Chapter 24

I had some drinks with Camille and Archer while we talked about random things. 


Suddenly, I felt someone touch my waist. I turned around to see Jason greeting Archie and Cam with a passive nod.


“Grandpa is looking for you,” he murmured as he turned his head to look at me.


His ocean-blue eyes reflected my face in them.


I nodded and turned to my friends, “Excuse us, guys.”


Jason took the wine flute from my hand and passed it to a waiter.


I hooked my arm on his elbow as he guided us to wherever Grandpa was.


A few seconds later, I saw my in-laws conversing with a middle-aged couple and an old man who was talking to Grandpa in a cheery tone. 


“Grandpa, you were looking for me?” I asked with a smile as soon as I reached them.


“Oh, yes. Amara, this is my old friend, Ronald Clarke. He couldn't make it to your wedding, so I thought of introducing you to him now!” Grandpa said and reached out his arm for me to take.


I gingerly unhooked my arm from Jason's and to his, and he guided me to his side.


“Mr. Clarke, it's a pleasure meeting someone as influential and regarded as you.” I shook Senior Clarke's hand.


“It's nice to meet you as well young lady. I see you have a nice way with your words.” He replied with a chuckle and gave my hand a firm shake before releasing it.


Senior Clarke turned towards Grandpa and continued, “Must be her mother's genes. Cynthia has always been a charmer.”


Senior Clarke talked to Grandpa in a joyful tone, his words reminiscing the old days.


But the mention of my mother left an unsettling feeling in my heart. 


She was a prominent figure in the business since her young days, and she was acquainted with people that even the Harveys and Clarks were considered small in front of them.


But that was it. She was only present and had an influence on the business world. Not in her children- no, not in my life.


She never once called me to ask if I was alright. Even after the drama with Luke, it was her secretary who called.


Even my grandfather called me a couple of times since I got married. 


These little things that she didn't do only worsened my feelings for her.


“Oh, talk about coincidence. Here comes Cynthia.”


I looked to my right to see her walking towards us in an elegant coral dress.


Her features could easily cheat people of their judgments. 


She first shook hands with Senior Clarke before shaking Grandpa Harvey's hand.


“Mr. Arthur,” She gave a polite greeting to him, not even bothering to say a few words of pleasantries considering her daughter was married into his family. 


But Grandpa Harvey didn't seem to pay much attention to it. In fact, he returned her greeting warmly.


From my peripheral vision, I saw Luke's mother's face turn green in anger, where she was sitting with her husband, conversing with a middle-aged couple. 


Why? Because despite being in-laws, my mother didn't even bother glancing at them.


“Amara, how are you?” My mom asked and I was startled for a moment. 


Because she never spoke directly to me without any reason, and that was too rarely, and now she was asking how I was in such a gentle tone.


Before my heart could take it for care, I reminded myself that it was a fake show of empathy and care.


We were in the presence of so many elites and even my in-laws; she wouldn't want them to know how estranged our relationship was.


I was about to reply when she suddenly pulled me in for a hug.


I took in a sharp breath.


The hug didn't last long, it was only for a couple of seconds. Too short that I didn't even have the time to hug her back.


Again, I reminded myself that it was all just for show. There was no other reason why she would be this warm to me.


“I'm glad to see you here.” She spoke as she pulled out of the hug.


“Of course. Where would I be if not here.” I replied with a smile. My voice was low enough for only her to hear so she could note the sarcasm I put into it.


But as always my impassive, cold, indifferent mother didn't react.


Her face was void of any changes.


That same fake smile on her lips fooled people about what she was thinking or planning. 


“Mrs. Wilson, I believe we have not met yet.” 


I looked at Jason who was now standing by my side and before my mom.


“I believe so as well, gentleman. And you are?” She asked in a polite tone.


“I'm Jason Harvey. It's a pleasure to meet such an amazing woman like you,” he introduced himself and took her hand before placing a kiss on its backside.


“Ah… I believe you must be the Eldest Grandson who refused to marry my daughter.”


My eyes blew wide when I heard her sentence. 


I turned to look at Jason and his expression was still as aloof and indifferent as it always was.


“Anyone would be blind to refuse to marry a woman like her. I guess destiny wasn't playing in my favor then,” he replied to her.


And then turned to look at me, his eyes locking with mine as they told me a different story than what his lips were speaking.


“Then I'll consider you a blind, I guess.” 


I snapped back to see my mother giving him a look that I knew very well.


One that spoke, she didn't like him.


And I guess, Jason sensed it as well because he just nodded his head in return instead of rebuking her sentence.


My mother passed me a look, which I couldn't place my finger on before she turned to Senior Clarke and they continued with another conversation. 


“Excuse me,” I quietly excused myself, even though no one was paying attention. 


Then I walked In the opposite direction of the bar where the stairs were.


Soon, I was on the second floor of the building, which was more quiet and less occupied with guests in comparison to the two floors below.


The lift on the floor below only accessed the floors that were part of the banquet hall, so I had to take the lift from the second floor to the terrace. 


I found myself walking towards the railing, which looked ahead to a gorgeous scenery.


It faced the back of the hotel, which had a scenery of a widespread garden with white marble statues aligning the pathway in between while the sides held species of different blooming flowers and at the end of it all was a fountain. 



It was truly a beautiful sight.



I was busy appreciating the scene when I heard footsteps behind me.


Even without turning, I knew who it was.


Especially when that familiar scent met my senses.


Luke.