The Devil In The Suit - Episode 22

 

Genevieve's palms began to sweat immediately David informed her they'd be arriving at the venue in five minutes. She took in deeps breaths hoping to calm her racing heart. She was fiddling awkwardly with the words written on the invite when her phone chimed briefly, it's lights illuminating a message. It was from Kelvin, she sighed opening it.

'Genevieve, don't screw this up okay? Remember he saved you a lot of trouble . The dress came in just in time, be professional, don't let anyone intimidate you. He wouldn't do any of these if he weren't attracted. Call me when it's all over. Love ya!!'

She nodded knowing he was right, Daniel did her a favour, otherwise she would still be in her room sulking in grief for not getting her hands on a gown fit for an important occasion as this. Then she frowned reading his words over and over again 'he wouldn't do any of these if he weren't attracted' 

She bit her lip, her mum's words. But how sure were they?

"We're here!" David announced driving her back to reality. She sighed, she was anxious to look appropriate to the situation just as she was hoping not to draw attention to herself. 

"Er, thanks so much, David" she smiled weakly as he helped her out of the car. He nodded getting back in the driver's seat and zoomed off

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/the-devil-in-the-suit

. She inhaled and exhaled sharply as she gawked the mountainous building. It was dark already, making it more terrifying.

She walked towards it, she could hear little to no music, she wondered if it was the right address but David brought her here himself.

She toddled closer as her eyes fell upon two sturdy men who looked like WWE champs. She stopped nervously, faking a smile.

"You're welcome ma'am, can I get your invitation please?" One of them said with a smile. She nodded as she quietly dropped the already rumpled card on his palm. He assessed it thoroughly before passing it unto the other.

"Ohh, an employee!" the other said. 

Genevieve nodded in affirmation.

"I'm sorry miss but we still have to do this" he brought out his handheld body scanner.

"I understand" she replied as they carefully scanned her belongings.

"She's good to go mate!" The first said in his earpiece. Few seconds later, another hefty man appeared from an open door.

"This way miss" he said, straightening out his arm. Genevieve nodded trailing behind him. They both got in an elevator. He punched in a number Genevieve didn't quite catch, she was more worried about what was behind those doors. It finally got to a floor and they got out.

"Enjoy the party miss, thanks for coming" he turned around. She looked at the place in confusion, wondering if it was an underground function, she was about asking him for directions but he had long gone already. She puffed in frustration as she waited awkwardly for a passerby. Soon, an elderly couple walked past, chuckling as they held unto each other like one was going to fade away anytime soon. Genevieve followed, pretending she was also heading their way.

Then lights became visible as they drew near, more lights, more until they finally got into the room. A gasp escaped Genevieve's lips as she took in the whole area.

It was beautiful. Chandeliers of all sorts decorated the glistening ceilings and the glass floors with shadows of it. Business men covered in three piece suits and women, in identical coloured gowns in full lengths, swaying slowly in sync to the jazz 60's blaring quietly in the background. She could hear women chattering and bickering, obviously about their rich husbands or jewelries but would stop to laugh unnecessarily every five minutes.

To her left were big business men who laughed so very loudly as they raised their glasses of wine so high above their heads, making a toast. Uniformed waiters and well dressed waitresses with trays filled with glasses of drinks were seen, slightly dodging each other as they walked past. She couldn't help but remember when she did just the same but now it was different, she was a guest.

She fiddled with her clutch as her eyes scanned the entire room in search of any co-worker.

"Wine ms." A waiter offered, she shook her head quickly, muttering 'a thank you' he nodded, walking away. She heard her name being called out but she ignored it, she wasn't the only one with the name. She laughed weakly at the possibilities. Then it became louder, she stirred her head to the direction only to see Tope urging Genevieve to move forward with her fingers. 

Genevieve sighed in relief as she moved briskly to Tope who was also with Brenda.

"What took you so long?!" Tope complained.

"Tope, do you know her?" Brenda rose a brow.

"Ah ah Brenda, this is Genevieve now" Tope laughed, Genevieve joined in.

