“What’s your name?”
“I’m Stacy, ma.”
“Have you no last name?”
“I’m sorry. It’s Roberts. I’m Stacy Roberts.”
“I knew it,” Lily muttered. Ivan who was beside her heard it. He also didn’t miss the glint of fear and anxiety in her eyes. Lily touched Ivan and said,
“Let’s keep going.”
Once they were out of earshot, Ivan voiced out his questions.
“What happened in there? What was it that you said you knew?”
“Me? Ohh. It’s nothing. I’m fine.”
“Aunty? Talk to me. What’s the problem?”
“Emmm, I think we’ll call it a day. I forgot I had a meeting this afternoon. I need to go before they start calling me. You know I just got back and I have a lot of people to visit. I’ll come around some other time.”
Ivan clearly knew she was tactfully running away but he let her be. Ivan re-traced his steps and walked back into his office.
Nelly was all set to leave that day. Ash was carrying Emma in his arms. The little girl had grown to love Ash. Nelly was finally relieved to know that her daughter could have a good relationship with her friend.
“Take good care of yourself my dear. If need be, get yourself a woman. I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Nelly joked.
“A woman again? Not after what Vivian did. I’m very happy in my private space right now.”
“That reminds me. How about her?”
“How am I supposed to know? I have nothing to do with her anymore so I don’t give a damn. She can go to hell for all I care. Aren’t you happy to spend time with me freely? If we were together, I’m sure we won’t have the privilege to spend such quality time together. Don’t talk about her anymore.”
“Alright sir. I’ve heard you. And before you say it, I still remember. I’ll take care of myself and be careful too. Thanks for these few days.”
Ash pulled her into his embrace. He kissed her forehead, did same to Emma before he put her down. He offered to drop them off but Nelly declined. She didn’t want to bother him further. She insisted on calling a taxi and he was forced to let her have her way.
Nelly entered the magnificent gates of her father’s compound. She loved the familiar air and smell. It smelt of freedom, love and happiness. She had missed her home.
“Good day ma’am,” the security men greeted in unison.
“Welcome ma!”
“Good day Mister,” Emma greeted politely and respectfully.
They were happy and surprised to see her again after so many years. She smiled at them and went in with her daughter.
“Wait for me here, I’ll be back,” she said to Emma and walked up the stairs. She stopped halfway and turned back to the little girl.
“I’ll ask a maid to get you a glass of juice while you wait.”
Nelly took a deep breath, smiled and knocked on her father’s door.
“Who’s there?” the old man asked.
“Surprise!” she screamed and barged inside the room.
“Nelly!”
Nelly’s face fell. She had expected to see her father, hale and hearty but the reverse was the case. Her dear father was on his sick bed.
“Dad! What happened to you?”
She ran to his side and hugged him.
“Nelly my dear child. How are you? You are finally back!”
“Yes daddy. I’m back. But what’s the problem? When I left, you were very fine and I expected you to be doing even better when I return. Dad…” tears dropped down her face.
“Don’t cry child. I’m fine. I’m only stressed.”
“Common Dad. Why will you stress yourself? I wish I never left you.”
“Stop crying. You don’t have to regret anything. I’m certain you left for a good cause. Now, don’t be sad anymore. Tell me, how was your journey? What achievements did you record? I’m certain you did great out there,” Nathan smiled.
Nelly wiped her tears with the handkerchief he gave her.
“I have a daughter now, your grandchild.”
“Wow. Where’s she? I need to see her. I’m sure she’ll be as pretty as my angel here.”
“She’s downstairs. I’ll bring her up as soon as we are done speaking. Dad, I also made a name for myself in the entertainment industry again! This time, it’s way better that what I had down here in the USA. Meanwhile, I went to Germany.”
“I’m super proud of you. You’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment field and…”
Cough cough…cough cough
Nathan coughed violently. Nelly grabbed a bottle of water nearby and passed it to him.
“Easy Dad. Take some water.”
The man gulped the water and felt better. He opened his mouth to continue speaking.
“No dad. Just rest. I’ll leave you for now.”
“I’m fine Nelly. It was just a slight cough.”
“I know. But I insist that you rest please. I’ll bring Emma, my daughter to see you after that.”
“No. I can’t wait to see her. Bring her now!”
Nelly smiled at her father and left his room. Emma was seated in the sitting room, watching television and sipping her juice.
“Come baby. Come and say hello to grandpa.”
Emma sprang up and ran to her mother. In the four years of her life, her mother had only mentioned her grandfather twice. This made her curious and she longed to see him. Now, the time was here!
Thirty minutes later, Nelly was with her father again but this time, in his study.
“Have you been resting well?”
“Nelly, your dad has been taking good care of himself. Don’t worry.”
“I hope so. You know you are the only one I have dad.”
“I know. And that’s why I’m looking after myself properly.”
“Okay. That’s good to hear. How’s the company going?”
“Well, it’s fine. No problems at all. It’s thriving.”
“Impressive. I love this. Is there anything new there?”
“Ohh. Yes. It’s no longer Stratford group but Jace group.”
“Jace? Why the change of name?”
“A little modifications here and there.”
“Sounds good. I’ll go tomorrow and check out the company myself,” she announced.