CHAPTER 55: MISSING HUBBY III
Business, huh?" Diana raised an eyebrow playfully, a flicker of interest replacing her earlier dejection.. "What kind of business?"
"Well, my dear sister-in-law," Henry leaned forward, "I need your help planning a party. Not just any party – the biggest bash London's ever seen."
Diana's eyes widened with surprise, then amusement. "Really? Now that's right up my alley, Do tell. . .
"Absolutely," Henry confirmed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Consider it a favor to your charming and slightly-needy brother in-law."
Diana couldn't help but smile. "Don't tell me you're becoming shameless like Jared."
Henry burst out laughing. "No one can ever match Jared's level of shameless."
Wasting no time, Diana grabbed a pen and notepad. She straightened up, her professional demeanor returning. "Alright, back to the party. Birthday, wedding, engagement, or something else entirely?"
"A birthday party," Henry revealed. "But not just any birthday."
Diana's curiosity was piqued. "And who's the lucky celebrant? I need to know the Person so i can talk with them about their preferences."
"Well the celebrant is your husband," Henry said, watching her closely.
Diana's jaw dropped. "What!?"
"Yeah" Henry smiled and continued. "But he hates parties! He's never for once celebrated his birthday and every time we try to throw him one, he always finds out and gets out of it. So this year, we, his friends, decided to include you and your brilliant mind in the planning process. We figured involving you might throw him off the scent and make him least susceptible"
Diana chewed on her lip, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "But what if he finds out? How can you even think that Henry, he might just... ditch it again. I live with the man remember"
"We know it's a risk, and you have a point there" Henry admitted. "But maybe, just maybe, seeing you put in the effort will change his mind."
"Well you guys are so dead wrong" Diana frowned "Whatever will make you think he will want to attend a party because of me?"
"Diana you underestimate your importance in his life".
"Well that's because he has not shown me otherwise".
Henry brought out a card from his pocket and gave it to her. "That's my cell. Just think about it and if you change your mind, you let me know. I will be waiting".
"Well that's better", Diana said and took the card. "When is the birthday anyway?"
"2nd October, 3 weeks from now." Henry replied.
"So i don't really have much time to think then?".
Henry stood up and beamed at her. "No not really sister in-law".
Diana sighed and seemed to be in thoughts for a few seconds before she raised her head. "Alright fine, i accept. Let's try our luck. Although am not very sure of a 100% chance success, but its worth the try".
Henry sat back down. "Good, so what do you want to know?" He asked.
"Alright," she declared, picking up her pen with newfound purpose. "You've convinced me. Let's give this a shot. Tell me everything – his likes, dislikes, favorite food, drinks and music, favourite colour, wears, his hobbies. Then we start talking about the guest list, location, invitation cards, security for the event, the kind of paparazzi you want to be there, are the guests supposed to come with a plus one or they are supposed to come alone, the kind of cake decor you want and the works, and how extravagant do we want want this party to be and the whole shebang".
"Wow! That really is everything Diana".
"Well then, you had better start talking" Diana chipped in.
Henry grinned, relieved and impressed. "I love that you are really getting into your role as the wife and planner".
Diana laughed. "Well the party should be really extravagant, the man is a fucking billionaire".
"Two billion for the party" Henry started.
"Two billion? Wow, that's certainly… ambitious," Diana remarked, raising an eyebrow. "Was that the usual budget for his previous parties?"
Henry puffed out his chest, a touch defensively. "Indeed. We spared no expense. James deserves the best. We've always gone all out for his celebrations"
Diana leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful look replacing her surprise. "Have you considered why James might have… ditched your parties in the past? Has it ever occurred to you that maybe that's why he avoids them?Perhaps he is not used to such extravagance and might feel very uncomfortable. Here's a man who's never celebrated a birthday before, and you want to throw him a massive bash as his first one? Have you guys ever stopped to think maybe an extravagant party is the last thing he needs for his kind of nature".
Henry blinked, surprised by her insight. "You know, Diana, you might be onto something there. We've never really considered his perspective." Henry's smile widened. "You see, Diana? That's exactly why we needed you. You understand him in ways we don't."
A sly smile played on Diana's lips. "So, how about we try a different approach? Something intimate, something that shows him you actually care about him, not just throwing money at the problem."
Henry's eyes lit up. "Intriguing. Tell me more."
Diana outlined her vision – a small gathering with close friends and a few colleagues he genuinely enjoys. We'll have his favorite foods, of course, with some additional options. Same for drinks. We can even set up a chessboard or a draft table, whichever he prefers. A small, tasteful cake would be perfect. And a secluded location, something serene decorated in his preferred colors would add a personal touch, a stark contrast to the impersonal extravagance of previous attempts. A simple, heartfelt gesture that shows him we truly care."
"The gifts, however, could remain extravagant – a reflection of their appreciation for him". Diana finished with a sly smile.
Henry chuckled. "Alright, Diana, I'm sold. You've got the reins on this one. No need to run it by the others. Your word is final as his wife. Just send me any questions you have, and I'll answer them to the best of my ability."
He glanced at his watch. "Meeting soon, unfortunately. I'll take my leave."
"Alright" Diana said as she smiled gently.
"Diana i am going to create a group and add you to it, that way you can tell all of us of your plan".
Diana stood up, a newfound determination in her step. "Of course. And Henry, one more thing. It's high time I meet your wives. How about you set up a meeting for us Wednesday evening?"
"Excellent choice," Henry replied, pulling out his phone. "I'll get them all on board."
Diana suddenly enveloped him in a huge hug, as a sense of gratitude washed over her. "Thank you, Henry. This means a lot."
Henry winked. "Just doing my duty as a brother in-law. Now, if you'll excuse me…" He waved goodbye and exited the office.