His Black Secret

Chapter 22

As the day for the launch and unveiling of the Hofer Haven project draws closer, every waking moment is devoted on it to make sure that the event goes on smoothly without any glitches.

Jan and I have been busy but luckily it hasn't put a strain on our relationship. It has in a way intensified our bond since we get to spend time together at work and after work too.

Jan has been the amazing man he always is, planning random dates strictly void of any discussions work related.

Two days to the event and Jan is a loosing his mind with the preparations and everyone around him especially with Janice his secretary.

You can see that the woman is at her breaking point with how Jan wants to micromanage even the tinniest of detail.

I can see the frustration on her face as I enter Jan's office and realize she is a few minutes from exploding so I ask if I could speak with Jan alone for a few minutes.

She gingerly obliges.

I go behind Jan's chair and start massaging his tense shoulders. A quiet groan emits deep within his throat and i immediately feel him relaxing.

"This feels good". He says with a little moan.

"Baby you need to relax and have faith in your employees and also yourself to know that everything will go on without a glitch.
You can't be stressed and then transfer that energy to your poor secretary. She was a few seconds from exploding when I walked in a moment ago".
"Just relax and let it be, at least for today? I will personally co ordinate with Janice for any last minute preparations"

"Let it Be?" He inquires

"Yes Be. In my world, there is a time to Be, just Be. No action, not doing, just be, let life wash over you, not let it sweep you away, letting go.
He nodded silently. With a contemplative face.

"Let mama take care of this"

I give him a cheeky grin while rubbing my hands together like Birdman the rapper.

"Should I be scared?"
He asks with a smile.

"Are you ever scared?"

"Only once". He answers.

I ease back because he sounds so serious.
"When?"
I ask, heart sinking with dread.

"At the possibility of not having this."
Tenderly, I cradle his face in my hand and follow his jawline.

"We both know I can never not want this with you".
I reply with my eyes resting on his incredible lips tracing with my fingers lightly.
"You had me at the first line. This is a forever thing love".

***

Claiming one last kiss in the passenger seat of his Audi, he steps out to open my door for me. It is showtime.

We step out together and I immediately link my arm to his just to know that he is here with me.
My 110mm YSL Opyum heel sandals is uncomfortable however , I wear these shoes for their beauty not their comfort. I adjust the bottom of my long black dress and touch my golden head piece to make sure it's in place.
I look up when I hear a quiet chuckle from Jan.

I give him the "what" look with a huge smile.

"Stop fussing you look radiant tonight".

"I am Just making sure before we get a picture together".

You look dashing too by the way baby. I love the color of this bow tie, makes your eyes shine brighter".
I say while adjusting it a little bit.

We both turn when we hear a click and a flash from a camera. There are a couple of paid photographers for the event and a few invited media houses and public figures.

We get our picture taken while Jan answers a few questions concerning the charity event before entering the main hall for the event.

The Great Hall, a remarkable venue, stretches an impressive 28ft high and 115ft long. Nestled at the heart of BMA House on the 10 floor. It offers sweeping views over an exceptional view of the iconic London skyline, and a private rooftop courtyard. It is indeed the perfect venue for the evening hosting over 300 people.

The Rich, regal colors of white and gold decorations scream out sophistication. The Subtle accents in neutral tones of the lighting, table linens, floral arrangements does enhance the room creating an aesthetic and elegant ambiance.
I see a a few colleagues and some board members while Jan point out a few investors, some popular figures, political figures and the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan to me. I am amazed at how many influential individuals Jan knows and are willing to support him.

An usher approaches us to help us find our table but we decline when we spot Jan's parent enter the hall.

They flew in from Switzerland yesterday, and i met them at the airport with Jan before driving to his house. I stayed with them in Jan house for a few hours to get to know them before finally going home.

"Oh Noa, I love your outfit! You look like a goddess"
Pauline, Jan's mum says while giving me a hug and a kiss on both cheeks.
I return the hug and compliment her too in her long green dress.
Dustin, her husband also gives me a hello and a quick hug before greeting his son with a man hug.
We talk for a while until I spot Alex and Janice at the bar.
The major approaches our small group to obviously talk to Jan so I volunteer to take Pauline and Dustin to their table and excuse myself to join my friends when they are finally seated and comfortable.

I join Alex and Janice at the bar and ask for a glass of champagne. We chit chat for some time until the MC gets on the stage to kickstart the program.

It was a beautiful night. We enjoyed a three course meal, great atmosphere and conversations, live music from a popular band here in London and of course, bottomless cocktails, wine , champagnes.

Jan presents a 4mins video of the entire project from start to finish on the big screen at the hall and ends it with a beautiful speech that has everyone applauding him with a standing ovation.

After dancing with Jan to a few of my favorite songs from the band, I step out to the rooftop balcony to cool down.
I see one of the guys from the  compliance unit smoking at the far side but pay him no mind.
I lean close to the glass balcony rail staring at the immense width of the city.
The city lights and architecture, a sight to behold.

Dreamily, I look up at the night sky devoid of stars and sigh.

My contract with Jan's company ends today. Tomorrow, it's back to working for myself again. I already have a few projects lined up and can't wait for this next phase of my life to begin.
I declined Jan's offer to work for him but what I didn't decline is his offer to partner and expand.

I will be forever grateful to Sophie for advising me to take this opportunity.
It brought me my soulmate and immense fulfillment.

A gentle breeze caress me and I release a sigh of pleasure and satisfaction, after too much fun and dance in the hall.
This is my last night of freedom before my days and nights are taken over by work and Jan of course.

I turn, when a hand touches my waist.
"Had enough fresh air?"
Jan's deep sedative voice flows over me.
I nod with a smile.
Slowly, his sensual lips curled into a breathtaking smile, showing perfect white teeth, with dancing
blue eyes, decadent and sparkling like stars , causing my heart to flutter.
"A good and successful event I must say I really enjoyed myself tonight Jan. Thank you"
"It sure was a good night. And thank you too my love. You are the best."

We both turn to admire the city lights when I feel warm lips touch the area where my neck and shoulder meet. He circles his arms around my waist tightly, whispering,
"This is what forever feels like. I love you Noa"

I turn around in his arms to face him wrapping my arm around his neck.

Keeping my gaze on him, I whisper
"I love you too Jan"
before lowering his head towards me to seal my lips with his.

**** the end****