Chapter 28—Speechless

"Yes, for real?" Henderson's lips were filled with a smile. Lena nodded gazing downward, she didn't know why she felt shy all of a sudden. She blamed it on the excitement evident in Henderson's voice and the wide smile on his face when she agreed to go to the awards ceremony with him. She didn't know why she said yes without giving it a thought, Cleo blurted it out to Lena sooner when they had spoken on the phone. Then Lena had made up her mind to say no, even with that she kept looking forward to Henderson asking her but when he didn't she concluded that he changed his mind or that Cleo was only joking and she took it seriously. Lena was shocked by her response, she was supposed to say no but she just said yes. And there was no way she could say no again seeing how happy Henderson was, she was bewildered by Henderson's reaction when she agreed. Henderson realising it kept a neutral face and scolded himself inwardly. He was way too excited, he was worried that Lena might think he had other plans in mind. "Daddy, can I and Trent come along?" Itzel asked looking up at Henderson. "Sorry, you can't. Only adults can attend, but guess what Aunt Cleo will be here to watch you guys while I and Lena are out." Itzel and Trent's faces held disappointment when Henderson said they couldn't attend the ceremony but when he told them Cleo was going to come over their mood lightened up. Trent had developed a liking for Cleo, she was nice to him, unlike most guests he had encountered in the mansion. At this moment did it dawn on Lena what agreeing to be Henderson's plus one entailed, it was going to be just her and Henderson and that too she was going to be making a public appearance with the most popular CEO in town, Henderson Bain. The thought of it alone gave her mixed feelings. Two weeks later.... "Henderson since when did you start to pay attention to shopping before an award ceremony? Is there something you aren't telling me?" Brian muttered with puckered brows as they drove to the mall. "What's wrong with shopping for new clothes?" Henderson mumbled dryly glancing at his best friend before he returned his gaze to the road. Brian didn't believe Henderson's words but he chose not to say anything else. Whatever it was Henderson was hiding he was going to find out himself. Henderson slowly parked the car in the parking lot before he alighted. "Aren't you going to be a gentleman and come open the door for me?" Brian pouted just when Henderson was about to step down from the car. Henderson veered to face him, a smirk tugged his lips. "Dream on dude, you can take a nap if you want to, " He shrugged before alighting the car and ambling away. "Wait for me." Brian quickened up his pace to catch up with Henderson. Henderson didn't wait or even say anything to Brian, he just chuckled and shook his head. "You walk way too fast!" Brian grumbled as he tried to catch his breath after reaching Henderson. "It's not my fault that you are too slow, is it?" Henderson taunted with raised brows. "I hate you!" Brian huffed shooting Henderson an angry glare. "We all know that's a lie, " Henderson laughed. After They got into the mall one of the workers came to attend to them and showed them to their usual Vip section. They shopped for a lot of things. A diamond bracelet which was right beside the wristwatch Henderson bought caught his eye and he decided to get it for Lena. "That bracelet is for a female, what do you want it for?" Brian asked after Henderson paid for the bracelet. "I do know it's for a female. It is for Lena. I asked her to be my date to the awards and she agreed I just want to gift her this, it's a token of my appreciation. Why am I even telling you all of this?" Henderson scoffed rolling his eyes at Brian when he saw the Cheshire cat grin on Brian's face. "What did I do wrong now?" Brian whined. Henderson put the bracelet into his pockets and then exhaled before he strode away. "Lena is going to be the star of the night at the event. You are going to watch her turn heads and probably get a lot of men hitting on her. This is going to be interesting, " Brian chuckled. He was saying all of that just to get a reaction from Henderson. Ever since the drive after they were done shopping Brian had been blabbing nonstop, he didn't even care that Henderson didn't say a word, he was doing all the talking and he seemed like he was never going to get tired of it. "Shut the fuck up Brian if you've got nothing else to say!" Henderson snarled giving Brian a cold look. "Dude, I was just joking," Brian mumbled trying to keep a straight face, he was trying so hard to stop himself from bursting into laughter seeing the look on Henderson's face. "Do yourself a favour and abstain from using Lena's name to make your silly jokes!" Henderson warned with a disdainful look on his face. "Yes boss, " Brian bowed playfully making Henderson chuckle. Brian possessing such an attitude made Henderson find it really hard to stay mad at him. A Day Later...... Today was the award ceremony, Cleo came over in the morning. Henderson had gone to the office, he said he had some unfinished business. Later that afternoon shortly after Lunch, Two ladies and a guy came to the mansion and introduced themselves as Lena's stylists. Lena told them she didn't pay for any stylist but Cleo showed up and ushered them in, she told Lena that she hired them to get Lena ready for the ceremony. Lena told her that she didn't need any of that she had already picked out an outfit for the event. Also because she had no budget made to pay the stylists who were from the best styling industry in town. Cleo told her not to worry about that because Henderson was footing the bill and that he said they could spend as much as they wanted when he gave her his debit card. Lena kicked against it but that didn't make Cleo change her mind. She insisted ignoring Lena's refusal when Lena realised she couldn't do a thing to change Cleo's mind she just agreed to it. Henderson returned earlier than he usually would from the office so he could get ready for the event, he inquired about Lena's and Cleo's whereabouts from Itzel and Trent who told him that they were in Lena's room. Trent and Itzel left out the part about the presence of the stylists because Cleo had told them not to tell Henderson about it. She wanted Lena's sleek look to take him by surprise, after