Ch. 121..125: The President's Pregnant, Ex-Wife Chapter 121-125

Chapter 121: Chapter 121 - Dear one, where are you off to?

"Miss James, this is from Mr. Jewel. Bon appetit," the man dropped the neatly packaged breakfast on Sabrina’s desk and left.

The aroma already made Sabrina hungry so she began to dig in. Then she guessed if that was the chef himself. She took note to speak to him anytime he comes over again.

Martin was at his office when the delivery girl called him, "Mr. Dane, Mr. Jewel threw the flowers in the bin."

Martin gritted his teeth and said, "Don’t stop sending it but always make sure that he isn’t there before you do.

"Yes sir," the girl said and hung up the phone.

It was closing time for Sabrina when Robin arrived. Truly, he brought the most beautiful and freshest roses with him as he appeared at the doorway.

The roses brightened Sabrina’s mood and she had to convince herself that it was for his growing seed in her womb.

"How are you this evening?" Robin beamed when he saw her gawking at the roses. This was the first time he went to the florist to pick the best and most attractive roses for anyone and that woman happened to be his ex-wife.

She was never opportune to receive such roses from him even when they were married.

"Beautiful roses," Sabrina said and stood up to collect them. She wondered if it was a special order because that bouquet was not ordinary.

However, she still reminded herself that when Robin wanted to do something, he could go all out to do it.

"Since you have closed, I will take it home for you," Robin said but Sabrina disagreed and quickly pulled it from his arms,

"I will hold it myself."

Robin chuckled and led the way for her to the car. As he drove Sabrina to the mansion, she realized that aside from the flowers, he bought different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks for a pregnant woman.

She need not ask him but seeing the way she was looking at the items, Robin explained, "I read that pregnant women have cravings. I don’t know about you but I felt these might help."

Sabrina was grateful for his thoughtfulness but reminded herself that he was just doing it for his unborn child.

He took everything inside for her when Matilda met them to receive it. Robin did not wait for dinner because he still felt guilty, wanting to avoid Cobby, and said,

"I will pick you up in the evening for the party tomorrow."

"You don’t have to. We shall go as a family," Sabrina said but Robin refused.

He felt that Mara might be up to something again. Until he found the bitch and killed her, he might just become Sabrina’s bodyguard.

"I will not be seeing you in the morning so please do me the honor of allowing me to take you to the party. I will have the chef deliver your breakfast too," Robin said politely, most likely in a pleading form.

There was something about Robin. He was so arrogant that whenever he switched to a little humility or politeness, it turned out glaring.

Sabrina did not want to show him any appreciation since it was his responsibility.

"Am I supposed to thank you?" She asked sarcastically but Robin smiled and said,

"No. You just have to accept it."

"Alright, accepted," Sabrina agreed. Robin smiled but did not say anymore, and left.

Devin arrived a little later with Lizzy when the family was having dinner. "You ladies would fit your dresses after dinner. I will keep them in Sabrina’s room," Lizzy announced as the servants were carrying clothing racks inside the room whilst she joined them at the dining table.

"Lizzy, I already have so many dresses. You should not have brought more," Sabrina smiled and spoke.

Devin went around, pulled Matilda, and kissed her on the lips. She smiled shyly and everyone smiled in admiration. Devin would not have stayed in the mansion but because of Matilda, he did.

However, he reminded her, "After the party, we are going back to the penthouse. My sisters can stay here."

Sabrina was shocked that he no longer insisted that they live with him. Now she understood how lonely her brother was without a woman in his life. It made him overly protective over her and Lizzy.

"So, you are neglecting us now?" Sabrina asked teasingly, Devin teased back,

"No. I just know that my woman should have more of me and as for you Sabrina, what would I do with you when Robin has become the air around here?"

Sabrina frowned, being hit harder by the joke. "You sure know how to ruin my mood."

"I’m sorry," Devin was remorseful and spoke.

After supper, Lizzy led them to Sabrina’s room for the fitting of the dresses she made for them.

"Lizzy, are these your designs?" Matilda asked in shock, unlike Sabrina who had won Lizzy’s design before.

