Sarah is the youngest; this is why her father protects her over the top. Aidan is just very protective of them since their mother died. This is the reason why she loves her father so much.
Amelie just died in a painful way; they find it hard to move on. However, they all know that their mother will be disappointed if they continue being affected by her loss.
After a short shower, Sarah immediately went to her closet to pick a really nice dress for today. She picked a red casual dress, with a white cardigan. By the time she finished getting dressed; she carried her cat Louie, and then went downstairs.
You can already smell the bacon and pancakes from the stairs. Louie made a ridiculous sound as if he was telling Sarah that he wants food as well. Sarah just smiled at him. She thought nothing was cuter seeing her cat ask for food.
When she arrived their kitchen, she instantly saw her brother Marcus and her father Aidan, there in the center, sitting and eating bacon.
"Good morning!", Marcus greeted him as he sips his hot coffee on the side. Her father just smiled at her and then continues reading his news paper.
"Good morning! You guys are up early today..", she said kissing the two of them in the cheek, "Where's Vanessa?", she asked.
"She's still sleeping. She must be very tired.", Marcus told her, "How are you? Are you going to school today?"
"I have a class later at 9.", she told her older brother.
"What's your class? You're too early, sweetheart.", Aidan just gave him a thin smile.
"I know, I know. It's Ecology for Interiors. We have to make proposals and I still need to research today to complete my work.", she told them.
"Well, let me see. I'm sure it's breathtaking.", Marcus gave her a wide smile.
"I'm not yet sure. I feel like I need more style. I'm going to show all of you later when it's done.", she said in her defense.
"Done with what?", the three of them looked and found Vanessa all dressed up for school.
"Good morning, darling. We were just talking about your sister's proposal.", Aidan told her.
"Oh yeah, don't worry about it. I'm sure it's gonna be great!", Vanessa told her giving her a wink.
"You guys, speaking of great, I finally sent all the invitations from dad's party!", Marcus said in a very excited way. The girls giggled after hearing him.
"Ugh, no, Marcus?! I told you I don't want a big party..", Aidan whined like a baby.
"Dad, don't worry.. It will be fun!", Vanessa gave her father a hug out of excitement. Sarah was also cheering him up.
"Okay. Here's our list, I invited our relatives, our closest friends, and some business partners. I even added some press, Dad I know you're gonna hate this, but I just thought that we could make a sought after party. I mean, it's your 55th birthday!", Marcus told them giving his bacon a bite.
"Okay, fine. But, I don't want any inappropriate women in there, you know what I'm talking about. And you guys feel free to invite your friends so I can go meet them again.", he told his children, all of them cheered with so much joy.
Sarah and Vanessa arrived school a little early than expected. Since Sarah still needs to finish her proposal, they decided to head first at the library. Both of them are yet to prepare for a big presentation; but they are beyond ready for anything.
When they both reached the library, there were only very few students. The sun is still high and some students are probably just on their way to school. Sarah and Vanessa didn't mind seeing the whole place a bit empty than the usual, but they didn't care as libraries are really supposed to be quiet - with a lot of students or not.
"What are we going to look here?", Vanessa finally asked her after quite some time.
"I still don't know, Vanessa. Here, look at this, do you like what you see? What are your thoughts?", Sarah replied with such an unsure answer.
"Honestly, I don't think I can answer you. To me, it already looks beautiful. What are the things bothering you?", Vanessa prolonged the conversation.
"No, I was thinking maybe I should change the theme into vintage. Maybe I could produce designs for furniture as well. Do you think the color in this is matching?", Sarah asked.
"Yeah, I like actually. It's simple yet elegant.", Vanessa seconded.
"Maybe I should come up with furniture designs. Here, let's go. Maybe we can find pictures of different designs from the past, and then from there, I can feel inspired to make my own one.", Sarah told Vanessa.
