Chapter 4

Standing next to the French window of a spacious office, a man in a well-tailored suit stood with his cell phone in his left ear.

His right hand was in his pocket as he listened and waited for the person on the other side of the line to pick it up.

It rang twice, but there was no answer as he was redirected to voicemail.

He put down his cell phone and drew a sharp breath, his eyes darkened, he rubbed his forehead with his hand and glanced at the image of the lady he used as his cellphone wallpaper.

He ran his hand through his hair and made his way back to his desk.

Furthermore, he placed his cell phone on the glass-top desk, which fits perfectly with the modern hi-tech interior.

Likewise, he pulled his chair back and sat down on it as he pressed the intercom. “Roy, to my office now.” He ordered and soon the automated door of his office was opened and Roy, a young man in his late twenties, stepped into the office.

“Mr. Asher, you sent for me.” Roy quickly said as he approached his desk.

Asher glanced up at him. “I can't get a hold of Jane Wills, find out where she is and what she is up to, and report back to me.” He ordered.

“Okay, sir,” Roy replied.

“Also, check how the marriage arrangements are going, I wouldn't want any mistakes in any of the preparations.” He added, a thin smile on his lips.

“Sir,” Roy responded with a smile on his face, this was the part of Asher Lincoln he loves, the lover boy part where he smiles.

“You may leave now.” He dismissed Roy, and Roy lowered his head and left the office to carry out Mr. Asher's order.

Asher exhaled sharply and turned on his tab as he scrolled through the tuxedos he was sent.

He stopped when he saw one that attracted him, he picked up his cell phone and dialed a number, and the call connected immediately.

“Hello, Mr. Asher.” A female voice from the other side of the line responded so politely.

“I saw the samples you sent, I will be sending the one that attracts me more.” He said and paused his lips as he glanced at it closely.

“Although there are a few things I would like you to change,” He zoomed in on the picture. “Eventually, I will schedule an appointment to meet.” He informed her.

“That would be better, Mr. Asher.” She said, and Asher smiled.

“Then I will let you know when.” He finished and ended the call.

Asher pressed the intercom and Roy answered. “Make me an appointment with Ms. Rosy, it should be between tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.”

“Okay, Mr. Asher,” Roy answered.

Asher glanced at the tuxedo again with a grin. “I wonder if Jane would like me in this outfit.” He scratched the corner of his hair.

He glanced at his cell phone and his forehead creased. “I hope you are alright, Jane.” He said softly and leaned back on his chair as he stared at her image on his cellphone.

***

Olivia made her way out of her room dressed in blue Jean trousers, a white v-neck top, and white sneakers.

Her brown hair was poured down behind her back, and she applied light makeup and her face was bright with a smile on them.

She glanced around the living room but couldn't see her parents, she heard some clinking sound coming from the kitchen.

She made her way toward the kitchen to see her mother making breakfast. “Hi, Mom,” She called out as she approached her and kissed her on her cheek.

“Hey baby, how was your night?” Juliet asked her as she took off the dish gloves she wore.

“It was good, mom, how was yours?” She asked, opening the fridge, she took out a bottle of water and drank it.

“T'was good, going somewhere?” Juliet questioned, glancing at her daughter's outfit.

“Chloe offered to show me around, but would stop by her house to greet her parents.” Olivia closed the fridge.

“Okay, what about breakfast? I will set the table in five minutes.” Juliet put on her apron.

“It's okay, mom, I can eat at Olivia's place.” She glimpsed around and then turned to her mother. “I don't see my dad, has he gone to the office?” She asked, raising her brows.

“Um…” Before Juliet could answer, she heard the doorbell.

“It must be Chloe,” Olivia exclaimed with a smile on her face. “I will get the door.” Olivia rushed towards the door and opened it.

“Chloe!” She embraced her with a smile on her lips.

“Hi, Olivia, I see you're already dressed, we're leaving now?” Chloe asked as Juliet made her way towards the door.

“Yes.” Olivia grinned.

“Morning, Mrs. Parker.” Chloe, who spotted Juliet, greeted her.

“Morning Chloe, take care of my girl,” Juliet said and Chloe crossed her arms around Olivia's shoulder.

“I won't let any harm come near my sweetheart,” Chloe assured her, and they both chuckled.

“Take care of yourself, Olivia.” Mr. Parker who just came out of the room said as he saw Olivia and Chloe.

Olivia blinked. “ You were inside all along?” She said as she looked at her father, and Juliet glanced at her husband.

“Yes,” Mr. Parker responded and glanced at Chloe. “How are you, Chloe?” He asked.

“I am good, Mr. Parker, I see you are okay,” Chloe said with a smile on her lips.

Olivia observed her mother's expression and then turned to her father. “I thought you already left for the office, dad,” Olivia spoke up again.

“I---”

“You should both go now,” Juliet told Chloe and Olivia, interrupting Parker from what he was about to say.

Olivia squinted as she saw her father lower his gaze, she then glanced at her mother.

She had been feeling this energy that something was wrong ever since she arrived yesterday, but she still couldn't wrap her fingers around it.

“Okay,” Olivia said reluctantly, and then she saw her father force a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

“Bye,” Juliet said, and they waved at her before leaving as she shut the door.

She turned to her husband. “It's becoming difficult for me, Juliet,” Parker spoke up this time. “We have to tell her about it, she will find out eventually.” His expression turned pale.

Juliet rubbed her forehead with her hand on her forehead and closed her eyes gently.

“I also want to tell her about it, but I just can't see tears in her eyes.” Juliet's voice was hoarse.

“I know, but she is old enough now, and we don't have to take her by surprise, she should know what situation we are currently in.” He explained.

Juliet broke down in a sob. “She may not be able to take it.” She clasped her hand on her mouth and closed her eyes.

Parker walked over to his wife and held her shoulder as he gently pulled her into a hug. “It's all my fault, I am sorry, it's my fault, I should never have put either of you in a situation like this.” He apologized.

Juliet sniffled and glanced up to look at his face. “Fine, we'll tell her tonight.” Tears rolled down her cheek. “I hope she accepts it just as I did, it's going to be hard, but we have to watch our daughter crumble, and that is all on you!” She stabbed her finger on his chest and walked away, leaving Parker devastated.