Ch. 471..475: The President's Pregnant, Ex-Wife Chapter 471-475

Chapter 471: Chapter 471 – The Simplest Wedding

Laura’s reaction did not go unnoticed, as all gazes were focused on her. "Is there a problem, Laura? Don’t you want to get married?" Jacob asked, looking quite disturbed.

Laura forced a smile. She may have resigned from the agency, but it didn’t mean that her past was erased.

"Of course, I want to get married. I just can’t have a wedding," she revealed. Jacob’s heart thumped nervously.

Laura wasn’t the kind of woman he wanted to play with. In fact, he respected women so much that he couldn’t see himself having her with the title of a girlfriend.

"Why? Didn’t you already leave the agency?" Jacob asked, trying not to sound too desperate, but his heart was burning.

"I did, but people might still recognize me. I don’t want any harm to come to you or our unborn child because of me," Laura explained.

Jacob thought about it all, allowing silence to cover the study where they were having this conversation. Then he came up with a solution but was not sure if Laura would like it.

"If it worries you so much, we could have the wedding right here. No strangers. Just family and friends. Is that okay for you?"

Laura’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t thought about that option because the Jewels loved big weddings. "Yes, that is much better."

Jacob sighed, feeling relief wash over him. Robin was also happy that the matter was amicably resolved.

"In that case," Jacob shoved his hand into his pocket and brought out a diamond ring. Going down on one knee, he asked her,

"Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Laura was about to say yes but was confused. The relationship between her and Robin had changed, as he was no longer her boss but soon to be brother-in-law.

Since her return, Robin insisted that she address him by his first name, and this was the first time she was heeding to it.

"Wait. Robin wanted to speak with me," she reminisced.

Robin began to laugh, and Laura realized it was all a trick. "I was afraid you’d say no or ask for more time. It’s the reason I asked for Robin’s help and we used this method," Jacob confessed.

Laura smiled shyly. It was funny how she accepted the wedding before the engagement. Jacob’s method was a smart one. If she agreed to get married to him, then she would not refuse the engagement.

You shouldn’t have because you are the only one I want to get married to," Laura said.

Jacob slipped the engagement ring onto her finger, rose up, and captured her lips passionately. Catching their breath, Jacob smiled and said,

"I love you so much, Laura."

"I love you too," Laura replied, and he kissed her on the forehead.

A week later, Sabrina’s Garden at the villa was hosting family and close friends. Jacob dressed in an elegant white suit, but it wasn’t sophisticated.

Laura walked the aisle decorated with flowers in a simple but beautiful wedding gown. The smile on her face was rare, and the people in attendance were just a few.

Laura had no family, so this new family meant a lot to her as she no longer had to feel lonely. The man who caused her family’s demise had also been put in his rightful place.

Her heart was cleared from all the bitterness, and she felt like that seventeen-year-old infatuated girl once again, except that now, she found a man who loved her so dearly and would give up anything for her.

The general and Cobby came to give their support. Devin and Matilda came with Mark. Lizzy and Daniel, Aria and her husband, and then the hosts, Robin and Sabrina.

This was the simplest wedding held by the Jewels, but it also held a lot of emotions, as no one expected Laura to get married so soon.

She was too aloof for that. And Jacob, no one expected him to be the kind of person he was because of how he portrayed himself as a troublemaker in the beginning.

The vows were exchanged, and so were the rings among family and friends. The priest made the final declaration. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Laura felt like an ordinary girl. No more did she have to shed blood and take lives for a living, whether they were innocent or guilty. The feeling brought so many childhood memories, and she felt very light.

Congratulatory messages flew in the air, and just like that, Laura and Jacob were married.

After their honeymoon, which they couldn’t enjoy for more than a week because of the workload, Jacob and Laura returned but were soon on their way to California for training.

This was the first time she was having a normal life. In her childhood, her movements were restricted because of her father’s position and his enemies.

Then the restriction continued because of the agency, but now, she didn’t have to look over her shoulders anymore.

Seven months later, Aria gave birth to a baby boy, bringing joy and laughter to her and her husband after facing numerous challenges with childbirth.

They held a party to celebrate their son, Gershon. A month later, Lizzy gave birth to triplets - two girls and a boy via C-section.

She did not experience any labor pain, going to the hospital according to the doctor’s schedule to deliver her triplets. She and Daniel agreed to name them Jude, Jessica, and Jasmine.

