Everyone in the room was dumb founded. Their jaws dropped, and their eyes widened in disbelief, as if a jolt of electricity had passed through their veins, leaving them temporarily stunned.
The silence in the room was so deafening that the sound of a dropped pin could be heard.
The delivery man cleared his throat and asked again, ''Who is Miss Chelsy Powers?''
Cleopatra, who was still in a trance, pointed at Chelsy with her index finger without uttering a single word. Chelsy stuttered and said, ''I… I am Chelsy.''
The delivery man walked up to her with a well wrapped birthday cake decorated with tiny little fairies all over. There was a bouquet of white, yellow and blue tulip flowers, as well as a white aurora fairy plushy.
''This is a delivery for you ma'am. Please sign here.'' He showed Chelsy an electronic gadget to sign on.
Chelsy signed and collected the items. The delivery man left, and the room started functioning once again.
Cleopatra, who had come back to her senses, moved closer to Chelsy and said, ''Oh my God. Chelsy! Who in the name of the spirits is this person who keeps sending you these lovely and expensive gifts? Just look at the cake and its design. From its packaging, it was made by Bellissimi Pasticcini, the same person who made the wedding cake for the crowned princess of Wales. Girl, I need to know who this person is.''
Cleopatra was a lover of a luxurious lifestyle, although she couldn't afford it. She knew almost all the big brands and designers. There was a card attached to the flowers.
When Chelsy read the message on the card, her whole face was all smiles. Cleopatra again, asked who had sent the birthday cake and everything that had come with it.
Chelsy didn't reply, because she was still swooning over the message she had just read. Cleopatra, with a swift action, grabbed the card from Chelsy's hand.
Before Chelsy could react and seize it from her, Cleopatra walked a few steps away from Chelsy and read out loud. ''Happy birthday my mountain fairy. The most kind-hearted person who deserves nothing less than the moon and the stars. You are the sunshine that warms up every heart and makes everyone smile. I wish you a sky full of happiness, and that every day brings a smile to your face. Kind regards, Gancarnagh.''
Chelsy felt both angry and embarrassed at the same time. She shouted with a loud voice. ''Cleopatra, that wasn't your place to read out loud something I consider private to the hearing of everyone. I find that rude and disrespectful.''
Chelsy walked over and seized the card from Cleopatra, and walked back to her desk. Erica and Ruben, too, weren't happy with what Cleopatra had done. ''Cleo, that was so insensitive and disrespectful. In as much as we all are friends, you took this too far. That was something personal and private to Chelsy. I guess you owe Chelsy an apology.'' Ruben told Cleopatra. Cleopatra stood there feeling guilty of what she had done. She has always been very playful and inquisitive when it came to her friends. But sometimes, she takes it too far and goes overboard. She hadn't meant to be this insensitive and disrespectful. She was nervous and started nibbling on her fingers. She took a deep breath and walked over to Chelsy's desk.
''Hey Chelsy, I apologize for what I did earlier. That was so insensitive of me. I didn't mean to do that. It's just that when I get too excited, I tend to act like a jerk. I am so sorry. Can you please forgive me? I promise this will never happen again.''
As she spoke, she had a pouting face and both hands on her ears. She looked so cute and adorable though. Chelsy couldn't help but smile, and she said, ''You know I can't stay mad at you. It's okay. I guess it is time to unveil the cake and share it with everyone.''
She stood from her seat, and unveiled the cake. It was truly beautiful and classy. The details on the cake spoke volumes. Everyone gathered and sang a happy birthday song for Chelsy, and they wished her well as she cut her cake.
Even the members of Nicole's team moved over and shared Chelsy's cake.
Nicole, on the other hand, sat down and pretended as if she wasn't in the room. Meanwhile, she was boiling inside with rage and jealousy. Chelsy and the others took lots of pictures and videos.
Since it was still a few minutes till their break was over, Chelsy stepped out of their office space, and into the stairwell. She wanted to call Hank in order to thank him for the cake and everything that came with it.
She dialed Hank's number, and after a few rings, Hank answered. ''Hey Miss birthday girl. Happy birthday. Hope you had fun.''
Chelsy couldn't erase the smile that was plastered on her face. ''Hey gancarnagh. That was an amazing cake you sent. You didn't have to do that, you know?''
