CHAPTER 66

Geneveive Tessa Robert

The driver stopped at the twins nursery school. They were late today, all thanks to Hope and her refusal to eat. Ever since she recovered, it's been difficult to make her eat anything. The doctor advised me to change her diet plan and include her favourite meals and more fruits. She changed immediately, but in a way I didn’t like. She ate more fruits than her meals, so I had to employ a trick Estella taught me to make her eat her favourite meals. 

She improved until last week, when she resumed her food strike. How can a four-year-old be a picky eater? I didn’t understand.

Estella advised that I shouldn’t force her to eat, but today I was so frustrated that I threatened to take all her toys if she didn’t eat her mashed potatoes and vegetable salads. She cried, played with food, and finally ate it slowly when she noticed I wasn’t playing. We began another battle with her lunch box because she kept playing with the sandwiches Estella had prepared specially for the twins.

Thankfully, Estella noticed how frustrated I was and took over the situation. Now she was creating another tantrum. She refused to follow Nicholas into the school. Nicholas had long given up on waiting for her and had walked into the school with a friend who came late.

‘Hope, you have to go to school today. Mummy has important meetings to attend, please.’ I pleaded, trying to get her out of the car.

She folded her hands and said, 'No, mummy, I want to go home. I am feeling so tired and tired.’ 

I chuckled, ‘But you were the one throwing tantrums earlier. Where did all that energy go, baby?’

She sighed, ‘Mummy, Nicholas stole them and placed them in his bedroom. If I go home, I will get them back.’

‘No, smart girl. You have to get down and enter the school. You are already late, and I am sure, Miss. Penelope will be wondering why you are still out here. I will escort you to class if you step down,’ I said, smiling. 

I didn’t want to yell at her because she was pretty emotional for her age, and I hated to see her cry. I knew she was playing this drama because of my threats earlier today. I decided to add a promise as a bonus. 

‘Also, I won’t take all your toys if you agree to go with me to school, dear, but you have to promise me that you will be good henceforth, okay?’

She hummed, ‘Alright, mummy. I'm ready to go.’

I smiled, letting out a sigh of relief. ‘Thank you, baby. Please eat all your lunch today, okay?’

She nodded. ‘I promise I will eat everything. Mum, can we get doughnuts and ice cream later in the day?’

I chuckled. I was almost getting my daughter back.

After a brief talk with Miss Penelope, I drove to the company, making a stop at the cafe to buy a meal for breakfast and gas from the fueling station.

 

The company was bustling with life when I stepped in. Most of my employees were in our creative room, which was a large glass room that blocked noises from interrupting their proceedings. I stopped by, threw in a hello, and took the elevator to my office. Mom would probably be around or be at one of our family branches. She had texted me a few minutes ago that she wanted to speak to me about something important. I didn’t dwell on the subject or the tone of voice she used, but on the last time we spoke. She had suggested I start going out more often instead of shutting myself in, even when the kids aren’t with me.

I suspected she wanted me to get a man who would keep me happy, but she had never said it openly, even though most of our conversations always ended with the remark of a friend’s son, who is single and searching.

Vera said she was just looking out for me and should give love another chance. Not all men will be like Kyle. I am sure you will find someone who will treat you with respect and love you like you are supposed to be loved. I agreed, but I wasn’t interested in putting my heart out there. If this is going to be mom’s area of concentration, I will repeat the same reply I gave to Vera. 

I wasn’t healed fully.

Halsey rose as I stepped into my office. She was the most beautiful secretary in the company and the most respectful. Halsey could go all the way to put her needs behind to satisfy another person. I had seen her do it several times since she started working with the company four years ago. 

Hoplas Design was blessed to have her. She reminded me of Imogen. I had tried reaching her a few months after I left the King's family, but her number kept going into voicemail. I sent mail, but it bounced back. I suspected she cut all the way I could reach her because when Vera looked her up, the last time she traveled to Nashville, Imogen was doing well and was still working with Kyle. She had been promoted to the position of executive manager. A position that she had begged me for for years.

I stopped trying to reach her.

‘Good morning, ma. How are the kids?’ She asked, following me into my large office.

‘They are all great, Halsey. I hope I had another tantrum, though; that explains why I am resuming this time. What are my tasks for today?’

She replied, ‘Oh, sorry about that, ma’am. You have a meeting with McPhee Aviation by noon and a business lunch with your mom by two o’clock. There’s a request for partnership from Globus Interiors. They are working on an artificial intelligence programme that can help students create simple architectural and graphic designs. I sent the details to you yesterday.’

I nodded, checking the mail on my laptop. I had read it but didn’t give it extra attention because Globus interiors were enemies and were known for playing their partners. I did. I don’t want to give them a space in my life, which will lead to regrets, so I changed my mind.

‘No, you cancel that appointment. I don’t trust them. What else?’

‘A meeting with your real estate manager. He found some places for the new branch.’

I smiled; that was the type of news I was expecting.