Daniel got out of the airport and waved to stop a taxi.
After getting inside, he texted his mother to let her know he was arriving soon.
He tried to call Maria but she had already blocked him.
He let out a frustrated sigh and put his phone back in the pocket.
He really needed to get back with her or his business was going to suffer.
--------------------
Jake looked around the house with a blank face. Brian was anxiously waiting for his reaction.
Jake nodded and smiled, " Good job. You manged to make it look presentable. "
Brain let a breath he was holding and put a hand to his chest. Jake let out a chuckle seeing his reaction.
" We are calling people who will build some new structures on this land and also do some renovations starting tomorrow. I won't be here for long so you will have to deal with them. I will tell you everything that you need to do. " Jake patted his shoulder.
Brian immediately nodded.
" Can I ask you something? " Brian looked at him.
Jake stared at him and nodded.
" Why did you choose this house out of all others? " Brain tilted his head.
Jake smiled, " Some things are better left unknown. "
Brian didn't ask anything else. He knew when to keep his mouth shut.
--------------------
The dinner was being served on the table. Crystal had already sat down. Mark was sitting beside her talking to someone on his phone.
Maria was looking out the window and contemplating on how to start the conversation in Samuel's presence.
The noise of the car took her out of the trance and she anxiously looked at the entrance.
The door opened and in walked Jay Parker.
Mark immediately scowled and Crystal rubbed his thigh to calm him down.
Maria came forward and crossed her arms.
" So Dad, where were you all day? " She furrowed her eyebrows.
" I had some work in the city so I went there. " Jay shrugged his shoulders and sat down. He ordered the servants to serve the food.
" I know what work you had. " Maria slammed her hand on the table.
" Maria sit down and eat. I don't want to ruin the mood. "
" The mood has already been ruined, the moment you walked in. " Mark cut in.
" Shut up. At least let me eat in peace and then we can fight. " Jay replied and cut the meat.
" It was Mom's death anniversary. You could have visited her. I thought you would at least care after her death but no. What did she ever do to you? " Maria sniffed and tried to stop her tears.
" Don't talk about something you don't know. " Jay warned.
Before they could say more, Samuel entered and immediately froze seeing Maria's tears.
He felt a strange pain seeing her in this state. But he didn't show it on his face.
He greeted them normally.
" Come join us. " Jay beamed with a fake smile.
' I have to convince him somehow. ' He thought.
Samuel raised his eyebrows.
" No thank you. Its your family dinner. Besides I have already eaten. " Samuel shook his hand in front of his face.
Maria immediately left from there.
Samuel saw her going to the backyard and decided to follow her.
" Enjoy. I will retire to my room. " Samuel gave a small smile and went to his room. He climbed out the window and jogged to the backyard.
" I was right. " Samuel smiled as he saw Maria standing in front of her mother's grave.
He slowly approached her and stood beside her.
She wiped her tears.
" Why are you here? " Maria asked in a whisper.
" I don't know. I just didn't want to leave you alone. "
She bitterly chuckled, " Don't try to use me for your games. I don't need your fake concern. "
A sharp sting was felt in his heart. Why did it hurt?
" I am not sure about that but if you want you can use me. I won't ask what happened nor will I try to say things to calm you. I will just be here beside you. You can use my shoulder to cry. You can hit me to take your anger out. " Samuel shrugged.
Maria side eyed him. He looked sincere but if she couldn't even trust her own father, how could she trust others.
The night breeze was cold against her skin. Seeing her rubbing her arms, Samuel went behind her and took her in a back hug, opening the coat he was wearing and taking her inside, wrapping them both in the coat.
" What are you doing? " Maria tried to get his arms off.
" I was going to give my coat to you but its cold. So why not share. " Samuel put his head on her shoulder.
Maria couldn't help but smile.
Right now she didn't need calming words instead just a shoulder to lean on.
_