"Okay, let's go there. I bet there is a lot of vintage stuff in there. Hey, I know you like reading books so much, but if you are really in a hurry, we can check the internet. It is definitely faster. Are you feeling…"
"Oh my God, Vanessa!!", Sarah screamed in a mild voice, catching some of the attention of students.
"What?! You scared the shit out of me!", Vanessa said holding her chest, "What's wrong now?"
"It's David.", Sarah said pointing the guy sitting at the corner. He appears to be listening to music through his headphone, browsing his laptop.
"Okay, okay. Geez, you really didn't have to scream like that. There are people in here. Duh?", Vanessa whispered to her ear.
"I'm sorry. It's just that, I bumped into him the other day at the cafeteria at the west wing. He was really nice.. And extremely handsome.", Sarah dreamed about him.
"You were at the west wing the other day? What the hell are you doing there?", Vanessa asked her.
"Eating?", she replied.
"Yeah, I know you're eating. But why there? That's not our place.", Vanessa wanted to yell except that they are still inside the library and the librarian already warned the two of them.
"Hey, don't tell our friends. I just went there to eat… you know, something different.", Sarah's defense.
"Right. Whatever. What so special about him?", Vanessa got confused but she asked with curious eyes looking at David.
"Aside from his dirty blonde hair, muscular build body, thick lips, pointy nose, and dark blue eyes.. He also happens to be smart?", Sarah explained rolling her eyes to her twin sister.
"Oh, Jesus, Sarah. Marcus will never approve to him.", Vanessa teased her.
"Uh?! Don't say that. Don't you know that he was able to study here because of the scholarship? He also works at MGM management for models during weekends. He is such a hard worker.", Sarah admired him from a far.
"He looks like an asshole."
"How dare you? Of course he is not.", both of them laughed in a subtler way.
"Yeah, whatever you say. I still don't think Marcus will approve, you know.", Vanessa told her. Sarah understood the fact that she's right.
"Well, we can't really tell. Marcus is not really that tough.. If there's someone tough, I think it's Dad.", Sarah chuckled.
"Really?", Vanessa was left out of confusion, "I tell you what, how about you ask him to Dad's party. In that way, we can tell who's tough or tougher.", Vanessa gave Sarah a heads up.
"I'm not sure about that, Vanessa. Do you think I should go talk to him?", she asked with so much furiousness in her.
"I thought you guys already met?"
"Yeah.. Well.. Okay..", Sarah nodded while giving herself a deep breath… but..
"There you are!!", both girls giggled, "Hey, I thought I saw you from there. How are you.", said by David. It seems that the twins are so busy talking; they didn't notice David seeing them from his seat.
"Hey, David. I didn't know you were there.", Sarah blushed as she tells the lie.
"Yeah, it was crazy. First at the cafeteria, now here at the library.", David smiled.
"David, this is my twin sister, Vanessa.", Sarah introduced her to David.
"Hi, Vanessa. Good to meet you.", David politely greeted her.
"Hello, David.", Vanessa gave him a sincere reply too. Sarah was still fading in her dreams.
"You two are not identical. Fraternal, perhaps?", David gave a grin.
"Yes.", both of them replied.
"Wow. You two are amazing. Hey, I gotta go, I'm doing some r
esearch back there.. So, I guess I'll just see you two around?", he tried saying goodbye.. Unfortunately, goodbyes are just way too much for Sarah.
"David.. Before you go, I just want to tell you my Dad is having his 55th birthday party last week of this month. Would you like to come?", Sarah asked with all her heart. Vanessa was just there staring at the two as if she was watching a romantic film in front of her.
"Oh, really? You'll invite me? Isn't that party for A listers only?", David asked in a silly kind of way.
"No, no.. Don't be silly.. You can come. I'd be more than happy to see you there.", Sarah told him as she blushes.
"Alright. I'll be there.", David gave her a wide smile and she saw his pearly white teeth striking from her. Vanessa just stood there and made a naughty smile to her sister.
Just when you thought this day couldn't get any better.. there goes one to prove you wrong.
