-EMILY-
“I’m truly sorry for my son’s behavior,” I say to Jada, feeling a bit embarrassed. “He usually listens to me, but lately, I have to admit he’s been acting a bit
out of sorts.”
It bothers me that I can no longer predict Apollo’s next move. He usually follows my orders without me having to ask twice. This new side of him made me a bit frustrated and I was learning to deal with it.
Jada offers a reassuring smile. “I think he’s just being honest about work.” She pauses for a moment and adds, “You’ve told me before that he’s a hard worker. I don’t blame him for skipping dinner if something important came up.”
I wanted to believe her, but I had a gift for sensing when Apollo was being dishonest. This was definitely one of those moments.
Why had he been so quick to tell me not to drop anything off for him at the office before I headed back to the airport? That was very unlike him.
“Is everything alright?” Jada inquires, sensing my discomfort.
An idea struck me, and I quickly shared it with her. “I know Apollo said he didn’t want me to drop anything off, but I just have a feeling he’d be really happy to see me one last time before I go home.”
This was the best way to settle my unease. Maybe Apollo was telling the truth, and I was simply overthinking things.
“You’re such a good mom,” Jada says, her expression warm. “I wish my mom was more like you.”
I took her hand and guided her to my waiting car. “That’s so sweet of you to say. Apollo will be lucky to have you as his wife once everything is finalized.”
Jada smiles brightly. “I’m really looking forward to it, especially after meeting him today. He’s everything I had hoped he would be.”
Hearing her express this made me feel reassured. I didn’t want anything to stand in the way of their marriage. The more Jada got to know my son, stronger their bond would become. I was determined to set up as many meetings between them as possible.
the
Yet, a nagging feeling persisted in my chest; I couldn’t shake the notion that Apollo was hiding something from me. I knew him too well to ignore the signs that something was off. Whatever he was concealing, he was working hard to keep it from me.
Glancing at Jada, I thought I should press Apollo a bit more until he finally opened up.
“Do you think Apollo might be interested in someone else?” Jada asks suddenly.
I frown. “Of course not. He’s never been one to settle down. If there was a young lady he liked, he would have told me by now. We don’t keep secrets
from each other.”
She nodded, though I could see concern etched on her face. “It’s just that he seemed a bit distracted today and not very interested in joining us for
dinner.”
Her words stung a little. My son had always enjoyed spending time with me.
“I think you might be mistaken,” I reply firmly. “Something might have him a bit preoccupied, but I know he wanted to go out for dinner. Don’t worry. Apollo is going to marry you because that’s what I want him to do.”
I was confident in the influence I had over Apollo. He always tried to make me happy, especially considering everything his father had put me through.
“Okay,” Jada says, her mind evidently easing. I was glad to see that. I didn’t want her questioning the reality of their future marriage. There were plenty of other women who would want to be with Apollo, but she was the only one I truly wanted for him. I planned to make sure she ended up with my son.
“We’re here,” I say as I spot the imposing building.
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Chapter 38
The driver opens the door, and we step out quietly.
“His office is on the tenth floor,” I inform Jada. “It actually takes up the entire floor.”
She looks pleased. “Apollo has done really well for himself.”
Inod, proud. “He has always been serious about his career. When his father and I started this business for him, we never imagined he would succeed this brilliantly. As you know, I plan to leave my entire empire to my children, but Apollo doesn’t even need it; he’s made a name for himself on his own.”
Jada smiles. “I can’t wait to see his office.”
As soon as the guard’s gaze falls upon me, his eyes widen with recognition. His posture shifts slightly; the tension in his shoulders rises as he realizes who
Lam.
“Mrs. Reign,” he says, his face lighting up a bit despite the tension. “It’s nice to see you again.”
I smile back. “I brought my future daughter–in–law to show her around and let her see what Apollo has accomplished on his own. Could you let him know we’re here?”
He furrowed his brow, looking confused.
“I can, but I don’t know if you’re aware that the entire building is closed right now,” he informs me. “No one is working this late.”
An uncomfortable feeling stirs in my chest. I didn’t like the directions this conversation was heading.
This had to be some kind of mistake. He must not have seen my son enter the compound. That is the only explanation for this.
“Are you sure Apollo didn’t come here, maybe an hour ago?” I pressed for confirmation. I would not leave until I saw for myself that my son was not present.
He shook his head, looking a bit alarmed at my sudden change in mood.
“I’m certain,” he says. “No one has entered the building for a while. If you’d like, you can still take a look around, but you won’t find anyone here.”
Jada turns to me, disappointment clear in her eyes. I was at a loss for words. I couldn’t believe my son would lie to me. I knew something was amiss, but I hadn’t expected him to deceive me about where he was.
He lied to me?
A pang of betrayal seized my heart.
What could Apollo possibly be up to that he didn’t feel comfortable enough telling me about?
For the first time in my life, I felt like I didn’t know everything going on in my son’s life and it bothered me.
There had to be someone taking his attention away from me. He wouldn’t do something like this unless someone else was involved.
Who was more important than me?
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AD