"Yes, but Devin made some changes to yours. He said his woman must stand out. Besides, you are the queen of the party, girl."

Merely judging from the dress, Matilda knew that she was going to be the star of the night. and she was so grateful to this family. "Thank you, Lizzy, and you Devin."

"Just wait till you move back to the penthouse," Devin smiled mischievously, Matilda’s cheeks turned pink.

She saw another dress in a glass and asked, "Who is that for?"

"I don’t know. Daniel ordered it for his girlfriend," Lizzy said in annoyance. There was some form of envy in her tone.

"It’s beautiful," Matilda exclaimed.

"More like something she would like to wear," Devin said, forcing Lizzy to explain.

"He said I should use my discretion so yes. It won’t be my fault if his girlfriend hates it."

"She would love it," Matilda assured her but Lizzy was rather hoping that Daniel’s girlfriend wouldn’t. She said ironically,

"I hope so."

The next day, though Robin was not there in person, his presence was felt everywhere, beginning with the roses and food he sent over.

Someone is being responsible, Matilda teased Sabrina. Whereas Sabrina retorted, "he is only doing it for his unborn child."

"You have a point there," Matilda pretended to agree. She knew that Robin was just using the baby as an excuse.

Since Matilda wanted to see her father before the guest’s arrival, they decided to get there two hours before the party time.

Sabrina did not inform Robin about the change of time since she wanted to ride with Devin. She planned on informing him only after they set off.

However, just as they were about to step out of the house and into the car, they bumped into Robin at the doorway, holding a large bouquet of roses.

He was dressed in a cream tuxedo but without a tie. It was a semi-formal look yet; he looked as enchanting as ever.

He looked at Sabrina admiringly in her short balloon dress, smiled, and asked,

"Dear one, where are you off to?"

Chapter 122: Chapter 122 – Reunion

It was as if someone had given Robin a hint but no one did. He just moved by his boredom, arriving right on time.

Sabrina knew her plan failed so she began walking towards his car saying,

"Let’s go. Matilda wants to have a chat with her dad before the party begins."

Devin shook his head, not knowing exactly what Robin wanted from his sister. If not for his father’s advice, he would have picked up a fight with him but this was Sabrina’s battle and she was strong enough to fight it on her own.

Knowing that she was just about to leave without him if he had not arrived on time, Robin had to thank Zayla for avoiding him since yesterday.

Before he reached the penthouse after work last night, she claimed to be with her father because she felt bored being at home.

Robin did not rebuke her because he needed the space too. Zayla’s presence was never as warm as that of Sabrina and Robin was only enduring it because of her pregnancy.

After doing some work from his home that morning, he began to prepare for the party earlier than usual because he was missing Sabrina. Something he only kept to himself.

Daniel had traveled for a few days but would also be meeting him at the party.

Robin hastened to open the door for Sabrina, excited that she was walking towards his car without any argument, and as soon as she sat, he drove towards the General’s mansion.

Reaching there, many army officers were guarding the place since the party had not yet started.

Robin stopped the car while they approached and knocked on his window. He was about to wind down at the same time he heard Matilda’s voice from behind,

"Let them go. They are with me!"

Their reaction to the sound of Matilda’s voice was priceless, especially when they saw her in person. One of the officers walked to Devin’s car, saying to her,

"Your father would be very happy to see you. He was afraid you wouldn’t come."

"But I’m here with my friends. Let us in," Matilda responded with a smile on her face. She missed her father too.

The officer nodded his head and ordered the other officer to open the gate, while the two cars drove through it.

They were saluted till they reached the mansion. The officers quickly alerted the general through the telephone,

"Matilda is here, General. With her friends."

Robin and Sabrina alighted from Robin’s car, and at the same time Matilda, Lizzy, and Devin alighted from Devin’s car. The maids opened the double doors to the mansion at the sight of Matilda and they went in together.

Matilda was overwhelmed by how much her father had put in to welcome her and it also made her eyes wet with a sense of longing.

The scent of delicacies was awesome and the chandeliers had been changed for as long as she could remember.

