Elizabeth's POV
The door swung wide open as Elizabeth walked in, laden with bags from Paris, filled with Chanel, Dior, Celine, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and more. Basking in the euphoria of her time away from home, she savored the freedom from family dramas.
"At least my work allows me to live how I want," she muttered under her breath. "I love my job, despite the stress."
"I'm home! Jack, Dave, Mrs. Adams? Is anyone here?" she called out, inhaling deeply. "Home, sweet home!"
"How was your journey?" a voice echoed from behind the curtains. Jack stepped forward, kissing her forehead.
"It was good, Jack. I'm just so stressed and exhausted. I need a massage after the long journey and a refreshing warm bath," Elizabeth responded.
"Sure, you should get that as soon as possible. I was about to step out for a meeting with the executive board members. I'll talk to you once I'm back," Jack said.
"And so? You couldn't have scheduled a meeting knowing fully well I'd be home today?" Elizabeth said angrily.
"Even when I have to meet these important people today? I have no time to argue, my darling. I'll be back as soon as I can," Jack replied.
"Alright then," Elizabeth answered back angrily.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. Feel at home," he said, as he hurriedly left and drove off. Elizabeth watched him leave through the window blinds.
Jack's POV
Jack's phone beeped. Stella was calling.
Jack picked up. "Are we still on for later, baby?" Stella asked.
"Yeah, sure. Give me an hour, and I'll call you soon," Jack replied.
"Should I book a wine tasting and a place with a pool? You know how much I love having you in a pool," Stella moaned softly.
"Yes, I can't wait to have you all day and night to myself. Hold those soft tits, and savor your wetness," Jack grunted.
"I'll text you the address soon," Stella chuckled.
"Sure, do that," Jack replied.
Mrs. Adams' POV
Mrs. Adams walked in with Dave. "Hello, son," she said, hugging them tightly. "Welcome, Elizabeth. How was your journey?"
"Very well, thank you," Elizabeth replied. "How are you, Dave?"
"I'm well, Mom," he answered.
"Elizabeth, thank God you are back. Can I have a word with you, please?" Mrs. Adams asked.
"Yes, absolutely!" replied Elizabeth. "But that will be after I've settled down and unpacked."
Mrs. Adams nodded. "Let's have coffee while we discuss. I'll fetch it now."
Elizabeth's hands were still full with car keys and documents. She slowly headed to her room upstairs, emptying the bags onto her bed.
"Mum, did you get anything for me?" a pleasant, crisp voice echoed from the entrance of her door.
Elizabeth turned to face Dave. "Yes, I did."
"What is it? Can I see it?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Come closer, let's find it together. It's a surprise."
"Is it a MacBook? Wow! Mum, I've been asking for this. Thank you! Now I can do my lessons with it," Dave said, spreading his arms for a hug and kissing her forehead in appreciation.
"Hmmm… sure! Now give me some time to finish what I'm doing here. I'm very exhausted," Elizabeth instructed.
"Okay, I'm going to my room," Dave said, quietly shutting the door behind him.
Elizabeth let down her long brown hair, exhaling a long sigh. "Gosh, I feel so tired. I should get a house help," she thought, gently massaging her aching neck.
She picked up her phone and selected a music playlist, starting with "Best I Ever Had" by Drake, on repeat. Plugging in her AirPods, she set a timer for twenty minutes to help her concentrate while she unpacked.
Twenty-two minutes later, she finished. "Voila! I'm done," she said, checking her timer. "Hmmm, sometimes you don't have to be on time as long as the work gets done." She let out a long sigh of relief.
Heading to the bathroom, she took a refreshing shower. Soon, she felt her energy return like a flash of light. Wrapped in her bathrobe, she checked the time: 4:00 pm. She checked her call logs—no missed calls, no messages, not even from Jack.
"No messages or calls from this man. Why do I even care? He can do whatever he wants. I don't care," Elizabeth said, tossing her phone onto the bed.
Mrs. Adams walked in after two knocks on the door. "Elizabeth, you really work too hard. Did you have fun in Paris?" she asked, handing Elizabeth a cup of coffee.
"Work was overwhelming, but I had a little break. At least I did what I love most—shopping," Elizabeth said.
"Yes, I know that," Mrs. Adams replied.
"What's bothering you so much that you had to talk about now?"... Elizabeth asked.
Leaning against the chair, Mrs. Adams took a breath, gently massaging her aching knees. She sipped a little coffee.
"I don't know how to start this, but I have to start somewhere. I'm very sick, Elizabeth. I've been suffering from cancer for a very long time, and I don't know how long I might be able to hold on. I'm here to ask for three favors."
Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt for not knowing that Mrs. Adams, her child's nanny, had been going through such a difficult time. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know. What can I do to help? I have money for your treatment. Please, let us go see your doctor immediately."
"No, my dear. I am tired. I just want to rest," Mrs. Adams replied.
Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears. "No, I won't let you do this to me and Dave. How will I cope without you? You are like a mother to me. I can't let my mother suffer and die when I can do something. What is my wealth for if I can't use it to help you? It's not possible. I will regret it for the rest of my life. Please, let me help," Elizabeth pleaded.
"It's too late, my dear. I am exhausted, and I don't want any medication or treatment. I need rest," Mrs. Adams clearly stated.
Unbeknownst to them, Dave had been standing behind the door, eavesdropping.
"I have a granddaughter, Maria. I'm sure you know her. I would love you to take good care of her if anything happens to me. From time to time, check in on her. Although she will be moving abroad to stay with a friend of mine to finish her education, I ask that you look after her as I would," Mrs. Adams pleaded.
"You don't have to beg me. Consider it done. Even while you're here, I will always take care of her. And you aren't going anywhere. Nothing will happen to you," Elizabeth said firmly.
"You don't really know the future yet. Let's keep our hopes up," Mrs. Adams explained.
"Secondly, your son Dave. I've come a long way with that sweet soul. He deserves all your love and attention. He should be your number one priority and always protected. He needs you now more than ever. You have to include him in your daily schedules. Do this, so you don't regret it later in life.
Finally, be careful about the man you remarried. I don't mean any harm to your marriage or family, but what I see while sitting down, you won't see even while standing on your heels. As a mother to you, I can't turn a blind eye to something that could ruin you. Be careful and protect what is yours. No one will do it for you.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. If you risk your life carelessly, you lose everything. Do you understand?" Mrs. Adams asked, her eyes swollen with tears.
"I do understand," Elizabeth sniffed, wiping her face. "I will do as you've told me. I'll keep it all in mind."
Suddenly, the door opened, and Dave walked in. "Nanny!" he cried, rushing to hug her.
It was 7:00 pm already, and time for Mrs. Adams to head home. She left, waving farewell to Dave and blowing him a kiss.
Elizabeth picked up her phone. "I haven't heard from you all day. Are you still in the meeting? It's 7 pm already. Is everything alright, Jack?" she texted.
"I won't be home tonight. Get some sleep," Jack texted back.