"Oh my gosh! Genevieve it really is you. I thought you were one of those rich girls. Wow, you look really beautiful!" She hugged Genevieve, giggling.

"And she didn't even paint her whole face. Gosh! I'd kill to have that figure" Tope laughed as she joined in the hug.

"Come on, you girls should only flatter yourselves. You two look amazing by the way" Genevieve smiled as she tore away from the embrace. "I'm serious" she added when Brenda pursed her lips in disapproval.

"OK o but thank God I saw you, didn't you see the way she was standing like someone about to cry" Tope snickered, trying her best not to burst into fits of laughter.

"You have no idea. This place is filled with..you know, important people and we're kind of not" Genevieve muttered as they all turned to three young ladies who were glancing at their direction.

Brenda turned to Genevieve "coming from the girl everyone is staring at" Brenda giggled.

"Don't exaggerate Brenda" 

"You know she's right Genny, you look just like one of them" Tope smiled then collected a glass from a waiter standing close to them.

Genevieve bit her lip as her eyes wandered around, people were indeed staring. She looked around in search of Daniel but couldn't find him. Maybe he hasn't arrived yet, she concluded.

She needed to go to the restroom before her body finally gave up especially with the weird glances she was receiving. 

"I'll be back guys, need to use the restroom" she said.

"Fine, we'll come with you" Brenda offered.

"No. It's fine, just tell me where it is"

"Tope used it previously-Wait, where is she?"

"Look! she'll never change" Genevieve laughed, pointing to Tope who was at the exit, braying childishly as she spoked with a young man.

"Never underestimate the power of a desperate woman. Make that ambitious" Brenda smiled "but I think it's the first door by your left. Just follow this path" Brenda instructed.

Genevieve nodded as she left. She exhaled, resting her head against a wall in the restroom. She walked to the mirror staring at her reflection. Maybe the dress showed a little too much. She said to herself as she slowly adjusted her exposed arms.

Just then, a lady walked in furiously, not exactly noticing Genevieve's presence. She stood beside Genevieve as she washed her perfectly manicured hands.

"Gosh! I hate parties. All the people in there are freaks of all kinds and sizes. I don't want to know the price of your dress or where you flew for the holidays, please quit telling me how fancy your life is, all I want to do is leave already, but no, Dad wants me here. This is not my field old man! I'm a fashion designer, a freaking fashion designer but he doesn't understand, he doesn't. So I'm stuck here. Yay me!" She exclaimed pointing rudely at her reflection.

Genevieve blinked, not knowing what to say. She sucked on her lips, trying her best to stifle any sounds of laughter and also denial herself from staring at the angry lady standing just beside her but she still stole a glance anyway. The lady looked really young with her up-do, her face flawlessly made-up. It wasn't too much but just enough, there was something so familiar about those eyes, those dark pair of eyes that invaded her mind each night. Her dress was perfect as it clung unto her seductively with a wide split revealing perfectly tanned legs. Genevieve was awed as she took in her beauty. She was the most beautiful girl she has ever laid her eyes upon and very cute as she continued ranting.

"I came here only to support Daniel, nothing else, just Daniel. When will all this be over. I can't stand this people anymore. Arggh!!!" She turned off the tap and whirled around, about leaving but paused as if forgetting something, then turned to Genevieve.

"Hmm. Nice dress" the lady said with an Angel like voice. She turned around again but stopped.

"I'm sorry for..em, you know, all of those" she faced Genevieve apologetically.

Genevieve shook her head "no problem" she smiled reassuringly.

"I'm Vanessa, Vanessa Coker" the lady grinned, straightening out her hand for an handshake. Genevieve's eyes widened, she stared at the outstretched hand and slowly took it, her brain fully understanding who the person standing right here was. Daniel's sister. She blinked, trying her best to fake a smile.

"Em, Genevieve Miller" Genevieve whispered, still in shock.

"Nice name--wait. The Genevieve? As in my brother, Daniel's PA?" Vanessa gaped at Genevieve then grinned broadly as Genevieve nodded.

"Wow, so pretty, the prettiest of them all. Nice to finally meet you" she bore Genevieve in a tight hug.

