3- The Beginning (WNLYG)

“Here, sweetheart!” Emerald placed a bowl of boiled vegetables on the baby chair. Sophia at once started digging in.

“Thank you, mommy!” She tried to speak with her full mouth. Kissing her plump cheek, Emerald took the seat before Selina.

“I am so excited to experience this party mode! Somebody just kill me and send me to heaven.”

Selina squealed with childlike innocence making Emerald shake her head in amusement. They both were sitting in the kitchen, their coffee cups placed on the counter.  

“Gosh, Emerald. I have this wild hunch that I might meet my Mr. Right at this party.”

Selina was her friend and the governess for Levisay's kids. Staying with Levisays had been the best decision of her life and she could not thank Patricia enough.

Levisays had a special liking for their employees who wanted to pursue their studies. Whether they were office workers or house helpers.

Emerald had become very close to Hunter and Abigail Levisay. They were almost like close friends to her and she had worked her butt off to earn that respect. 

She resigned from her governess job just a month back and applied for property sales jobs in the hopes of some extra commission. Once her class fellow had told her how there was a boom in Estate and property business.

Abigail often used to tell her that she needed to loosen up a little.

Like other employees, they never saw her going out or having fun.

“Gotcha!” somebody shouted near her ear making her eyes roll.

“You need to grow up, Avery.” Emerald took a sip of her black coffee shaking her head. Avery was hired as a governess to replace Emerald.

“I was here to remind Selena that her working hours are about to start. Mrs. Anderson is ready to stay with the kids this evening so that we can attend tonight’s party.”

 And then she turned her head towards Emerald, “And you, beautiful! You ARE attending it this evening. No excuses this time. Ok?”

“Yes, please Em.” Selina pleaded. “We know you don’t like attending these parties. But please don’t miss this one. Please.” She joined her palms as if she was begging.

“She is right, Em. No excuses for tomorrow night. Mrs. Anderson will take care of Sophia along with Levisay’s kids.” Avery ruffled Sophia’s long locks before taking a chair.

Levisays used to host an annual ball every year, which Emerald never attended.

And there was only one reason for not attending them.

Rafael Wyatt!

Who used to be a film star but for four years he was in the movie industry as a producer and an upcoming business tycoon in Estate and property.

For some odd reason, he seldom visited Levisay’s home whenever he was in San Francisco but preferred to stay in Sapphire Galaxy Hotel owned by them.

He did make sure to attend the ball every year on Abigail’s insistence.

Emerald had started avoiding parties and hangouts. But this particular annual party?

Well! No way!

Let’s put it this way.

She did not want to see him nor did she want to show her face to him.

If Rafael Wyatt would be there then it’s a sure shot of “no-go territory” for her.

She could not bear the sight of him.

She could not let him see her.

No. Those fifteen days in Turkey were enough for making a fool of herself. 

That douchebag thought of her as a naive creature and took advantage of her.

But she was young at that time.

Not anymore.

No!

Tonight would be different. There was no chance for Rafael to be there. Abigail herself said that he won’t be able to make it this year.

So she guessed she could easily attend it this time. Plus Abigail was a sweetheart. Every time she used to respect Emerald’s decision of not attending it.

However, this time she had warned her that no excuse will work for her.

“Em! Back to the world. What are you thinking?” Selina snapped her fingers in front of her eyes.

“Sad! This year Rafael Wyatt won’t be attending it.” Avery curved down her lips and then clutched Emerald’s hand, “You know? Last year he smiled at me. Can you believe it? Rafael Wyatt! Smiling at …”

“Look at you! You have again started telling us Ah-mazing stories of Rafael Wyatt!” Selina’s remark made Emerald laugh.

She was about to tease Avery when a hand covered her eyes and she heard Abigail Levisay’s mischievous giggles.

“Emerald! I have got a surprise for you!”  Emerald could feel the excitement in her voice. Not understanding a thing she removed her hand and tilted her head a little to give a questioning look to Abigail when she found someone else standing beside her.

She gasped in shock and stood from her seat. The surprise was evident on her face.

“Oh my God! Oh my God! It’s you! Patricia!” screaming at the top of her lungs she lunged at Patricia who was already laughing like crazy. 

“What are you doing here?” After giving her a final tight hug Patricia stepped back and nodded at Avery and Selina politely.

“Abigail invited me. She wants me to meet someone special this evening at the party.” Patricia rolled her eyes playfully making her laugh again.

“That’s good, Cia. I am glad, you made it.” Emerald was happy to find her friend there.

“How about you? Isn’t your fiancé joining you here?” Patricia sat down along with Abigail while Avery and Selina left the kitchen for their duty hours whispering their gracious goodbyes.

“Shut up!” Emerald scoffed, “Daniel is NOT my fiancé!” she offered both of them the black coffee and both of them declined and opted for champagne.

“He deserves someone better!” She silently thought to herself.

“That man is crazy about you.” Abigail Levisay remarked dreamily, “He carries this engagement ring on his sleeve.”

Now Abigail had again started with that romantic shit.

Not all men could be like Hunter Levisay. Abigail was lucky to find him.

So was Hunter. They made a stunning couple.

 Even Patricia was sitting there batting her eyes dreamily.

Emerald had to shift their attention away from herself...

“So who is this important guy you are setting her up with?” Emerald asked Abigail casually.

“Oh, you will come to know when you will attend tonight’s dinner.” Abigail loved giving surprises, “Even Patricia doesn’t know about this guy. It’s a surprise!”

Emerald lifted her cup of black coffee as a toast of celebration. Patricia and Abigail followed her by lifting their champagne glasses without knowing that this evening, there was expected to be a big change in Emerald’s life.

And that was only the beginning…