HIDDEN PASSION

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Lillian sashayed from her office and started walking to her mother's. She had summoned her to come over that Wednesday morning. She did not know the reason and that was why she was going there to find out. But it would be nothing other than business. She could always get her mum's intentions through the tone of the voice she used to talk to her and based on that tone, it was going to be all business. 

She knocked twice on the door before entering. "I'm here, madam," she said formally which made her mother raise an eye from the file on her desk and at her. She was never formal with her except on special gatherings and occasions. So, her sudden formality surprised her but she decided not to say anything about it. 

"Have your seat," Grace,her mother said. There are tons of documents before her, far more than what Lillian had been taking care of. But, she was going to complete working on them in a few days. 

Lillian took her seat before her mother and smiled with worry. "Mum, you need to take a break from this job. You've been stressing too much lately," Concern wrapped itself in each and every word she said. Her mother was old enough to retire. She was just a stubborn hard working woman. 

Her mother could not help but smile. "Where did you misplace your formalities?" she joked and her daughter smiled in return. She dropped her pen and leaned back on her office chair, going back and forth with it for a while before stopping. "I am a very strong woman, Lillian. You have refused to give me grandchildren to be playing with me at home, so what's the point of retiring if I won't have anything to do in the house?" she pointed out and Joyce felt guilty. The woman needed to have a grandchild. It was her right. 

Lillian decided to change the subject when she did not know what to say. "It seems you want to talk to me about some business. What is it?" 

Her mother sighed. "Don't think it's over," Grace uttered, referring to their previous discussion. 

Lillian smiled. 

"So, you're going on a business trip to represent me in Abuja,"she briefed and searched through the pile of papers before her, brought out one and handed it to her. "We need to convince the board to choose us as their model. Let them know we are capable of doing beyond what they can fathom. All you need to know is there. Now, the thing is this,"she paused and glanced at her daughter who had her eyes focused on the file. 

When she noticed her mother's silence, she looked up and met her mother's eyes. " The thing is what?"

"We are only supporting The El-En company," she announced with a serious expression because she knew her daughter had a huge crush on the owner of that company. 

"Isn't that Nath's company, mum?" Why did she sound angry? 

Her mother's thought was for her to be giddy and all, but with the face she made, she became clueless as to what to do. 

"Yes, he's my business partner. He asked for my help and I rendered it," her mother stated soothingly. 

Why would her mother choose her of all people to represent her? Well, the answer was quite simple. She had always been the one representing her mother at occasions where she was not chanced to attend. 

But, why with Nathaniel, of all of her mother's partners? She was going to reject this. She would turn it down. It would only affect Nath since he was the one asking for help. 

"Sorry, mum. I'm not going to do this," she placed the document on the desk, rose to her feet. 

"What is wrong with you, Lillian? One time, you were crazy about being together with Nath and now, you don't want to? What is going on?" Hee mother asked. Shock would be an understatement to describe how her mother was feeling,but was keeping herself in check. 

"It's simple, mum. I am in love with Nathaniel and you're telling me to go on a business trip with him. He doesn't even remember me. He doesn't look for me. I am trying to get over him, but this won't help at all. What's the point of holding onto someone that has forgotten me?" She ranted very fast. She could not even tell if what she said made any sense, but she didn't care. 

"Lillian, I understand you but this is business," her mother put in. 

"No matter what you say, mum, I am not going. I won't go," she shouted and walked out of the office. How could her mother ask her to go on that business trip when she was just trying to forget about him. 

She did not wish for things to get complicated than it already was. Dorcas deserves happiness. She was her best friend who had always been there for her. Perhaps, this was the punishment she would get for not telling her about Nath. She wanted Dorcas to be happy again. And if that happiness lies in the love of her life, then so be it. 

She would do anything to make her happy. 

She tried to compose herself as she walked into her office. She got in and met her best friend inside her office, but she seemed restless. She smiled and called the attention of her friend that was parading her office. "Hey, what's up?" 

Dorcas forced a smile and replied, "I.. I am fine." What was that she overheard her discuss with her mother? She was on her way to her mother's office to tell her the feedback of what she had sent her. She would not have heard if not for the fact that the door was slightly opened. 

She could not understand all the details, because she left early in fear of being caught. All she knew was that Lillian was in love with Nathaniel. How could her best friend do that to her when she met Nath first and had even told her she was in love with him?

Lillian shook her head. She knew her too well. "Don't tell me that. You should know I won't buy that. What is going on with you?" She asked and smiled. 

How could she be smiling before her? Didn't she feel guilty at all?  "No, babe. I am fine. I am just tired." 

"You're lying," Lillian laughed. 

Dorcas decided to come back to her thoughts later and laughed as well. "Okay, fine. I just need some money urgently and —" 

"Nath's rich," her friend teased and they both laughed. 

"Yeah, right. Should I ask him, then?" Dorcas contemplated. 

"No. I don't want any guy looking down on my best friend. I will give you the money, even though I know you are rich as well. You're just too prudent," Lillian said and laughed. 

Dorcas laughed and forgot her thoughts for a moment. "Thanks, babe."