Chapter 6

Amanda was about stepping out but was stopped by Jade

"Jade what do you want from me... I don't want to have you close to me, least taking in the same air as you"

"I want you out of our lives... Out of this company... That is what I want so are you willing to give that to me or should I get it by force" Jade warned

"Honestly Jade I never knew Desmond has a poor taste... I don't even know what he likes in you... I am pretty sure he is not aware of your stinking character because if he does he will ditch you... Not still withstanding I think I learnt something from you which is learning to give our already used toys to the less privilege... I remember when we were little Jade you were giving whatever you want by mother and once they are worn out you give them to me... I think that is happening again but this time it is different because Desmond is my already used toy ... He is already worn out so I am giving it to you..."

"You..."

Clap

A big slap hit Amanda's face, with a smile she cleaned the blood in between her lips with her hand

"Honestly Jade this is the first time I enjoyed being slapped because I can feel the ferocity of my word burning in you Jade!! Everything I said is the truth... You know what Jade I pitty the child in your womb... I pitty your unborn child... If there is any though... It is such a shame having to come into this world through you... I pitty you Jade" Amanda said with complacency written on her face as she saw Jade's face getting red from anger.

Unable to bear it Jade lift her hands in other to hit Amanda but her hands were stopped mid-air by Amanda

"I never gave you the right to hit my face if I were you I won't do it... The next time you hit me I will make sure both Desmond and mother never recognize you again... Learn to keep your hands by your side, Jade, because slapping people on the face is an old trick... The trick is worn out learn a new thing grow with the trend"

After Amanda left Jade went ahead to throw down everything her hands could touch

"Just where on Earth did she get her venomous tongue... This is not over yet Amanda I will make you eat up every word you said to me... You can never have a better life than I... You will forever be beneath me Amanda that is your position and I will crush you" Jade said to herself looking at herself through the mirror in the restroom with a piqued look 

Immediately Amanda left the restroom she hurried to a nearby mall to get a scarf for her neck while selecting one that will  match her dress, a call came in from an unsaved number

When Amanda picked up the call she heard the happy voice of grandma Karen which elevated her mood. They both arranged where they will meet up

Amanda quickly picked out a nice scarf, neatly placed it on her neck after paying the bills she happily ran to the restaurant she promised to meet grandma Karen.

When she got there she saw grandma Karen happily waving at her close to the window. Amanda immediately ran to grandma Karen with happiness plastered on her face

"Grandma Karen good day... I am so happy to see you" Amanda said happily

"Seat my grandchild let's have a meal together... By the way my child I am sorry having to witness that incident at home and on my birthday" grandma Karen apologized

"Come on grandma Karen don't be like that... All families have their issues there is nothing called a perfect home grandma Karen... I understand mom... I know where she is coming from all mother's wants the best for there kids and that includes her... So I understand grandma Karen" Amanda said

" You are such a sensible child I like you... Okay enough of the reminiscent let's order something"

Grandma Karen took the menu to order, she kept ordering fried and greased food when she was done she passed the menu to Amanda who in turn ordered some healthy food for old people

"Grandma Karen this is what we are going to do... Obviously, I love greased and fried food and you love porridge and freshly made juice and I ordered them for you so the crab and fried rice is for me" Amanda said happily as she prepares to dig in

"Do you want me to eat this bland food, Amanda... Grandma Karen will get angry"

"Grandma Karen you don't worry when I get back from work I will make you a feast of good meal besides grandma I got you a gift"

"My child let me have a look"

"No grandma Karen finish your meal when you are done I will show you," Amanda said throwing her head to the side

After they were done eating the two happy people made their way to the mall closed by, tugging at each other's arms

One supporting the other to walk and the other using the help of the youngest to walk when the both of them got to the mall as instructed by grandma Karen they went in trying different clothes and sounds of the camera could be heard

"Grandma Karen I love that posture of yours bring out your two index finger grandma Karen," Amanda said happily... She was sincerely happy that she almost teared up

There were numerous sounds of camera assisted by beautiful posture their happiness was contagious as people joined in the fun

All of them were sincerely happy as loud laughter could be heard accompanied by happy chattering.

After their meeting,  they  went their separate ways with the memory of today engraved in their hearts

After the long break, Amanda went back to her office to get started for the day. When she got to the office there were a lot of financial documents waiting to be signed.

After dropping Amanda at the office Charles made sure he positioned some of his men to watch her every movement and protect her.

Charles called his three best friends to hang out with them as he took the day off as a result of oversleeping

He has never slept that well in a very long time, ever since the disappearance of his ex-fiancee, he always uses sleeping pills but magically immediately he carried her in his arm he slept off and he even woke up late, it was unlike him

Charles drove to his normal bar, Niki bar the most expensive bar in basin city

One has to be a registered member before allowed in and their registration fee is worth a few thousands of dollars and the security there is tight

The moment he stepped in he was taking to his normal spot where he met his three friends, Gerald, Allen and Paul they are also billionaires just like he is 

They grew up together, understands each other without much explanation and above all help each other if you mess with one you mess with all. They were popularly known as the special four.