Cobby could not contain his joy at having so many grandchildren. His mansion was always filled with excitement as Daniel and Lizzy would go and spend weeks to months there with the triplets.

A year later, Matilda wanted to make Devin happier and decided to have more children. Since her womb couldn’t carry them, she opted for surrogacy, and the only person she could trust was her best friend and sister-in-law.

The problem was how to convey the message and if Robin would agree to it, even if Sabrina agreed to.

 

Chapter 472: Chapter 472 – If it’s not too much to ask.

Sabrina’s phone rang while she was making supper with Robin. As she answered the phone, she heard a scream from the living room and said to Matilda after checking the caller ID,

"Tilda, I think Laura is in the labor ward. Let me call you back."

"I will meet you at the hospital," Matilda said and ended the call. Robin had already rushed to the living room as Sabrina followed.

Indeed, Laura’s labor had started and her water had already broken. Robin was about to carry her to the car when Jacob arrived.

He had just had his shower and was about to join them for dinner. "Your wife is in labor," Robin said to Jacob. He was confused and asked Robin,

"What do I do?"

"To the hospital, damn it," Robin was annoyed and yelled. Jacob was so clueless about this part of the process as he had never seen Laura in so much pain, it caused his heart to ache for her.

In the labor ward, Jacob passed out when Laura pushed out one of their twins. He was rushed to the emergency ward but as soon as he woke up, he rushed back to the labor ward, just when Laura was being stitched.

She had an episiotomy and was being taken care of. Jacob felt useless and guilty for not being with her through and through, but Laura was understanding.

Not every man had the heart to witness it, and Jacob witnessed one before passing out.

The twins, two boys, were in a cot by their mother’s bed. "I’m very sorry. I never knew this was how it was. Let’s not have children again," Jacob wiped a tear from his eyes and said.

He never wanted to see Laura in so much pain ever again, but Laura was shaking her head slowly in refusal.

Jacob was also shaking his head, saying, "We have two boys and it’s fine with me."

"I want a girl. We have to try again," she was adamant. Indeed, the pain was unexpected, but it was all gone and she was liberated, already wanting to have another child.

"But the pain. I can’t stand it when you are in so much pain," Jacob said after her when she was being wheeled to a normal ward. The twins had also been cleaned and sent to the nursery.

"It disappeared as soon as the second baby was out and now, I don’t feel any more pain," Laura said reassuringly. She was now in a private ward, more comfortable than the delivery ward.

Jacob was still afraid but felt that they should put a hold on the matter for now. As he was given one of the twins and the second one to Laura, he asked her,

"So what do you want us to call them?"

"What do you suggest?" Laura asked him. She didn’t really have any name in mind as every name she thought about brought her bitter memories.

"Larry and Lambert Jewel. You did the greater part of the work so they should have your initials. You are so brave. I love you so much," Jacob sat beside her, kissing her briefly when the door pushed open.

Daniel, Lizzy, Matilda, Devin, Robin, and Sabrina walked in with Grandma Cecilia.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Jewel two," Lizzy said, Laura laughed weakly as Jacob responded, "That’s funny. Just call us by our first names."

Sabrina took the baby from Jacob. "They are so beautiful. I can’t tell if they look like Laura or Jacob."

"They better look like her. She is the strong one," Jacob said honestly. Laura’s strength to him was very exceptional.

"Hahaha," everybody laughed as they chatted some more before Laura fell asleep. The babies laid in the cot and Jacob sat by her admiringly.

"Brina, can I have a word with you and Robin?" Matilda asked as they were excusing themselves from the latest parents in town.

"Yes. What is the problem?" Sabrina asked worriedly. Matilda glanced at Devin and Robin before asking Sabrina,

"Can we go outside?"

"Sure," Sabrina agreed and walked out with her. Robin and Devin were beside them as they sat on one of the hospital benches at the waiting area.

"Brina, I need a favor from you," Matilda said seriously.

"Let me hear it," Sabrina patted her back and encouraged her. Matilda swallowed nervously before letting it out.

She never knew that one day, she would be this desperate for another child, remembering how she had wanted to abort the first one because of school.

Devin and I have been trying to have another child."

"But you already said that was impossible," Sabrina said, worried but hopeful that miraculously, her womb had somehow healed.

"The doctor suggested another way," Matilda revealed. Sabrina was happy for her and eager to hear more.

"Which is?" she asked seriously. Matilda forced a smile and responded, "Surrogacy."