"Pleasure is all mine" Genevieve giggled when Vanessa raised her up a bit then dropped her down.

"Daniel couldn't stop talking about you" Vanessa blurted as they broke free.

Genevieve scrunched her eyes, raising a brow.

"Busted! I think I've said too much already. Forget about it okay? Come on, let's go" Vanessa said dragging Genevieve out of the room.

"But to where?"

"Just wait and see" Vanessa chimed excitedly.

As they got back to the event, Genevieve couldn't help but notice a young man like the younger version of Daniel heading their way. He stopped right in front of them.

"Vanessa, where have you been? Dad needs you on stage" he nagged frowning.

Vanessa cleared her throat pointing to Genevieve. "She's Genevieve" she mouthed.

"Oh!" He turned to Genevieve, eyes roaming her face. A roguish smile found it's way on his lips as he ogled her. "Hola mamacita, name's Martins Coker"

"Em, Genevieve" she replied shyly.

"Back off Martins!" Vanessa warned. "She's off limits!"

"Relax Sis" then he took Genevieve's fingers, lowering down a bit as he pecked her wrist making sure to let it linger for a few seconds before pulling away "nice to meet you my lady!" He wriggled his brows.

Genevieve looked at him awkwardly, knowing he was only teasing.

"Come on, dad needs us. I'll be right back Genevieve" Vanessa smiled before dragging her younger brother away from the scene.

He looked back, blowing Genevieve a kiss, when Vanessa noticed, she hit him hard on his head. Genevieve laughed, Daniel's siblings weren't what she imagined them to be, they weren't proud or arrogant, instead they were the complete opposites. 

She smiled as she turned around, not paying attention as she bumped into someone, a lady.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" the lady accused, rubbing her temples.

"I'm sorry but it was partly your fault too" Genevieve countered, eyes exploring the lady who looked flawlessly wrapped in millions.

"Partly my fault? Pttf. Don't you know who I am?" She scoffed in annoyance. Genevieve peered at her, trying her best to come up with any hint of familiarity but none.

The lady gaped at Genevieve in horror "Melissa James?" She snapped her fingers. Genevieve rose a brow, she could've sworn that she has heard that name previously but didn't know where and when.

"Gosh! Are you trying to be rude or you really don't have a clue?" 

Genevieve shrugged innocently as her lips formed a thin line.

"Geez!!! What a fool!" The lady sneered, she walked away making sure to hit her shoulders against Genevieve's.

Genevieve rolled her eyes but stopped as it all came crashing to her. It was Melissa, the lady Tope talked about during her first days in the office. She was Daniel's ex and apparently the same lady she saw in his office.

She cringed, remembering the event. Melissa stopped in her tracks, moving backwards and halted in front of Genevieve.

"That dress, the name" she said quietly, raising a finger. Genevieve shifted her gaze to Melissa and her dress in confusion.

"It's Prada" Melissa answered herself. Genevieve blushed at the name, so that's what it was called. Daniel was just too much, spending so much on her.

"But. It's isn't on sale yet, I checked myself" Melissa scratched her head as she continued scanning the dress shamelessly.

Genevieve smiled, time to get even. "Lovely right?"

Melissa furrowed her brow.

"Name's Genevieve Miller, rings a bell?" Genevieve snapped her fingers trying her best not to laugh at Melissa's expression.

Melissa peered at Genevieve's face before asking "who are you?"

Genevieve raised her jaw, holding unto her clutch "Gosh! Are you trying to be rude or you clearly don't have a clue sweetheart" she pouted mockingly.

"If you'll excuse me, my fans are waiting" Genevieve flashed a smile as she turned around, leaving Melissa in a state of complete mystification.

Genevieve laughed as she walked away. Two can play in that game. She saw Tope and Brenda wave their hands, she smiled and was about going to them when she hit her head against a strong chest, she lost her balance as her heels slipped backwards, she closed her eyes, waiting for the impact, instead large hands found it's way around her waist, saving her from an embarrassing fall. She closed her eyes, dreading to meet her saviour when a different pair of hands pulled her away.