today Lena wasn't just going to be his daughter's Nanny, but the beauty Henderson had failed to see all this while, that was what Cleo wanted. She was only going to do all she could to make the duo realise their feelings for each other. "Damn! You look so gorgeous, you better don't let Henderson drive cause girl he might end up getting you two into an accident. He won't be able to take his eyes off you. I don't think he will be able to, " Cleo smiled staring at Lena admiringly. The stylists left after their job was done. Cleo went on to order just not one dress but ten, and she got an extra ten for herself as well. Lena lowered her gaze and chuckled at Cleo's statement before she hoisted her head to peer at Cleo who was smiling sheepishly with eyes flickering with mischief as though she had something up her sleeves. "Go look in the mirror, " Cleo giggled giving Lena a slight push. Lena walked to the mirror, a smile embraced her lips as she took in her reflection. Cleo was right she looked so beautiful. The last time she dressed this beautifully was at high during prom and ever since she cared less about stuff like this. "Girl, you've got killer curves. Your body will make even a rag look classy!" Cleo raved coming to stand beside Lena. Colour drained out of Lena's face, "Maybe I should just change this dress. I told you that wearing this dress was a bad idea." "Come on Lena. You look drop-dead gorgeous, you are changing nothing!" Cleo stated with finality in her tone as if she was Lena's mom making Lena chortle. "Yes ma'am, " Lena mumbled amidst laughter raising her hands in surrender. Lena was donning an off-shouldered black mermaid dress that highlighted her slender shoulders, the dress was tight-fitting from the waist to below the knees accentuating her curves before it flared out to the bottom. Around the waist of the dress were tiny, shiny silver beadings. Lena wore silver earrings, and silver heels to compliment the dress. Her hair was curled up and let loose on her shoulders rather than the usual ponytail she most time packed them into hiding how long her hair was. Since her hair was let loose it flowed down stopping at her lower back despite the curls. She was sceptical about applying make-up at first but Cleo convinced her with help from the male stylist who told her that she could get a simple make-up done if she didn't want her face fully caked. "Gosh, your hair is everything. If I had this kind of hair I would never pack it into a ponytail. You are such a beauty, " Cleo complimented placing both hands on Lena's shoulder as she swivelled her slowly. "Thank you, Cleo. But the compliments are getting way too much." Lena's lips pressed against each other. "You think? Wait until Henderson sees you, " Cleo smiled. At the mention of Henderson's name, Lena felt goosebumps crawl up her skin and different thoughts fill her head. What if Henderson thinks that she dressed up way too much? And if he complains about them spending a lot of money. Cleo didn't tell Lena the specific amount they spent on the dresses and styling because she knew Lena was going to give her an earful of scolding if she found out that she spent over ten million dollars, the dress Lena was wearing was a million dollars when Lena asked how much it was Cleo said it wasn't that expensive. "Daddy, that's not how you wear a tie, " Itzel frowned leaning towards Henderson as she stood in front of him, he was seated on the couch waiting for Lena so they could leave. Before Henderson could say anything to counter Itzel's words she had undone his tie. Her face turned sour when she tried to fix it back but failed. "And I guess you ruined it, didn't you?" Henderson chuckled. "No Daddy, just hold on I'll fix it right away, " Itzel affirmed forcing a smile not wanting to accept the result of her failure. The sound of Lena's heels clicking against the marble floor made her even more conscious as she emerged into the living room. Itzel let go of the tie and veered in Lena's direction. She left her father's side and came to stand beside Trent who was stunned by the appearance of his mother. When Henderson noticed the kids' change of behaviour his gaze moved in the direction their eyes were settled, a gasp left his lips the moment his eyes took in the sight of Lena who had stopped walking and was now standing in front of him. Suddenly it felt as though no one else was in the room aside from him and Lena. Lena's gaze was lowered as she didn't want to lock eyes with Henderson yet until she heard what he had to say about her outfit. Unable to wait anymore due to his silence, the place was utterly quiet that even the falling of a needle was going to be heard clearly, Lena raised her head to meet Henderson's gaze. He looked extremely handsome, he had styled his hair differently. Some strands fell on his face, unlike other days when his hair was mostly combed backwards. This new look gave him a kind of babyish look, he looked cute. He was clad in a black designer suit, a white inner shirt and a black tie which was now undone, all thanks to Itzel who said she was helping him fix it. On his feet were a pair of expensive sleek shoes. They were kind of matching outfits making Len wonder if Cleo had anything to do with it. ``` Lena's eyes wandered back to Henderson's face, she saw a look in his eyes that she had never seen before and she couldn't even decipher what it meant. She wonder what might have made him speechless, she couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing that he was yet to say a word. "Henderson, why is your tie like that?" Cleo frowned breaking the daring silence that had taken over the room earlier. Henderson snapped out of staring at Lena and his hands wandered to his tie which he quickly tried to knot, but he didn't fix his collar probably because while he was at it his eyes were still on Lena as though he had just seen her for the first time. "Aunt Lena please help Daddy, he messed it up even more, " Itzel laughed and so did Cleo and Trent except Lena whose eyes were yet to leave Henderson's face even for a moment. She finally snapped out of it when Trent tapped her on the hand. "Mommy, help Uncle Henderson. Itzel ruined his tie." Trent mumbled and Itzel glared at him playfully. Trent and Itzel turned to Lena who was just standing there like she didn't hear their request. "Please, " they muttered in unison.