Tuesday morning came very quickly. Monica by this time had already selected the 'best' birthday present for her grandma. Her clothes were set, shoes, jewellery and gift were all ready so she was good to go for the birthday.
The Jones mansion was already looking as magnificent as it could be even before noon. It was decorated with top materials from inside our with every decoration costing a fortune.
Being ranked 3rd in power in all of country S, the had an unimaginable amount of wealth and fame so the media was also invited to the banquet. Although, compared to the Mitchell's and Stanley( the owner of star life design) wealth or mansion, the Jones weren't even up to half their wealth but were still rich with a luxurious and splendid mansion. The Jones specialises in antiques and ornament passed down from generation to generation and have been in existence for as long as a great great Grandpa was concerned.
The banquet was scheduled to hold by 6 in the evening so the Jones mansion was filled with relatives and loved ones. Martha and Monica were also present and have been useful since their arrival Sunday night.
At 10am, the dining room was already filled with laughter and happiness as the whole family ate breakfast together. Mr Jones sat at the head of the table with Sam and Martha on either side. Monica and the second miss of the Jones with two of Monica's grandaunt were seated beside Martha. Sam's close friends, Andy,Sofie and surprisingly Lucy were seated opposite.
"I can't believe you'all are having breakfast without me" a young and dignified man walked into the dining room with an arrogant expression all over his face.
"JEN" Martha screamed in surprise. The young man was the first male as well as the last child of Sam and Mr Jones. He went on a business trip a month ago and flew in this morning so he wasn't aware of the recent change.
"Sister?" Jenny asked with surprise in his voice. Was this his sister who he hadn't seen for close to 20 years??
"Jen Jen" Martha called out as she stood up and approached him when he didn't move forward.
"Is it really you sister?" He questioned again with red eyes. "I missed you so much " he rushed into her embrace while trying to act strong by holding back his tears.
"Its me Jen Jen. Its your baby sister" Martha said in a choked voice as she patted his back. Jenny Jones was only 6 years old when Martha was disowned so he was quite ignorant of the situation back then. He always called her baby sister in a childish voice when they were young as they played together. Oh how Martha missed this little disaster of hers...
"Jenny, come lets have breakfast. You can catch up after your stomach is filled" Mr Jones said before stuffing bread in his mouth.
"Okay dad." Jenny walked towards the table and sat close to Lucy on the left row. "Hello Aunties, Uncles" Jenny said a short word of greeting before digging in on his breakfast which was brought in. He didn't want to start greeting the 10 or so people individually so he just classified them all as families.
Jenny took the 4am flight from Country M all the way to Country S. He had a really long journey and hadn't eaten so he was starving.
Breakfast didn't take too long so they were all done before 10:30. The whole household gathered together at the garden to continue their get-together.
Martha's cousins Jayden and Ariet who were older than her with a year or two years were also present so Monica took them upstairs to continue their catching up. Lucy also excused herself for a business meeting and promised to be back before dawn so the family remained.
Martha who hadn't met nor know who Lucy was, was very close and friendly towards Lucy. Due to their close age range and similar views on things, they got along really well. Martha decided to walk Lucy out but was stunned to see who came to get her.
"Mike love, I told you not to worry so why did you have to pick me up?" Lucy complained with a helpless expression which didn't hide the happiness and how touched she felt at the moment. Mr Maxwell just arrived in Country S and was called for an urgent board meeting. Due to the complications and disagreement between members, there was no progress after 2 hours plus so the meeting was pushed forward to await Lucy.
Lucy felt love from the bottom of her heart seeing his tired expression which he hid behind his handsome smile just to please her. "Don't mention it dear, I love picking you up" Mr Maxwell said as he pulled her into his embrace.
"And who's your friend here?" Mr Maxwell asked with Lucy in his arms as he stared at the back view of Martha.
"Oh! I almost forgot. Mike, this is my new friend Martha. Martha, meet my husband and the father to my Prince, Mr Mike Maxwell." Lucy cheerfully introduced both to each other without noticing the tension in the air.
"Hey Mr Maxwell" Martha greeted in her usual cold and neutral tone after putting her emotions in check.
"You don't have to be so formal you know. It's not like we haven't met or lived together right?" Mr Maxwell grinned with his provocative gaze. Lucy who just heard what he said realised who this Martha was.
"Martha as in your wife Martha??" Lucy exclaimed in shock. She knew his former wife was named Martha but wasn't aware she was part of the Jones. All news on Martha from 18 years ago has been wiped out so it was no surprise for her not to know her real identity.
"Yes and no. I was his wife but not anymore. Now I guess the new Mrs Maxwell is you right?" Martha responded with all seriousness stating her former standing. Though, it was quite surprising for her new friend to be her ex-husband's wife. I mean how awkward...
"Um...right...so, I think I should start going. I'll...I'll try to be back before the banquet start." Lucy said awkwardly. Mr Maxwell then placed his hands on her waist pulling her even closer as he escorted her into the passenger's seat. He kissed her on the cheek then went around to the driver's seat. However, before he entered the car, he looked at Martha with a provoking gaze then blew her a kiss before entering the car and driving off.
Martha stood there with no expression on her face but it was clear to see how much she long for a caring man in her eyes.
The sun set very quickly and one luxurious car after another were seen entering their mansion. Various celebrities, business gods and the media were seen coming and going into the banquet Hall. Sam was in her room getting ready for her banquet with her two daughters, Martha and Juliet. Juliet wasn't too happy with her sister's return but could do nothing other than shutting up. Her Mom loved her more ever since Martha left but now she's back, she has been neglected and the spotlight is now back on Martha.
Sam was currently wearing a beautiful red gown. She looked dazzling even at such age wearing such a low shoulder flowing gown. It had net packed together beautifully from one shoulder to the other making a V-like shape at the front. The unner was flowing with shinning embroidery in the right proportion and her heels weren't too high either.