A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE FIFTY FIVE

THEME: Separate rooms

CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

CRAWFORD MANSION

“This is so ridiculous!” Ashley exclaimed in annoyance as she slumped into the seat next to her husband. She couldn’t believe anyone would have the guts to walk up to her and make such demands as becoming friends with Raven. Maybe she was a little bit harsh, she knew. However, people like Raven aren’t to be shown mercy and it wasn’t her fault that she had it all.

The Tiana girl was fearless and wasn’t bothered of herself getting embarrassed after accosting her in such manner.

“What’s the matter baby?” Matthew asked her looking worried.

Thinking for a moment, she shook her head. “You know what? It is nothing really. We should get the kids, I feel tired.” She told him not wanting to counter her intuitions yet.

Matthew didn’t try to ask further what was wrong with her or that had gotten her pissed. “Give me a minute.” He told her calling out to the children.

Ashley returned her attention to her food that was already turning cold. She didn’t know her father and brother were walking up to her until Christopher wrapped his arms around her shoulder from behind and kissed her cheek.

“How is my beautiful and favorite sister doing?”

Ashley rolled her eyes and slapped his hands away. “How is that even true when you throw Ava in my face every time.” She smirked.

“You shouldn’t be jealous, you both had your times.” James chipped in sitting opposite her and he pulled her outstretched hands to himself.

“What’s the matter my dear? You haven’t been much of yourself all day.”

Christopher sat next to her, placing his head on his palm. “Dad, I know what’s wrong with her. Ashley doesn’t seem to like my wife, it is certainly the obvious reason why she is in this mood.”

“Chris!” Ashley warned.

“Ash baby, you should get to know her. I understand your fears, but I promise Raven is different.” James assured her.

“How can you all be so sure when you have only known her for what? Three weeks?” Ashley countered.

“You don’t need to know someone for too long before being able to decide if they are the best option for you. Those who sticked around for years turn out to be traitors too.” Christopher said in a sad tone.

Taking her hands out of her father’s, she held her brothers hand. “You know I only want what’s best for you Chris. I mean no harm I swear.” Ashley said in a calm tone.

“All I am asking for is to give her a benefit of doubt Ashley. Raven is pretty much of an introvert and you would only push her farther back into her shell.” Christopher told her.

“He is right, Ashley. Please be nice to Raven.” James said.

Ashley sighed. “Alright. Fine I will try to talk to her.” She gave in.

“Now, that’s my sis.” Christopher smiled brightly before reaching out to peck her cheeks.

“Will you both be going for your honeymoon soon?” James asked, directing his question at Christopher.

Christopher shook his head vigorously and also cleared his throat. “We won’t be doing that. We are at a crucial point at the corporation in terms of signing some important deals and I can’t risk going on a vacation. I have talked about it with Raven and she understands me.” He lied through his teeth. The thought of a vacation with Raven for a long time irked him.

James gave Ashley a look. “Ashley see what I am saying about her. She is very considerate and reliable. Just like your mother.”

Sounding bored, Ashley nodded. “I hear you dad, I hear you.”

Matthew arrived with the children. “We are ready baby.” He told her. “Hello sir. Congratulations once again Christopher.” He addressed the men sitting down close to his wife.

Snatching her bag from the table, Ashley hugged her brother and father quickly. “We would be leaving now. It’s already late.” She noted checking her watch.

“Alright sis, thanks for the support.” Christopher hugged her.

“Let’s say our goodbyes to everyone.” Ashley told her family as they walked towards Hope and the rest.

“Where is Ava?” James asked.

“She needed to step out to meet with her manager.” Christopher responded.

“Oh I see.” James said as he stood up.

After Ava and her family exchanged pleasantries with everyone in attendance, Eva, Rowan and Tiana were the next set of people to leave. Benjamin left afterwards while Hope and James looked exhausted from the runnings of the day and they couldn’t wait to get to bed.

“Congratulations to you both.” Hope said to them, hugging Raven. “You both should head home now, we would see during the next family dinner.” She yawned loudly before heading towards the stairs that lead to her room.

“I am so happy for you both.” James patted Christopher at the back. “Please drive safe.” And with that he followed his wife.

Raven stood awkwardly in her heels, her legs were turning sour in them and it was beginning to feel like her ankles was cramped.

Walking towards the door, Christopher looked behind him. “Let’s go.” He muttered.

She knew better than to ask him anything at the moment. They have had enough argument for the day as it is. And she was beyond exhausted and had no stamina to have any exchanging of words with him.

When they got into the car and he drove off, she made no attempt to ask if it was going to be her house or he would drop her at his place.

***********************

CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD APARTMENT

Christopher was lost in his own thoughts as he contemplated dropping her at her house. But he thought otherwise again, it would make Eva suspicious. Moreover, it was late already and he was just as exhausted as anyone else coupled with the fact that he had a meeting with the board of directors the next day. And he has no intention of slacking off with his duties as the CEO.

Pressing hard on the pedal, he drove downtown heading to his house. Getting his car parked properly, he was met by his Mexican help named Matilda. She has been working for his parents for years and practically looked after him and his siblings. She had taken it upon herself to volunteer as his help when he had moved out of the house. She was more like a godmother to him.

“Welcome Chris.” Matilda smiled.

“Good evening, Matty.” Christopher replied.

“Congratulations. Please where is she?” She was asking after Raven who had begun to doze off in the car.

He gestured towards the seat. “She is sleeping off but I will wake her up now. Why are you still awake at this time Matilda?” He questioned.

Christopher opened the car door and he tapped Raven lightly. “Come on, we are home.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“I couldn’t wait to see you bring home your bride. My anxiety didn’t let me sleep.” Matilda told her boss as she let out a gasp when Raven came out of the car with both of her heels in hand and purse, looking very sleepy.

“Oh my God! She is so beautiful!” Matilda commented.

“Thank you.” Raven sounded groggy, staring at the lady in confusion.

“Oh, I am Matilda. Mr Christopher’s help.” She introduced herself.

“You should go to sleep now Matilda. You would both meet properly tomorrow.” Christopher said.

Without arguing with her master, Matilda said her goodbyes and went to the back of the house where the staff quarters was located.

“Come on in.” Christopher invited Raven in.

Her sleepy state didn’t let her savor the beauty of the house enough, all she wanted was a bed. Just as they entered, Christopher paused abruptly and turned towards her.

“I feel like I don’t need to repeat this, but I will say it anyway. We are not sleeping in the same room and we have nothing doing together. Unless we need to be at a business or family gathering where we need to prove to the world that we are a happy couple. With that, the first room on your left when you go upstairs is your room. My driver Steve will go with you to your house tomorrow to get your things, also you would be getting dropped off and picked by him whenever you head to work. He drives me around most times.”

Raven nodded slightly, not saying a word as she moved stealthily towards the room description. All she wanted was to bury her head in a pillow and sleep off. To her amazement, when she opened the door to the room one look at the bed, it was certain she wouldn’t be needing to stuff her face in a pillow before sleep evaded her.

And she was right, it didn’t take few seconds before she drifted into dream land.