson would have replied her back in a more harsh taunt than her.
"Quite the opposite. It's me who's lucky to have found her in my life. She was the light that came to brighten up my lost life." Greyson spoke and his tone was that of a love sick man and even Eden could sense that.
"Actually the engagement wasn't to be held unto a few days later but something came up with one of her family members and she needs to be with them but then they insisted we have the engagement tonight before she goes away. As you know because of the change in time for the engagement, the makeup artist and stylist couldn't make it as she's booked for tonight at another gig. But then I thought of a good friend who highly recommended you." Greyson said.
He recalled panicking to Lionel earlier on about hiring a good stylist and makeup artist for his fiancé and her friends. He wanted the best for her and the other stylist planned wasn't available. Of course Eden was the first person that came to Lionel's mind and he quickly informed Greyson. He was happy to help out Eden in her career as a stylist and makeup artist in anyway he could from behind the scenes.
Eden couldn't help but wonder who this friend was that recommended her to Greyson. She wouldn't believe it was Lionel because of their huge differences and hatred for each other.
"So would you come to my engagement and help get my fiancé ready tonight. You're my only hope right now as I've heard you're one of the best here." Greyson implored and Souqeline smiled. Having Eden recruited to her team was a wise decision and even she was benefiting from it along with her fashion company gaining more popular.
Eden contemplated about it. She was supposed to have a talk with Julian tonight and the talk was very important to both her and Julian. Plus Mia was still at Susan's place. Lucia had gone out of town yesterday and she couldn't stress Susan any further. It was around 4pm right now. Her phone chimed in her jeans pocket just then and she excused herself to see. She brought her phone out and saw Julian had replied to her message. "I won't be available tonight. I have an event to be at with my boss." That was all he said in the chat and Eden could tell he was being distant.
She quickly walked back into Souqeline's office and nodded. "I'll be there tonight. At your place with my kit." She said and Greyson sighed out in relief. He grabbed her hands and shaked them vigorously making Eden to gasp. "Thank you so much. Here's my address on the card. The engagement is at 8pm but be there by 7." He handed her his card and Eden smiled slightly before taking the card. Well she was happy to drown herself in work and not think of anything else for the day.
Greyson left after a while to prep for his engagement that was pushed forward because of an emergency with his fiancé's family. Eden had to prepare for her work later and bumped into Anne. She hadn't seen her since and just got to know that Anne was back from her errands as Souqeline's personal assistant.
"Hey girl. So how was last night?" Anne beamed impatiently waiting to hear all the details that went down last night but then her smile was fading slowly seeing that Eden wasn't sharing the same enthusiasm as her. "What's wrong girlfriend?" Anne had to ask feeling worried. She feared If Eden backed out at the last minute.
"Don't tell me you..." Anne trailed off looking at Eden. Eden's stiff mood confirmed Anne's suspicions. She sighed heavily looking at Eden. "You hurt him again, didn't you Eden?" Anne asked. "I...i made a mistake. Susan was right. I shouldn't have taken that step and listened to you. Am not blaming you for it but myself. I finally realize that our relationship is taking us no where. It's not Julian's fault and he doesn't deserve to suffer like this." Eden panted heavily.
"And what are you planning to do now?" Anne asked and Eden inhaled deeply before replying. "Am going to end things with Julian. Susan was right in saying Julian was just better as a good and wonderful friend. And he's a kind man who deserves someone who loves him." Anne nodded.
"I have to go to Susan's now and meet Mia before heading for work." Eden picked up her purse and was about heading out. "You have an appointment tonight?" Anne asked. "Yeah and you won't believe who hired me." Eden trailed off. "Who?" Anne became curious. "Greyson."
Anne gasped and told Eden to wait for her. Eden walked out of the building and stood outside waiting for Anne. Anne rushed out a few minutes later and they both boarded a taxi heading to Susan's.
Eden didn't mention Monique's visit to Anne. Somehow she believed Anne was going to misjudge the whole situation and about her seeing a chance to get back with Lionel. Lionel had hurt her so damn much and the thought of reconciling with him wasn't in her mind. But then she couldn't stop pondering on Monique's question earlier. Have you stopped to think that Lionel isn't the only the one at fault here? She wondered what she meant by that.
They arrived at Susan's in less than thirty minutes. Mia was over the moon to see her mother and basically jumped into her arms and Eden laughed feeling very happy at this moment being with her little angel in her arms. She missed her since last night and knew Mia was missing her incredibly as well.
