13

At the southern part of the City, not very far away from Issac’s mansion, there was a banquet going on. The dazzling decoration and the breathtakingly beautiful decoration could easily sway anyone’s heart. It was the same day when Ada met Mia.

Mia, being one of the most recognized personalities of the business world was invited too. She had almost forgotten about the banquet but she received a phone call from Madam Scarlet who invited her again personally. Mia was the kind of woman that could refuse anybody without batting an eye. But as it was an invitation from Scarlet, her best friend she couldn’t refuse. So she went to attend the party, leaving Isaac and Ada alone in the study room.

Mia was dressed elegantly, her peach pink dress made her look youthful. She applied light makeup that gave her a fresh look. She walked up the stairs towards the mansion’s door that led into the hallway that was bustling with people in shiny dresses, 

Many eyes landed on her, she was a big catch to be more specific, as she was the mother of a successful businessman who was surprisingly still single.

The daughters of many families tried to get her attention but Mia was only interested in finding her friend; Scarlet.

Mia stepped up the stairs and there she saw a youthful face. She had fair skin, with pulp red lips. Her dark-filled eyebrows with ocean blue eyes, her dark hair were formed into a bun. She wore a red dress that hugged her body. Mia chuckled when she finally saw the woman walking down the stairs.

“Mia!! You came!” She swiftly walked towards Mia and gave her a tight hug,

“I missed you so much, it had been a long time since we last met.” She patted her back and said.

“Yeah! It’s been a long time but you are still as attractive as the day I met you 15 years ago. Do you not know how to get old?” Mia nagged.

“It’s a secret,” Scarlet smiled, she looked around and then back at Mia.

“Is your son not here?” Scarlet asked.

“No, you know how picky he is…” Mia clicked her tongue and shook her head sideways,

“Isn’t it odd? We have been friends for so long yet I have never met your son officially,” Scarlet grinned.

“Yeah! But the same goes for you, Where is your daughter? It has been almost 7 years,” Mia gave a slight frown.

“What should I say about that disobedient child,” Scarlet took Mia’s arm and stepped downstairs with a sad expression.

“What did she do?” Mia asked.

“She doesn’t pick up my calls, she doesn’t talk to me. And above all she isn’t coming back from abroad,” Scarlet pouted, “The last time I heard from her was a few weeks ago, I asked her about her plans, she said she was getting married—but can you believe it? She didn’t invite me!” Scarlet was on the verge of crying.

“Tsk-tsk-tsk, She was such an innocent child back then, how did she become so rebellious?” Mia asked. 

“You know how much she was attached to her father when I got married to Paul, she changed,” Scarlet eyes had shiny tears in them, 

“You know, today someone reminded me of Peace, She brought me a cake, just like Peace used to make for me,” Mia spoke in a deep voice.

At her words Scarlet’s eyebrows twitched, she was about to ask her but she was interrupted by Jack.

“Mother! You are here, the guests are waiting for you,” Jack walked over to Scarlet and spoke.

“Hi, Aunt Mia, how are you?” Jack looked at the lady beside her mother.

“Such a nice son you have,” Mia nodded to Jack and praised him for being decent. “At least you have one child that is obedient to you,”

Jack grinned and asked Mia, “ Why? Are you bad-mouthing someone?” 

“No dear! It’s nothing like that,” Scarlet spoke, Jack looked at his stepmother with an unsatisfied gaze and he saw the tears in her eyes.

“Gosh! Don’t tell me you are talking about Peace,” Jack blurted out.

“Sigh! Is it that obvious?” Scarlet asked.

“Yes, it is,” Jack took her hand and held it in between his, “ Don't worry! Peace is perfectly fine, She is safe,” 

Jack was the son of Paul, and Peace was the daughter of Scarlet. Paul married Scarlet after her husband died. Paul was a usual playboy of his time and he had always been fond of beauty. Scarlet’s beauty caught his eyes and he courted her. Scarlet didn’t want a temporary relationship so she asked Paul to marry her. And so they got married and Peace wasn’t happy about this so she decided not to live with her mother anymore.

Her relationship with her mother became more and more hostile until she finally decided to leave the country.

Jack was having a hard time keeping his mouth shut regarding Peace’s return. And he suppressed the urge of telling Scarlet the truth.

“Have you heard from her recently? Do you know who is married to, what he does, and what he looks like?” Scarlet asked Jack with a curious tone.

“Yes—she said she is very happy with her husband,” Jack lies bluntly.

Scarlet’s frown eased into a smile and she lightly patted his shoulder. “Thank you for keeping in touch with her, you are the only one whom she talks to and listens to—I am so glad to have you, Jack,” she looked at him with motherly love.

“That’s nice to hear, but the guests are waiting! And you can’t ignore them after throwing a party, come on!” He pulled her light towards the crowd.