Hank gave a cheeky smile and replied. ''It was nothing, Chelsy. Did you take many pictures?'' He asked.
Chelsy nodded as if Hank could see her. ''Yes I did, and my teammates really loved the cake. Thank you gancarnagh, I don't remember the last time I had a birthday cake.''
Ever since Chelsy and her brother, together with their father, moved from France to Britain, they had never celebrated her birthday. So the last time her birthday was celebrated was when she was seven years old.
When Hank heard what Chelsy had said, he took a deep sigh and said, ''You are welcome little fairy. Don't worry, okay? I promise that every birthday of yours henceforth will be celebrated. By the way, that was the first part of your birthday. What are you doing tonight?'' Hank asked Chelsy, with his fingers crossed.
Chelsy gave a humming sound as if she was thinking, ''Ehmmmm, since it is Friday, I think I am going to have a long night. I will probably just have Netflix and chill at home, then bury myself in some ice cream and cake.''
Hank gave a little chuckle and said, ''Perfect. Can I please change your plans?''
Chelsy raised her eyebrows and said, ''Well, it depends on what that will be.''
Hank replied, ''Be ready by seven PM. Someone will pick you up by then.'' Hank didn't give Chelsy any room to refuse. ''I have to go now, Chelsy. Remember, seven PM.'' He ended the call.
Chelsy could not wipe the smile on her face. ''What is wrong with him?'' She mumbled to herself.
Meanwhile, Nicole had secretly followed Chelsy and heard everything she had said on the phone. Who is this gancarnagh? She thought to herself.
She had an angry look on her face. If one could see the rage on Nicole's face, they could compare her to the red angry bird.
She quietly walked to the bathroom, and inspected the stalls in the bathroom to ensure that there was no one in there.
She took out her phone and placed a call to someone. ''Make sure you stalk Chelsy's house tonight. I want you to follow her wherever she goes, and who she will be spending time with. And remember not to disappoint me. If you bring me something positive, you know how well I will reward you.''
The person at the other end of the line sounded quite excited. She ended the call and walked back to her desk.
It was the end of the day, and Chelsy had returned to her apartment. Before she got into her house, there was a package in front of her door.
She picked up the box, and went into her house. When she opened it, there was an elegant backless-draped silver mermaid dress with high-heeled silver sandals.
Chelsy was dumbfounded when she saw the dress. The dress was truly beautiful, and from its quality, Chelsy could tell it was high-end fashion, and it was a limited-edition dress.
There was a little note inside which read, ''Wear me tonight.''
Chelsy was a little nervous about the person picking her up later that night. ''But who is this person I would be meeting? Is it gancarnagh? But he isn't around.''
Chelsy took a deep breath and said, ''If I didn't go, then I wouldn't know. I guess I would have to go in order to find that out. Anyway, it's my birthday, and I should have as much fun as I can. By the way, since it is gancarnagh responsible for this, I guess I have nothing to worry about.''
She gave a smile and sent her best friend a quick message. Before Chelsy could take a step, Rachel called her. ''Baby girl, wait a minute. I just saw your text message. Who is it that you are meeting tonight?''
Chelsy was excited to hear her best friend's voice. ''Calm down Rach. Like I wrote in the message, I don't know if it is gancarnagh I will be meeting, or if I might be going to a restaurant for a meal by myself. But don't worry, I will keep you posted, okay?''
Rachel was quite happy for her best friend. ''Listen Chels. It doesn't matter whether it is gancarnagh you are meeting or if you are having dinner alone. Just take care of yourself and have lots of fun, okay? And by the way, I still have the tracking app on my phone. I will know exactly where you are. If anything happens, I will know where to start looking for you.''
Chelsy couldn't help it but laugh out loud. ''Come on Rach. You still have that app on your phone as well, huh? I guess we are truly besties because we do think alike. Anyway, I have to go now. Take care my darling, and I will keep you posted.'' They said goodbye and ended the call. Back then, after Chelsy's kidnap, Chelsy and Rachel had to download a tracking app on their mobile phones to find out each other's whereabouts.
It was already five pm, and Chelsy had barely two hours to prepare. She took a warm shower and came out feeling refreshed. She put on the dress, and it fitted her perfectly, bringing out her hourglass figure.
