She's My Sleeping Pill

“Thank God! I thought he’d look shabby with that suit I chose for him. How can he be so obsessive with matching clothes? Other couples aren’t as obsessed as he is.” David commented while picking up the clothes for Luiz to change.

“You’ll get used to it.”

“Geez! I didn’t know he’d get OCD after getting married to her.”

“Just for couple items.”

The party was held at one of Stefan’s beach resorts. Every year, the year-end party will be held at one of his properties to showcase his hotels and resorts. And it’s free as well since he will shoulder the payment for everything.

Many people have gathered at the largest function hall and they were enjoying themselves with food and wine, idle gossips and business talks as well as taking pictures here and there.

.....

Some businessmen came with their wife, others with their girlfriend and some came with celebrities. People could only hope that these celebrities weren’t kept mistresses. At the end of the day, entertainment industry was known for celebrities who slept their way through success. Although it’s not everyone who did it, people can’t avoid thinking that way when they see some celebrities. Perhaps, only Riley didn’t have issues like that since she already disclosed the fact that she has a non-showbiz boyfriend.

Travis attended the party as well without his wife. It was quite surprising for some people since Jillyanna was always present when Travis attended some parties in the past. However, when businessmen started approaching him, they realized that his phone has an hour-long on-going call. They were stunned to see the call and was torn between going and not going to talk to him.

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Madrigal.” a man came and when they looked around, it was Mr. Kroger. “Oh! You haven’t changed at all. You would always have an idle call with your wife when she’s not with you.”

“I just want to make sure that she’s safe along with our children and the rest of the family.”

Hearing these words, the other people finally understood that the call was nothing serious. Travis only kept it going to listen for whatever’s going on at the other end of the line. They finally started chatting with them and exchanged points when it comes to businesses. Of course, some of these men also received an invitation for the upcoming year-end party that Travis will hold for his employees and business parties.

In fact, December would always be packed with parties here and there.

When Stefan and Cayenne arrived, everyone turned their head to look at them. It was the first time that Cayenne attends the year-end party with Stefan. Last year, they were supposed to come together but they had a fight resulting to some misunderstandings and Cayenne missing the party.

Her former colleagues still couldn’t believe to see her standing beside their boss. They could still remember the days when Cayenne worked so hard for her family. She didn’t even mention having a boyfriend and they never noticed the changes between her and their boss as well. Among them, only few people know about it.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the emcee started which caught everyone’s attention. “I welcome you all to this grand wedding...ehh..I mean, this year-end party.” Everyone laughed along with him as they looked towards Stefan. “My mistake. I thought Mr. Dumrique was going for a wedding as he walked down the aisle with his wife.”

“Soon!” Stefan yelled with his wine glass raised up towards the man.

The crowd laughed again while some of them clapped their hands.

“Anyway, this is not really my moment.” The emcee continued which earned another laughter from the crowd. “Let’s all welcome our big boss, Mr. Dumrique for his celebratory message.”

“When he said ‘our big boss’, I thought it was my wife but he suddenly mentioned my name.” The crowd laughed once again at his statement. They would never be able to fathom how much Stefan adored Cayenne in his life. “Anyway, this year has been the most difficult year for me but...” he continued to speak as he scanned the crowd to make sure that the bodyguards were situated around Cayenne. Her safety was the first thing that came to his mind when he stood to go on stage. “Thank you for staying with me through highs and lows. Thank you for all the support. I hope we’ll have more prosperous years. Cheers to all of us! Enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”

Everyone made a toast but Cayenne only raised her glass without any intention of drinking the content. As soon as Stefan got down the stage and walked back to where Cayenne was sitting. People started gathering around them but Cayenne wasn’t really familiar to some of them. Seeing that some of her colleagues were looking at her, she smiled at them and whispered to Stefan.

“Go and pay attention to your surroundings.” he stated as he kissed her temple in front of everyone.

It felt like nothing change in the surroundings but in truth, the guards shifted in their positions to make sure that Cayenne was well-protected from harm. The moment she left; Stefan pushed her wine glass subtly to make sure that no one will accidentally drink it. Cayenne didn’t take a single sip either.

“Wow! Mr. Dumrique, you look really good in that white-silver suit. Not everyone could pull such great look with this kind of attire.”

“Let me guess, this suit was chosen to match with your wife’s dress.”

“So, does this mean we’ll have to gift you with some matching items in the future?”

“Oh! If you could, I’d be very happy.” Stefan answered which made the others chuckle. He was very open to this new taste of him. Since he could only buy one matching item per month, he’d make people buy it for him. Whether he wants it or not, people will send him gifts. So, it would be better to let them know what could make him happy.

As the party continues, the danger was getting closer to Cayenne. Napoleone’s men in disguise were roaming around as waiters. They served them food, drinks and other things that the people wanted. They also have food and drinks which were specifically prepared for Cayenne.

“Thank you.” Cayenne mumbled when a plate of dessert was placed in front of her. She loves sweets and that’s known to almost everyone but it this time, she didn’t dare touch the food in front of her. She was chatting with her ex-colleagues while ignoring the dessert.

“Yen, if you finally have a baby, I should be one of the godmothers.”

“You mean, godfather.” Manager Kim retorted Manager Dan’s statement. “You are a man.”

“I’m a woman in heart and soul.” Manager Dan countered with his ever-feminine voice. He’s gay and he’s the reason that Cayenne and Stefan slept together in the first place.

“Alright. You guys don’t have to fight about being a godmother or a godfather. I won’t be having a baby soon.” Cayenne stated with faint laughter in her voice.

“Really?! The boss didn’t hurry you to give him an heir?” Jessie, one of her ex-colleagues, as well as the woman that Uncle Stanley fancies, questioned in surprise. She thought that Stefan would be in a hurry to have an heir especially that Stefan’s grandfather was having some heart problem. Though, she only heard bits and pieces about Ferdinand’s health.

Cayenne sighed and put her chin on the palm of her hand as she leaned her elbow on the table. “Stefan is different.” Cayenne answered. “He’s very mindful about my well-being and he didn’t want me to give birth just to please his family.”

“Speaking of family...” Manager Dan poked Cayenne’s shoulder and pointed towards the entrance. “His family is really complicated.”

Cayenne turned to look at the entrance and found Stefan’s paternal and maternal family coming inside. When she looked in front of her, Jessie was no longer there. “It is indeed a complicated matter. I’ll go and greet them first.”

Cayenne was about to stand when Manager Kim grabbed her hand. “What about your food?”

Cayenne took out her phone and typed something before showing it to her friends. They were all stunned to see the message but they soon calmed themselves and pretended nothing happened. “I’ll try to get back and chat with you guys.”

“Alright. Being the lady boss is sure not easy. You go and meet the guests.”

‘Anything that is handed to me, do not touch it. Someone’s after my life. There could be poison in it.’ This was what the message that Cayenne showed them. It may be a waste of food and drinks but she didn’t want to waste her life over these things. Besides, she already ate before coming to the party.

There’s no way she’d let herself get poisoned to death.