Chapter 86

***Kenya.***

***Present day, five days later***

It was Thursday afternoon, August the 8th and I was checking out the designers as they applied the décor to the school's walls. Before the end of the week, the furnishings were to be put in place.

Things were looking good with the appearance. I was looking forward to pink, white and blue colors. Currently a wall paper of white, cobalt blue and gold filigrees, was applied on the wall of one of the dance halls.

"Try making it smooth. We wouldn't want the walls bumpy." I suggested, my eyes admiring the work. I was in casual blue denim slacks and white shirt sleeves. My hair was braided and I had some paint on my slacks.

My phone rang in my pocket and I absently picked it.

"Hello."

"Hi. Is this Mrs Ruthford?" I heard a man say.

"Yes. Who is this?" I asked, walking to check Andrea in one of the free halls, as she approved the dresses for the students.

A designer had the dresses accurately made for the students, who had all tested the dresses for any mistakes, three days earlier. Pink tulles for girls and blue slacks for boys.

"This is Nero; Director of Photography with Ritzy Leigh Fashion and Lifestyle Magazine. We would like to proposition you to be the face of our winter edition for the magazine." The man revealed. I held my breath in shock as I listened.

"If you agree, you'd be paid handsomely and also receive a contract to be an ambassador for the magazine for the next 5 years. Featuring in every winter edition of the magazines. Your style and tips about life, will be seen by most women and men of the world." The man concluded.

I tried to talk but I was too surprised.

"Hello?"

"Yes, I am a bit shocked." I finally summoned a reply.

My mind trying to assimilate all he had said.

"ErrCan I think about it. Perhaps a couple of days. I'd like to check in with my legal team," I said, excitement surging through me.

"Alright, Mrs Ruthford. Please, we will be expecting your response." The man concluded, ending the call on a warm note.

"Who was that?" Andrea asked, raising her eyes from the clothes that she and two other helpers had been sorting through.

I stared at Andrea, still bewildered. I had heard of Ritzy Leigh Magazine. A renowned magazine with tentacles spread all over the world.

"I was just asked to be the face of Ritzy Leigh." I informed Andrea. I waited for her expected reaction. She and the other two ladies stilled. Instinctively, Andrea jumped with glee, hastily closing the distance between us.

Hugging me, she said.

"This is so wonderful! Congrats babes. I'm so happy for you." Her enthusiasm was contagious and I found myself smiling. The other women spared me furtive glances, their eyes holding admiration.

Stealing Andrea away for a moment, we walked into what is to be her office. It was already taking shape. A couple of chairs and a desk were packed at a corner, soon to be assembled.

"I don't know Andy. What am I going to do? I've never been a face of anything." My eyes fell to Andrea's hand which held a beautiful, tiny ruby ring on her engagement finger.

She finally agreed to Mike's marriage proposal, while we were in Miami. They were planning their wedding after the reopening of the school. I never wanted all this attention.

I had already turned down a few endorsements, which I had seen too demanding. And I was currently displayed on Times Square, as the face of a perfume. I only wanted a quiet life, where I'd have my little career and a family.

Now I had wealth that seemed to be a distraction.

"I just want to be with Levi. I'm not asking for much," I ruefully said. We were going to watch a movie later this evening. I bought us tickets, because I wished us to spend a normal outing together, without all the attention that accompanied his social status.

"How does that affect your acceptance of this offer?" Andrea asked, incredulously.

"I don't know. I would be too busy with the endorsements to see him. I haven't even had any chance to visit Alan's studio in Hollywood, because I am giving more time to our marriage these days." I revealed.

Alan had been calling me to come down, so that we finalize the contract for my role in the movie. But I was reluctant. My entire world suddenly lived and breathed Levi.

"Babes, Levi is a focused man. I have seen it in his drive. Look how he got Sara to take over the entire project with the reopening of the school. He wouldn't want his wife to be less. I admire him for that. All over the media, he has announced your reopening in a few weeks. He is proud of you. Don't let him down." Andrea encouraged.

I stared at her, inwardly wondering when Levi and I had gone from enemies to devoted spouses.

"You think he's proud of me?" I pressed, holding Andrea's gaze. She smiled as she nodded her head. Then in order to relieve the emotion that weighed in my heart, Andrea held me in a comforting hug.

"Don't undermine your husband, Kenya. You are his priority." Andrea added, her warmth travelling through me and conveying a message, which my heart was being too blind to see.

Because I had been waiting for Levi's actions and words to reveal the depth of his feelings for me, I had invested all my energy anticipating his words.

However, in the absence of either of those, I found myself comfortable with a third opinion, especially one from my friend.

"Have I come in at a bad time. I can just go back to work." Rory's voice broke into our moment, pulling us apart. We chuckled nervously, our eyes falling on Rory.