My ex-husband's nightmare - Chapter 76: Chapter 76

Gloria
“That's so pretty,” I said and watched her beam with a smirk. I know Zoe. Lydia has told me about her before.
I'm not aware of their relationship. But seeing how she's trying to paint her family as happy, I couldn't help but think that things are not as white as she claims they are.
People tend to pretend when they are insecure about the relationship they have with their family, and I can sense it from where I was seated.
Still, I decided to play along with her.
“What brand is it?” I asked.
“Oh, it's BBB. She bought it before coming to the country.” She said with a sense of pride.
I picked up my glass of juice and slowly brought it to my lips. I know that bag; I know the brand.
I have the same bag but in a different color.
She returned the bag to its earlier position, and I settled the glass I held on the table.
“Sometimes I'm kinda envious of you. You are truly blessed with family and life. You live the life of every woman's dream.” Mrs. Everett said.
“Thank you. I can't wait to have one more daughter.” I smiled when her eyes found me. She kicked my daughter out, and now she wanted to welcome Julia? I scoffed within.
“We are going to be family soon. The thought of that is thrilling.”
“Yes. Really, really exciting.”
“I'd be happy about that. When's the wedding held?” I sipped in.
“Soon.” They both shared a look.
I looked between them; they wanted to share something; I knew that look.
“What are you guys hiding from me?” I asked, shuffling closer to them. How could the wedding be soon when the engagement has not been done.
“Well, this is a very private matter. But we have to share, given our relationship.” Mrs. Everett began making me more interested.
I nodded, urging them to continue.
“Mason will be marrying Julia soon.”
Yes, I think that was just made clear.
“I know you must be wondering why it's going to be soon; well,” she looked at Mrs Woods, “Julia's pregnant.” My eyes widened.
“What?” It sounded mean, so I quickly tried to smile when I saw both doing the same, “That's… that's such great news, congratulations.” I said.
“You're going to be grandparents. We need to celebrate.” I tried to match their energy.
“Yes. But before then, I think it would be better for the celebrations to be after the engagement.” Mrs. Everett said.
Victoria nodded after her.
“Is Mason aware?” I asked, wanting to know how he was taking the news.
“Not yet, we only just found out last night.”
What I really wanted to ask was how sure they were that the child belonged to Mason. But then, it was no news that Mason and Julia had been going out for a long time.
“Mason is going to be a father. I bet he'd be thrilled.” I added.
“Yes. I know. That would prompt them to get married as fast as possible.”
“I'm truly wishing the best for them.”
“Maybe you'd get the chance of being the baby's god grandma.” Okay, I don't know if that exists, but I just nodded along.
We spent the rest of the day planning Julia and Mason's engagement and wedding, picking places and clothes for their special day.
Marcus sat with me on the bench that was in the hallway. Aside from the nurse assisting a man in a wheelchair, there was no other person in the hallway.
“You didn't have to come,” Marcus said.
“I do.” He is kind and soft and has been treating the twins well. If it is left for me, I'd have him in Lydia's life.
“How is Melanie?” he asked. She is getting worse by the day and may have to be admitted to the hospital.
I couldn't tell him exactly what I thought, so I went with, “Surviving.”
Lydia was inside the doctor's office with Melanie. They had been there for a long time.
“Has she told you about the …” I didn't need to complete my question. He shook his head.
“Maybe she still doesn't trust me enough.” He said.
I shook my head.
“I don't think so. Did you know she didn't tell me either?” I paused, and he drew his brows together, no doubt wondering how I found out.
“I had to confront her and hold her to tell her that I am aware and she doesn't have to go through it alone.” My mind reverted back to the day.
It wasn't the first time she broke down in front of me, but it was the first time she experienced such hurt.
“She is such a strong woman. And independent. Too independent, she doesn't like sharing her hurt with anyone. If I didn't fight to be in her life, I know I would have long been out of her life.” Marcus said.
I saw it in his eyes at that moment.
“Lydia is just so…” he inhaled sharply, his eyes pinned on the door in front of us.
“She is unique. I think those qualities are attractive. That's the way she has learned to keep her life, and I'm proud of her.”
The tenderness in which he spoke about her. I am further convinced that he likes her.
“She sure is.”
“And I believe she will tell you about Melanie. She's just waiting for the right time.”
He nodded, “but that doesn't stop me from lending a helping hand.”
Lydia had told him she was sick, that's why she was in the hospital, and he had insisted on coming.
“I told her about telling Mason.” He froze at the mention of the name, and I saw his jaws ticked.
He slowly turned towards me, and whatever was evaporating from him died down instantly.
“About the twins?” he asked
I rested my back on the wall.
“Yes.” I spoke before he would begin to think I want them back together, “not to claim the child but for help. We've not been able to secure a kidney yet. And if Melanie is to live, she'll need it.” I paused and continued, “I fear we may…” he shook his head and grabbed my hand.
“No, that won't happen.” He said.
“I'll help. I'll go through the end of the earth if it means finding a kidney for her.” I know he meant it.
“What did she say about telling Mason?”
“She didn't agree.”
“Of course.” He was in support. I wanted to tell him to help me talk some sense into her. But that's of no use.
He likes Lydia. I'm certain he would not want to push her into the embrace of another man.
He is about to speak when the door opens, and Lydia steps out with Melanie. “Big baby!” Marcus was in front of her, and Melanie leaped on him.
I walked to Lydia.
“Hey, mom! When did you get here? I told you, you didn't have to come.”
“Hey granny,” Melanie said, smiling and waving. I smiled back and blew her a kiss.
“Mom, Marcus wants to take me for a walk before we go home.”
“Okay.”
“I'll bring her home,” Marcus said, and Lydia agreed.
“Don't stress Marcus too much,” Lydia said as we watched them both walk out of the hallway before taking a bend.
Lydia and I were alone. We walked out slowly.
“Let's go in my car. I'll have a driver come pick yours.” Lydia said, and I nodded. I wanted to speak to her about what I heard today.
“What did the doctor say?” I asked.
"Her next scheduled dialysis won't start till the weekend.” I inhaled sharply and nodded.
“How did the lunch go? I'm glad you've not been poisoned.” Lydia laughed. Her hands are on the steering wheel.
“It's a restaurant. Even if Victoria is stupid, she wouldn't want to be caught.”
I came here after leaving both women who wanted to go shopping. I had enough from them. So far, it's becoming more unbearable to be in their presence.
“Zoe is back,” I said. Lydia's hand around the steering wheel tightened.
“She seems to be in a good relationship with her mom.”
“I heard she didn't return for all those five years.”
“That's long.” Victoria has not mentioned that earlier. “Do you think her return has anything to do with you?” I asked.
“I hope not, I want nothing to do with her.” She changed lanes.
“Julia and Mason's wedding may be closer than expected.”
“Julia is pregnant with Mason's child. Both mothers plan to trap Mason with the baby.” That's how I saw it.
Julia would refuse to abort the baby and Mason. Mason would have to choose to get married to her.
“Are you okay?” I asked Lydia, turning to her. Julia's child will be the twins's step-sibling.
She held my eyes for a brief moment before returning her gaze ahead of her. She nodded.
“Interesting.” She said, then she continued, “I'm fine. If they are going to hasten the wedding, then I should hasten my plans as well.”