Chapter Twenty Six

Cassie laughed as she went into the changing room. She can't believe that she forgot her lines and said something else. She laughed out loud as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

"That director deserved it", Cassie laughed out and pulled off her gown.

"Thank you for your efforts, people", the assistant director clapped his hands. Cassie scoffed loudly and hissed inwardly.

"See you tomorrow", the assistant said and clapped once more.

Cassie was waiting for her car anxiously. It looked like rain was about to fall and her call hadn't been brought yet. She stood by the road and brought out her phone to call someone when a car honk brought her to reality all of a sudden.

She got scared for a bit and placed her hand on her chest.

"Oh!", she exclaimed when she saw a fellow actor. She forgot his name and waved awkwardly at him.

"I guess you forgot my name again", the actor laughed.

"I'm Chen Ji", the actor introduced himself.

"My pretty boy", Cassie smiled widely.

"Get in. I don't think your car is ready and besides, rain is about to fall", Chen ji said.

Cassie nodded and replied, "I would just wait. The drive to my hotel is a very long one"

She made an emphasis on the 'very' to make him change his mind and go.

Just then, Jun ho's car pulled over. Cassie smiled sheepishly and walked to his car as carefully as she could.

"Hey! Are you also waiting for something?", Cassie asked as she rested on the car in a fashionable manner.

"Get in", Jun ho declared. Chen Ji got out of his car and spoke up, "She's riding with me"

Cassie watched the two guys glare at each other. She was really enjoying the look on Jun ho's pretty face. She laughed out loud for some time.

"I think I would ride with Chen Ji", Cassie said and took Chen Ji's hand. Chen Ji looked at Jun ho and smirked.

Jun ho watched them leave with a fiery gaze. 'She can do whatever she wants', he thought and drove off.

Cassie found out that Chen Ji was actually obsessed with her beauty. He was praising her continually and laughed at the last scene.

"It looked like you did that purposely", Chen Ji laughed. Cassie laughed with him as she nodded in agreement. She closed her eyes to think for a long moment. Simon told her something that's kind of hard to believe.

It took her hours to think, cry and unleash her anger on irrelevant things. How could he? How could they? It also felt like that revelation made her lose focus on the scene.

She took out her sunglasses in her bag and wore them quickly. A tear ran down her cheek. Chen Ji was alarmed and surprised to see that she was crying. He had to ask her if she was fine or not.

"I'm fine, pretty boy. I'm just happy, very happy", she smiled bitterly.

*****

"What do you mean, Jun ho? Are you serious?", Tessa laughed as Jun ho was telling her what Cassie did on the scene.

"To be honest, I think she likes you", Tessa said.

"I know", Jun ho agreed.

"You know, I think you should date her, Trevor. She's pretty, she's smart, funny and all"

"You don't know what I'm passing through, Tess"

"What are you passing through? Cassie is really a pain in the ass, I know. But at the same time, you can make her feel bad. She's sort of a really happy person but she can withdraw if you really push her. Tell me, do you like her?", Tessa asked with a serious gaze. She wanted to see if he would say 'yes' or 'no'.

"Actually…", Jun ho hesitated to answer the question. "I…I don't know yet but if I do, I'll always tell you", he added.

"Guess where your girlfriend is going today", Tessa asked in a songy voice.

"A date? To watch a movie? Or perhaps, you want to fly to see me because you miss me", Jun ho asked and chuckled.

"You really dream a lot, Jun ho. How could you think of the last one? That's so off for me. Okay! I'm going for a really nice event. It should be a launch. Z and A just launched some set of jewelry and Zavier asked me to be his date", Tessa blushed madly.

"I can't believe this. Are you willing to get married to him or what?", Jun ho asked.

"Of course. Who should I get married to if not him? Austin or Ryan?", Tessa asked.

"You can marry Ryan instead of him", Jun ho replied.

"Oh! Hold on. The baby of the house wants to speak with you", Tessa said and gave Ryan her phone.

She took the gown she was supposed to wear for the event. She opened her mouth in awe as she took it out of the bag. She knew that it was damn expensive even though the price tag was not there. Zavier really spent a lot on the gown.

Kim was almost in her house. She was the one that was going to do her makeover and take Ryan on a mini picnic. Ryan had been willing to go on one but refused to go with his dad.

"I want a date with Kim not with dad!!", Ryan screamed.

Austin was really pissed with him that day. "Who told you about dates? Date is for people in a relationship not for a baby!!", Austin replied.

"But- but mom usually takes me on dates most times", Ryan argued. Austin was really speechless this time. He didn't want to argue with Ryan or say anything that would make him cry and kick the door till he hurt his small foot.

"Okay! Dad won't go on a date with you! But can dad go on a picnic with you two?", His dad asked him but he shook his head.

"Dad can go with Tessa for her date", Ryan answered. Mark gave up and went around his business. His son is really hard to please these days.

