At the Chairman's house
Mitchell got up early and went to her mum's room. Mrs Benard was dressed up and sat in front of the room applying some makeup. She saw Mitchell walk in and continued her makeup ignoring her. "Mum, were you aware of what happened last night?", Mitchell asked. "And what if I was", Mrs Benard said and applied some lipstick. She then turned to her daughter and said, "I was aware of everything, your dad already slept by then". "Mum, what you're doing isn't fair. Fred sees you as his mother and is obligated to you. But what about you? You went ahead and keep scheming over and over again just to get rid of him. Have you thought about me and dad? How would we live on if anything happens to you or Fred. You should stop now, it's not to late to back out of this", Mitchell said. "As expected, you took after your dad and not me. How could I give birth to a weakling like you, you're not my daughter", Mrs Benard replied. Mitchell looked at her mother with tears rolling from her eyes. "So, I mean nothing to you too. The other day, I heard your conversation with a man on the phone. You were responsible for my brother's accident. If you keep doing this, you won't end well mum. I don't want anything to happen to you", Mitchell said and grabbed her mum's hands. "Let go of me", Mrs Benard said and took off Mitchell's hands. "If you like, you can report this to Fred too since you cherish him as your brother. The case would soon be closed, I've contacted the police chief already, it's a dead end. I'm going out soon, you should leave my room", She said. "You should also report to me once Fred moves out", Mrs Benard added. Mitchell nodded and left the room, while her mother went out not long after.
Fred went for house seeing together with Joan, they visited a few houses and Joan picked out one eventually, it was a well finished house in good location, also close to the company. She got hungry afterwards and went to the restaurant nearby with Fred. "It's been a long day", Joan said. "What long day, it's just 12pm. I thought you liked to work, why are you so tired now?", Fred asked. "We've been moving around since. Wait, you're the one renting an apartment, and not me. I did you a huge favor, you're here picking on me instead of thanking me. You're such an ingrate", Joan replied. "Thank you ma'am for going around with me. I'm really grateful. Are you fine now?", he asked. "No. That was a fake gratitude. You need to show some sincerity, s-i-n-c-e-r-i-t-y Fred", she replied. "You're so petty. How do you expect me to show it then", Fred asked. They were still talking when a woman walked into the restaurant hand in hand with a man. Joan looked at them and asked Fred, "Isn't that your mum, or does she look like her?". Fred looked at them and said, "She's the one. I wonder why she's here though and the man beside her isn't my dad but another man. Could she be ....". "She's having an affair I think", Joan replied and took some pictures. "I took this as an evidence of her having an extra marital affair. There's more to it than meets the eye. You need to keep an eye on her", she added. "Is it possible that my mum is into some things. Now that I think about it, it makes some sense. She invited you and Jane over last night which led to a mess. She was aware of Jane's feelings for me and she made use of that. Mum already went inside before it all happened. And here she is the next day courting a man in broad daylight", Fred said. "I think she's aware of everything that has happened", Joan replied. "I don't believe my mum would harm me though. She isn't my biological mother but she tended to me with care and raised me", Fred said with a disappointed look. "What about the man she's holding then?", Joan asked. "They're having an affair. I'll have someone handle this", he replied. "Don't be saddened by it. They didn't expect we would catch them here anyway. So let's just have our meal and make the best use of the day", Joan said.
Tracy's phone rang, it was the man she went on a date with, Alfred. "I've been calling you since yesterday, you didn't pick up. You didn't even reply my messages. I'm sorry if I wronged you, can I see you today. I'll be waiting for you in the place we met last night", he said. "Alright. I'll be there", Tracy replied and hanged up. Alfred waited for her at the place and she joined him some moments later. "I'm sorry for what happened last night. I didn't know you would be bothered by it", Alfred said apologizing to her. Tracy looked at him with a frown look and said, "you didn't know I'd be bothered you say. We were here having a good time last night, then you called a woman over to join us. I already did well by honoring your invitation to join you here". "So you were angry because my friend joined us?", Alfred asked. "Yes I was", Tracy answered. "I didn't mean it that way though, I just wanted some personal time with you", she added. Alfred smiled and said, "I know what's going on with you now. You were jealous right, you refused to admit that you like me". "Who likes you. I don't like you, not even a bit", she answered. "You can take your time to like me then. I know you've got lots of men wanting you, but I'm the only fortunate one", he replied. "What makes you think you're qualified. I thought highly of you before, but I already changed my mind last night", Tracy said. "So how do I make up for it", he asked. "I don't know. You should figure it out yourself", she replied. "Are you willing to be with me then. I promise not to hurt you in any way and love you for three lives", Alfred said. "Three lives you say. Do you think this is a sort of drama. Well I'll be generous and forgive you. I'll consider you", Tracy replied. "Thank you ma'am", Alfred said. "So were you able to sleep well last night. I'm sure you cried your eyes out last night on your pillow. No, you're a hard girl and wouldn't do that. What did you do then", Alfred asked. "You're such a bad man. No woman would love you if you keep acting this way. "I don't care as long as you love me alone", he replied. "You're right. I'm the only one who's allowed to love you. If you're ever caught cheating, I'll rip you apart", Tracy said. "Rest assured ma'am. I wouldn't dare to let you down", Alfred said and clinked wine glasses with Tracy.
