Chapter 38

Ma Cleopatra pov

"Good morning Cleopatra".

"Good morning Mrs. Lauren Hudson".

I was shocked to receive a call by 8:am from Frederick's mother. I hoped Frederick was alright. Since I stepped out of his house, I had not received a call from him or even spoken to him.

I got to Canada and the only thing on my mind was catering to Chris, my husband's needs. I wasn't able to conceive so I had no child to look after him while I was away in New York.

When I got home, the first thing I did was take Chris to the hospital to run some tests and diagnoses. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I regretted abandoning him for years just to take care of Frederick.

I broke down in tears the moment I saw him seated on the couch in the living room. He had lost so much weight and had no one to take care of him. I wished I at least gave him a child to look after him.

I was making preparations to take him to the hospital for a check-up when I got a call from Mrs. Hudson. I have always known her to be a stubborn and bossy woman and as such, I respected her and avoided her trouble.

"Good morning Cleopatra".

"Good morning Mrs. Lauren Hudson".

" I was at Frederick's house a few days ago. I noticed there was an unusual stranger in his house. He made me aware that you brought her as a perfect replacement since you were relocating to Canada".

"Yes ma'am, the girl's name is Kharis".

"Cleopatra, Frederick is my son and I do not appreciate the fact that you brought some young girl to cater to his needs. You know fully well that he is getting married. His wife feels insecure about that maid".

"Kharis is a good girl Madam and I'm sure she means no harm to Frederick or Ivy".

"Cleopatra, I want her out of that house. Frederick's fiance called the other day crying about the maid. As Ivy said, the girl seems to be more than just a maid. She dresses up in sexy clothes and even appeared at the gala dinner looking all hot. Is that how a maid is supposed to appear ''.

"Ma'am".
I was trying to interrupt her but no, she didn't pay attention.

"That maid is trying to seduce and distract my son. This is all your fault Cleo and if his wedding is crashed, you'll pay for it"

Those were her last words before she dropped the call.
What just happened, I thought. Was this woman threatening me? If Frederick and Kharis decide to fall in love and build a relationship, who am I to stop them? Besides, Kharis was an amazing lady. The moment I met her, I fell in love with her. It was just right to recommend her to Frederick.

I planned on giving them a call immediately after I got back from the hospital. As for Frederick's wedding to Ivy, I was aware of it but I didn't expect him to go on with the wedding plans. His parents imposed it on him.

I stood up from the couch and moved to the bedroom to get Chris ready for his checkup.
"Is everything alright?" he struggled to ask me.

"Everything is okay dear. Why are you asking?".

"I heard a little bit of the conversation you had out there. Are you in trouble?".

"Not at all. You do not have to worry about anything". I answered and began rubbing his back soothingly.

I helped him dress into a trouser and a shirt. It felt good to see that he had recovered and had gained a little bit of weight. We began the journey to the hospital. While on the ride, my mind traveled to when I was still here with my husband.

8 years ago, we had lots of problems in our marriage. It's normal for couples to experience turbulence in their relationship right? I loved him and I knew he loved me too but there were just some things we were not ready to let go of yet!.

His parents were wealthy and mine were just trying to make sure we survived every day. My mom worked as a chef in his parents' hotel. Chris fell in love with me the day we met by the hotel's poolside. Every day after that day was a battle for our love and when I see Frederick and Kharis, I remember Cleopatra and Chris.

Chris was deeply in love with me and I had no idea why. I wasn't special or even in his league. His parents cut him off from the family's business the day we walked down the aisle. Do you have an idea what it feels like to start all over? From the scratch?

Chris was devastated. He struggled with providing money for meals and my visits to the gynecologist. I watched him break down and I tried! I tried so hard to be available, supportive, and understanding. But when he constantly blamed me for his misfortune, for being cut off from the family's business, I walked away from the marriage.

I couldn't stand the daily bickering and feud between him and his parents. I had to walk away from him and move to New York. It was in New York, I met Lauren, Frederick's mother. She was nice to me and invited me to her house.

Lauren noticed how fond I was of Frederick and employed me to be his nanny. I got a job in the City of New York, a roof over my head, money, peace and I had no plans of going back to Canada.

We got to the hospital and I held his hands as we walked in -just like the good old days.

"Good afternoon", a nurse at the ward greeted us.

"Good afternoon dear".

We walked in and in no time, Chris was done with his check-up.

Immediately we entered the ride back home, I called Frederick.

"Hello Fred"

"Good afternoon Ma Cleopatra. It's been a while. I'm so sorry for not reaching out".

"Where is Kharis"
After a minute of silence, I heard him respond in a calm voice

"She's here ma'am"

"I want you to put the phone on speaker. I need Kharis to listen to me. Is that done"?

"Yes Ma Cleo, she can hear you as well".

"What's going on between you both. I want you to confide in me. I know it has gone beyond the level of a maid and a boss"

They were both silent for up to 2 minutes. I thought something was wrong.

"Hello. Are you guys still there"?

"Yes ma". Kharis finally said something. Frederick had been the one talking since the beginning of the conversation.

"So, answer my question. Are you dating"?.

"Currently, we are in Ghana. I took Kharis to my penthouse".

"That doesn't answer my question, Frederick".

"Kharis is my girlfriend. Can I take these off speakers so we talk?".

He didn't even allow me to give him permission for that.

"Ma Cleopatra, what's wrong"

"Your mom called earlier. The conversation we had was more of a threat. She said I was going to pay if your marriage with Ivy dissolves".

"Okay. But how does that affect you? My marriage with Ivy? I do not understand".

"Fred, it seems like your mother is aware of your relationship with Kharis. I'm the reason why Kharis is at your house. I introduced the girl to you"!

"Ma, I'm in love with the girl".

I could hear how genuine he was. It was just like when Chris refused to give up his love for me.

"I'm breaking up with Ivy and ending whatever agreement my parents started. I cannot be forced to fix their shit at the detriment of my love life".

"You know how your mom is. You know that Ivy would put up a fight for embarrassing her. You'll have to protect Kharis at all cost".

"I'll try my best Ma Cleo".

"I hope Kharis is okay".
I asked about Kharis because I had not heard from her in a long while. Was she carried away by the love Frederick had for her that she forgot about me?

"She's fine. How is Pa Chris".

"He's doing great my dear".

"Okay ma'am"

"Frederick, whatever you want to do, do it fast".

I said to him and dropped the call. I turned to look at Chris and I just smiled at him.

"Everything is going to be okay", I said to the man beside me.