"She missed you so much." Susan smiled taking a seat on her couch. "Thank you so much...and am sorry to say that she has to stay with you a little longer. I have an appointment tonight." Eden said and Susan didn't mind one bit. "No worries Eden. What are friends for. And besides am done with my online lectures for today. I uploaded a few lessons while Mia fell asleep." Susan said and Eden was glad to have such friends in her life.
"So how did it go?" Susan raised a brow and Eden knew exactly what she meant by her question. "It didn't happen. Nothing happened at all. She backed out at the last minute. I hope you're happy now." Anne quickly answered for Eden not pleased that Eden left Julian like that. Susan blinked but smiled at Eden. "Am glad you realized the truth in time otherwise..."
Eden nodded. "I know now Susan. You know I tried my best to feel something for him. I really tried but..." Eden looked extremely guiltriped. She didn't like feeling this way but it was time she stopped lying to herself about ever loving Julian sometime soon when it wasn't going to happen. Anne snorted looking away on her phone.
"Ignore her. You made the right decision." Susan smiled and hugged her. Mia got to playing with her toys while Eden went to have a change of clothes ready for work. She had to be by Greyson's home by 7. She pecked Mia on the cheeks before rushing out. Anne was still upset with her but wished her well for her work.
Eden got a taxi after waiting a while. She had been saving for a while to get a car for herself. Getting a taxi was tiring having to wait for a long time to get a taxi and an Uber cost more. Getting her own car was going to make her transport life easy for her and her daughter.
She arrived at the destination that was in the card Greyson gave her. The taxi stopped in front of a mansion. It was no surprise to her that Greyson was well off and super rich like Lionel. She got out in time and strolled towards the gate. She was let in instantly as soon as she stated her name to the security.
She met Greyson by the entrance who was on a call and didn't even notice her arrival. He hanged up and turned to find her behind him. "Thank goodness you came. Right this way. My fiancé would really like to meet you." Greyson spoke softly and Eden couldn't get used to Greyson speaking so nicely and polite to her.
They walked into his home and Eden saw the decorations had been made and a small cute long seat was placed at the center obviously made for the couples to be engaged. The decorations and decors were all done simple. It wasn't too magnificent but simple and beautiful.
"She likes things simple." It was like he read her thoughts and Eden nodded with a smile. That was a surprise. He had expected his next wife to be as greedy and self centered as Janette but he surprised her yet again.
"Also I want to take this opportunity to apologize for everything hurtful word I have said against you Eden. Believe me I mean it." Eden paused and looked at him. She could see that he was a complete changed man which was a good thing. She smiled and said. "It's okay. I also have to apologize for always being rude to you whenever you fought with Lionel back then. I always defended him and put anyone in their rightful place who dared to insult him." She chuckled lowly at the end realizing how much of a fool she was for being so hopelessly in love with Lionel. She could recall back now and wished she wasn't all that stupid to always accept every one of Lionel's whims.
Greyson didn't say anything. "You really do love him don't you?" He asked afterwards. Eden shooked her head in a no. "Did. I did love him." She corrected him immediately and Greyson nodded. Just then Kathy walked in and Greyson was quick to introduce her to Eden as his lovely fiancé and future wife.
"Nice to meet you and a wonderful congratulations to you on your engagement." Eden smiled extending a hug to which Kathy reciprocated. Kathy had brown eyes and black hair. She was Mexican and was beautiful. Eden wished them well and Kathy led her to her room to get started on her face and hair. The few guests hadn't arrived yet.
Lionel arrived later and soon the guests started coming. The mansion wasn't full due to the short notice of the engagement date being pushed forward to tonight. Even Paula was invited as her company was one of Greyson's old business partners but her assistant Aurora went in her place.
Eden was in Kathy's room getting her face all dolled up. Her hair was already done and with volume added to her beauty and fair complexion. Kathy loved her work and Eden was soon done. She wanted to leave right away when she was done with her work but Kathy insisted she stayed a while longer until she was engaged.
Eden didn't agree at first but decided to stay back a bit longer seeing as Kathy was insisting. Greyson was more smitten by Eden's work on Kathy as well as the guests at the engagement ceremony. Eden walked out to the hall where the guests were and bumped into someone. "Are you okay?"
She didn't need to think twice to know who that familiar voice belonged to. She looked at those brown eyes and had her neck bob instantly. "Y..you!" She was shocked to see Lionel here. Why was he here at Greyson's engagement. She wondered.