Sabrina was relieved that there was another option. She was glad that both her brother and best friend would be able to have more children through another woman, but she was eager to meet and assess the woman.

She wanted to make sure that the woman wouldn’t come back to cause them any future problems.

"Yeah, but why didn’t I think about that? Do you have someone you can trust? I’ve watched a few scary movies about the surrogate trying to steal the child or demanding outrageous amounts," Sabrina said.

Matilda forced a smile. She had already thought about all that. It was the reason why she couldn’t even think about using a professional surrogate or anyone else.

"That is why I wanted to talk to you about it," she said nervously. Sabrina still didn’t realize that the responsibility was being pointed at her.

"You want me to find someone for you?" she asked, knowing that she didn’t have anyone in mind. However, she felt that Robin might be able to find a trusted person.

Devin stepped in when he realized that Matilda was taking too long to make the request before Sabrina and said to Robin,

"Robin, we would like your wife to be our surrogate if it’s not too much to ask."

Chapter 473: Chapter 473 – The Future is Bright

"Robin, we would like your wife to be our surrogate if it’s not too much to ask," Devin said.

The question took Robin aback, and for the first time, he was lost for words. He had never thought about his wife carrying a child in her womb that wasn’t hers.

However, due to Matilda and Devin’s desperation, he really wanted to help them. Robin’s brows raised, "why should you ask me? I’m not the one carrying the womb."

Sabrina was excited to help. "Sure, I will be honored."

Robin wondered if everything would go well medically and made a suggestion. "You know we shouldn’t be discussing this here, right? We should just see the doctor."

Everyone agreed, so they went to the doctor’s office together. After a series of tests, the main process took two months for Sabrina to get pregnant through IVF for her best friend and brother.

Nine months later, she delivered twins for the couple, a boy and a girl. Devin and Matilda were the happiest parents that ever lived, but the bond between them and Sabrina only grew.

Robin stared at the twins and said to them, "I took care of your surrogate mother, so I’m your surrogate father, do you understand?"

Everybody laughed, and it was a joyous occasion that was celebrated by the couple. To show their appreciation, the twins were named after Robin and Sabrina. Thus, the boy was Robin Cage and the girl was Sabrina Cage.

Two years later, Aria and Laura birthed a baby girl coincidentally on the same day at different times. Aria’s baby was preterm and was named Giselle.

Laura and Jacob’s daughter was named Joy Jewel. Thus, she took the nickname JJ from her father.

The years that passed were filled with joy and happiness, though there were ups and downs along the way.

In times of challenges, the families always came together to resolve them, as in one way or another, they were all connected by blood.

Twenty-two years later, the children were all adults but shared a bond because of the love their parents shared.

Grandma Cecilia passed away two years ago, which was a huge blow to Robert and Savannah, as well as Larry, Lambert, and Joy, because the old woman had taken care of them when their parents worked to build businesses for them.

When Robert was ten, he faced the same kidney problem that Robin and his father had faced. However, he got a donor on time and has been fine since then.

Once or twice every year, the parents would host a party for all their children to attend, no matter where they were, as a bonding moment.

The Jewel Group expanded so much that Savannah’s husband managed the branch in Los Angeles. They fell in love in college and got married two years ago, three months before grandma’s passing. Savannah is already two months pregnant.

Larry was managing his father, Jacob’s company in California and had a fiancée, Mary. Lambert also managed the New York branch but moved out of the villa to a penthouse close to the company. He was also in a serious relationship but had not yet popped the multimillion-dollar question.

Larry hoped, though, that they would both be married on the same day. Joy had also gotten married in a glamorous wedding and was still on her honeymoon.

Lizzy and Daniel’s children were immersed in the fashion and hacking business. Jasmine was so much like her father and loved toys. No one expected her to be the hacker, but there she was, and she was very good at it.

After suffering a heartbreak at the age of twenty, no man has been able to break through the walls she erected around her heart.

Her brother, Jude, worked with JC Clothing in the fashion department, but her sister, Jessica, always found herself torn between hacking and JC Minerals and was happily married with a son.

Among Devin and Matilda’s children, Mark took over his mother’s hospitality business, which she set up after having Robin and Sabrina. He wasn’t dating anyone but had an interest in Giselle, Aria’s daughter, though he never mentioned it to anyone and loved to have fun.

He also loved to cook, just like his parents and twin siblings, but he took his skills to the next level. Robin was working with JC Clothing and was the finance director. He got married to a popular singer a few months ago.

