Gina watched the car slowly pull out of the gate. As he drove passed her, Hades waved at her. She smiled in turn with her gaze still fixed on the tail of the car as it disappeared in the distance.
Instinctively, she simpered– tracing her steps back to the house.
With exhaustion written all over her face, she fainted on the sofa with a sigh as she knocked off her heels.
The day had been a hectic one and for a moment, she felt the need for a good rest.
Instantly, the sight of her mother approaching the living room got her attention.
“ Try to make peace with your mum so she won't have any clue of our plan. If you keep avoiding her, she might act fast to cover what she had been hiding, okay?” Hades' words played in her mind. But then thinking of it, she was clueless about how to go about it.
On an impulse, Gina jerked to her feet the moment Nina neared her.
“Hey mum~,” she gave her warmest smile as she ushered Nina to a seat. “Welcome home. You had a hectic day I guess– Anybody could tell just by a glance.” she huddled out the words in a breath. Being one of a talkative than usual. “Care for a massage? ” she finally stopped with a sheepish smile on her face.
Gina could tell the awkwardness just by the look on her mother's face even if she doesn't say anything.
”What's this about, ” Nina muttered mentally to herself, finding her daughter's attitude out of contentment. “Is she up to something?” She took a guess. Still in thought, she stuttered.
“Well...I did have a hectic day but then... you're also acting weird.”
A laugh that was forced escaped Gina's lips. “What are talking about? She fumbled.
But then the look on her mother's face, staring up at her clearly said she wasn't going to buy any of her made-up excuses.
Instinctively, Gina's face dropped with a sigh as she settled beside Nina. "Was it that obvious?” she gave a puppy face to which her mother smiled. Turning to face her, she held both hands in hers. “I just wanted to make things right between us. I'm sorry for making a mountain out of a mole. Can you forgive me?” she smiled.
Nina couldn't help but also smile, seeing those warm smiles on her daughter's face. Those that she thought she wasn't going to see ever again.
“Of course dear,” she muttered, pulling Gina in for a hug. “You know I will always be here for you.”
“I know mum...” Gina uttered over her shoulders. “Let's do this,” she said– breaking from the hug. “how about you go freshen up while I get dinner ready?”
Nina nodded, “Sounds like a treat,” she smiled and sprung off to her room.
“That was easy,” Gina muttered, watching as her mother's back disappeared from the staircase into her room while she dashed off to the kitchen.
************
It's past 30 minutes since he arrived at the Cafeteria in wait for the expected unknown visitor.
Hades had earlier confined Joel, his friend a private detective for assistance with something and he gladly promised to aid him out.
With a secured appointment, he noticed him meet up with the person at “ The Buns Cafeteria ” at 4 pm.
Hades kept checking out his watch as he occasionally scanned around expectantly.
Just when he screened through his phone, a foot drew his attention.
“ Hades Edwards, right ”. A masculine voice followed as he gazed up to see who it was.
With uncertainty, he slightly nodded while the man stretched out a chair to sit on.
“ You must be Legend Smith...” He said, offering a handshake to the tall brown figure before him.
Smith smiled with affirmation and Hades chuckled.
“ Nice to meet you, sir– heard a lot about you from Joel.” he briefly added.
“ Uh .. Joel, that mischievous tiny guy.” He joked with a chuckle and Hades giggled. “ You can say that” He added on an impulse.
“Okay, so how do you need my assistance?”Smith asked.
“ I was told you are the best candidate when it comes to handling confidential issues and is good at your field of work– I would like you to investigate someone for me.
He handed over a brown sealed envelope to Smith.
“The details of what you require are in there, thanks for honoring my invitation.”
“ The pleasure is all mine, will get in touch with you shortly.”
They exchanged a handshake, with a smile then Smith sought permission to take his leave.
********
Gina opted to do the dishes after they were done with dinner. Nina, who still found her daughters acting strange, goggled at her as she vanished into the kitchen.
“ This is out of the blues....” she mumbled, sucking as she wondered in confusion. “ Have she decided to let sleeping dogs lie.., I hope that's what it is” she briefly added, turning to her nanny.
“ Come on, Nina, I told you she would come to terms with it in no time .”
She expressed. “ Although it's Sooner than I thought, yet it's good for both of you.”
“ Are you sure ?” Nina stared with concern.
“ Don't you trust your daughter any longer? — Will she feign to be nice to you?” She queried but before another word, Gina walked in on them. With a gentle goodnight kiss to both of them, she strolled off to her room. Their gazes glued on her as she took the stairs. With smiles of satisfaction, they both bid each other goodnight.
********
The dawn soon but yet gradually welcomed the morning into another day. The morning rays softly hit Jane who was already getting breakfast ready for the family.
“ Good morning, mum ...” Leon walked in half asleep. “What are you up to~the aroma knocked me off the bed.” He teased with a giggle which made Jane chuckle.
“ Getting something for your sister, honey,” she said.
“I know she misses it — she might already be sick of the hospital. ” Jane was frantic with worry.“ You know how she hates it.”
With a nod, he mumbled.
“ She would be grateful, to have her favorite dish after a long while—thanks for always being there for us.” He added with a kiss on her cheeks which brought a broad smile to Jane's face.
“ You know how to comfort us in our state of distress.”
Breaking away from the hug, Leon headed back to freshen up but Jane immediately halted him in his steps.
“ kindly iron out your dad's clothes for him— it's on the board.”
Revealing a large gap between his upper teeth, a smile lightened his face.
“ At your service.” He answered as he speed off. Their laughter filled the hall as they went on their chores.
*********
Dazzling in her outfit, Gina hobbled down the stairs, full of energy. She was so bright, full smile.
“ Good morning, my world's best nanny.” She greeted noticing Berla in the hall.
“ Good morning —honey —looking splendid in that. What's the occasion ”. She joked which made Gina giggle.
“A date?” She swiftly added.
“ A date?” She choked. “Not at all just the usual.”
Their conversation was soon interrupted by Hade's horn which echoed from the compound.
“He's here ...” she shouted, speeding off to the door. “Who?” Bella asked in confusion.
“ Hades, nanny! ~see you later.” Her voice faded out as she exited the door.
Her breathtaking beauty left Hades stunned for a moment as she approached him.
“Looking gorgeous.”:He finally remembered how to breathe. With a soft smile, she settled next to him and soon their vehicle pulled out into the road.