Chapter Two

After Harper's speech, James was left standing in delight, as he watched her leave the stage with a round of applause from the congregation.

He was excited believing that he was the best person in Harper's life. He was her Hero. He quickly packed up and rushed to the kitchen to clean himself up.

As he entered the kitchen, he shut the door behind him and took his phone silently. He couldn't wait to surprise Harper. He dialed Rosalind’s number, and she picked up at the second ring.

“Hi boss," she called out, and James cleared his throat. He darted his eyes to the door and moved towards the edge of the wall to avoid being heard.

“Listen carefully, I need you to prepare a document for a transfer of shares of the Turbo Caramel Company. Send it over once you're done,” James instructed, and Rosalind exclaimed in shock; “what?!" 

She couldn't believe it. Turbo Caramel Company Ltd was the largest jewelry production company in the country and one of many of James's industries. 

"You heard me right! I want to have a large portion of my shares sent to my wife. It has always been her dream. She is dedicated to this company, and I think it's about time she becomes the chairman. For your information, I'm about to reveal the truth to her,” James said. 

“But isn't this too quick? How can you make up your mind in a day? What if you're making a mistake, boss?” Rosalind asked, her voice cool and soothing, but her questions were uncalled for.

James raised his brow confusedly, staring into the air.

“Since when do you question me on what's right and what's wrong? Have you forgotten your place, Rosalind? You're trying my patience, and that's a very bad thing to do.”

"I gave you an assignment, and I expected no complaints. Am I understood?” He asked.

“Yes boss,” Rosalind said, her voice barely above a whisper. The call dropped, and just immediately, the door opened, revealing Georgina Williams.

“What's going on here? You've been here longer than you're supposed to. By the way, have you finished cleaning the house?” she asked, and James faked a low smile.

“Yeah, everything is in place. I'm heading out for work. I'll see you later in the day, Mom," he said.

Before she could throw another question at him, he dashed out of the kitchen, leaving her confused as she rolled her eyes trying to decipher what he was up to. 

***

Around 7 pm that night, James prepared a candlelight dinner, waiting for Harper's return from work. It felt like a dream. Finally, the day has come for him to reveal himself to Harper. 

After a long wait, Harper didn't show up. Around 9 p.m. Harper hadn't shown up, and James couldn't wait any longer. 

He picked up his phone and dialed her number. When she picked up, she sounded very exhausted.

“Hey honey, what's going on? It's almost 10 pm. Why aren't you home already?" James spoke into the phone without mincing words. 

“I'm so sorry, hubby. I can't make it back today. I'm busy in the office, and I think I'll work overnight. I'll see you tomorrow,” she retorted, and James furrowed his brow like he felt a hard tear on his flesh. 

He bit his lips, expressing his disappointment. All his efforts and expectations were ruined in an instant. Even though he was angry, he respected her decision. 

He nodded his head in agreement, and as he tried to end the call, a cackle of laughter from a male voice caught his attention. 

He raised his brow confusedly. “Babe? Are you there? Who is the person with you? Where exactly are you?" He asked, and Harper sighed deeply on the phone.

“I'm having a little break with some friends ok? I'll call you back please!" She yelled, and the call hung up in an instant. James blinked rapidly as if trying to clear the fog of confusion that had settled over his thoughts. 

He shoved his thoughts aside, thinking of the possibilities of her exhaustion. Too bad, his surprise dinner was ruined, but there was always another time, he thought.

He sighed and left the table. He put out the candles and was about to clear the place when his phone beeped, announcing an incoming notification. 

He sat back lazily to attend to his phone, and it was a social media video posted by one of his clients to whom he often supplied goods as a delivery man. 

It was a video of a night party, more like a clubhouse. Surprisingly, everything seemed familiar to James. He found himself engaged with interest as he scrolled from one video to another.

Suddenly, something caught his attention. It was Harper. She was right there, sitting on the lap of an unknown man, kissing him passionately like she had been waiting for that moment her whole life. 

While staring at the video, James felt his heart racing as if to catch up with the sudden shock, and his face drained of color. He refused to believe it was Harper, but it was clearly visible on the screen. There was no explanation, Harper wasn't in her office as she claimed. 

Out of desperation, he took his phone and called her abruptly. This time, her phone was switched off. 

His mind went blank, and he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the shocking revelation. Even though he tried not to believe it, he felt a sharp pain slicing through his heart, a pain inflicted by betrayal. 

***

Meanwhile, inside a club in a five-star hotel in the city, a man in a black tuxedo suit was kissing Harper while she wrapped her hands around his neck. 

They so much desired each other that they didn't mind kissing in public. 

“I love you so much baby, you're the best thing to ever happen to me. I will love and cherish you for the rest of my life. I promise,” said the stranger. His name was Henry, and he wasn't just any man, but her first love from high school.  

Harper chuckled and pulled his face closer forcefully for a swift kiss. After a short kiss, Henry broke away, his gaze fixated on her.

“Babe? What about that loser husband of yours? When are you finally going to divorce him? Why are you not fast enough? You told me that the divorce was in progress over 3 weeks ago, well what's stopping it? You're not reconsidering it are you?” 

Henry asked, and the question suddenly broke their hunger and desire for each other.

Harper sighed and broke the hug. She returned to the sofa and gulped down her whiskey, while Henry stood on his feet, staring at her confusedly.

Seeing that Henry wasn't moved by her silence, Harper cleared her throat. 

Her heart desired to be with Henry, and while thinking about James, anger filled her expression. She developed a sudden determination as she stared into the air in silence.