Joan left the restaurant with Fred and headed to a bookstore. "Why do you want to come to this place", Fred asked. "I want to pick some novels and have the coffee here too", she replied. "What's so special about the coffee. We could have gone to a cafe instead", he said. "What cafe, the coffee here tastes better. Let's go in", Joan said and went in with Fred. He looked around the building and said, "it's a good place, the shelves is divided into segments and arranged beautifully". The receptionist attended to them and they sat down at a good spot. The coffee was served few minutes later with some snacks. "Have a taste", Joan said to Fred. He tasted it and liked it, "it's really nice. I see why you brought me here", he said. "The main reason I brought you here is to make you feel relaxed. You can read books in a good spot and have coffee or tea. The owner here is nice, she allows people to stay here for some hours if it's something worthwhile. Let's look around for good books to pick", Joan said. She looked around with Fred and picked a few books. "I didn't know you were a book lover. It's no wonder you're doing so well in the company", Fred said. "It's good to read as it broadens your mind. Books used to be my companion before I met you. Now that I have you, I've been idling around", Joan said. "Don't worry darling, I'll read them with you in my free time when we move into the house", he replied. "Who's moving in with you. You're gonna live alone", Joan said. "What about when we get married. We'll live together. You picked the house, so I'm gonna buy it and start a family there with you", Fred said. "You really know how to talk big. I haven't agreed to be with you yet", Joan said. "Are you willing to be with me now. We've been through a lot together and make the best couple", Fred said. "I'm more than willing to be with you. I never believed in love until I met you. I only read about love in books and watch it on TV, while I secretly hoped for it", Joan answered. "Now that we're together, I won't make you regret being with me. We'll experience the happiness and difficulties of love together, it might not be easy, but we'll sail through it", Fred said. "I intend to announce our relationship in the company. What do you think?" he asked. "No. Let's keep it private for now. There's a lot to do in the company, you just resumed office. I don't want anything to be used against you during this period", Joan answered. "Alright. I'll listen to you", Fred said. "I'm moving out tomorrow. I'll inform my family when I'm home", he added. "Let's have a house warming party when you move in. We'll invite a few friends and spend a good time together. I'll contact the cleaning company and have them clean up the place before you move in", Joan said. "You're really thoughtful, thank you darling", Fred said. "We'll do some shopping tomorrow too and get the necessary things we need. So we'll have the party at 7pm", Joan added. "You're so sweet darling. I'm more than blessed to have you", Fred said. "It's more reason you should treat me better", Joan said. "Rest assured darling, I'll continue to treat you well. You shouldn't look at other men", Fred replied. "Which men am I looking at. You're the only one in my heart. You shouldn't give Jane another opportunity to get close to you", Joan said. "What happened last night was my fault. I'm truly sorry about that. But I promise not to give other women the chance to get close to me. I won't let you down and will continue to protect our love", Fred answered. "You should keep your word", Joan said and talked with Fred longer.