When he's making food in the morning, Ryan would say, "Men don't know how to make food. It's only Tessa's boyfriend that can make my food perfectly. That's not how mom makes it! The milk is too much!!"

When he's picking the shoe for him, "That's the shoe I usually wear on Friday. Mom said it's perfect for Friday"

When he just woke up, "Mom said I should always arrange my bed as soon as I'm up. No one should do it for me"

But Ryan didn't know what he's doing by saying those things. There's no time that tears won't fall from Mark's eyes anytime Ryan says those words. He knows that he doesn't mean anything bad but he just remembers.

'Olivia raised you well', Mark confessed in his mind as a tear ran down his cheeks.

**********

Zavier leaned on his car while waiting for his girlfriend. He took out his phone to answer a phone call. He spoke calmly on the phone. Tessa held her purse and walked elegantly towards him. He was turning his back to her so he couldn't see she was approaching him.

She was damn nervous and clutched her gown tightly. Kim and Ryan were looking at her from the window. Kim felt very proud of her handiwork. She really worked herself out to make her bestie the prettiest in the world.

Her hair was beautifully styled into a gorgeous french braid. Tessa's still wondering about the hair. How the hell did Kim braid it so well by interlacing it? She really thought she wouldn't get it but she did! In fact, she made it more beautiful.

Tessa was wearing a gorgeous royal blue gown. Zavier actually saw the gown while he was going through some links on his phone. He imagined how it would look on Tessa and added it to his cart.

It was a strapless bead gown that looked like it is a ball gown but isn't. It was a quinceanera dress. Tessa waited till Zavier finished his call. But as soon as she heard him say, "I love you too Gem", she got angry.

She pushed him away and tried to enter the car but he didn't let her.

"I…I would….will talk to you later", he told the person on the line while stammering and hung up.

He didn't speak for a long time and covered his mouth. He held her hand and turned her around.

"You look-"

"Stop! I don't want to hear it", Tessa cut him off as soon as he began to compliment her.

"Did you hear anything strange? Why are you so worked up?", he asked as he stared at her. He can never get angry at her. Never!

"I'm sorry", he apologized and kisses her knuckles.

Tessa blushed and blurted, "Why are you so handsome?"

She covered her mouth as soon as the statement left her mouth.

"I'm always handsome", Zavier boasted and ran a hand through his hair.

"I know your friends. Who the hell is Gem?!!!", Tessa yelled.

Zavier got what she was furious about. She was jealous of the fact that he was talking to a girl so intimately.

"Gem is my cousin, remember?", he raised his brow. She then remembered that it was true. He bought her a ridiculous time some time back for her birthday or something. Her twin brother was Liam.

They were the children of his older brother. "I wanted to say that you looked stunning. You're so beautiful", he said.

"The gown really fits you well", he added and she smiled.

"I knew you spent a fortune on this gown. Thank you! I love it", she pecked him on the cheeks to show her excitement.

Zavier kissed her to show his happiness. Kim quickly covered Ryan's eyes before they could finish kissing.

"Stop! They just kissed for a short time. Austin kissed Anna for a long time", Ryan said and that made Kim pop out her eyes.

"Oh God!! What did you say Ryan?", Kim asked make sure that she didn't hear wrong.

"I said they kissed for a long time. They kissed in the kitchen", Ryan said.

Kim scratched her head continuously. 'What is Ryan's small mom trying to show her son?', Kim asked a rhetorical question but couldn't find the answer to it.

"I saw you kiss Luke too", Ryan continued but this time, Kim was too embarrassed to hear it all.

"Ryan!!!!"

*********

"Good day ladies and gentlemen. I'm honored to have you all here", Raymond began his speech. He was wearing a sky blue suit and also looked handsome. It also seemed like he changed his hair style.

It was only William that was not there yet. Mrs. Black, Vivian, Tessa, Zavier and some of Zavier's friends were there to grace the event.

"Today is a big day! We're here to show off some amazing jewelry. But it's more than just pretty accessories. Each piece has a story and lots of hard work behind it.

The people behind Z and A have put their hearts into making these pieces. They've used beautiful stones and metals to create something special. And these jewels aren't just things you wear—they're like treasures, carrying feelings and memories.

It's taken a lot of effort to get here, but it's been worth it. Z and A didn't just make jewelry; they made dreams. Dreams that shine with possibilities and that you can pass down to your family", Raymond continued his speech as people listened attentively.

People were dressed beautifully. Some people even went out of their ways to impress the crowd by buying fake stuffs that looked real just to be called wealthy. Many ladies broke their piggy bank to gather money to buy an expensive dress to impress many guys and have them chase them around.

Their eyes were on the third son of the Blacks. He was the most popular name on the lips of the ladies - Zavier Black. They would even die for him. Many young heiresses were at the party to see Zavier. Most of them were there due to one condition or the other.

Raymond looked at his mother and continued, "These beautiful pieces have stories woven into them. Imagine someone carefully picking out special gems and metals, putting them together to create something magical. That's what Z and A have done with these jewels.