She was shocked when Lionel informed her about his and Greyson's friendship blossoming over the past few days. She was appalled. Two rivals that never saw eye to eye were now best of friends. She was even more stunned knowing they were both planning a business venture together. She was getting surprises today from Monique's visit to Greyson's change in behavior and now Lionel and Greyson had become friends. Wow! What a day, she thought.
"And how are you doing?" Lionel changed the subject and Eden blinked before slowly nodding her head. "You're lying." Lionel pointed out and Eden then realized how she couldn't hide anything from him. "Don't worry I won't ask if you don't want to share but know am here for you Eden." He smiled widely at her and Eden blinked again before clearing her throat and focusing her gaze on the couple about to be engaged.
Both Greyson and Kathy exchanged rings and the guests applauded. Eden smiled and recalled her own engagement party. Lionel made sure it was grand and made her the center of attention. She was happy and over the moon that she had hooked herself with a dashing and handsome genius like Lionel. "Are you reminded of our engagement party?" Lionel asked and Eden turned to him. "What's the point in talking about that. We aren't together anymore." She stated folding her arms.
A waiter passed by them and Eden took a glass of juice. She gulped it whole and placed it back on the tray carried by the waiter. She waited for the couple to be done interacting with family before notifying them of her leave.
She then turned to Lionel again and asked. "Do you know Monique is leaving?" She asked and Lionel turned to her and nodded. "She came to see you?" He asked and she nodded. "I miss you so much Eden. I really do miss you...A lot. Seeing Greyson with the love of his life made me recall our own love story. We had everything and I..."
"Ruined everything." Eden completed his statement and Lionel nodded with a sad smile. "Yeah. I ruined everything and what we built together and believe me I want to fix all that. Only if you'll let me." Lionel turned to her fully moving towards her and Eden raised a hand. "Not here Lionel."
She winced and felt her head throbbing all of a sudden. "You're okay?" Lionel held her concerned. "Am fine. Just a bit of headache." Eden whispered and closed her eyes only to open them and have everything spinning around. She had to hold on to Lionel for support and Lionel got more worried. "You're not fine Eden. Look at you." He said. "Come with me."
"No am fine." Eden said as her feet staggered a little. "You're not fine. Let me help you." Lionel insisted and even though she was acting stubborn, he wasn't going to leave her. He was far more stubborn.
The guests soon saw them and Greyson and Kathy rushed to them. "What happened?" Kathy asked. "I don't know but she isn't herself." Lionel replied getting more worried. Eden smiled sheepishly and held on to Lionel more. "You hurt me a lot. You know that." She said, her voice becoming hazy. "Is she drunk?" Greyson asked but Lionel spoke out in Eden's defence. "Eden doesn't drink and only had one glass of juice."
"We need a minute." Lionel told Greyson who quickly snapped his fingers and a servant rushed to them. "Take them to the guest room." The servant quickly lead the way while Lionel apologized for the interruption. Lionel got into the guestroom and made Eden sit down.
"Stay here. I'll get some water." Lionel was about heading out but Eden grabbed his arm. She had tears in her eyes and Lionel quickly sat by her side. "Eden..."
"Why Lionel. Why! Why did you have to leave me all those years ago?" She asked shooking her head. "Why Lionel? Why? I loved you more than my life. I trusted you with everything and gave you my all. I gave you everything." She sobbed harder. Lionel knew she wasn't saying all these in her sober state. What was wrong with her?
Lionel's heart ached badly seeing her so hurt by his actions. He hated himself every day for being stupid and ruining his perfect happy family for his ambitions. He so wished to right all the wrongs he did to her. He wanted to wipe all her tears away and knew it wasn't going to be easy to do. She was with someone else now and wanted to be far away from him.
"Am so sorry my red haired. I made lots of mistakes and I will fix everything. I promise to fix everything." Lionel cupped her cheeks and Eden sobbed harder. "I hate you Lionel. I hate you for leaving me and our daughter alone. I hate you." She punched his chest with her tiny fists and Lionel took it without a ounce of wince from his lips. He deserved her hatred and wished she just gave him a chance. He loved her so much and seeing her like this was breaking his heart into pieces.
He couldn't speak further and gasped as Eden pulled him closer and glued her lips against his kissing him with so much passion. He couldn't perceive any alcohol from her but somehow knew she wasn't in her senses. He tried pulling away as she wasn't going to approve this while she was sober but Eden clutched her hands against him pulling him closer and fervently kissing him all the more. She was needy and it was evident in her kiss and Lionel soon closed his eyes and melted in their kiss.
Happy Eid my fellow readers. Please leave in line comments for faster updates. Till the next. Bye.