Marcus is feeling lazy today. He has so many things going on, and somehow, his father's 55th birthday is adding up to the load. However, he is still very happy. It's been 8 years since his mother died and since then, this is the only moment his father is making a move to live happily.
Although his father Aidan is good in hiding his feelings, the three of them knows he is having a hard time. He knows this because for several times, he tried fixing his father with a woman on a date. All appeared not working for Aidan.
Aidan is such a humble man. He is a good role model to his children; he is a good husband to their late mother. This is the reason why Marcus can't understand why he needs to suffer like this. What did his father do to deserve all this pain?
The three of them worked really hard to make their father proud of them. Marcus knows this because he had been taking care of the twins since then. All of them just want one thing: to make their father happy again.
This party is a good sign that his father is finally letting go. He can feel it. He can see it to his face; he can see it to his smile. Aidan is just a slow doer, and this is why it took him so long to do this.
A couple of minutes more and Marcus heard someone knocking on the door. His eyes are still glued to what he's reading, but he said "Come in!" right away.
"Boss? I just want to give updates about your father's party.", Melinda said to him. Melinda is Marcus' executive assistant. She is also the one in charge with the whole party.
"That's great, Melinda. Come in. I'm almost done. I wanna hear the status of this party. It's very important to me.", Marcus told her. She looked at Melinda and noticed what she was wearing. A nice red fitted dress, with her long black straight hair complimenting the look. Her makeup is also very light; she topped this with just a mascara and a sakura rose pink lip gloss as well. She's so beautiful.
"Ah, so Boss, most of the guest in our list are coming. I have already made arrangements to the people doing the whole theme; they will be arriving 2 days before the party. For the food, Le Netanya, your Uncle Kevin's restaurant, offered a lot of food in the menus. So far Boss, it's going to be a big buffet for everybody. The wine would be featured as well, but I also added cocktails, women's drink.", Melinda finished.
"That's great. On that night we will launch the Black Label of our wine, it will be for my father.. just to honor him. However, Melinda, I don't like the party to be all about that. I want people to honor my father's work. Also, he told me to not invite too many pretentious women; so please, you know what to do.", Marcus flashed a bright smile at her.
"Okay Boss. But our guest will bring some of their.."
"Oh yeah.. Well, let's just try to keep everything casual.", He smirked and Melinda chuckled, "By the way, Melinda, you look great in that dress.", he said in a very flirtatious way.
"Thanks, Boss. It's my sister's gift to me.", she smiled. Marcus just gave her a deep stare. He had been admiring Melinda from a far, it's just that he couldn't make a move because he has been in many relationships before, and all of them ended in a bad way. He thought their relationship will just be messed up if he makes something stupid. But damn, she really looks hot in that sexy red dress.
"Just keep me posted. Make sure the food is enough.", Marcus grinned and then went back reading his file.
"Okay, Boss. Thanks. I'll report when everything's okay.", Melinda told her while she gave a signal to him as if she's telling she's leaving. Marcus didn't even retaliate to look at her again.
When love comes your way, could you really stop it? Could you be strong enough to resist every tempted part of you? If so, then why does he feel this way? Somehow, Marcus feels that he's been missing a great woman who could fit perfectly into his life.
And he kept reading, trying to ignore all his feelings and the possible signs. It was hard to be in his position; he is the Marketing Manager of the overall production of their wine all over the world, and it makes it so difficult for him to have a life. And the worst part is, he didn't even dare to change a thing. He likes it this way.. Or better yet, it's safer this way.
Marcus thinks that to be able to succeed, you have to sacrifice things even your own happiness. And it's not because he wants to be the best, or that he wants to be successful.. It's because of the mere fact that he wants to continue their family's legacy.
Finally, after the long wait, the night has arrived. The people are all over the place, there are laughing, flirting, chatting and drinking near the bar. Everybody seems to be having fun.
Their friends came just right on time. There were also hoard of press who came flashing and snapping pictures all over their faces. It was pretty classy and elegant.