Sabrina, on the other hand, was a jack of all trades but focused her attention on helping to build her husband’s new flourishing petroleum company, whom she had been married to for six months.

The parents were very happy for the turnout of their children, but the only concern was Mark and Robert, who never mentioned settling down or brought a woman home. Also, Jasmine, who was becoming an iron lady.

Aria’s son, Gershon, was very loyal to the Jewels and managed one of the biggest branches. His father retired a year ago. He wasn’t married but had a woman he loved.

Aria also retired, but her problem was her daughter, Giselle’s obsession with Robert, who never saw her in such a manner.

Due to that, she refused the opportunity to work as a manager in one of the Jewel branches and would rather work as Robert’s secretary.

Robert was nothing like his father in the past. He never felt attracted to women and only opened up to his circle of family and friends whom he grew up with.

It was the reason why he felt comfortable working with Giselle. She had become a family friend due to her mother’s closeness with the Jewels.

It was that time of the year again, and the parents were organizing the family party for their kids’ bonding.

Robert received a call from his mother. "Robert, the party will be at the villa. Everyone has confirmed attendance, including Joy who returned from her honeymoon today. Please come with the woman you want to marry."

Robert was frustrated. Sabrina’s constant pestering of seeing his woman caused him to move out of the villa to a penthouse, but the woman never stopped.

There was one thing Robert used to silence her, which worked every time. "If you tell me about the woman who saved my life, I promise to find a woman to marry soon."

Chapter 474: Chapter 474 – Why don’t you be my date at the party?

"Hahaha, Robert, what makes you think it’s a woman? Like I said, one of the doctors sent the kidney from overseas when they got a match," Sabrina tried to be calm, but her son already noticed the nervousness in her voice.

He also had information Sabrina and Robin were not aware of.

"You know that is not true. I saw the file. It was a she, but her name was erased. I saw it in dad’s drawer in the study when I was fifteen, so how long will you keep lying to me?"

Robert sounded bitter. His parents’ secretiveness on the matter was driving him nuts. It was as if the person involved was invisible.

"I’m not lying to you, Robert, but the truth is, the person donated with terms of confidentiality. Your life mattered to us more, so we agreed to keep it a secret," Sabrina said honestly.

She and Robin didn’t love keeping the secret, but after the person had been good to them, how could they betray her trust?

This is the reason why they constantly had to come up with all manner of excuses to keep Robert from knowing the truth.

Sadly, it was too late to salvage the situation as Robert was so upset, he didn’t want to see his parents.

He was now twenty-five and had never been in any romantic relationship all his life because of this mystery.

If somebody saved his life, then he deserved to know and couldn’t accept his parents keeping it a secret from him.

"You know what, mom, we are changing the venue of the party."

The sudden change ached Sabrina. Over the years, the party has always been held in the villa with all the parents in attendance.

It was a way of keeping track of themselves and maintaining the bond in their growing families even if they lived away from each other.

"What? It has always been at the villa." Sabrina was not pleased with the decision and Robert was slightly guilty. In his most difficult times, his family has always been there, including grandma, his mom, dad, uncles, and whatnot.

Also, Giselle has always been there, though she always used Savannah as excuse. Ever since Savannah got married, she lost excuses and couldn’t go to the villa much so she decided to work with Robert at the office as his secretary.

We are young and we want to invite more people our age. Didn’t you say I should get married? How will that happen if I don’t mingle?" Robert asked. Sabrina felt that it made sense. It was just a venue change and they could all attend.

"I will discuss with your dad."

"You don’t have to. We aren’t kids anymore and this time around, we will appreciate it if you, the parents, don’t turn up."

Still, since the oldies couldn’t be there, Sabrina could still organize the party for them without the kids.

However, she was still concerned about Robert’s sore mood. "Robert, you are upset."

Robert did not deny it. "Yes, I am mom. That is because you are keeping secrets from me. I have the right to know the woman who saved my life." His voice raised a little but he controlled it at the latter part.

"It will only make you guilty."

"Then let it be." Robert was not ready to barge. It’s been ages and he wanted to know. Sabrina thought for a while, sighed, and revealed,

"She died in the process."

Robert did not believe her. His parents never lied to him except when it involved this mysterious donor.

A familiar person entered Robert’s office, but his attention was still focused on the discussion between him and his mother.