The dinner tables were neatly arranged with chairs around them. Waiters were already preparing themselves on how to welcome the guests since no one could predict the number.

Matilda was glad that her father changed his mind from hosting her party in a hotel to the mansion. Everything seemed perfect except for the humans bringing life into it.

Matilda woke up from her admiration of everything around her and instructed the maids, "Please take care of my friends. I will go and see Dad."

She was never as excited to see her father as she was today. The past two years between them were terrible, as she faced her father’s coldness whiles he tried to hide her from the public’s eyes.

He would neither believe nor listen to her, making their relationship sore. The maids responded and began to attend to everyone, wondering why they had come earlier that time.

Robin ensured that Sabrina had freshly squeezed juices and with how he was careful about everything concerning her, Devin relaxed. Some men indeed change when pregnancy is involved.

Matilda knocked on her father’s door. There was no response so she was about to knock again when it was opened from the inside and she got lost in the warmth of her father. He was shedding tears and shaking when he hugged her tightly.

There was so much regret in his voice, while he apologized to his daughter, "I’m very sorry. I should have believed you."

He felt so guilty because if that video had not gone viral, he would never have believed his daughter. Even when she escaped from the mansion, he was only searching for her to be caged back because he was afraid she would bring disgrace to his name.

He regretted it all. If he had believed and investigated the matter rather than believing in the press, their relationship would have never been soiled and things would have turned out differently.

Matilda hugged him back and said, "It’s okay. I understand." She knew how much her father loved her and could not hold this little mistake against him. Help came at the right time and she still got her life back together.

"So where have you been?"

Her father wiped a tear from his eyes admiring the fact that she was well taken care of wherever she escaped to. He was also glad that she did, if not, the truth would have never come to light.

"You remember my best friend, Sabrina?"

The general went into deep thought. They were still standing at the entrance of his room without feeling tired. The joy was enough to sustain them through it, he remarked quizzically,

"Isn’t that Mr. Jewel’s ex-wife?"

He still had respect for Robin because of his father. They all lived in the same neighborhood before and he knew what Robin’s father left and what Robin had achieved.

From that angle, he never doubted the business news since Robin was very talented in the business but his social life was a different matter altogether.

"Yes. She and her brother Devin and Robin himself helped me."

Matilda began to explain everything to her father and cautioned at the last moment, "Please beware that Devin doesn’t know about Robin’s involvement in the whole thing."

"Good. So, you mean that Mara is still alive?" The general was already boiling with rage at the thought of Mara.

Chapter 123: Chapter 123 - That girl has to pay for what she did to you

Matilda was trying to handle the matter wisely. Since his father was looking for Mara but since Devin did not believe in her existence, she did not want her father to distrust Devin because of it but also wanted her father to offer his men to Robin when the need arose for which reason, she specified everything.

The general did not believe the news that Mara was dead but since he did not have the required proof, he decided to lay low. With Matilda’s confirmation of his doubts, he was looking for a way to avenge his daughter.

"Yes, and Robin is trying to hunt her down."

The general knew that Robin had the financial capabilities but not the skillful field men. At that, he had to find a way to help when the need arose.

This involved someone who harmed his daughter and he was not taking it lightly at all.

"I will have a word with him on how we could offer our help. That girl has to pay for what she did to you."

Matilda was happy that her father understood. With him working with Robin, she could not wait to see the fall for Mara. She was just saddened by the fact that Martin did not know who her sister was and kept protecting her.

Martin was a good man but being joined by his villainess sister, Matilda had no idea of how she could help him out of it.

"They are all here, waiting downstairs but Dad, I can’t stay," Matilda informed her father. She wanted to be with her man but her father understood that his little girl was not a girl anymore but a woman.

He did not look offended at her request and Matilda was pleased. "I understand. You are an adult but I want to know what you want to do with your life."

Matilda smiled, feeling like they would spend all night talking and miss out on the party. "I will tell you about it during my next visit."

"But I will be going on a mission in a week and I don’t know when I will be back," her father revealed. At fifty – one, he looked like thirty and was wearing a suit, which gave him a different look from his usual army uniform.

