2-Gwen

                            AVA

“Hello Tracy. " I said into the phone. Tracy was my dad's secretary before he passed away last year. When he passed, his company was handed over to me, since then we've gotten pretty close

"Good day, Madam." She replied politely.

"I'll be coming into town this week. I want to relocate to a place closer to the company." I explained

"Would you like me to inform the board?" She asked, trying hard to conceal the excitement in her voice,

Most of those that worked with my dad have no idea who I am. I plan to use that, to my advantage. You never can tell how the manager treats his coworkers unless you go a day in their shoes, you know. 

Mentally congratulating myself for this mischievous plan of mine, I replied

"No, I do not want a single soul to know. So, act as if you don't know me when I come to the company." A small smile formed on my face.

"Will that be all? " Tracy asked with a hint of suspicion in her voice

"Just get some people to clean my dads mansion and employ a cook too. That will be all for now." 

I ended the call and joined Lissa to watch the animated movie that seemed to have taken all her attention. I had just sat down next to her when I noticed she was asleep.

Picking her up, I took her to the bedroom we both shared and placed her on the bed. I covered her with the duvet and joined her in bed, watching her peaceful sleeping figure.

The doorbell went off, making my hold body jolt in surprise. I walked down the stairs quickly.. I stopped in my tracks momentarially to turn off the Tv before continuing on my way to the door.

On reaching the door, I threw it open to be greeted by one of the people I do not intend to see even on the day I die. 

"Hello, sister-in-law Miss me?" She said excitedly, I just knew her face was hurting from the smile.

"What. Are. You. Doing. Here?" I asked through gritted teeth. 

"Oh that's no way to say hello to your sister-in-law. Your sister-in-law, whom you haven't seen for three years." Gwen said

She is the wife of Ryan's younger brother, Adrian. She absolutely hated me from the start and was determined to make my life a living hell. She hated me because Ryan was married to me instead of her friend, Ciara.

"What do you want?" I spat, glaring at her, I've never been so grateful to God for the sleep he had blessed Melissa with right now, otherwise this lady would have said things to my little girl.

"Nothing you can give, besides I heard your dad's company is going bankrupt soon. Poor he, his daughter couldn't even handle her own marriage, never mind run his Company." She said with a fake pout, eyeing me head to toe while feigning sadness.

I wouldn't give her the satisfaction she desires not now, not ever.

"Oh and that's coming from a lady who faked a miscarriage, even when she knew she had no womb." The look on her face showed me that I had just struck a nerve. 

"I thought as much " I smirked, shutting the door... No, more like slamming the door in her face. 

-

The incident with Gwen that night disturbed my inner peace, I couldn't stay in that house any longer. Since she knew where I lived, she'd stop at nothing to ruin me. I couldn't take that chance, especially now that Melissa is part of my life. 

So I called Tracy the next day, and informed her about my change of plans.

We arrived at my dad's old mansion two nights ago thanks to Tracy, who made sure the house was neat and tidy.

The new cook, Isabelle, is a very young and beautiful young lady, with sharp curves and wavy brown hair which she ties in a tight bun. Her brown eyes were bold and adorned with thick long lashes.

Melissa has really warmed up to Isabelle, which offered me some form of relief. 

Lissa rarely ever complained about people, but that's only because she has been close to no other person aside from my dad and I.

"Isabelle, isn't Lissa ready yet?" I asked, loud enough for her to hear me from upstairs.

She had earlier insisted on dressing Lissa while I got ready, so we wouldn't be late. I wanted to take Melissa out for dinner today. 

"She's here Miss" Isabelle announced, descending the stairs with Lissa held securely in her arms.

I wrinkled my nose, "Isabelle, please call me Ava" I insisted.

The difference in our age was not even close to five years, and I don't like the title Ma. The title had a way of making me feel older than I really was. 

She nodded with a smile attached to her lips. Happy with her agreement, I looked at my daughter. Isabelle placed her on the floor and streighted her dress. Lissa giggled and ran towards me with the cutest smile ever.

Melissa was dressed in a flare floral gown that matched the small snickers on her feet. Her hair was in a ponytail.

"You look really beautiful, Lissa " I admired her, kneeling to meet her gaze

"Aunt belle drr-dress me." She said, pointing at Isabelle. I chuckled at the new nickname she has given Isabelle.

I gathered her in my arms, turning my face to Isabelle. She's been nothing but nice to both of us.

"Thank you." I said smiling. She nodded smiling back at us, while we made our way to the door.

Placing Lissa in the back seat of the car, I fastened her seat belt before slipping into the driver's seat and driving off. While I drove i remembered to search for beautiful sites that we could stop by and have fun. 

-

"Mama, hungry" Lissa whined from the back seat

"Lissa, Mama's looking for a healthy restaurant. I don’t want you to fall sick after eating, okay?" I said, looking at her through the rear view mirror. She nodded her head, playing with the hem of her dress. 

After driving for close to twenty minutes, I pulled up in the parking lot of a classic restaurant. Stepping out of the car, I turned to the passengers seat to unfasten Melissa's seat belt while she raised her hands up for me to carry her, which I did. I made sure to grab my wallet and phone before shutting the door with my free hand. With Lissa in my arms, I walked towards the entrance of the restaurant.

We were seated in the private area of the restaurant. I picked this spot to make sure Lissa was comfortable. The waiter that waited at our table had gone to get our order so I decided to use this opportunity to have a little chit chat with my daughter.

"Lissa?"  I called to get her attention. She has been looking round the restaurant ever since we stepped in. Upon hearing her name, she faced me.

Taking her small left hand, I placed it in mine before speaking, "Baby, do you really like Isabelle?" I asked her.

I didn't want Melissa around people that would make her feel intimidated or uncomfortable, as that could affect her self-esteem. Feel free to sue me for wanting the best for my daughter.

"Belle!" She exclaimed in excitement, bopping her head up and down. I chuckled at her reaction, breathing a sigh of relief. 

After a few minutes, the waiter returned with our order. We ate in comfortable silence, taking turns to feed each other.