Chapter 32—My Amazing Friend!

"I'm fine, we should go back in." Lena forced a smile but Henderson could see right through her facade. Lena lied about Axel not being the cause of her bruise seeing how furious Henderson already was, she didn't want to add to it. She didn't want to be the reason why he would do something which would dent his reputation. Even though she was a novice to events like this, she knew fully well how one scene or action could lead to ruination which might take a lot to get out of or recover from. But Henderson knew Axel was responsible for it and he was going to make him pay for daring to lay his hand on Lena. "You are not fine. You need to rest, I think it's high time we head back to the mansion." Henderson stated with finality in his voice. "But I left my purse inside, " Lena mumbled coming up with the only excuse she could think of at the moment. Henderson had been insisting that they left the ceremony, the truth was that she really wanted to leave but she couldn't be selfish. Henderson needed to be here and she couldn't just make him leave because she was worried about bumping into Axel again. There was a question on Lena's mind but she didn't dare to ask him. She wondered who the woman from earlier was, she wondered if she was his ex-wife but she didn't want to jump to a conclusion. Also, she feared that talking about Vivian was going to give rise to questions about Axel, and what their relationship was. One thing Lena found surprising was the bad blood between Henderson and Axel, it appeared that the two men knew each other so well and there was so much animosity between them. "Fine, let's go get it. Afterwards, we are going to leave, " Henderson mumbled and Lena nodded with a smile. Henderson noticed she was reluctant to walk, he veered to face her. "If you are worried about your make-up. You look way beautiful without it, " he mumbled but when he saw Lena's expression dulled up he sighed wondering what was wrong. "Why didn't you tell me that earlier?" Lena frowned. A smirk tugged Henderson's lips and he chuckled. "Well, the make-up wasn't bad. I just said you look more beautiful without it. I was trying to cheer you up." Lena's brows knitted together and she folded her arms across her chest. "So you just lied to me." "Is this your way of making us stay here till the end of the ceremony? It's not working," Henderson chortled. Lena's eyes widened, and a small laugh left her lips. Henderson just caught her tricks. Henderson took her hand in his, she didn't say anything against it because she actually felt safe as his bigger palm enveloped her small one. Everyone else was seated while Lena and Henderson walked in making heads turn in their direction. Henderson ignored the stares and so did Lena. When they got to their seat, Lena picked up her purse. Henderson and Lena were almost at the door when they heard. "The businessman of the year, Henderson Bain!" Yet Henderson wasn't stunned nor didn't he show any form of excitement, rather he was ready to leave the auditorium with Lena, he only paused because Lena stopped walking. "Aren't you going to go collect the award?" Lena questioned. All eyes were on them as they awaited Henderson on stage. "I don't need it we should go, one award changes nothing." Henderson shrugged. "Wow, I think you'll be getting another award. The most arrogant, rudest CEO of the year." Lena whispered and Henderson chuckled. But when he saw that she wasn't laughing, he kept a serious face. "Go, I'm going to wait here," she muttered. "Fine, " he sighed before he turned swiftly and headed to the stage. A few pictures were taken as the award was handed to him. Cheers and applause filled the room when it was time for him to make a speech. "Uhmm. It's a great honour to be here and receive this award. It has always felt great being the businessman of the year each year ever since I came into business even though I do my best not to show it, I'm a very considerate man. " Henderson paused and chuckles filled the room. Some saw Henderson as confident and hardworking while others thought him to be a pompous and arrogant man with a huge ego especially Axel who felt he deserved the award, not Henderson. Ever since Henderson's rise in the business industry, Axel had been unable to bag any significant awards during the previous awards ceremony because Henderson took them all. That made Axel loathe Henderson even more. "I know many people here think that I pay or buy my way to get this award but I wouldn't do that with my money. These numerous awards don't define who you are, it is who you are on the inside that matters. I got to know this a little late but I'm glad I did it, all thanks to a dear friend of mine. Unlike most times when I usually dedicate my awards to my daughter Itzel. This time it's different. Zel, it doesn't mean that I don't love you anymore. Daddy will always love you. I dedicate the award to Lena Cohen, the woman whose tough love and care have changed me." The loud claps as the camera settled on Lena bringing her face on screen made Henderson pause. "I still have more to say. The technical team do me a favour and take the camera off her else I might get an earful of scolding, she doesn't like this kind of attention." Henderson kept a scrunched-up face and laughter filled the room. Even Lena couldn't help but laugh. Just like Henderson had said the cameras went off her. Henderson cleared his throat before he continued. "I'm a great businessman I know that, but I don't think I was such a great person, I was irresponsible. I used to think that I was the best Dad but I thought wrong, it's a great thing I realised that I owe it to Lena. Thank you, Lena, I know I haven't said this to you, but I admire you. Your courage, your strengths, you are my amazing friend. Thank you all, " Henderson bowed before leaving the stage. Even though Henderson had planned to leave the ceremony once he left the stage, it seemed like the organisers were aware of his plans and had a plan to counter his. He kept being called up for different awards one after another, Lena had to find a place to sit so her legs wouldn't hurt so much because of the heels she was wearing. Considering how long it took, Henderson and Lena ended up staying till the end of the event, Henderson was tired of it but Lena made it clear to him that she was not going to leave until the event was over. Henderson dedicated the rest of the awards to Itzel except for one which he dedicated to Brian taking him by surprise. Henderson joked that he didn't want his daughter to get mad at him, he also made mentioned that she wasn't going to get mad since Aunt Lena was involved leaving people to wonder what relationship Lena and Henderson had. He also made a joke that he had no choice but to dedicate one of the awards to his best friend Brian so he wouldn't feel left out. "Congratulations Henderson, " Vivian suddenly appeared in front of Henderson making him halt. When Lena came to Henderson's side, Henderson embraced her immediately. When Vivian saw that she was being ignored, she boiled with jealousy, wore her coat of shame and ambled away. "Congratulations Henderson, " Lena smiled as she disengaged the hug. She only noticed Vivian leaving she didn't see her earlier since her focus was on Henderson. "Thank you, Lena, " Henderson smiled. He leaned closer to Lena, she gulped at the close proximity which was sending tingles through her entire body and got her heart beating hard in her chest.