"I want to see her death report. I want to know everything about her. Does she have a family? I have to meet them."

"I hope it isn’t Aunt Sabrina you are arguing with again," Mark sat in front of Robert and spoke. Robert instantly pursed his lips before speaking on the phone again.

"Mark is here. We shall have this discussion again." Sabrina ended the call immediately, internally thanking Mark for his timely arrival.

It seemed to her that they wouldn’t be able to keep the secret for long anymore. Robert was getting more aggressive by the day.

"Mark, it’s good you are here." Robert smiled at Mark as the latter lifted the items in his hand. Robert was a picky eater and didn’t like to order take outs.

He could drink coffee all day if Mark, Sabrina, or Giselle didn’t send him food.

"I brought you lunch and I always carry good luck with me," Mark beamed. Robert was affected by his smile and returned it,

"I’m hungry too."

"Then what are you waiting for? Let’s eat. Where is Giselle? I got this for her but she wasn’t seated," Mark complained.

Anytime he arrived without seeing Giselle, he would instantly get upset. No one suspected anything as they had all been very close friends.

"She might be in the kitchen, washroom, I don’t know," Robert gave up. Giselle was efficient and that was all that mattered to him.

She never made it seem as if they were family friends when in the office.

"I will wait for her. She has to eat too. So, what were you saying? That the party will be held in a hotel? That makes me the organizer," Mark beamed again.

"That will be better," Robert smiled in response.

"Sir, I brought your coffee," Giselle walked in with hot coffee and placed it on Robert’s desk.

He sipped immediately. "Thank you."

"So you were in the kitchen," Mark stated, his unwavering gaze on her. Giselle smiled at him.

"Mark, how are you?"

"Why do you call him sir?" Mark frowned and asked. Giselle glanced at Robert and responded,

"That’s because we are in the office."

"I brought you lunch," Mark lifted the food, Giselle smiled. Mark was very thoughtful, usually sharing his lunchtime and food with them.

"Thank you very much," Giselle took the food as the aroma wafted through her nose.

"I cooked it myself with all your favorites," Mark shrugged, Giselle was impressed and moved by his actions.

"I’m glad. I will make you lunch one of these days." She suddenly recalled something and exclaimed, "and oh sir, Miss Taylor is here to see you concerning the investment policy."

Giselle never liked Miss Taylor because of how she continuously flirted with Robert but this was business and she had to be professional about it.

Robert was aloof. "Arrange the meeting for thirty minutes and you should be in it."

Giselle was glad to be in the meeting. At least Miss Taylor will not be able to pull any fast moves.

"Yes, sir." She was already at the door when Mark said,

"She should eat first."

"She has thirty minutes and she knows exactly how to use it," Robert said before Giselle held the knob. She was about to open the door when Mark said again,

"Giselle, why don’t you be my date at the party?" Giselle froze but somehow, the request made Robert uncomfortable.

Chapter 475: Chapter 475 - Don’t force her

Giselle felt sorry for Mark. She could tell that he really loved her, but she couldn’t love him beyond a family friendship, unlike how she felt for Robert.

She had no idea how it started, but her heart was stolen, and she knew that Robert never saw her like that.

Such an irony of life. The way she felt towards Mark was the way Robert felt towards her. Thinking twice, she didn’t want to hurt Mark’s feelings and said,

"Mark, you know I don’t love parties."

"But you have always been there," Mark hinted. The family parties were different from all other parties because their parents were there.

This was the first time they were going to have it without the elder citizens. With Mark’s unrelenting stand, Giselle pursed her lips and spoke honestly.

"Well, I can’t be your date."

"And why is that?" Mark was disappointed. He had had a few one-night stands, but that was it. He had never been in any relationship before.

Giselle glanced at Robert and lowered her head. It was as if he wasn’t listening; his attention was divided between eating and being busy on his computer.

"Because I have eyes on a guy."

The smile wiped from Mark’s face, and Robert stiffened slightly. No one would know that he was paying attention to their conversation.

Giselle never talked about any guy before, and she never introduced anyone, so Mark was both disappointed and curious.

"Who is he? Is he better looking than me?" Mark could not accept his loss, adding, "forget him. I will take good care of you."

Giselle didn’t think it wise to urge Mark on when she knew that the only man she would ever love was Robert. "I will introduce him to everyone at the right time."

Mark was relieved. If she hadn’t introduced the so called guy anyone, then it meant that the relationship hadn’t progressed. "Since it’s not official, you are my date at the party."