Matilda’s off-shoulder ballroom gown with lots of diamonds, brought out both her maturity and youthful beauty, which made her a delight to look at. Being used to the nature of her father’s work, she knew that she had to spill everything.

"Okay, I want to go to culinary school, be a chef, and own my own restaurants."

Her father saw it to be a great idea since Matilda has always loved cooking. However, though he already willed all his inheritance to her, he did not tell her about it.

For now, he only drew her attention to all the money he transferred into her account. "You have enough money in your bank account. I don’t think that should be a problem."

"Thank you. So please meet my friends downstairs," Matilda said with excitement. She was skeptical about her father not believing in her dream but for him believing and supporting it was like a dream come through.

As soon as the general reached downstairs, his eyes pinned on Sabrina, who was sitting beside Robin before standing up to meet him halfway.

"I remember you, Sabrina, how is your father?"

"He is fine general," Sabrina smiled in response. It has been years since she last saw the general, grateful to do so now. The general frowned but amusement laced his tone,

"Stop the nonsense and call me dad."

Sabrina giggled as everyone smiled, "Dad, I’m happy to meet you again."

The general smiled at her and pinned his gaze on Robin who was already by Sabrin’s side. The general knew they were divorced and wondered the reason why Robin still looked at his ex-wife with so much admiration. He was direct.

Mr. Jewel. I hope you regret divorcing this beautiful woman."

Robin forced a smile but did not respond when the general said again, "I will like to have a brief discussion with you."

"Of course," Robin nodded his head and added, "anytime you are ready."

He saw how Sabrina’s countenance changed at the general’s observation and didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable around him.

"Dad, Sabrina’s brother, and also my boyfriend, Devin, and their little sister, Lizzy," Matilda introduced the rest of the family to her father, who smiled in admiration at the recollection of each of them.

"Beautiful Lizzy. I remember you running into the house in those days and Devin, you are now a big man. I think I have to see you as well."

The general was serious about seeing Devin since Matilda called him her boyfriend but his sense of humor caused them to roar with laughter, as Devin said seriously,

"General, there is something I also want to discuss with you."

Devin was a little intimidated by the man’s presence since this was the first time he was going to do something like but as the daring man he was, he was not going to change his mind or run with his tail between his legs.

"Call me general again and I will enroll you into the army," the general said sternly but the amusement in his tone earned another roar of laughter. Devin gathered himself together and addressed casually,

"Sorry, Dad."

It was heartwarming for the general to already consider him as a son and he felt like fifty percent of his doubts were already removed.

The general seemed satisfied by the change in his remark and replied, "Since you are my only daughter’s boyfriend, I will see you first."

"Thank you," Devin said with gratitude, due to the timing attached to what he planned to do.

The general walked him into his study for them to have a chat. As soon as they reached there, Devin’s gentle smile froze by the general’s chastisement,

"Son, I feel disrespected."

Chapter 124: Chapter 124 – The general’s parables

"Son, I feel disrespected."

Devin was already sweating profusely from the general’s words, not able to guess the reason the man would feel that way about him. He tried harder and when he still couldn’t, he voiced his fears,

"I’m sorry Dad, but I don’t understand."

The general offered him a chair and after he sat down, he pointed out, "You two are adults and have known each other for a long time. Why are you dating like high schoolers?"

Ah, Devin sighed with relief. He thought it was something that would request his head.

"Dad, it’s not my intention. I proposed marriage but she said she wanted to achieve her dream before settling down or even having children." Devin paused and brought out a ring case. He opened it and said,

"I got this ring and was only waiting to get your permission to propose to her. I want to marry her as soon as she completes culinary school."

The general smiled with pride, not feeling any longer that Devin was trying to mess with his daughter. He wondered the reason Matilda did not want to get married while in culinary school but reserved it for later.

"Now that is a relief. Since you are not messing with her, you have my blessing and I need my grandchildren. I will retire from active service as soon as I have grandchildren to fill the void in my heart. It’s lonely here, especially without her," the general confessed with a sad look.