Aidan Shaw is one of the richest millionaires in their generation. He has a net worth of over $200M, but when you get to know him, it's as if he was a farmer living a simple and normal life.
This is what Marcus loves about his father. He is not a playboy, a womanizer, a boasting arrogant man or someone who has hatred in his heart. He was just a man with a broken heart. When they were still complete, and his mother was still alive, everybody thought they were the perfect family. It turns out, nothing is really permanent.
Now, more so than ever, Marcus knows their family has conquered all. They have been strong, they have been bold, and they have been healed. It was a night of happiness.. A night of a celebration.
As promised, the Black Label wine was launched later in that evening. Everybody made a round of applause when the whole company made a tribute for his father's hard work. They also included their mother in the presentation; the twins cried a little after watching the whole video. They were touched, and they were moved in the most beautiful way they could ever imagine.
After the whole program, it was at last time for Aidan's speech. The guests silenced the time Aidan walked into the stage with his son, Marcus on his side. They are both wearing a black suit from a well known designer. The photographers didn't stop taking pictures until Aidan finally spoke.. Everybody was clapping their hands.. He said..
"Good evening everyone. Your applause makes me feel younger (laughed from guests). First, I would like to thank my children who made this party happened, Marcus, my dearest daughters, Sarah and Vanessa. I love the three of you so dearly. You guys are my life. Second, I would like to thank all of you in here for coming to celebrate my 55th birthday.
Boy, I am getting old (laughed from guest). You know, when I handled this wine business, I think I was only 23 years old. My father inherited this business from my grandfather and he said to me, 'Son, sooner or later, people will come and pass you by. Your legacy will be your mark. Take care of the people who help you, take care of your family, take care of your customers. Because at the end of the day, our life will not be measured based on our net worth. It will be measured by the amount of love and passion you give to people around you'.
Now, after 22 years of service, I can fully say I have served you well. My life has been an incredible journey, and I dedicate all of this to my late wife and to the Lord above.
Here's to an incredible journey! May we have them, may we provide
them, and may we live in them! Cheers! (the guests make a toast)."
It was the perfect speech, and the perfect night. The twins couldn't contain their happiness and tears hearing their father talk on stage. Marcus also teared a bit but he was able to control his emotions.
When they came down the stage, Marcus gave his father a big hug. It was tight, and it was full of hope.
"Happy birthday, Dad!", he told him.
"Thank you, son. You did all of this. I love you.", Aidan told him.
"No problem. I'm glad you liked it. Me and Melinda worked really hard to make this a great night for you.", Marcus replied, "and Dad, now that the party is just starting to heat a little, I want you to meet some women..", Marcus gave him a naughty smile. Aidan just rolled his eyes.
"Oh, Marcus. I told you, no women..", Aidan whined like he's somewhat a teenager tired of dating women.
"Dad, come on! It's your night!", Marcus laughed.
"Okay. But just so you know, it's your night as well.", Aidan said and Marcus was left there with his confusion.
"What? I don't get it.", he kid.
"I'm promoting you as the Vice President of our.."
"Whoa!! Whoa!!", Marcus interrupted his father. Aidan just laughed.
"I know son. It's about time. I know you can do it. I believe in you.", Aidan gave his son a tap in his shoulders.
"Really, Dad", Marcus still couldn't believe it.
"Yes.", and they both hugged, "For now, Marcus, you would take a transition to a higher position. When the right time comes, I will retire and you will take over. Now, all I'm asking you is to give you best. Love the people.. and take care of your sisters. I have already set a firm for them to work. They will have their own company soon.", Marcus was startled. He didn't expect his father was already planning all this for them.
"Dad, thank you. I love you. I promise we will not disappoint you.", Marcus said in his teary eyes.
Mystery :Hidden - Hidden From The Past: (Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Suspense Crime Thriller) (ADDITIONAL BOOK INCLUDED ) (Suspense Thriller Mystery dark, murder) Page 3