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Chapter 8

Frederick pov

Everyone hates Mondays and I'm not an exception. Today, I'll be closing the deal with Giveon Ventures and planning for our business gala in five days. I always wake up by 7:am and when I heard a loud cry from my alarm this morning, the urge to beckon on Siri to snooze was intense.

I tried to put a little bit of strength in my feet and lift my body out of the bed. I know I am a boss and choosing to avoid the office premises or go in late was no issue. This week, I had lots of paperwork, emails, and meetings to attend. Lest I forget, I had a wedding to prepare for. This was certainly not the time to slack in my business.

I moved to my desk and opened my MacBook. My mail was loaded with unattended messages from some business organizations and banks. I began attending to them one by one.

There was a knock on my door. My heart raced... hope this is not one of those surprise visits from my parents and Ivy. The knock came in again and I opened the door to meet the ever-beautiful Ma Cleopatra staring at me with a smile.

Good morning Ma Cleopatra...

"Good morning Frederick. Are you busy? We need to talk"

Alright…. I said and ushered her into my massive bedroom. I pulled out a chair for her to sit on and stood, just looking at her face. What is going on, I asked.

"I have to leave before the week runs out. I must travel back to America."

Hope everything is okay. I asked, already getting worried and impatient.

"Yes, Frederick. My husband has cancer and his symptoms are getting worse. He needs me at this point. But, I promised myself I wasn't going to leave without getting a good woman to replace me. I have been looking for a better replacement for a week now."

Ma Cleopatra, you don't have to. I can book a flight ticket for you right away. All that matters at this point is your husband, not me. Believe me when I say I am capable of taking care of myself.

"I have already booked an interview with a young woman. I met her yesterday at the mall. She may have someone who can replace me."

Okay Cleopatra, if you insist on staying back till you find a maid for me, no problem. But you must let me know immediately if you need my help. I held her hands, gently pulled her out of the chair, and hugged her.

Ma Cleopatra treated me like her child because she couldn't conceive. She has been the perfect mother figure to me.

After the hug, she retired back downstairs and I began taking off my clothes for a morning bath.

I didn't quite take long in the bathtub. When I got out, it was already 8:36 am. I called Lois to start preparing the car and went to pick up one of my tuxedos from my wardrobe. By the way, my favorite color is black and it wasn't shocking to find that most of my coats, shirts, pants, and shoes were matte black. It was a tradition to look all black on a Monday morning. To me, it meant I was ready for serious business.

As I dressed up, I couldn't stop thinking about what Ma Cleopatra said. Although it would be hard having a different woman taking care of me, I felt sad that she was going away forever. I had gotten so used to having her around, eating her food, and receiving scoldings. Maybe, it was all for the best.

I put on my shoe, adjusted my tie, and used perfume. I rushed downstairs and met Ma Cleopatra in the dining room. I hugged and planted a kiss on her forehead.

You can use any car of your choice for the interview. I'll have Lois come to pick and drop you off, I said in a soft and calm tone.

I left the mansion and arrived at the office early. I got to my office and met thankfully, this time, I met paperwork and not Kiel. Excuse me, I wasn't avoiding my best friend. It was that I reached a point in my life when I needed to be serious. And it wasn't because I was getting married or becoming a husband yet, being serious and focused was just necessary. I needed no distractions whatsoever. My marriage to Ivy was enough distraction already.

Ma Cleopatra pov

I met a young woman at the mall the day before today and my heart synced with hers. She seemed naive and gentle. Deep beneath, I know she was hiding her pain.

I know all of this because her body language gave her away

First of all, she bumped into me and then uttered a faint apology. She seemed to feel hurt by something. She acted distant from her environment too.

Are you okay? I asked… feeling concerned

She assured me she was fine but, a tear fell from her eye.

Cleopatra... that's my name!! I said to her. The atmosphere was already getting awkward and to clear the air, I told her my name.

Okay, ma. I'm in a hurry. I have to leave now," she muttered, still shivering and crying…

I asked for her phone number because I still wanted to have a conversation with her.

Is everything okay ma… she asked when I inquired about her cell number

Yes, darling. I just want to be able to talk to you, if you are comfortable with it, I answered back

I called her back later to book an appointment with her. I wanted to get to know her and also needed her help finding a replacement.

Fastwording to today. I met Frederick so I can explain the issues I had going on in my head and thankfully, he was already awake.

I knocked two times before he opened the door

"Good morning Ma Cleopatra, he  greeted."

Good morning Frederick. Are you busy? We need to talk

He ushered me into his bedroom and muttered, what is it?

I have to leave before the week runs out. I must travel back to America. I said...

Hope everything is okay. He asked, already sounding worried and impatient.

Yes, Frederick. My husband has cancer and his symptoms are getting worse. He needs me at this point. But, I promised myself I wasn't going to leave without getting a good woman to replace me. I have been looking for a better replacement for a week now, I responded.

I have already booked an interview with a young woman. I met her yesterday at the mall. She may have someone who can replace me., I continued

Immediately Frederick left for the office. I called Kharis's number to remind her of our arrangement.

It rang for a while till she finally picked up the call.

Good morning Kharis. It's ma Cleopatra. Are you done with your work for this morning, I asked.

We have. Meeting by noon.

"Good morning ma'am. I remember we have a meeting today. I'll see you there. Thank you!!"

Call me when you are almost done preparing. My driver would come to pick you up. I responded…

Okay, ma.

After 2 hours of waiting and reading a magazine, I picked up my phone and began calling Lois. Kharis was almost home!!

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