Since his wife died, his daughter was his only companion but now that she found the man she loved, he understood that he would not be seeing her as often as he wanted, regretting all the years he wasted being ashamed of her and caging her.

"I’m very sorry but we shall visit often. With my dad," Devin reminded him of the relationship, which would eventually bring both families together.

The general smiled in assurance. Cobby was in the same boat as him so they would make good companions of each other.

"Yes, I would like to see Cobby James again. Now you take good care of my daughter."

"I promise that she will be my priority," Devin said solemnly. Matilda was his all and all now and he wanted to make sure that all the years they have been away from each other were well made up for.

Sadly for him, the general knew from when he was a child how possessive he was of his sisters, and when the general was about to point it out, Devin quickly cut him off with great assurance.

"I know of your sisters and..."

"Dad, my sisters have their life. I have a woman now and she is my number one."

The general smiled, happy to know that Devin knew how to differentiate and make the priorities in life, not knowing it was all because of his father’s recent advice.

"I’m happy to hear that. My wife was also my number and after she died, I had no interest in marriage again," the general recalled sadly. Some of the bonds were so deep that it was just impossible for another woman to fill them.

Devin wanted him to understand that though he was not Cobby’s real son, he learned a lot from him and would do the same with Matilda.

"Same with my father and same for me. I know that we shall both live to see our grandchildren but Dad, nothing would ever put us apart."

"That is great and just one piece of advice, be more open-minded."

The general was referring to the case of Mara but did not want to say so directly since he was not used to spoon-feeding.

He always preferred for one to search for the truth and find it on their own. That way, it would always be theirs forever.

"Dad, I can feel that you are hinting at something," Devin pointed out. He was wise enough to know that there was more but the general would just not explain further.

"Yes, I am but I want you to figure it out yourself."

Devin felt like he was given a huge task and did not want to disappoint his father-in-law-to-be.

"I will continue thinking about it until I figure it out."

"Good. I’m hoping to see you more often. Don’t keep my daughter away from me," the general said seriously, knowing how youthful love could be. It was the same with him when his wife was alive. Nothing else mattered to him.

"I won’t, I promise."

The general nodded and since he had nothing more to say, he instructed, "Please call Mr. Jewel for me."

It was not long when Devin walked out before Robin walked in, exclaiming at the doorway,

"General."

"Mr. Jewel, your father was a very good man," the general said before pointing to the chair in front of him where Devin stood up from.

"I know," Robin responded while closing the door.

"Then have a seat."

As soon as Robin sat, he continued, "My daughter told me about your help in clearing her name which means you know about that hacker."

Robin was not surprised that Matilda figured it out. She was quite smart but why tell her father? "He is my best friend but even he is finding it hard to track Mara’s hacker. He is that good."

The general nodded his head in agreement and said,

"I called you here to let you know that I appreciate your effort in all these and should you need any help, the army would be here for you. The police are too slow."

He pulled a drawer attached to his desk and brought out something black, like a card. "Here is my emergency number. I can be reached anywhere and as soon as you call it, my men will find you wherever you are."

Robin couldn’t help being grateful. It was one reason to track down Mara and another one for going after her since she could be dangerous.

"Thank you, general, I’m very grateful for this."

The general felt uncomfortable by how Robin addressed him and added, "As for you, you can address me as an uncle."

"Thank you, uncle. I will be in touch."

Robin was about to leave the office when he was halted by the general’s next words.

"And your ex-wife?"

Chapter 125: Chapter 125 – The general’s advice to Robin.

Robin easily discerned what the general was driving at from his earlier remark downstairs.

"I know, I was stupid and now it’s too late. I have become selfish and would not allow her to move on. I can’t bear to see her with any other man and I only used her pregnancy to force myself into her life. To also protect her from Mara."

Robin easily poured his heart out because he knew the general was a man who would not spill his secrets and also one who had seen through his heart. Perhaps he could advise him on what to do.

"Regretting your actions is a sign of wisdom. Don’t let anything deter you from making your wrongs right."