"What's up Charles... What's with the sudden call" Allen asked

"Nothing just wanted to drink"Charles replied sitting down

"It's about her isn't it," Gerald asked starring at Charles

But Charles kept mute as he drank glass after glass of their expensive wine at the bar after finishing a whole bottle of wine he was not still satisfied he went on in taking more but non of his friends stopped him because they know best the type of person he is, if he wants to talk about it he will, if he wants help he will ask, they just don't meddle in his affairs without his permission just while he was drinking a message came in.

"We have got a lead on Amanda six years ago"

......

After a hectic day, Amanda was ecstatic to see Charles because he always has a way to make her feel fine, Amanda kept waiting at the side of the road just as he asked her to. 

She has been standing for hours waiting for Charles but she couldn't see his brake light, all of a sudden she heard the voice of her worst nightmare

"Amanda you have been standing here for the whole day come and join me and Desmond in our ride we are heading home we can drop you at home if you want," Jade said utmost sincerity and a hidden sarcasm in her tone

"You are too nice Jade let her sought herself," Desmond said

Desmond phone immediately rang as he took excuse from the ladies to answer his phone, the moment he stepped out Jade face changed to that of mockery

"Sister why are you standing there... Did you get ditched again" Jade said 

"Jade you are the last person I want to talk to, "Amanda said wanting to walkout

"Go on that is what you are good at... My horrible sister...

"Sister-in-law" Michael lan called out

Jade's ranting was cut short by Michael calling

"You are even married," Jade said

"Get in the car," Michael said

Not wanting more of the shame she got into Michael car. 

"What are you doing here," Amanda asked

"Grandma Karen said I should pick you up... She said she misses you"

"I am sorry  having to witness that"

"Is she your sister?" Michael asked in return

"I did not mean to eavesdrop but based on the conversation you are not well accepted at home"

Amanda remained mute not answering

"I understand how you feel as I am like that at home whenever you feel like talking you can confide in me... I will be willing to help you" Michael added with a complacent smile on his face while driving.

Both of them kept chatting and laughing happily until they got home. When they got home they were about having dinner

The moment grandma Karen saw Amanda her heart leapt for joy

"My daughter you are back," grandma Karen said

"Yes grandma Karen I am"

Amanda used the side of her eyes to look for Charles but couldn't find him her once happy mood turned sad as she prays for the dinner to be over

Unlike this morning the dinner was peaceful as everyone was quietly eating their food

After waiting for a while Charles still did not show up, Amanda lost her appetite 

"Thank you everyone but I am filled I will be going upstairs to wait for my husband"

"Isn't the food to your taste... If you don't like it I can inform the chef to cook you something different" grandma Karen said

"No grandma Karen I am filled," Amanda said as she went ahead to kiss grandma Karen and went upstairs to wait for Charles.

After taking her night shower she kept calling him but all she got is the cold voice of the network provider, as the clock kept ticking she was getting uneasy she kept tossing and turning on the bed.

........

The day dawned crisp and clear as the sun poured through the window, Amanda rubbed her blurry eyes with her hands and used the other to touch the side of the bed which felt empty and cold

"He still didn't come back last night" Amanda murmured to herself

Feeling depressed she got out of bed got dressed for work and made her way downstairs, she first went to grandma Karen room to greet her before making her way outside the mansion where she saw Michael standing beside his car waiting for someone

Walking up to him she greeted

"You are just in time Amanda I am on my way to work join me let me drop you off," Michael said

Sensing her reply he continued

"This place is located in the outskirt of the city so it will be difficult to get a taxi I am going in the same direction as you are"

After battling with her thoughts she agreed to go with him

When Amanda got to her office, surprisingly she saw a bouquet and her favourite chocolate on her table. 

"Who is courting me," Amanda thought

"Amanda"

Amanda hysterically turned to see Desmond handsome face brightly smiling

If it was back then when she was madly in love with him she would have jumped to his arm but right now all she felt is disgust

"Why are you here"

"To give you your favourite flower and chocolate" he replied

Amanda immediately threw the chocolate and flower in the trash can. She turned to give him a rude reply but she received a text from her mother telling her she can now see her father and that he is stable

The moment she received the text not minding Desmond she ran out of the office to hail a taxi after waiting for a while she finally got one.

.....

The moment she got to the hospital she ran to the ward of her father. Shortly after she stepped in she saw her dad laying down chatting with Jade and her mother Monica

Amanda hurried to the side of the bed wanting to hug him but was stopped by Monica from getting close

"The doctor said unclean things are not allowed to touch him for the time being,"

"It's okay let her close, she is my daughter and I missed her" 

Amanda immediately gave him a huge hug and all she felt is his bone, her chubby father has literally turned into a skeleton, he now has grey hair and looks worn out.

"Dad my handsome father... You have lost a lot of weight... Please invest all your energy on recovery your daughter needs you I love you, dad... The whole family loves you" Amanda said tearing up 

"I also love you, my girl... You look pale... Is my son in law taking good care of you?" Antonio asked with a weak voice.

In other, for him not to worry about her she nodded her head with tears in her eyes.

Noticing the absence of his son in law  he went ahead to ask

" where is Desmond... Why isn't he with you?"