HEIRESS REBORN: MARRYING HER EX-FIANCÉ-Chapter 58: Preparation

*Knock*

*Knock*

Lisa knocked twice slightly on the opened door as she stared at her workaholic boss.

’’Ma’am, It’s six pm.’’ She reminded her boss of the pending birthday banquet. A few days ago, her boss had suddenly fixed in the Easmond family’s birthday banquet into her busy schedule for the evening. However, as Lisa expected, her boss had become completely absorbed in her tasks, seemingly forgetting the event altogether.

Yes, her boss was busy till evening and even at late night. The work as the President of a top corporation was never-ending, so Lisa could never blame her boss for late closing hour.

As a person closet to her boss at work, she knew the amount of work her boss always tried finished in a day.

And so, she could never leave as early as her colleagues at the exact closing hour, and would always try to match the pace of her boss to reduce the workload.

’’That fast?’’ Ayana glanced up, visibly surprised by the reminder. Her hazel eyes darted to the small clock on her desk, which confirmed the time. The soft rays of deep orange sunlight spilling across the office were another undeniable sign that evening had arrived.

’’I was hoping to finish this today.’’ Ayana murmured, frowning slightly as her gaze shifted to the stack of unfinished files before her. Her disappointment was evident, and for a brief moment, a flicker of blame flashed in her eyes, directed at the very reason behind her incomplete work.

With a tired sigh, she leaned back in her sleek leather chair, rubbing her temples.

"Lisa," Ayana called out.

"Yes, ma’am." Lisa came forward, ready to assist.

"I’ll send some files later tonight. Go through them and report back to me." She instructed, her tone composed but firm.

"Of course, ma’am," Lisa replied with a respectful nod. After a beat, she added, "I’ve already prepared an outfit for the banquet, ma’am."

Ayana’s expression softened slightly at her words. "Thank you, Lisa. It’s like you read my mind." She was relieved to hear them.

Reluctantly, she pushed herself out of the chair, and instinctively let out a stretch to ease the tension in her nerves. She then packed up with Lisa’s assistance and moved downstairs.

The driver dropped Lisa at her apartment before getting to the Kingston mansion. By the time the car engine went off, the time read some minutes after seven pm.

’’Why are you here?’’ Jason was the first person to see her and his reaction was to blank out momentarily at the sight of her.

’’...’’ His words made Ayana a bit speechless.

Wasn’t this her home, too?

’’Is this not my home as well?’’ She voiced out her exact thoughts.

’’Hey Jay! Where are—oh my!’’ Noah was searching for the Jason until his familiar small figure, and another familiar in front of the seven-year-old.

’’Did the sun rise from the west today?’’ He teased with a mischievous grin. ’’What is our famous president Kingston doing here at this hour?’’

’’...’’ Ayana became speechless once more.

’’I have a banquet attend this evening.’’ She explained herself in a few sentences and walked past the annoying pair.

’’Oh right, the Easmond family.’’ She heard Noah saying as she went to her room.

Compared to six years ago in pre-teen years, the décor of her room had gone under a remarkable renovation.

The girly and fluffy aesthetic had all been removed. The pink color had been painted grey and white, looking simple and sophisticated.

Just like the vibe of her office and the fitting style of her true age.

After entering the room, her gaze landed on her neatly made bed, where a light blue two-piece outfit lay inside a protective nylon covering.

Lisa’s preparation, no doubt.

Ayana dropped her laptop bag on the plush bedding and let her fingers trail over the outfit. The simplicity and elegance of it suited her perfectly.

As always, Lisa knew her best and would never disappoint her.

Releasing a defeated sigh, Ayana quickly freshened up and changed into the two piece prepared for the birthday banquet.

Matt had informed her he would pick her up around eight, or just after, so she had to hurry.

With time pressing, Ayana paired the light blue two-piece with a simple white inner top and white strapped heels. She kept her makeup minimal, just enough to accentuate her natural features. Her lips gleamed with a glossy shine that added a subtle sophistication to her look.

She styled her bouncy curls to one side, letting them cascade down her shoulder in an effortlessly glamorous way. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Hey, sis! Big brother Matt is here!" Jason’s voice carried faintly through her closed door, pulling her attention.

"I’m ready." She murmured instinctively, grabbing a small white purse from her walk-in closet. She quickly packed all her essentials for the night, double-checked her reflection in the mirror, and strode out of the room, her heels clicking softly against the floor.

On her way, she met Paige, who was heading in her direction.

’’You look beautiful, young miss.’’ Paige stood and complimented her with a warm smile. Over the years, the new housekeeper of six years ago had matured into a grown woman in her mid-twenties.

’’Thank you.’’ Ayana accepted the praise before asking. ’’Noah said you should come?’’

’’Yes, young miss.’’ Paige replied and pointed out. ’’Though it seemed my help is not needed after all.’’

’’Let’s just go.’’ Ayana lightly dismissed those words and followed Paige under her lead. Together, they arrived near the entrance, where Noah, Jason, and a sharply dressed Matt were waiting. The trio turned their gazes toward Ayana, registering her presence.

’’You wore the same suit.’’ Jason was the first to break the silence with a vivid frown. His distaste for her outfit was clear on his face.

’’It’s not the same, Jason.’’ Ayana replied, her tone calm as she moved toward Matt, who smiled down at her.

’’It is!’’ Jason insisted with a hint of defiance. ’’You always wear a suit. Big brother Matt said you’re going to a party with him. I thought you were going to wear a dress, sis!’’

In Jason’s opinion, all suits that his elder sister wore were the same. As long as she was in a jacket and pants, it didn’t matter how stylish or different the outfit was—it was all the same to him.

’’This suit is less formal than my work suit.’’ Ayana pointed out before turning to Matt. ’’We should go or we’ll be late.’’

’’Alright.’’ Matt replied, the corners of his lips twitching with amusement as he fought to contain his laughter. Ayana noticed his amused expression but chose to ignore it.

’’We’re going now.’’ She looked at Noah and then at Jason whose lips had formed a displeased pout.

’’Come back early, sis.’’ He mumbled, his tone half-demanding.

’’I will try best.’’ Ayana went forward and ruffled his curly hair with a warm smile.

’’Don’t let me find you awake, Jason’’ Jason was enjoying his elder sister’s caress until he heard her words.

’’You won’t!’’ He quickly brushed his elder sister’s finger away. ’’My school is at home, sis! Did you forget?’’

’’No, I did not.’’ Ayana denied before turning her gaze to Noah. ’’I’ll be back.’’

’’Be careful, Ayana.’’ Noah gave a smile, but the smile faded as he looked at Matt with a hard stare. ’’Protect her, well.’’

Although his cousin liked to not rely on anyone, it wouldn’t hurt to at least have a close friend watching her back.

’’You got it, brother’’ Matt assured with a nod.

And so, the pair left the Kingston mansion together for the birthday banquet of the Easmond family.