My ex-husband's nightmare - Chapter 75: Chapter 75

Victoria
I took one last look at my reflection before leaving the room.
I had a lunch date with Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. Everett.
Stepping out of the room, I closed the door and walked down the hallway. At the side of the hallway, there was a frame. In front of it, a maid was cleaning; she stopped and turned.
She bowed, saying a greeting.
I walked past her.
I held the rails as I walked down the stairs. It was already past 12 pm. Immediately I got to the sitting room, I was greeted by an unusual sight, an unusual presence.
Mason was seated on the couch, and my daughter, Zoe, was in front of him.
I haven't seen her for the past five years. She looked as young and pretty as she had always been.
Was she here for a surprise visit? My steps slowed, you could barely hear my shoes clicking on the floor. Maybe they did hear but didn't want to turn.
They were too engrossed in the conversation they were having.
“What do you think? It's been five days.” Mason said, staring at his phone, his hand scrolling up and down. His brows are furrowed.
I stopped on my track, listening to him. He rarely tells me things, and I know he has a good relationship with Zoe. He tells her everything, his fears, and joys, every single thing.
“What if she blocked me?” His words were drenched in concern.
Who blocked him? Did Julia block him? But I spoke to her yesterday, and she said he has been ignoring her message.
“What was your last message to her?” Zoe asked. She has a plate of grapes on her lap and puts one into her mouth.
Mason lifted his head and adjusted on his seat.
“Nothing bad.”
“Can I see?” Zoe asked, placing the plate of grapes on the table between them, before trying to reach for his phone. But he didn't allow her to touch it.
“No,” he paused as she returned to her earlier position. He then placed the phone into his pocket.
“It's confidential.”
“You wouldn't let me see the message or tell me who the recipient is,” Zoe said.
“You know what, I don't want to hear what you have to say. I have no advice or help to offer, don't bother me,” she turned away from him.
I smile. Seeing them together brings old memories back.
They have been inseparable since they were young.
Granted, Mason has always been older than her, but they had this sacred relationship I was always envious of.
I cleared my throat and began to walk towards them.
My heels sharply clicked on the ground, and they both turned towards my direction, noticing my presence.
But neither of them said anything or turned to me to acknowledge me.
It pinches my heart that they never allowed me to be part of their friendship.
I walked to Zoe. “Zoe, my love. When did you come, is this a surprise?” I asked, hoping she'd stand for a hug, but she didn't.
Even after five years, she couldn't pretend to be happy when she saw me. I looked between both of them.
I dropped onto the couch Zoe was seated on, forcing myself onto the little space between us. She adjusted, creating a bigger space. But I wanted to be near her, so I adjusted to her.
I wrapped my hand around her and pulled her to myself. “My daughter, mama, has missed you so much," I said to her.
“How have you been?” she didn't hug me back
She felt stiff in my embrace.
“I'm fine.” She said and moved away from my hug. I bit my lower lips.
I ruined my relationship with Zoe to get Lydia out of my son's life. Don't blame me; I have tried to amend the relationship
Several times I have tried to speak to her. I wanted to spend time with her. Distance wasn't a barrier since we had the financial capacity to see daily if we wanted to.
However, no matter what I did, visited, or sent gifts, letters, or messages, they were not reciprocated. She never welcomed me. I never saw her all those times I went away.
Sometimes, I can't help but wonder. We may never have spoken about it, but I know she knew.
She knows I was aware of what my late husband did to her.
I kept quiet about it because I needed to keep my family together. If Mason had come to find out about it, he would have made sure he killed him with his own hands.
I didn't want that; I wanted a family others were envious of.
I had friends and was a member of various clubs. I needed to keep my life and family together to be held in the high regard they did and be respected
The only stain and dissatisfaction I had in my family was Lydia, and I removed her from my life.
I reached to touch Zoe's hair, but she moved away from my touch.
I dropped my hand.
“When did you come? How long have you been around? You should have told me you were coming, then I'd have welcomed you at the airport myself.” I said, she moved backwards, and I didn't try to move towards her.
I don't want this to be more awkward than it already was.
“I've been around for five days.” She said. “Or is it a week? I lost count.”
My eyes widened, and I tried to mask the disappointment I felt. She has been around, and didn't think it would be nice to reach out to me?
I felt disappointed. My stomach turns within me.
“Where have you been staying?” I asked, “You should have come home.” I said sternly.
“I was with Mason.”
I turned to Mason, “You knew she was back”? He is back to staring at his phone, still on the message I suppose.
“I did.” He said without lifting his head.
“Why didn't you tell me?” I tried to maintain a calm voice, but my tone betrayed the hurt, anger, and disappointment I felt within.
Zoe stood up, “It doesn't matter now, I'm here now, aren't I?’ she didn't wait for my response.
“I'm tired. I'll take a nap.” She walked to Mason and dropped a peck on his cheeks.
“Bye, bro. Don't forget your promise.”
“I won't.” I watched her leave before turning to face Mason.
“Why would you do this? Why keep her from me?” I was more disappointed in him. He was older, and he should know these things more than her to take her home; instead, he allowed her to stay in his penthouse.
“She didn't want to come; I couldn't force her.” He said, removing his eyes from his phone.
I inhaled sharply, trying to let it go. Zoe was home; that's all that matters.
It was time to talk about Julia.
“Julia said you've been ignoring her calls.” I went straight to the point.
“Have I?” He asked nonchalantly.
“Yes. You know you have.” I said in an accusatory tone.
“You should speak to her. She's not happy. This is getting to her really bad.” She had important news to share.
“Okay.” That was all he said, and then he stood and walked away, “I'm off. I have a meeting.” I bite the inside of my mouth.
Mason appeared again, “Mom, I don't know what's going on with you and Zoe. But seeing how she's still angry after five years, I think it's highly fine you resolve it. I'm quite sure whatever it is, you've not apologized.”
“Why do you think I should be the one to apologize?” I asked.
He pressed his lips together.
“We both know you are.” He turned. I heard the door open and close and dropped down on the couch.
There was no way he knew about Zoe and that bastard of my husband. No way he did, right?
I shook my head. If he did then he would have said something.
Before I got to the agreed restaurant, I stopped at a shopping mall to grab a new bag. My mood was ruined, and I needed something to boast about before appearing before my friends.
It did the magic.
I picked up a black bag.
They were already waiting at the table when I got there. We exchanged pleasantries.
“You mean your daughter is finally back?” Mrs. Everett said when I told her about Zoe.
I smiled and nodded.
“I've heard so much about her from you, and I look forward to meeting her.”
“You will soon. And that sweet girl missed her mom so much,” I said, placing my hand on my chest, “she hugged me so tight I was scared I'd break.” I placed my hand over my lips, hiding a chuckle.
“And then she gave me this.” I placed my bag on the table.
“A bag.”
“That's so pretty.” It was Mrs Brooks.
“Yes. I know.”
I liked it, all my worries, disappointment and anger washed away as I stared at their envious eyes.
I smirked. This is what I live for, showing my family off to the world.