Sinners and Saints II

Chapter 14

So much for a small get together.
Olivia held on tight to Rafael's arm as he led her towards the small gathering beside the beach with the soft music playing in the background. She watched her steps in her five inch heels, observing the beautiful view of the water as they both approached the gathering. She had remembered that particular resort. She came there once or twice with Andrew in the past.

Rand resort was one of the most beautiful places in the whole country and she loved that she had to revisit it again with the man of her dreams. The better thing was he practically owned the place.

The Okonkwos.

Olivia loved how the bright lights blended with the water, and how beautiful the entire setting was.

White.

The color of the occasion. The white chairs and table clothes adorned the entire place and so did the lovely bouquet of  White roses that glorified each side of the beach, right beside the traditional torches, their flames puffing up in the air.

Olivia took a deep breath. She was barely doing a good job hiding how nervous she was especially now they were getting really close to the engaged crowd.

She loved how everyone was dressed in white for the occasion, but most of it all, she loved how she was also dressed for the occasion. Her long white halter neck dress swayed from side to side with the cool breeze while her diamond necklace settled beautifully on her collarbone, sparkling under the moonlight.

Parties were never her kind of thing but she knew just how important her presence was for Rafael. She took a deep breath. The air felt so amazing, so clean, so clear.

Just right in front of the cool water, Olivia could recognize the light skinned woman who happened to be so engrossed in whatever discussion she was happening to have with the ladies in front of her.

Sommadina. Rafael's Mother.

That was the first time Olivia had seen her smile at anyone that wasn't Rafael, and she looked so beautiful. Olivia knew just how much of a positive impression she had to leave at that party, especially since many of the people there were friends of Rafael's family.

"You've got this." She heard Rafael whisper softly to her the moment they got closer. Olivia took another deep breath and forced a smile on her face the moment she saw everyone's attention slowly turn to them. Everyone including Sommy.

"Mother." Rafael slowly let go of her hand the moment they were standing in front of her.

"Rafael." She opened her hands to receive him with a warm embrace just as the women beside her walked away from them. Rafael went into her arms and then kissed her on both cheeks. "You made it."

He smiled.

"Of course I did."

Her eyes slowly narrowed to where Olivia was standing, a hard frown covering her lips quickly. Rafael noticed how tense the environment was all of a sudden.

"Mother," he walked towards Olivia and then held her hands, leading her to his mother. "There's someone I'd like you to meet." He continued, as Olivia came to a stop right in front of the woman, making sure the smile on her face didn't falter. "Someone really important to me."

"Good evening Mrs Okonkwo." Olivia stretched her hand towards her. "I'm Olivia." The smile on her face grew wider. "Olivia Kalu."

The lady blinked, examining Olivia from head to toe like she was eying her at the same time until her eyes slowly returned to the diamond on her neck. Olivia was becoming really uncomfortable. She watched Somma smirk a little as if she was trying so hard to bite back her tongue. She slowly turned to Rafael.