The way the dress was draped on her, seemed as though the designer had perfectly crafted it for her.
Chelsy looked truly beautiful in the dress. She let her jet black curly hair fall on her bare shoulders. She applied a little makeup on, and she was done.
At exactly seven pm, there was a knock on Chelsy's door.
Chelsy opened the door, and found Asher waiting at the door. Asher was a little dumbfounded, and he said with a cracking voice. ''Hello Miss Powers. I will be your Chauffeur for today.''
Chelsy smiled at him and said, ''Greetings Asher. It's nice to see you again. I am ready. We can leave.''
Chelsy walked out of the door, and Asher followed behind her. The same luxurious car Asher had carried her inside the last time, was the same car that was waiting for her in front of her apartment.
Asher walked before her, and opened the back door for her. Someone secretly took pictures of Chelsy entering the car.
When they were on the move, Chelsy asked. ''Hey Asher. Where are we going to?''
Asher looked at Chelsy through the rearview mirror, and replied with a smile, ''Ma'am, I can't let the cat out of the bag.''
Chelsy smirked and said, ''It is typical of you anyway. I am certain you will say your boss asked you to keep it a secret as usual.'' Asher just gave a smile and said nothing.
As they were driving, Asher kept looking at his side mirrors and rearview mirror. His countenance changed and became more serious. They drove for about fifteen minutes, and the car stopped in front of a tall skyscraper.
Asher opened the door and Chelsy stepped out. Gina was already waiting for Chelsy at the entrance.
Asher walked over and whispered something into Gina's ear, and she nodded. When Chelsy saw Gina, she went, ''Miss Gina? What are you doing here? Is Mister Rivers here?''
Chelsy had seen Gina a couple of times at Daniel's office. She thought Gina worked for Daniel.
''No, miss Powers. He isn't here.'' Chelsy was a little stunned and asked Gina. ''Then why are you here if Mister Rivers isn't here?''
Gina gave a little laugh and replied. ''My boss asked me to come get you.''
Chelsy was a little confused. ''Wait a minute, Miss Gina. Isn't Daniel Rivers your boss?''
Gina shook her head negatively. Chelsy's eyes widened as if she had realized something. ''Don't tell me gancarnagh is your boss.'' Gina nodded and replied, ''Yes he is. It is a small world? Isn't it?''
Chelsy, who still stood with mouth agape, responded, ''It is indeed a small world, and getting quite smaller.''
Gina asked Chelsy to follow her inside. They arrived at the rooftop. There was a Sikorsky S ninety-two helicopter, waiting for Chelsy.
When Chelsy saw the chopper she looked at Gina without uttering a word. ''Miss Chelsy, we are taking this helicopter to your destination, where my boss is waiting for you. I hope you are not scared of heights.''
Chelsy was already overwhelmed by everything that had happened that evening. She stuttered on her words and said, ''Nn. No.''
Gina directed Chelsy to follow her into the helicopter. Chelsy said okay and followed her.
The helicopter flight took about twenty minutes, and they arrived at the famous Ringland Hotels and Suites. It was the most luxurious and expensive seven-star hotel in all of London, owned by the Fitzwilliam Group. It was a fifty-floor building and located on the most fancy side of East London upon the River Thames.
It had all the amenities one could ever dream of. The hotel had the most beautiful view of the whole of East London. The artificial lake view at the front gave it the most epicurean look.
Gina asked Chelsy to follow her, and she was brought to the forty-fifth floor. ''Miss Powers, my journey with you ends here. Go through those doors, and you will be accompanied to my boss by someone. I hope you have as much fun as possible. Happy birthday.'' As she spoke, she turned around and left.
Chelsy's heart was thumping in anticipation. She could feel her legs feeling wobbly like jelly. She didn't know what to expect after going past those doors.
She took a deep breath and adjusted her posture. She pushed the door open, and there was a lady dressed in a burgundy suit.
The lady gave a warm smile and said, ''Welcome to Ringland Hotels and Suites, Miss Powers. This way please.''
Chelsy followed her into a beautifully decorated and well-lit room. The room had a candle-lit dinner setup for two. It was decorated with tulip and rose flowers.
There, Hank sat in his well-tailored gray suit, looking like a demigod who had just descended from the sky.
Just like the first day Chelsy saw Hank, she was stunned, and left breathless.