Liam POV
I'm running late for Dad's birthday party again again. Before he cuts his cake, I need to be on time.
"Sir, your plane is ready," said my personal pilot. "All right, I'm coming," I said as I boarded my private plane. Yes, I am a wealthy millionaire who owns the Ryders jewellery company. I primarily travelled across the world for business.
"Liam, have you gotten the gift for dad?" Clara, my best friend, inquired. She called my father, dad, despite the fact that she was an orphan when my father adopted her after her parents died in a plane crash.
"Yes, I've already taken it," I said sarcastically.
She is a social worker who organises various charitable events. "What's the gift?" she said, her brows narrowing in intrigue.
"All you have to do now is wait until the proper moment."
She rolled her eyes and went about her business. After two hours, we arrived in London. I arrived at the party's location. It was a high-profile event, and everyone was preoccupied with pitching their businesses or giving phoney speeches. "Happy birthday, Dad," I said as I hugged him.
He grinned as he said, "Finally you made it this time, I thought you'd be late again." "This year, too, you didn't bring any girl," he added after another look around. "When are you going to find a girl for you?" I shrugged my shoulders, attempting to draw his attention away from me.
"We'll talk about it later, Dad." First and foremost, you should be aware that I have been awarded the 200 million dollar Berlin project," I confidently stated.
"I knew you'd bring that project," he said, grinning from ear to ear.
He hugged me tightly and enthusiastically clapped my shoulder. Clara and the rest of the guests then gathered for the cake cutting. Clara arrived with a lady after the cake cutting. "Mrs. Smith operates a school for deaf and dumb children, Liam. She was looking for school sponsors. "Of course," says the narrator. "I'll be here tomorrow to give you the check," I said. I like assisting Clara with her activities because it made me feel good. Dad often believes that the more you give to those in need, the more God will give to you.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Ryder." Ellie, our schoolteacher, has also arrived. After our schoolchildren's performance, she would thank you as well," she says, pointing to the stage with her index finger. The curtain rises, and a spotlight shines on the young lady. She was in the middle, surrounded by small children. The young lady was dressed in a peach one-shoulder gown. My gaze was drawn to her since she had hazel brown eyes and an oval-shaped face. Her every move was fast and beautiful as she danced. They danced with deaf and dumb sign language actions to the silent music.
"She's stunning," I said.
"Yes, she is," said a voice, jolting me back to reality. When I turned back, I noticed my father smirking behind me.
I had no idea until I got so near to the stage.
I rubbed the base of my neck and gave him a bashful smile. He was first and foremost my friend, and subsequently my father. "Watch her," Dad urged, and we returned our tearful look to her. She was laughing and dancing with a smile on her face. As she grins and her eyes shine, my heart stops.
As soon as the dance was finished, I followed her to the backstage area. She was using sign movements to communicate with the kids. I was perplexed as to why she was simply performing acts to justify herself. It seemed intriguing to me. Is she deaf and dumb? As a result, she communicates solely through sign language. I approached one of the staff assistants and asked him my doubt.
"Would she be able to communicate or listen?"
"Not sir," he said, "she couldn't speak." He then went back to working on the arrangements. I was overcome with empathy, yet I couldn't care less whether she was deaf and dumb. The only thing that matters to me is her.
My phone suddenly rang, and I responded, "Yes, Carlo."
"Liam, where have you gone?"
"I'm just doing some work at the backstage."
"OK, just hurry into the party since Mrs. Smith and Ellie will only greet you once before departing."
"All right, I'm on my way."
I sought for the same girl everywhere, but she was nowhere to be seen. I let out a frustrated groan and returned to the party. "Liam," Clara said as she stopped my conversation with a father buddy. "Could you perhaps join me for a few minutes?"
I nodded and excused myself from the visitor, and she introduced me to Mrs. Smith, the same lady I had met previously. She had her back to me and was conversing with someone else.
"Mrs. Smith and Ellie, please meet your sponsor, Liam," Clara smiled as she introduced me. Mrs. Smith turned her gaze to me as I approached them, and the girl behind her stood beside her. She was the same girl who had blown my mind and stopped my heart at first sight, and I was overcome with joy. Ellie was her name.
"Ellie," I whispered as if her name were music on my tongue.
This is going to sound strange, but I've had a crush on her since the moment I laid eyes on her. I haven't been able to get my mind off of her. I extended my hand for a shake, and she shook it with her soft fingers, which I thought was great. She smiles like she's worth a billion dollars.
Mrs. Smith remarked, "Mr. Ryder, we owe you a debt of gratitude." Ellie, on the other hand, quickly removed her hand from mine. As she took her hand away from me, my heart sank, but I managed to hide it under a grin. I knew Ellie couldn't speak, so I tried to greet her using sign language. I don't want to experience her despair. However, I was such a lousy actor that neither Ellie nor anybody else understood what I was saying. They exchanged puzzled glances.
In annoyance, I raked my hands through my hair.
"What are you doing, Mr. Ryder?" a voice said, bringing me out of my funk. It was a lovely and melodious voice. Back to the speaker, I returned my eyes. Is she currently speaking?
I was surprised that Ellie could say "Mr. Ryder".
And I couldn't stop myself from inquiring of her.
"Are you not deaf and dumb?" I said, puzzled, at Ellie.
