11

“Madam, Someone is here to meet you,” the head maid walked into Mia’s room.

Mia was reading a book while enjoying a cup of floral tea with a slice of creamy strawberry cake.

“Who is it?” She asked softly as she placed the book on the table.

“She calls herself Charlotte Evan Woods,” the maid looked down in respect.

“Charlotte!! Where is she?” Mia swiftly got up,

“She is waiting in the living room,” the maid replied.

“Okay! I will be downstairs in a minute,” She glanced at herself in the mirror and ran her fingers through her short hair, before giving a light smile to herself.

“Madam will be here in a short while,” the maid spoke in respect.

‘Hah! Now I see where he gets his arrogance from— all of them make me wait!!’ Ada thought inwardly and huffed.

“Dear! What brings you here?” Mia who was oddly sweet to her walked into the room with her arms wide open, at first Ada didn’t know how to respond but when she saw Mia getting closer to her she stood up and responded to her warm hug.

“Such a pleasant surprise, my dear,” She kissed her cheek lightly and parted.

“I was at the mall when I saw the shop, it reminded me of my mother but as you know she is—“ Ada’s eyes watered, “she is no more so I thought of you and bought you these,” her acting skills were groundbreaking.  Mia glanced at the flowers and the box of sweets with a love-filled gaze.

“You are such a nice child, come here and give your mother a hug,” She caged her in the arms again.

“It’s so nice to hear that you thought of me as your mother,” Mia rubbed her hair lightly.

“Why Don't you take a look at what I brought you,” Ada added.

“Sure I will,” She picked one of the boxes and opened it. Her eyes froze on what she saw inside. And slowly her lips formed into a lovely smile.

“How did you know I like strawberry cake?” Mia asked with a love-filled voice. “Even the flowers are of my favorite color,” Mia was speechless, while the color of Ada’s face faded.

‘Peace is scary!’ That was the only thought Ada had in mind.

“It’s just, my mother loved it so thought you might like it too,” Ada replied.

Mia placed the box back on the table and sat beside Ada.

“I always wanted a sweet daughter like you, and now look at this God has given me one in the form of a daughter-in-law.” Mia looked quite impressed with Ada.

“Why don’t you give it a try, I would like to know if you like it or not,” Ada picked up the box and pulled out the plastic spoon inside the box, and handed it over to Mia.

‘Why am I doing this? Am I an idiot? What If she is just saying that she likes sweets because she doesn’t want me to get sad,’ Ada was fighting with herself when Mia took the spoon.

“I will try it,” She dug the spoon into the side of the soft pink cake and took a bite, Ada waited for her response but what she didn’t expect was a deep look in her eyes.

“It tastes so much like— like how she used to make,” The taste reminded Mia of somebody.

“Where did you get this from?” She asked in a curious voice,

“A shop at the mall,” Ada replied.

“Oh!!” She looked a bit disappointed, not because the taste was bad but because she knew there was no way that person had made it.

Mia happily took a few more bites of the cake and placed it back on the table.

“Let me show you around your new house,” Mia got up, Ada didn’t move as she was following Peace’s instructions strictly.

“What happened, dear?” Mia asked.

“I don’t think I should do that,” Ada hung her head low,

“Why? What is wrong?” Mia asked,

“Can I ask you for something?” Ada added.

“Go on,” Mia sat back beside her and asked.

“If, if Isaac doesn’t—I mean if Isaac rejects me and doesn’t marry me, can I —can I still visit you? I mean you remind me of my mother so much!” Ada’s eyelashes flickered when she asked in a broken voice,

“Who told you he is not gonna marry you? Did he say something like that?” She was blown. 

“Yes-I mean no, I can’t say it,”

“That overgrown Turnip! Let me deal with him for you,” Mia calmed her down and pulled out her phone, and dialed Isaac.

“Can I call you back I am a bit busy now,”

“Listen to me! What did you say to this innocent soul? How can you be so hurtful towards a girl! I want you here now!” Mia lashed out.

“But why? What did I do?”

“What did you do? Do you think you can torture an orphan girl and I am not gonna know? Come home right now and apologize to her.” 

“But mom!”

“No buts, I want you here right now!” 

‘Wow! That worked like magic! I mean how did everything turn out the way Peace had planned?’ Ada was shocked at what she had just witnessed.

“He will be here in a while and I will make him apologize to you,” Mia patted her head. “If that doesn’t make you feel good then I will arrange an engagement party for both of you so you can become official,” she spoke calmly.

“Really?! I am so happy to hear that,” Ada hugged her tightly as she smiled.

“I am happy to have someone like you as a daughter,” Mia patted her, “ You will make a great couple!” She spoke.

“I hope so too,” Ada replied, she had a huge grin on her face.