CHAPTER 1
EMMA’S POV
I threw one last look at my dining table set up and I was pleased with what I saw. The mimosa jar was sitting pretty besides two glasses and a plate of bitings.
It had been a long time since I had caught up with Tracey and I was patiently waiting for her to come and hang out with me.
She was running late, I was about to give her a call when I heard the doorbell. Jumping up in excitement, I went to get the door.
“ Welcome in, “ I said after I hugged her tightly.
“ Thank you so much, I have missed you,” She said.
“ I have missed you too,” I told her.
I loved her so much. Apart from my fiance, she is the only friend that I have in this town.
“ Feel at home,” I said as I walked her to the dining table where I poured the Mimosas into our respective wine glasses.
“ What time is it again to be drinking this early?” She teased as she sat next to me.
“ Come on, don't even start, I need it. It has been one crazy year,” I told her.
“ I know right,” She agreed. We tossed before I took my seat. I was ready to tell her what had been happening. It had been so long since we had our last catch up.
“ So, tell me everything. I am so sorry I missed your engagement night. I was right across the world, in Africa,” She apologised.
“ No, it's fine. I understand. But before I forgive you, you have to assure me that you are not going to miss my wedding,” I warned.
“ Of course not,” She said.
“ So, tell me everything,” She begged.
“ Okay, since the proposal didn't come first, let me start with what came first and that is my graduation,” I told her.
“ Wow, look at you. A whole Masters holder in Criminology. You make me really proud. You inspire me as your friend,” She said and I couldn't be happier.
“ If there is something that life has taught me is the fact that you can be anything you put your mind to it,” I told her.
“ Congratulations,” She said.
“ Thank you, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. To be honest, I can't wait for my first assignment. My instincts are pretty strong and I really want to use it to solve issues that affect humanity,” I told her.
“ I know you so well and I know that the world is not ready for you. You will solve so many cases and I can't wait to be celebrating with you,” She said.
“ Thank you. Anyway, that aside, I want to talk to you about my engagement night. That was the best thing that happened to me,” I told her and I couldn't help but smile.
Thinking about Philip brought me so much joy. He is the best thing that ever happened to me, he is the king of my heart.
“ I know, tell me everything,” Tracey said.
“ It was one of our many dates and he took me to Acacia Premier Hotel. You know how I love classy places. We had a six course dinner prepared by Chef Rafael. You know how I am obsessed with good food. Once we were done, I knew that we would come home like we normally do only for him to take me to the rooftop,” I said and paused a little to smile and just think about that moment. It was the best day of my life. Thinking about it alone made goosebumps form under my skin.
“ Tell me, don't leave me hanging,” Tracey insisted. She was so eager to know everything that happened.
“ At the rooftop, they were playing jazz music with a love band. Red rose petals were everywhere with candles on a trail and at the end there was the question, "Will you marry me,” I revealed and Tracey couldn't help but giggle. She was so happy for me.
She knew that I always loved marriage and she was so happy to see me happy as I waited for the next step.
“ You are so pretty, you will make a pretty wife,” She said.
“ Thank you,” I mumbled.
“ I love him, I am really so happy that I met him.” I told her.
“ Yes, he was the one who first welcomed you when you were new to this town. He is a nice gentleman,” She said.
“ Yea. He said that I should work at his intelligence firm. I don't have to worry about a job,” I mentioned.
“ This is what I was talking about. He surely has a heart of gold,” Tracey said, giving me a hug.
“ I love the trajectory your life is taking. You completed school, you are engaged and you also have a job. Fantastic,” Tracey said.
“ Thank you. I have finally achieved what I have always wanted in life,” I told her.
“ You make me so proud. By the way, we should go out and celebrate. I cannot remember the last time we were out partying,” Tracey brought up the idea.
“ Come on, not today,” I mumbled. I am so introverted, I don't really like to be out there.
“ Look at all the successes that you have gathered. Please, let's go and celebrate. I insist. I have to give you your flowers before it's too late,” She said.
“ You know me, I don't like to go out. Besides, I have not mentioned to Philip about this even if he is out of town,” I countered.
“ I don't care how many excuses you come up with, but I am not leaving without you. We must go for a wild night out, and dance the night away. We have to celebrate. I am pretty sure that Philip will understand,” She insisted.
“ You know I don't like being hit on. I don't like that kind of attention,” I mentioned.
“ You are engaged, don't worry about that. Men will not bother you. Come on, stop being naive, let loose. Let's go and have a wild night out,” Tracey urged.
“ Okay, okay. Let's go then.” I had to accept. It was just a one night of fun. It was not going to change the entire trajectory of my life.
Or so I thought.