Chapter Six

Nicole.

The car was at the gate when my phone vibrated in my lap, feeling excited knowing Jack had finally replied because he’s the only one who I get calls and texts from.

My smile widened as I opened my phone, only to frown when I saw what the message was.

It wasn’t a text from Jackson alright but a recent news that just popped up, it was another picture of Jackson and Laura coming out of a hotel. Jackson was still in his previous clothes which meant that he was with her all night.

I read the caption ‘IS THIS A SIGN THAT THEY ARE BACK TOGETHER?’’

I wanted to go into the phone and slap some senses into the writer, they shouldn’t just say anything just because of a picture.

Who knows, maybe Jackson and Laura didn’t stay in the same room, maybe they met in the lobby or something?

I thought as I tried coming up with an excuse for his behavior again but the next picture of him coming out of the same room with Laura changed my mind.

They didn’t just meet but they both slept in the same room.

What the hell?

Was Jack cheating on me?

I shook my head, no he wouldn’t do that. He…..he promised he wouldn’t do that.

“Ma’am. Mrs Davenport.” I snapped out of my thoughts, taking my eyes off the phone and staring at the driver.

“We are here, ma’am.” He said and that’s when I realized we were in the parking lot.

I pocketed my phone and with a small thanks stepped out of the car, with his help, we were able to take some flowers inside.

The view inside wasn’t what I was expecting to see, everything was set up nicely like a party.

Is someone hosting a party I don’t know about?

I kept on walking with the flowers but thankfully a maid took them from my hands and I was able to go look for Janice—Jackson’s mother.

It didn’t take long before I spotted her in the garden barking out orders to some maids. I looked around and was glad Shirley was nowhere to be found, I’m too drained to entertain both mother and daughter.

“Mrs Davenport,” I called as soon as I was in earshot.

She didn’t bother turning around to look at me because like she always says, she’s too big and mighty to turn for a peasant like me.

“What’s going on?” I asked when I was standing in front of her.

With a scowl on her face, she stared at me, “Where are the flowers, Nicole?” She asked instead of answering my question.

I gulped and then gestured at the maid bringing the flowers in.

“They are bringing them in. I would like to know what’s going on, Mo…. Mrs Davenport.” I quickly corrected myself after the glare I received for almost calling her mother.

For the first time today, she smiled,

“I’m hosting a party to welcome my daughter-in-law.” She said, her smile almost blinding as she looked around.

Again, for the third time today, I became as still as a mountain when I heard that.

What does she mean by that? Her daughter-in-law? Janice has only one son whom I’m married to so what other daughter-in-law is she talking about?

Did she perhaps see the envelope?

“What…. I don’t understand?” I asked, blinking as I waited for her response.

She frowned when her gaze met mine. She married them, “You certainly do not think you are the one I am talking about, do you?” She questioned.

Then I found myself asking, “Who are you talking about then?”

A mistake.

I should have known by now; I shouldn’t talk back to her. No matter how angry I am, no matter how much her words hurt me. Jack made it clear I shouldn’t speak to his mother that way.

“You don’t have any right to question me, Nicole. Remember whose house you’re living in.” She warned.

I didn’t leave as she’d expected, I wasn’t going to leave until I had gotten an answer.

I may not be worthy according to them but I have every freaking right to know what she’s talking about.

“I….” Before I could say anything, chaos broke from inside the house.

Janice was the first to go inside before I unwillingly followed, I still haven’t gotten my answer yet.

Turns out it wasn’t a quarrel as I’d thought but the arrival of Jack and not just Jack but beside him was Laura, his ex-girlfriend whom everyone was trying to take a picture with.

I get it. She is a very popular model with the right shape, the right curves, and a beautiful face. Everyone wants her as their ambassador because she’s good at what she does—even though I hate to say that.

I watched as they both made their way toward Janice who was all smiles. Her arms were wide open by the time Laura was close enough for her to pull her into a big hug.

I swallowed as I watched the two of them, she had never hugged me like that. Not even when her son married me.

But here she is hugging his ex-girlfriend and also welcoming her with a smile.

“Welcome my dear. I have missed you so much, how was your flight? Hope you have a nice time my dear?” I have never heard Janice ask so many questions too.

I stood three feet away from them, pulling my eyes from them to Jack who was watching them with a fond smile on his face and hadn't even paid as simple a glance at me.

“I’m fine Aunty, and yes the flight was also fine. I have missed you and Shirley,” she paused and looked around.

“Where is she?” She asked.

“She went out to get something but will be back soon. Thank you for coming back, my dear.” Another hug.

“It’s nothing aunty, you shouldn’t thank me.”

“Nonsense, I should thank you because my dear boy needs you by his side now and could you please stop calling me ‘aunty’.” Everyone frowned, I was the one who wanted to know what was going on.

I thought Mrs Davenport liked—no love Laura.

“Aunt—”

“Call me mom instead, you know you’re like a daughter to me and very soon you will be my son's wife. I see no reason for you not to call me mom.” Laura frowned and glanced at Jack before looking at me.

I was waiting for Jack to say something, there’s no way in hell Laura was going to be Jackson’s wife because I am already his wife.

I was waiting for Jack to clarify that but all he did was smile and shrug at Laura when she looked at him again.

Typical. He really is his mommy’s boy.

“Is that okay with you Jack?” I hate how she calls his name.

Nobody except me should call him that.

“Like mom said, I see no problem with it,” Jack answered.

“But how about your wife? Do you think she will have a problem with it?” She and everyone was looking at me now.

“Do you have a problem with that, Nicole?”