An unexpected turn of events

Chapter 43 An unexpected turn of event. 'Trust Christian to outdo himself," I thought but smiled anyway. I walked into the ballroom and saw that whatever I was thinking of before I got in was nothing compared to what was before my eyes. I had seen the outside and was worried that Christian went out of his way but the inside of the ballroom screamed nothing but luxury. As I walked fully into the room, several of the executives at Jay Automobiles greeted me and I replied with a smile and a bow. I finally got to the centre of the room and looked up. The ceiling held the most giant chandelier I've ever seen, with beautiful lights that added colour to everything and everyone in the room. The corner of the room sat a chorister of Violinist playing melodiously. I was swayed by it and began to rock gently to the sound. I closed my eyes and inhaled the sweet smell of expensive perfumes in the room, mixed with fresh white roses; my favourite. On the table sat several flutes of champagne. I smiled with contentment and happiness because it has been long since I felt this kind of happiness. I turned round and saw the giant mirror placed in it, whatever it was for I didn't know but at least I am able to admire myself. Dressed in a floor length satin and my hair carefully curved in waves sat on my chest beautifully. I smiled again as the lights from the ceiling shone on me. ‘It's Myra's birthday after all,' I thought. I should enjoy this moment of happiness even though I'm only borrowing the name, wealth and grandeur that came with being Myra Cullen. Initially, I'd wanted to boycott the ceremony but Percy wouldn't have it. It was unheard of that Myra wouldn't celebrate her birthday. In her days,her father would make sure that every important personnel graced her birthday. Showing up years later after being in hibernation and not celebrating it might raised eyebrows 'I don't want to be a part of it then," I had said and he replied that I didn't have to. 'You just need to dress up and show up at the party. Let Christian handle everything," he had said. I had thought of switching off my phone and not showing up but I had discarded the thought. If not for anything, I have to celebrate myself and not think about the past. Tonight is about celebrating my growth, resilience even in the face of death. Ever since taking this new identity, I have achieved more than I have in all of my previous life. 'Happy birthday Myra, 'I heard and turned around. It was Christian. He was holding two flutes of champagne. I dropped the now empty flute in my hand on the tray held by one of the waiters and collected one out of the two he held. 'I don't even want to think about the amount of money and time you spent on all of this," I said, taking a sip from the drink. 'Thank you Christian, you've always outdone yourself in everything that concerns me. You are a good person," I added. 'You are welcome. I'm glad you look happy and free…of worry. It's been long since I last saw you with this facial expression you have on." He replied 'I know it's hard to believe but that's exactly how I feel. I have Jayden in my hand, I dumped Royce about a week ago. What's not to be happy about?' I said and held up my glass. Christian clanked his glass on me too and smiled. 'You've come a long way Myra, just don't forget why you are here; why you are doing all of this. And why you are at it, don't forget who you really are." He said. I nodded in agreement to his words, he was right after all. My desire for revenge on Royce and Britney had clouded my judgement and made me make some rash decisions in the past but I'm glad I'm able to undo them one by one. I'm sure Royce is still in the dark about Jayden, once he finds out, hell will let loose and he'll come running to me again. By then, I'll have him hand over the power of attorney to his shares in Jay Automobiles to me. The idiot! How dare he think he could manipulate me? Well, I'm glad I cut him off. 'Myra?" Someone called out and I froze. I didn't need to look back, I knew who it was from the way the hairs on my body stood up and the way my chest was beating loudly in my chest. ‘Royce,' I thought and turned around. Ofcourse, he's the one. All the contentment and happiness I had felt earlier exasperated and became replaced with hatred and resentment. I thought l wouldn't see him for at least some weeks but he's back so quickly. He was dressed in his usual tuxedo that fit him perfectly and made him look like a gentleman. Only that he wasn't, he's the most notorious person I've ever met. He walked to me slowly and from the corner of my eyes, I could see that we were already becoming a center of attention. Flashlights from cameras began to flash from every corner of the room. I watched as Christian slowly left my side. 'What are you doing here, Royce?" I asked, barely controlling my anger. He turned and smiled at the camera before blocking my view with his figure and preventing the crowd from seeing the anger on my face. 'I want us to talk, Myra. I didn't like how things went the last time we saw,' he said and I chuckled. 'And you are doing that after a week? Not that I care though because I've told you that whatever we had is over," I said. 'No, we didn't talk. It was you who said all of those without waiting for my opinion," he said and then moved away from blocking my view. He took one step backward and I frowned, wondering what he was up to. ‘Something doesn't seem right,' I thought and then he moved, confirming my suspicions. 'Royce,"I said and I watched in shock as I watched him drop to his knees. Before I could say anything, the room became filled with gasps as everyone processed what was about to happen: Royce Robben is about to propose to me! He tucked his hand in the side of his suit and brought out a box. He opened it and my eyes caught a diamond ring that looked exactly like the one he proposed with years back. ‘This isn't happening again,' I thought. I opened my mouth to talk but he beat me to it,his voice echoing throughout the hall that had now become silent as everyone watched with intensity. 'Myra, I know I've not been the best of myself over the weeks and I'm sorry for all that has happened. That's why tonight, in front of everyone, I want to do right by you." 'Will you marry me?" He said, right there, in front of everyone; guests and every media person available and especially in front of my father. I watched him stand up, shake his head and walk out of the hall. I wanted to reject Royce there and follow him out but I couldn't, not in front of everyone. Royce knew I wouldn't do that,that was why he decided to propose here in front of everyone and make a spectacle of us. I looked deeply into his eyes and saw the sides of his mouth twitched in mockery. I was right,he did this intentionally. 'Yes, I'll marry you Royce," I said and the room erupted into clapping and hollering. He took the diamond ring from the box and slid it on my middle finger. He stood up and kissed me on the lips before finally hugging me. The entire room erupted into clapping once again but my thoughts were far out of the room. I didn't expect that Royce would propose to marry but he had done it because of the shares and wealth I mentioned the last time. In the end Royce Robben is still the greedy bastard he is. ‘You didn't trap me Royce,' I thought, in fact you just made things easy by digging your own grave. I had thought to just stop his drug business before revealing my identity. But now,it would even give me more room to add to the lists of torture I intend to make him go through. Two can play this game,Royce. However, I'll make sure you fail and I'll triumph over your fall and failure.