She called Evolve at once.
"Good morning Natasha...you must have heard the news" Laura's voice rang over the phone excitedly.
"I'm suspicious..." Natasha replied calmly.
"I don't think she's going against us" Laura tried to convince her.
"I understand. Let's get ready, something might happen"
"Alright...I'd wait for whatever you have in mind"
As the connection went off, Natasha knew it wasn't a mere coincidence. Rita stated in clear terms that she wasn't interested in working with them. It is best to be prepared than sorry.
"Rita Wills... you have no idea what's coming your way..." She stated and rolled out of bed.
Somehow, the day had to begin...
***
When Samantha knocked on her door to announce that a gentleman was waiting for her, she knew it was time. However, why was he looking so handsome and distinguished like a Prince from a Kingdom not yet known to man?
Perhaps the second coming of Christ was here except that she was awfully unprepared. She had never seen this side to him. Not even at the wedding reception a year ago. This moment would always be imprinted in her memory.
"Be a gentle lady, Natasha" She held herself, gently walking down the stairs in her milky coloured jumpsuit, her red silhetto heels and purse. At the last moment, she had gotten bored with the velvet gown. A & A had to go through a lot of trouble providing her perfect evening look.
Her earrings consisted of diamond studs and her long hair fell in waves around her shoulders. Kingsley swallowed, not wanting to lose one bit of the sight in front of him. He would treasure this gift now and forever.
"You look ravishing. I'm almost tempted to kiss you" He said holding her hands in his, as she finally approached him, feet to feet, head to shoulders. He pulled her close to himself.
"Happy Anniversary, Darling." Natasha whispered.
"Happy Anniversary, my Princess" He replied sweeping her up in his arms. She giggled as he carried her out of the apartment placing her on her feet, only at the rear door of the car.
"Have fun, mummy" Mara waved at them taking pictures with her phone to fill her heart content.
"Thank you baby girl" Natasha blew a kiss at her as she took more pictures.
"Where did you get this?" She asked noting the unfamiliar four wheels. Kingsley truly was unpredictable. For once, she hadn't imagined he would go this length.
"Don't worry, it wasn't stolen..." He grinned.
"It's just for us to enjoy our evening" He continued with a smile. Originally, she would have suggested one of the many cars at the garage but knowing her man, he had too much pride for that.
She stole a look at him as he drove, he was much too handsome for her to stay still.
Perharps, pulling his beards might get her some attention.
"Admiring me?" He asked raising one of his brows, obviously enjoying the scrutiny.
"I can't deny it. Can I?" She asked with a smile
Her penetrating gaze said something- She desired him. Painfully, this was not the night.
"You can stare all you want. I am yours" He replied. She blushed scarlet, biting her lips. Then she noticed when he skidded in another direction that wasn't Miller's.
"Babe...where are we going?"
"Just a moment, and you shall behold the glory of the Lord." He stated as she giggled once more, willing herself to enjoy the evening. Finally they arrived at Seasons Paradise, a park hidden, away from the bustle, where love and memories could be created.
"This place is beautiful" She stated, observing the beautiful combination of Lavender and Tulips, African daises and Roses. There was an ever flowing water fountain and the atmosphere was calm and soothing. This man who had been described by the rest as unfit, placed her every need in his heart.
"Do you like it?" He asked holding her hand.
"Like? I love it" She replied, matter of factly, as tears sheened her eyelids.
"Now let's get dirty" He whispered, moving over to the trunk of the car, where he removed the camp spread, flowers, fruits and food, he had taken his time to deliberately cook.
"I really thought it was Miller especially when you said you told Rick." She stated.
"Miller was becoming too familiar, I thought we needed to experience something different" He replied.
"It's perfect"
"Are you sure?" He asked, knowing this was not the ultimate that could ever be given to a woman. While he prepared for this evening, he hoped she would see the heart that went into preparation and not the substance.
"Do you know what's most important?" She asked.
"Enlighten me, my Love"
"It's not the money, King...you love me and that is enough"
"Thank you" He smiled. He was glad it was easy to make her happy.
She watched as he served them.
"It's delicious" She replied taking some more of the Oyster Sauce, not bothering about the stain on her lips.
'I wish your employees could see you right now" He grinned.
"Am I eating ungracefully? I can't help it" She replied with laughter.
The rest of the evening went on smoothly until it was 6pm, and time for Kingsley to attend rehearsals.
"Would you like to come with me?" He asked.
"Won't I be lost among God loving souls?" She replied sarcastically.
"Babe... when will you believe that you are chosen?" He asked holding her hands, as she tore her eyes away.
"Please, look at me..." He stated gently turning her to face him.
"You are loved. Not just by me, but God" He re-assured.
She nodded.
"Is that a yes?"
"I guess I have no other choice than to say so" She replied getting up. As they cleaned up, they heard a familiar click of the camera, and a flash....Squatting in a haste, they turned their faces away.
More clicks and then no more...
She sighed as she stood.
"I'm sorry"
"Don't be..." Kingsley straightened, putting on his jacket.
She looked at him helplessly as he walked over to the other side of the car.
"Let's leave before more pictures will be taken" He stated.
She got into the car hurriedly.
"Are you angry?" She asked using her seat belt as he drove out slowly.
"No..." He replied with a smile.
"I'm not convinced"
"What else do you want me to say?"
"Something is wrong and you know it"
He reached out to hold her hand in his.
"The only thing wrong is the truth that you've so denied. Before that, why were you apologizing?"
"It's my fault that your pictures were being taken...I don't want you to be dragged into the mess of fame and popularity"
"Babe, I am the one dating you...let me bear the consequences."
She sighed. He would never understand her worries. Would he?
***
The Church was a few minutes drive. A few raised their heads in excitement when they saw her. Others who didn't recognize her were immediately lectured by those who did.
Kingsley pulled her to meet his spiritual mentor. Pastor James was just leaving his office when the duo approached him.
"Good evening Pastor. This is Natasha Barnett" Kingsley introduced.
"I would recognize her anywhere. Alpha's current sensation." The older man smiled.
"Good job. Thank you for all you do" He added reaching out for a fatherly hug. Maybe because he was older and her father never appreciated her openly, she felt secure. Suddenly she wanted to open up about a lot of things.
"Please visit us again sometime. We have a lot to discuss" He finally stated as though he could read her mind. He winked at Kingsley and walked out in confident steps, perfect for a man of Grace and Dignity.
"I like him" Natasha said. However, she wondered what the discussion will be about. She had her questions anyway.
"Would you be attending my Church?" Kingsley smiled.
"Nope" She pushed him away.
"Join us for rehearsals today at least..."
"I would rather watch from here"
"No" He snapped and half dragged her to the choir stand.
Matt, the choir leader was happy to have her amongst them. It turned out that Natasha knew how to sing. He picked her out from the soprano voices and gave her a microphone to lead the praise session. Though it wasn't entirely perfect as she hadn't practiced for a long time, it was still smooth and appealing to the ears.
Kingsley was astonished. How many more things was his CEO girlfriend capable of?