By the time they finished catching up, it was already lunch time so Sam and her husband decided to have lunch with their beloved after 18 long years.
The atmosphere was harmonious as they talked and laughed during lunch. But one thing no one noticed was the strange look in Mr Claire's eyes when looking at the Jones couple.
'Why did they decide to apologise at this time?? Mr Jones even came over to the company a week ago and acted indifferently towards Martha,so why the sudden change of attitude?' He wondered.
He just couldn't understand why they didn't feel remorseful during the past 18 years or even a week ago when they met but they decided to wait until today to reconcile their grievances.
Anyway, he's just glad that Martha could smile and be truly happy. After lunch, the said their goodbyes and invited Martha for Sam's birthday celebration in two weeks before they left.
Mr Jones who had a reluctant look when hugging Martha, all of a sudden had a dark expression when he exited their mansion. Sam's expression was one of a remorseful and helpless expression live she just lost a child or something precious. But one thing is for sure, their visit today had an hidden agenda.
...
Schools were already on holiday so the mall was quite crowded today. Martha, Clara, Priya and Monica were moving from one department to another with the driver following behind them with several bags in hand. They have gone to the jewelry section, shoes, bags and scarfs with only the highest floor in the mall left, the VIP clothing section since their arrival by 9.
They arrived to meet a very few number of people in the floor as majority of people weren't rich enough to purchase anything from this section. The lowest price for an outfit will probably cost an average man 3 years salary so average people decide to shop on the first floor where things were less expensive.
Martha and Clara went off in their own direction with Priya and Monica going in the opposite direction. As her grandma's birthday was four days away, Monica wanted to look very beautiful to wow her grandma. It was also planned to announce the return of Martha back to the Jones so she had to look good.
Monic has also been thinking of a suitable gift for her grandma but hadn't decided yet so she was in quite a predicament as time wasn't on her side.
"Monica come try this gown" Priya called out excitedly from her left. Monica walked a little to the left and found a dazzling blue gown in her hands. When the gown was spread out, Monica couldn't help but gasp.
"Wow..." she exclaimed. "Its so beautiful..." Monica went forward and analysed the gown. It was a navy blue ball gown. It parted at the center with a faint sky blue at the parted edge. The inner was a very beautiful sky blue soft fabric like that of Princess Sofia's.
The top was off shoulder with a silvery material crossing from one shoulder to the next. A diamond like stone was placed on the waist line and connected to the bottom to form a complicated but beautiful design. The silver stone was scanty at the bottom of the dress but also eye catching and placed perfectly.
The back was left bare with silver straps woven together from top to her waist. Then the stones continuing the magic from there.
Monica was left in awe as she critically examined the masterpiece before her and was even more amazed when she found a detached sky blue handglove as long as her hand. It also has a pair of matching shoes with a Princess tierra.
Monica wasted no time as she rushed into the changing room to try it out. She came out a few minutes later and was left stunned by how perfect the outfit was on her. It was like the gown was made specially for her.
"Wow miss you look fantastic " the shop attendant praised when Monica stepped out. She has seen several teenagers try the dress but none of them highlighted the qualities nor the aura the kid in front of her gave when she tried it on.
"Monica you look like those princesses from a fairytale" Priya exclaimed excitedly. She felt envious seeing her baby sister looking so fabulous and perfect in a dress she has also tried and wasn't able to unlock the real beauty.
"I love it!!" Monica screamed while jumping. "It will look even more beautiful with the necklace Mom picked for me earlier." She said.
"Okay we will take it. Common, let's go look for my outfit " Priya told the shop attendant then dragged Monica to another part of the floor after she had changed out of the ball gown.
In less than two hours, Martha and Clara were done with their shopping so they met with the kids and went out for a snack.
It was already past 3 when they arrived at the closest restaurant to the mall which also turned out to be under the Mitchell's.
Surprisingly, Monica ran into the Mitchell brothers, Max and Chris. "Max..." Monica called out to grasp his attention when he was about exiting the shop.
"Monica..." Max was pleasantly surprised to see Monica here. They have been in touched every second since after their exams so Max knew of her relationship with the Jones. "Aunty.." Chris greeted Martha and Clara before he exchanged his usual handshake with Priya.
Monica smiled at Chris and he understood her then he excused himself with Priya while Clara looked at Martha with a knowing smile of which she just smiled.
"Mom...I'll go with Max to select a birthday gift for grandma. Don't worry,I'll be back before six. Love you Mom." Monica talked as quickly as the words came to her mouth and ran away with Max.
"This kids..." Clara said with a smile as she watched Monica run away with Max.
"Don't think too much Clara. C'mon let's go have a snack" Martha took Clara into the restaurant with a satisfied smile on her face. It wasn't everyday she got to see her daughter so happy and it puts her at ease to know her daughter won't end like her.
Thinking of her past, her eyes darkened and had a cold and emotionless expression to her face. She looked so familiar and unfamiliar at the same time but fortunately, Clara didn't notice the quick change in her expression else she would have had alot to explain.
"Are the preparations complete?" A choice was heard from over the phone.
"Yes sir. We will move out three days from now sir" a man lurking in the vicinity of the restaurant Martha and Clara was in said to the man over the phone.
"Good. Nothing must go wrong else you will cease to exist"
"Y..e..s s..i.r n..othing would go wrong" the man stammered while shivering. The call was cut off before his statement was complete so he took in a deep and long breath.