The night stars were beginning to align in the skies, Orla stood next to the window side, eyes intently on the dim moon that glimmered between the skies.A memory from her childhood traversed her mind and she smiled…broadly, she wanted to fill her head with that pleasant memory when the door to the bedroom flung open, the sound impeding her alone time.Her eyes swiftly moved across the room, to the doorpost. She saw Callan walking into the room with some files in his hand. He dropped the files on the vanity table and slumped on the bed, tiredly spreading his arms all over the place. He had left the room after he took his evening bath, gone for hours and now, he was back.Orla moved away from the window side, pulling down the curtains. She ambled towards the bedside. It was close to midnight, and her sleeping time had passed but was yet to close her eyes. She tried, but the sleep wasn't coming to her. She had to inundate herself with the view of the night stars when she couldn't sleep
"I want to do a different one for you this time, Callan." Liam scribbled down the last measurement he took of Callan on his notepad. He sat on the armchair in his office and flashed his friend a tired smile."You good?" Callan asked, his eyes stony. He sucked at caring, it always didn't seem genuine even though he meant it."Yeah, just nervous and shit. You know? I was nominated and I am kind of nervous about the whole thing. What if I don't win? They shouldn't have added my name to the damn list." Liam's forehead folded into a crease as he kneaded his long lean fingers against his temples."You are good. You should not worry about that. Winning or losing doesn't change the fact that you are good.""Oh oh," Liam guffawed at his friend's words. "Did that just come from you? Callan Barlowe is giving me some words of encouragement. Strange man, am I with the right person?" Staring intensely at Callan, he laughed again. "What the hell happened to my cold friend? Did marriage change you no
The dress was gorgeous. Liam went all the way out this time. Orla knew Liam was good, but he outstripped her expectations."This is beautiful," she remarked for the tenth time that evening.She gushed at herself, her eyes unmoving from the V-neck, open-back red gown that enveloped her. Running her fingers through the silky material, she let out a smile. The front slits ran from both thighs down to her feet, hiding her toes and revealing more skin. She loved everything about the dress, it suited her perfectly, analyzing her slender frame in a glamorous way. Sexy. That was the best word to describe how she looked right now."He took his time to make this," the brunette applied the final touches of makeup to Orla's face when she sat back, stretching back to take a full glance at her handiwork.It was perfection at its peak, the colour combination blended with Orla's skin, leaving it smooth and glossy. She nodded her head in gratification."I have to take some pictures, the boss needs to
Orla's heart skipped a beat when she sighted the gate. She had left the house in despair the last time she was there, now she was back again.The gate automatically pulled open and David drove in, he found a perfect spot to park the car. With shaky hands, Orla opened the door and got out of the car while Callan stayed a little longer to give David some instructions. When they were both ready, she looked at him, but he didn't acknowledge her gaze. He took a step forward, leaving her to struggle with her overly long-dress.She had loved the dress before, but now she hated it so much she wanted to rip it off her body. Her stomach churned and she tasted bile as she walked behind Callan. He didn't care, other couples who were present linked arms with their partners, but she was left alone to walk in.As she stepped into the foyer, a sudden rush of jitteriness consumed her, almost paralyzing her. The house was the same, nothing had changed except for the different colours of balloon decora
Mia was the first to spot Orla approaching them, she called the attention of her other sisters and they rushed to the middle of the lobby, stylishly crossing her before she joined them. The other three sisters smiled at the guests, gesturing to them to drink up and eat to avoid getting involved in their drama with Orla.Mia's grip was hard on Orla, bruising her skin as she hauled her out of the lobby down to the garden. The rage that surged through her smite Orla, she almost regretted why she had to do that now. Callan wasn't near, no one was near to save her."How dare you?" Mia yanked her arm off her, flinging her away. "How dare you ruin the party?" Her palm flew up and swiftly it collided with Orla's face before she could swerve."She sure has some nerves, who the hell do you think you are?" Camilla whisked towards them, tugging at Orla's hair. She pulled it so hard that her scalp began to hurt.She was striving to get her hair off her sister's hand when Emma showed up, slapping
"Now we are the same," Orla plunged the flowers into her hair, giggling hard. She took the hands of a little girl that was with her and they ran around the garden."Mom said we should not go over there." The little girl told Orla when they were in front of the pool. She walked some steps back, grabbing Orla's hands. "Don't go against mommy's words.""I won't," Orla whispered in her ears. "Let's go back to the garden." They trotted back to the garden, the sound of their innocent laughter filling the air."Do you know that I am older than you?" The little girl asked Orla when they got inside.Orla was about to respond when one of their sisters showed up."Where is your babysitter?" She asked them, positioning her hands on her sides. Her expression read fury, they detected that with little brains."Aunty Rose went to get…" The little girl with Orla was scared of the ferocious eyes she gave them."She went to get us water," Orla said sharply, swishing her small teddy bear in front of thei
Orla flung her phone on the car seat. She kneaded her fingers against her face, distress blanketing her. She missed three calls from the veterinary Doctor who was treating Betty and all efforts to reach him back had proved abortive.She was in the car with David, heading to the venue where Liam's award ceremony was supposed to take place. Callan had pushed her forward, he had an important business meeting to attend."Will you stay back?" David nodded his head, turning to stare briefly at Orla. His bright blue eyes met her sad ones and he smiled. "The Boss said he would be there before the show ends. He does not want me to stay back.""I see." She wasn't the type to attend parties and award shows, but it was unavoidable because she got married to a billionaire. She didn't fancy the fact she had to accompany him to every party, she wouldn't have gone to this too, but Liam was a friend and she didn't want to let him down. He made a gorgeous dress for her, it was only fair that she honou
The names of nominees were called out and the mic was passed onto the VIP that was to give out the award."We have great designers here in Dallas." The VIP Blondie said, smiling. Meticulously setting the mic in her hand, she looked at the crowd and continued. "The winner was chosen based on netizens' votes and of course, the brand's designs... Ladies and gentlemen, the award for the best fashion stylist in the city goes to Liam Stone.""That's it!" Orla yelled from her seat, "Give it up for Liam." She roared, sipping from the cup of wine in her hand. She didn't drink alcohol, but she was trying out a new thing this evening.A round of applause rumbled among the guests, honouring him as he took swift gaits to the stage to receive the award. He gave an appreciation speech and went back to sit down."Now, it's time to dance." The host was back to anchoring, "I'm certain you all invited your guests because we have so many activities left on our list. But for now, let's hit the dancefloor