Politicians smiled and nodded at Mr. Richard. But Mr. Richard was not focused on the greetings. His eyes scanned the room carefully searching. Then he saw her Sabrina. She was standing near the dessert table holding a glass of champagne. She was talking to a young waiter. Her voice was loud and sharp. I said I wanted sparkling water, not still water. She snapped at the waiter.
Are you deaf? Can you not understand simple English? The young waiter bowed his head. I am very sorry, madam. I will get it for you right away. You better, Sabrina said coldly. And be quick about it. I do not have all night. Mr. Richard’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightened. He recognized her immediately.
It was the same woman who had slapped him outside the mall. He said nothing, but he watched her closely. Later that evening, as the band played and people danced, Sabrina spotted Caleb across the room. Her eyes lit up like fireworks. She had met him a few times at different events. She knew he was rich. She knew he was single and she wanted him.
She adjusted her dress, fixed her hair, and walked toward him with a bright fake smile. “Caleb,” she called sweetly. Caleb turned around. “Sabrina, good evening.” “Good evening,” she said, her voice soft and gentle. “It has been too long since we last spoke. “How have you been?” I have been well, Caleb replied politely.
And you? Wonderful, she said, leaning slightly closer. You know, I have been thinking about you. Caleb raised an eyebrow. Is that so? Yes, Sabrina said, touching his arm lightly. I think we should spend more time together. I feel like we have a lot in common. Caleb smiled politely, but did not respond.
They talked for a few more minutes. Sabrina laughed at everything Caleb said. She complimented him. She batted her eyelashes. She played the role of a sweet, innocent woman perfectly. From across the room, Mr. Richard watched the interaction. His heart felt heavy. He knew what she was doing. He knew she was pretending. As the night came to an end, guests began to leave. Caleb and his father walked toward their car. On the way home, Mr.
Richard sat quietly in the passenger seat. Caleb glanced at him. Papa, you have been quiet all night. Is something wrong? Mr. Richard turned to his son. Caleb, who was that woman you were talking to at the gala? You mean Sabrina? Caleb asked. We have met a few times at different parties. She is a businesswoman.
She owns a cosmetics company. She seems interested in me. Mr. Richard nodded slowly. I see. Why do you ask? Caleb said. Just be careful, my son. Mr. Richard replied. Some people are very good at pretending. They smile in your face, but their hearts are dark. Caleb smiled. Papa, you worry too much. I can take care of myself. But Mr. Richard did not smile back.
He only stared out the window into the dark night. In the days that followed, Sabrina and Caleb began spending more time together. She called him everyday. She sent him sweet text messages. She invited him to lunch at expensive restaurants. Caleb enjoyed her company. She was beautiful. She was smart. She made him laugh. One afternoon, Caleb invited her to his home.
“Sabrina, I would like you to meet my father,” he said. Sabrina’s heart raced with excitement. “I would love to meet him.” They drove to the mansion together. When they arrived, Mr. Richard was sitting in the living room reading a newspaper. “Papa, this is Sabrina,” Caleb said with a smile. Sabrina stepped forward gracefully. She wore a soft smile.
Her voice was sweet as honey. “Good afternoon, sir. It is such a great honor to meet you,” she said, bowing her head respectfully. Mr. Richard looked up at her. He studied her face carefully. She did not recognize him. She had no idea he was the same man she had slapped outside the mall.
“Good afternoon,” he replied calmly. Sabrina sat down and spoke politely. She praised the beautiful house. She complimented the furniture. She laughed softly at Caleb’s jokes. She called Mr. Richard, sir, with every sentence. But Mr. Richard saw through it all. He saw the fake smile. He saw the sugar-coated words. He saw the performance. After an hour, Sabrina stood up to leave.
“Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home, sir,” she said sweetly. “I hope to see you again soon.” “Mr. Richard nodded, but said nothing.” After she left, Caleb turned to his father with a hopeful smile. “What do you think, papa?” Mr. Richard chose his words carefully. She is polite. But Caleb asked, sensing hesitation. But I do not trust her, his father said firmly. My son, please be careful with this woman.
I do not think she is who she pretends to be. Caleb frowned. Papa, you are being paranoid. You do not even know her. I know enough. Mr. Richard replied. Caleb sighed in frustration. Papa, I understand you want to protect me, but you cannot keep me away from every woman I meet. I am not a child anymore. I know you are not a child, his father said softly.
But I am still your father and I will always protect you whether you like it or not. Caleb shook his head and walked out of the room. Mr. Richard sat alone in silence. His heart was troubled. He knew what he had to do next. A few days later, Mr. Richard put on his old clothes again. The faded shirt, the torn trousers, the cracked sandals. He left the mansion quietly and went to a small cafe on the other side of the city.
He sat at a corner table near the window and ordered a cup of tea. Then he waited. 20 minutes later, Sabrina walked into the cafe. She was meeting a friend for lunch. She wore designer sunglasses and carried an expensive handbag. She did not notice the old man sitting in the corner. Mr.
Richard watched her quietly. She sat down at a table and ordered her food. She talked loudly on her phone. She laughed. She took selfies. A few minutes later, the waiter brought her order. “Here is your food, madam,” the waiter said politely. Sabrina looked at the plate and frowned. “Why did it take so long?” “I apologize, madam. The kitchen was very busy today.
” “Busy,” Sabrina snapped. “I do not care if the kitchen was busy. I have been sitting here for almost 30 minutes. This is completely unacceptable.” The waiter bowed his head. “I am very sorry, madam. Your apology does not fix anything,” she said harshly. “You people are so slow and useless. Do you even know who I am? I could buy this entire cafe if I wanted to.
” The waiter said nothing. He simply walked away quietly. Mr. Richard’s eyes hardened. He had seen enough. His worst fears were confirmed. He stood up, left money on the table, and walked out of the cafe. That night he sat with Caleb in the living room. My son, he said seriously, I need to tell you something very important. Caleb looked up from his laptop.
What is it, Papa? That woman Sabrina, she is not a good person. Caleb closed his laptop and sighed. Papa, please, not this again. Listen to me, his father said firmly. I have been watching her. I have tested her. She is rude. She is cruel. She treats people badly. She does not respect anyone she thinks is below her. She only cares about money and status.
Caleb stood up, frustration clear on his face. Papa, why are you doing this? Why do you not want me to be happy? I want you to be happy, Mr. Richard said, his voice rising slightly. But not with someone like her. She will destroy you, my son. She will only love your money, not you.
You are being unfair, Caleb said. You do not even know her. You are judging her without giving her a chance. I know more than you think,” his father replied. But Caleb refused to listen. He grabbed his car keys and walked out of the house. Mr. Richard sat alone in the empty living room. His heart was heavy, but his mind was made up. He knew exactly what he needed to do.
3 weeks later, the announcement was made. Caleb and Sabrina were officially engaged. The news spread quickly across social media. Friends congratulated them. Families celebrated. Plans were made for a grand engagement party. Sabrina was over the moon. She posted photos on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
