CHAPTER 5

"Love planted a rose,

And,

the world turned sweet."

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On reaching home, she took off her shoes and slumped down against her bed. She was in deep thought which got disturbed by the ringing of her phone.

The screen flashed 'Maria' .

She took the call.

"Scarlett, I hope I don't didn't disturb you . Were you sleeping?" She asked with that kind voice of hers.

"No,you didn't. I was awake." Scar replied tiredly.

"Oh, okay. I called to ask if you are free tomorrow. You know I planned to show you my bakery I just opened last month.

We can go there tomorrow in the morning around 11. Are u okay with that ? " Maria replied, telling her the reason she called and sort of anxious of her reply as she hoped Xander would meet her at the bakery.

"Yes, sure. I'll be there at 11. Text me the address." Scar said.

"No, it's alright. I'll send my driver to pick you up. You don't need to worry.

It's already late. I won't hold you up more. See you tomorrow Scarlett.

Good night, sweetheart." Maria wished, happy that she agreed.

"Yeah, okay Maria. Good night. Sweet dreams. Take care. " Scarlett wished from her side, Still tensed about the orphanage situation.

She couldn't think of anything to help the children with. She didn't know what to do. Nothing was coming to her mind.

She sat there beside her window staring at the small balls of light in the dark sky. She always felt at peace and calm looking at them . She would forget everthing and just keep gazing at them. She always dreamt about stars and how far they were from earth but still so beautiful, shining and lighting up everything in that dark sky and helping people in their hard times by just being there for them , making them not feel alone.

She didn't realize when she dozed off looking at the stars with only one hope in heart, of miracle happening to help the children.

The next day, she was all ready in a dark green coloured boat neck dress. It had lace bell sleeves with black ribbon like border on it. Her make-up was minimal.

Kat was still sleeping. She left a note on the fridge telling her she's going out.

She had a day off from college today anyway.

The driver honked from outside and she rushed downstairs on seeing the black car. The whole ride she tried not to think much and more concentrate on the view outside the car window.

They reached the bakery in about half an hour. The bakery was situated in a very clean and nice and spacious area. It looked really peaceful and serene there.

She got down the car and the driver took off afterwards.

She went towards the entrance and slightly pushed open the wooden door.

Not many people were present there as it was still morning. A few of the staff were there, doing their work, setting up the cakes and desserts. Everything looked beautiful and cute and gave a warm feeling.

"Scarlett, I was waiting for you only. Thank you for coming. " Maria smiled at her.

Scarlett gave her a sweet smile and said, "It's alright, Maria. I could come so I did.

This place is really nice. Gives that homely feeling. I have a feeling it will be greeted by my presence more  often."

"I would love that." Maria delighted.

They both went towards the right in the direction of the kitchen. It was a huge kitchen and fairly clean too. It looked really nice. Two workers were working on which appeared to be a red velvet cake. Scarlett was looking around and taking everything in .

Maria was waiting for Xander to show up. He was supposed to be here 10 minutes before but he's nowhere to be seen. She called him thrice but he didn't pick. Maria wanted the two to meet.

Scarlett and Maria walked out and stopped at the cupcake stands. Cupcakes reminded Scar of the children and how she always failed at making a decent cupcake. Her mood dampened thinking she isn't able to do anything for them.

Her smile vanished from her life and her eyes showed what she was feeling. That was the thing about her, no matter how hard she tries to conceal her feelings, her always always betrayed her by revealing them.

Maria , on sensing the change in her mood, asked, " Is everything okay ? Is something bothering you? You know you can tell me. "

Putting a comforting hand on Scar's shoulder,Maria urged her to tell what was the matter.

"It's nothing. I just ..... I guess I'm just not feeling well. Don't worry, I'm alright." She tried to give her a confident smile, failing terribly.

Maria took her to a booth near the window. She sat down opposite to her.

" Scar, you know you can always share with me whatever's bothering you. I haven't known you for long but I know you are a sweet girl and I wouldn't like to see this sweet girl sad. Please, tell me what's the matter. And also, it always helps by sharing the stress."

Her eyes showed sincerity. Maria was genuinely worried about her. She wanted to know what troubled her.

Scarlett sighed. She figured it might help to share it with someone else outside the orphanage.

"It's just, I visited this orphanage often and I love the children there. They are so sweet and nice and amazing and cute. You would love them too."

"I'm sure I would. I would like to visit them too." Maria replied, not understanding where was she going with this.

"That orphanage is a private property. The owner is selling it to some big company and that company wants to build some kind of branch officer there.

It gave them a weak to leave. They've nowhere to go Maria. I don't know what they'll do. I can keep them with myself and Kat but for how long. I don't know what to do. I feel so helpless right now."

Scar said , putting her head on the table and eyes casted down. She was feeling down.

"That's sad, child. You seem really attached with them . And I know how it must be hurting you right now. But isn't there any way to stop this, Amy solution, anything?" Maria asked.

"I'm afraid. There isn't. We tried everything we could but couldn't come up with any possible solution to this problem." Scar answered.

"Then... What about talking to that company directly only. I'm sure we can convince them not to do this. I think they'll understand us. I can ask my son to do something. He knows many people." Mari suggested.

"No, I already thought of that. I don't think so talking to the company might work. And besides, Jenny told me that Knights Corporation is a big company. Like one of the top companies. I don't think so your son might be knowing them . Even if he does, I'm sure he wouldn't want to oppose Knights Corporation. Don't worry, I just need to find a place for them to stay for now. I should start searching right now only. I hope so you don't mind, I gotta go now."

Scar explained getting up from her seat.

Maria caught her wrist and made her sit back.

" Did you just say Knights Corporation?"

"Yeah , I did but why?"

"My son doesn't know anyone in that company. He owns it." Maria told her.

"Exactly! I already told you......wait what?

You son..I mean.....he owns, like really owns the company? The Knights Corporation?" Scar asked shocked at this.

"Yes! The Knights Corporation. He owns it. I can talk to him regarding that." Maria was delighted. So was Scarlett.

" Really? You would do that? You really would? Oh God! Thank you so much Maria. I don't know what I would have done." Scarlett held Maria's hands in hers. She was happy to find a solution to this.

" Yes! Yes I will. Don't worry. I will talk to him" Maria answered.

"I don't know how I'll repay you. You are an angel Maria. Truly, for me and for the children. Thank you so much , Maria. Thank you so much for this. " Scarlett replied happily.

Maria hesitated a bit. She didn't know if this was the right time to propose it but remembering last night's conversation, she wanted to do this. Xander was a hard headed person and if this was the only way, she'll do it.

"Well, there's one way you can repay me." Maria said hesitatingly.

"Really? What? What can I do ? You are doing a big favour to me. If I can do anything for you, I'll definitely do." Scarlett replied with a wide smile.

Maria was contemplating to tell her or not. She didn't want to drop a bomb on her suddenly but she didn't know how to say it without startling her and making her run away.

Still, she did it anyway.

"I... Listen, don't panic . Okay. I have no wrong intentions."

"What? What are you trying to say Maria? I know you won't have any wrong intention . You are a kind lady. You agreed to help me. What wrong can you do ?" Maria replied.

"Well.... I was thinking if you could be my daughter" Maria replied.

"Of course, I will be. You can freely consider me your daughter.so, should I call you mom, huh? Scarlett grinned, jokingly.

"No, not like that."

" Then , like what? " Scar was a bit confused now.

"Like a daughter in law. "

There, the bomb was finally dropped.

And it's effect could be heard in the silence that followed after.

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