Chapter 83

After an hour, Chester didn't feel comfortable about Harlow's response. He tried calling Olivia but her number was not connecting. He also noticed that he had seen nearly all the maids that morning.

"Where are we going first?"

"Let's decide during breakfast"

"Okay!" She walked up to him and hugged him from behind. "For a groom who is about to get married to the love of his life, you don't seem happy. What could be the issue? Nervous? Hmm?" She whispered, kissing his neck.

"Uh...you can say that. I can't believe I'm doing this again"

She turned and faced him. "You will be fine, trust me"

He nodded.

"Tomorrow, I will officially become your wife and I will be called, Harlow Chester Perkins"

He chuckled. "how you long to be called that name."

She laughed. "Let's go have breakfast. Uh, sorry I have to take this call. Go first, I will come after you"

"Sure"

Arriving at the dining, he expected to meet Adriana and probably Olivia standing beside her as usual but to his dismay, none of them were present.

"Sally? What about Adriana?" He questioned, taking his seat.

But she ignored him and busied with serving food on the table.

"Sally, I'm asking a question. What about Adriana? Has she had breakfast yet?"

She turned to the stairs, staring at Harlow in fear.

"Sally has an injury in her mouth. It hurts when she talks" Harlow broke out.

"Then can someone at least give me an answer?"

"Calm down, you're raising your voice. Why are you suddenly worried about her?"

He sighed and drank some water. "I can't tell myself" he whispered.

"Adriana is fine, we shall see her either tonight or tomorrow. You will probably be busy. Come on! You have the remaining days and years after tomorrow to spend with her. Focus on me, our wedding, and our future"

He nodded as he opened his food.

"So, tell me. Where should we go first? Size our wedding dresses? Pick up some of your guests from the airport? Visit the caterer and venue?"

"Uh... whatever you decide" he responded.

*****

By morning, Olivia walked into her children's bedroom and found them busy. Aryan focused on his Macbook, Adrian focused on his laptop while Adriana lay on the bed, watching cartoons with her tablet.

"Isn't it too early to be doing this? I heard there's a beach close by, we should see what it looks like and get acquainted with the environment"

"I think we're better off in Guyana" Adrian responded without sparing a glance at her.

"We were really close to exposing Chester and Harlow. I mean, they should have been in prison last night. Do you not find it weird that Aldo helped you escape the moment you were about to expose his son?" Aryan questioned.

"You told us that parents will always prioritize their children over anyone else, why will Aldo forsake his son just to save you?" Adriana chipped in.

"I see y'all are very much upset but I understand you and I'm sorry. I don't care if Chairman Aldo had any intentions about this or not. I care about your safety and it means so much to me more than anything" she explained, crouching down.

"We are doing all of these for you." Aryan began, dropping his Macbook to face his mother. "We couldn't care more about whatever Chester did to you before our childbirth, all of this was for you"

"And I don't want that. I don't want you to be so worried about me, enough of that. Let's focus on your future now. Y'all are my strengths, you give me hope and I want the best for you more than anything in the world. I want to see you grow and become amazing people"

Adriana crawled down from the bed and knelt before her, she held up her chin, looking into her eyes. Olivia's heart missed a beat. Adriana was pretty good at studying emotions, she could look into your eyes and tell your emotions and reasons for your actions. Unlike her brothers who were more rational and logical, Adriana was more empathetic and will consider your emotions before anything.

"Mommy is human as well, what does mommy want? What does Olivia want? Behind this mask, deep inside her heart, what does she yearn for?"

"Seeing y'all happy. I will be the happiest person on earth. I want to see y'all grow, fulfill your dreams, and live life to the fullest without worrying about situations I can control" she explained passionately.

"You're really not bothered about the fact that 6 years ago, your ex-husband was about to kill you and 3 children in you?" Adrian popped up a question.

"Aryan!" Adrian shouted.

Olivia chuckled. "Not anymore, it doesn't matter. By tomorrow, he shall become Harlow's husband. It's obvious we can't win, I'm sorry for involving y'all in these, let's focus on our future now"

They all went silent.

"Come on! Give momma a hug already" she pleaded, spreading her arms open.

*******

Walking down the mall, Harlow clung to Chester like she heard some rumors someone was going to steal him away.

"It's been a long we did this" she whispered with a smile, admiring the jewelry behind the show glasses as they strolled around the store.

"Enjoy it" he responded.

"Do you think this will look good on me?" She asked, pointing at a glittery diamond necklace.

"Let's check it out"

"Hello, can I see this?" She excitedly, pointed at the jewelry.

"How does this look?" She turned and asked him, wearing the jewelry.

He smiled. "Sorry, excuse me" he muttered, bringing out his phone.

"Yes, Gerald" he responded, walking away from Harlow, his phone placed on his ear.

He stood there all quiet listening to Gerald speak.

"Enough, Gerald. Hit the nail on the head. What happened?" He questioned with a frown.

He returned his phone to his pocket and ran out of the mall, to his car.

"What? Wait, wait!" Harlow screamed, running after him.