Fred dropped Joan at her place during evening and went to his house. His family was having a meal and he joined them. "You've been out since morning son", Mr Benard said. "Yeah. I went for house seeing. I'm moving out tomorrow dad", Fred answered. "Why are you moving out so fast. You didn't inform us earlier", Mrs Benard said. "You were already asleep with dad last night when the issue happened. Jane disrespected me last night and nearly caused a misunderstanding between I and Joan. I don't want such thing to reoccur. I'm a grown man, I can't continue to live in my dad's house", Fred replied. "Jane did something to you!", Mrs Benard screamed. "She tried to, but didn't succeed", Mitchell answered. "I understand you son. But you just returned few months ago, what about the company", Mr Benard asked. "I'll carry on my duties as the president. I got a house near the company", Fred replied. "Alright son. I wish you the very best", Mr Benard said. "I'll miss you Fred. Am I allowed to visit you anytime?", Mitchell asked. "Of course, you're always welcome to visit. I'm holding a house warming party tomorrow evening, I'll be expecting you", Fred replied. "Thank you", Mitchell replied. "You see, honey. Our son is a grown man, he used to live alone in France. There's no need to worry much", Mrs Benard said to her husband. "You're right. I've indeed thought too much", Mr Benard answered. "Son, always remember to drop by when you're free. This house remains your home", he added. "I'll ensure to visit you and mum frequently", Fred answered. They continued their meal and left the dining hall.
Mrs Benard was planning to sleep when a call entered, it was Jane. "Why are you calling at this late hour", Mrs Benard asked. "Auntie, I didn't do well yesterday. I think I've lost Fred", Jane said crying on the phone. "What's the point in crying. I gave you a good chance, but you misused it. You tried to use a honey trap on Fred, don't you know he has a beautiful girlfriend. Now, he's moving out tomorrow and is gonna spend more delicate time with Joan. Who knows if they're going to live together", Mrs Benard said angrily. "I'm sorry auntie, I shouldn't have done that. I made a mistake trying to seduce him. Can you give me another chance", Jane asked. "It's alright, you need to stop crying. It's hurting my ears. Fred is having an house warming party tomorrow evening, I'll send you the address. It's 07:00pm but don't go by that time, so you won't embarrass yourself in the presence of everyone. You should go late at night when you know he'll be home alone and apologize to him sincerely. I believe you know what I mean", Mrs Benard said. "I understand. Thank you auntie", Joan said. "I wanna go to bed now. You should prepare a good gift for my son. You shouldn't disappoint me this time", Mrs Benard said and hanged up.
Joan informed her friends about Fred's house warming party while Tracy told them about her relationship with Alfred. "Wow! You guys settled already", Annie said. "I'm really happy for you baby", Maggie said. "Everyone knows Tracy can't do without Alfred. There's love in her eyes", Joan said. Tracy looked at Joan and pinched her. "Why did you pinch me. I hope you don't act this way with Alfred or you'll scare him", Joan said. "You deserve it", Tracy said. "It's enough. It only takes a woman in love to recognize another", Annie said. "What about you Annie, aren't you in love also", Maggie asked. "Mine is different, it's not official yet", Annie replied. "I hope the two of us find love soon then", Maggie said. "Don't mind Annie, she has so many boyfriends. That's why her relationship isn't official yet", Tracy said. "I visited the bookstore with Fred today and got some books. This book is for Maggie. It's a book based on love, I hope she finds the love of her life soon and experience the richness of love", Joan said and gave the book to Maggie. "Thanks baby. I'll read this book and cherish it well", Maggie replied. "This is another book based on relationships. It's for Annie. I hope she meets the right man and have a happy and lasting relationship", Joan said and gave the book to Annie. "Thanks sweetie", Annie replied. "You must read the book well hun", Joan said. "Don't worry, I'll make good use of it", Annie said. "What about me? I need a book too. Aren't you gonna give me because I'm in a relationship?", Tracy asked. "I got you a book too. This book is also on relationships. I hope you live a fulfilling life with the man you love. You have your man beside you, and also have your dream accomplished", Joan said and gave it to Tracy. "Thanks sweetie. I like this book a lot", Tracy replied. "So I got myself this, a similar book to Tracy's own. We're in advanced love stages now, you guys should bear with us", Joan said while laughing. "Wow! I really can't believe this. Time flies indeed, we were like this some months ago in a bar I think when Joan talked against love", Annie said. "Yeah. Now she's talking about it and even wishes everyone a happy love life", Tracy said. "She has indeed changed a lot. Never underestimate the power of love", Maggie said. "Does Fred know you're the owner of the bookstore?", Annie asked. "No he doesn't. I plan to tell him later", Joan answered. "I need to pick out some gifts for him. You guys should help me out and invite someone along", Joan said. "Don't worry baby, I'll help you out", Maggie said. "Alfred is coming with me tomorrow. I'll pick out a good gift with him", Tracy said. The ladies talked until midnight before they retired to their rooms.