When you wear one of these pieces, it's not just about looking good. It's about carrying a piece of something special with you—a reminder of happiness, a feeling, or a memory that's close to your heart.

The journey to create these stunning beauty of these pieces but cherish the stories they hold. Let's celebrate the dedication, the passion, and the emotions put in every gem and metal. These jewels aren't just for today; they're timeless treasures that adds to our moments, emotions, and lifetimes.

Crafting these pieces wasn't a ride to milky-way. It took hard work, patience, and a lot of heart. Each piece wasn't just made; it was shaped with love and care. And the outcome? Pieces of art that shine with grace, holding stories that comes from within.

These gems aren't just about the here and now; they transcend time. They're about creating connections between people, moments, and the legacy they leave behind. Z and A didn't just make jewelry; they spun dreams. Dreams that shimmer with endless possibilities and carry the power to transform moments into everlasting memories.

Today, let's not just admire the shiny feature of these pieces; let's honor the dedication, passion, and emotions that breathe life into them. Cheers to the stories, dreams, and the timeless beauty crafted by Z and A", Raymond toasted and raises his glass up in the air.

👥 Cheers!!!

Tessa walked through the crowd and looked at the jewelries on display. She felt like taking all of it and run away but she sounded ridiculous.

"Hey niece! Guess what?", Vivian told Tessa to guess as she put her hand behind her back. Tessa was confused but she guessed all the same.

"You broke up with Ray?", she guessed wrong.

"You're relocating?"

"You're pregnant?"

"You're…engaged?"

"Yessssss!!!", Vivian screamed and showed her the ring Raymond placed on her finger.

"When? How? Since when?", Tessa asked without pausing. Raymond really doesn't waste time. So fast?

"Tell me everything, please", Tessa begged and pulled her to a corner to hear the full gist.

"I'll tell you after all I'm your dearest aunt", Vivian smiled and began to tell the story.

"Are you saying you said 'yes'? Did you take a video?", Tessa asked.

Vivian replied with a sadly, "I didn't because we were the only one on the field. I can't believe all that happened in the sky!!"

"Will you marry me, Vivi? I love you", Vivian recalled the proposal words the aeroplane carried on a large cloth.

"He's a nice man. I'm hapoy for you, aunt", Tessa hugged her aunt dearly.

"So, you'll be a bride in few months", Tessa concluded.

"You mean weeks? Ray is hungry for me", Vivian said and laughed.

"He wants us to live together and do what couple's are doing", She said and she turned red.

"Oh! That's…great!!", Tessa said with a flushed expression.

"I'm happy you finally left your former love and met the love of your life", Tessa responded with a grin.

"He's actually out of the country", Vivian retorted.

"That's nice. Raphael is also out of the country", Tessa said and pulled her to a jewelry.

"Do you want me to buy this jewelry for you?", Vivian spoke her mind.

Tessa nodded like a teddy bear.

"I'm not Zavier or Raymond. I live on a budget, Tess. But you can take it, my husband will pay for it"

"Your husband? You mean your fiance?", Tessa laughed at the way Vivian claimed that Raymond was her husband.

"I'm so jealous of your relationship", Tessa pouted.

"Kim really dressed you up. She's so talented", Vivian complimented the work of Kim on Tessa's hair. Tessa was happy to hear that. A lot of girls have come to meet her to know the person that styled her and the place she got her dress.

Vivian left Tessa to attend to some VIP partners.

"This ring is so pretty", she muttered and stared at her fingers.

"Do you want it?", Zavied said behind her. She turned around immediately and shook her head. She likes it but it's too expensive. How can a ring cost $320,000?

It was a beautiful ring but how could they sell it for that ridiculous price?

"Will you buy it for me?", She pouted and traces the glass with her index finger.

"Of course. You should have known I'll buy anything for you", Zavier stated and held her hand.

"I'm happy you're here. Thanks for being with me", Zavier kissed her intimately as he wrapped his hand on her waist.

Zavier took two glasses of wine from the waiter that was passing by. He gave one to Tessa and drank from the other glass.

"Ah! I love this wine. The taste is so sharp!", Tessa said and drank more wine.

"You don't drink wine in one go, Tess", Zavier said and laughed.

"You and Luke can't teach me what to do about wine. That's how I love drinking it", Tessa replied.

"That means I'd stop taking you for events like this. Do you want that?", Zavier asked.

"Yes, so I can drink and do many things with other guys", Tessa whispered into his ears.

Zavier held the glass tightly as soon as he heard what she said. Tessa didn't take her eyes off a man that was staring at then from a distance. He had been looking in their direction for some minutes now and didn't leave that spot.

What was he doing? Is he a spy? Tessa looked at Zavier's face and looked at the man's face. There was a kind of resemblance she noticed in them. The man looked like Zavier! Perhaps, he's the rumoured father they were talking about.

Zavier was jealous but noticed she didn't take her eyes off a direction. He turned around to see what got her captivated and dropped the glass cup in shock.