"Don’t force her," Robert suddenly spoke up. Giselle’s heart did a flip. It was as if he cared or felt something for her, but his next words made her understand that things were not as she thought. "She said she has a man, didn’t you hear that?"

Giselle felt that Robert sounded bitter, but then again, it might just be her mind playing games on her. It was rather as if he wanted Mark to respect the fact that she had a man.

"I did. I just don’t care. I like Giselle, and I don’t want any man to mess her up," Mark stated seriously. Mark smiled and glanced at Giselle.

"Everybody likes Giselle, but it’s up to her to choose whom she likes." Robert dropped his cutlery. His appetite was gone.

From the way he said it, Giselle felt as if he would accept it if she confessed her feelings to him, but things could also go wrong if she did.

She might lose the opportunity of working with him and being close to him every day.

"Why are you so perturbed about this discussion? Go find a woman," Mark said in annoyance. He suddenly lost his appetite, and the food he painstakingly cooked because of Giselle lost its attractiveness to him.

"She’s my secretary but also a family friend. She’s under my protection in this office, so if you must, then you can have this conversation outside, and I won’t interrupt." Robert was speaking casually but internally, he knew it wasn’t the case.

He just didn’t like Mark hitting on Giselle, whereas Mark was not anywhere near giving up.

"That is even better. Giselle, let’s continue outside," Mark stood up and began walking towards Giselle, Robert grimaced.

"Didn’t you bring her food? She has to eat, and we have a meeting," he said. Mark was uncomfortable with Robert’s protectiveness with Giselle and his attempt to stop him from talking to her.

"Are you sending me away after eating my food?"

Robert was unfazed by Mark’s sarcasm. "You can stay if you like." He knew that Mark wouldn’t want that. He never stayed after they had their lunch and would instantly be on his way.

"In your boring meeting? Heck! My lunchtime is almost over. I’m going back to my office." He stared at Giselle at the door. "I will send your dress for the party. Don’t bother buying one," Mark said and left.

Giselle couldn’t refuse, wishing that she could return Mark’s feelings. It hurt her the most because she was going through the same thing.

Forcing a smile, she said to Robert, "I will arrange the meeting, sir."

"Eat first, Giselle." Robert’s tone was soft. He treated her just as he did Savannah, but at the same time, he felt different towards her. It was just that he couldn’t put a finger on exactly what it was.

Twenty-five minutes later.

"It’s nice doing business with you, Mr. Jewel. I would like to invite you to lunch," Miss Taylor said. She was glaring at Robert flirtatiously, but he wasn’t even looking.

"Sorry. I don’t really like eating out," he said. Giselle smiled, but it was soon wiped by his next words. "But guess what, we have a family gathering next weekend, and for the first time, it’s open to the public. You are invited."

Miss Taylor beamed. She wouldn’t miss any opportunity to be with Robert, and now that he was inviting her, she couldn’t refuse.

"I won’t miss it for anything."

After she left, a sad smile settled on Giselle’s face when she stood up to leave. It didn’t go unnoticed by Robert.

"Are you alright, Giselle?"

She paused her actions and forced a smile. "Yes. I was just wondering why you invited her."

Robert bit his lower lip thoughtfully. He was a replica of his father but also different. "I don’t know myself, but mom is so persistent. I just feel I should give relationships a chance."

"Oh," Giselle let out, her heart saddened. "And you are considering her?"

"I don’t know. I just want to give it a try," Robert said honestly. Giselle blinked back her tears. She already knew that Robert would never see her that way, so why was she so pained about it?

"I wish you all the best."

Robert was concerned about the sudden change in her mood. She was all bubbly when Mark was around, but suddenly, it was as if her soul left her body.

"Giselle, is there something you are not telling me?"

"Something like what?" Giselle looked at him and asked, praying silently that her emotions would not give her away.

"I don’t know, you tell me. Is your mom and dad okay?" Robert asked, fearing that she perhaps had some family problems.

"Everyone is fine." Giselle had returned to her professional mood.

"Okay. But don’t take Mark too seriously. He just loves to joke around," Robert said. He didn’t know why he sabotaged Mark but felt uneasy for Giselle to go out with him.

"I know," Giselle replied with a forced smile.

A week later, the Crystal Hotel was booming with a family gathering. The older generation weren’t invited and had to stay away.

Friends, siblings, and cousins arrived from far and near, but two men were looking for one woman.