Robin was moved by the general’s advice but felt that it was not meant for him. His life was in a mess and it was too late to correct.

"In my situation, it’s impossible because another woman is pregnant for me. That woman also saved my life before."

The general frowned imperceptibly. He remembered the first time Matilda ran out of their new house to the house next door because she missed her old friends whom they left behind and wanted a new one.

He had met Cobby that day, asking about his daughter, whom he saw running to his house and Cobby said he hadn’t seen any girl. Cobby had also told him that his daughter was recovering from surgery because she had donated a kidney.

The general was curious in knowing who, and Cobby had told him to keep it a secret that his daughter donated her kidney anonymously to save Robin, who also lived in the neighborhood. That was when the general took an interest in knowing about the Jewel family.

He instantly felt that Robin was being deceived. He asked seriously,

"Saved your life? How?"

"Her right kidney is what keeps me alive."

The general got the confirmation that his guess was right but it was unlike him to spill it.

"Son, this world is full of deception. I would advise you to open your eyes wider."

Robin took his words seriously and asked, "Uncle, is there something you are not telling me?"

The general smiled dryly and responded, "Robin, you are a wise man. I believe that you would figure out what you are looking for and I suggest that you look closer."

The general did not want to say anymore since Sabrina never wanted Robin to know and her family never told him as well. He quickly changed the topic, saying,

"I don’t like parties. I just announced it to get my daughter here so I won’t stay for long."

Robin knew he was being dismissed and was bemused by the general’s ways, "I understand."

By the time Robin went back, guests for the party had already begun to arrive. Most of them were in the army. There were also businessmen and high-ranking men.

It also turned out to be an elite party and though the populace were invited, they just had to behave due to the high-ranking people there.

Robin went around looking for Sabrina but everywhere he walked, someone would just recognize him and try to acquaint himself with him. Anyone who wanted to be successful in business wanted to acquaint themselves with Robin. Whereas, he was greatly worried about Sabrina.

Luckily, the general came out to make an announcement.

"I’m sorry I don’t have a list of expectant guests so I can’t address you by your ranks and names. However, I appreciate that you all came. I am also happy to announce that my daughter accepted this call."

He paused, smiled, and said, "Matilda, please join me."

As the spotlight shone on Matilda, Robin saw Sabrina by her side and quickly moved to her side where Matilda stood before.

"Please be careful around here. Not everyone has good intentions," Robin whispered into Sabrina’s ears.

Sadly, she did not believe that anyone would plan evil against her. "Robin, I have offended no one. I can live free."

Robin was about to say more but got distracted by the voice of the general through the microphone, followed by thunderous applause.

"So, this is the daughter I have been looking for."

"She’s beautiful," somebody said from the crowd and Devin’s heart tightened in his chest. He didn’t want anyone to look at Matilda except him.

"Sorry, she’s already taken," the general said and everyone laughed before he said again, "This party is also going to turn out different but I won’t give the details now. There is a young man who has shown interest in my daughter. He asked for my permission to have a word with her."

Looking around, he voiced, "Where are you, Devin Cage?"

Everyone began to look into the crowd for Devin. Most of the young men envied him for being so smart and brave to ask for Matilda’s hands from her ferocious father.

Devin was full of smiles when he moved out of the crowd and began to walk toward the elevated surface.

As soon as he reached Matilda and her father, he went on one knee, everyone was awed.

Matilda was spellbound by how elegant he looked but felt he had gone against his promise to wait for her until she completed culinary school.

"Matilda, I already know your dream and I respect it but do you promise to marry me after achieving it?"

He opened the case and an expensive diamond ring shone under the light. Matilda looked at her father and he smiled at her.

"This is up to you," he whispered, anchoring his silent support.

Matilda understood her father’s words, that he would respect any decision she took. She also realized that Devin respected her decision so though they would be engaged, they would only get married after her graduation, and began nodding her head.

"Yes, I will marry you, Devin."

Devin quickly slipped the ring onto her finger and looked at the general, begging for his permission. He laughed and said,

"Youth of today. Are you saying that you have not kissed her before?"