Chương 30: Mother-in-law!

Alice got back into her usual self as soon as she entered the studio. Catherine was already in a black floral Halterneck dress, flowing curls & high heels. Her heels clicked on the floor as she approached her. She folded her arms across her chest, "Where did you suddenly disappear? You didn't even answer my calls?"

"I was at the hospital & my phone was in silent mode."

"Huh? Does your head hurt? Again?"Cath flashed her a serious look.

"Nope. I went to visit a friend."

"I see. Get ready now."

"But...", Alice hesitated.

"Your bandages? They'll handle it. Don't worry."

Tyler came & explained, "Miss Buds, don't worry. Everything is set."

Alice nodded & followed behind him.

...

30 minutes later

Alice walked out of her dressing room in a blue Navy top paired with black Flared pants,& a pair of black clogs. Her hair hung in loose curls while her bandages were hidden under a white Rose Pearl gracious tiara. Her light touch up added a finishing glow to her facial features.

"Perfect!", Crook gave a thumbs-up.

Cath smiled & hooked her arms around her, "Let's go.'

And, thus their photoshoot began.

---

Adley Mansion

"Tell me her whereabouts?", the woman ordered in a stern voice.

"Ma'am, she's currently in a photoshoot."

"Arrange a car for me. I'll pay her a visit."

"Yes, ma'am."

The bodyguard shivered even though she didn't let out her hyena cackle.

Don't tell me the Ma'am is going to kill the girl herself!

The woman hung up her phone & got down from her bed. She sat on the couch in front of her dresser. There, she pulled out a drawer. Inside it was a rather old photo. She pulled it out. In the photo was a girl child playing on a swing. Her face cracked & her eyes glistened.

"Sorry!",she muttered under her breath.

She shook her head & shoved the photo inside the drawer. The next moment, she was back into her usual self & she put herself into grooming herself for the meeting.

---

Studio

Currently, Cath & Alice were on a break after a long session of the photoshoot. A few moments back, Alice was on the phone with Daniel. She told him about Rose, which made him equally stunned & shocked. Never mind!

...

Suddenly Cath spoke in a whisper, "Looks like your mother-in-law came to visit you!"

"Huh?",Alice was confused.

Cath pointed her chin towards the entrance & Alice followed her gaze. She saw the woman enter. A strange feeling rose in her heart. But when she thought back to her hyena cackle, she felt goosebumps rising. No wonder, the woman gave her a strangely familiar vibe. She sat there contemplating, whether she should greet her or not. But before she could decide, the woman was right before her eyes. She flashed her a brilliant smile, "Hello! My dear!"

Alice gulped & stood up, "Hello! Aunty. What a pleasant surprise!"

The woman pulled her into a hug which gave Alice her ultimate goosebumps. More & more strangely familiar feelings arose in between them.

The woman released her, & took a seat beside her. Why is this woman sitting here?! Alice shuddered with another round of goosebumps.

In fact, anything the woman did gave her goosebumps! She sat back on her seat & camouflaged herself into a statue. Seeing her in a stiffened position, the woman clenched her fists into tight balls. She thought, "Do I scare her that much?"

Cath, too, noticed her, "Are you nervous?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, is your mother-in-law here for your class test?"

"Shut up!", Alice was frustrated while Cath snorted beside her.

---

Milton Family Mansion

That evening, Jake accompanied Olivia to meet his ailing grandfather. They were to have dinner with him & spend the night there. It was due to his grandfather's promise to the elder of the Scott family, Jake was forced to marry Olivia.

Jake was forced to act like two different people because he was afraid, his grandpa would freak out & deteriorate his health.

"Good evening, Grandpa", Jake forced a smile.

Jake who always felt disgusted when he held her hand was suppressing his real self because his Grandpa considered Olivia as the most elite woman in the society. He's afraid that he would end up strangulating her if he didn't hide his disgust well.

At this moment, he can't help but think back to the promise he made to Eddie. Of being with her for her life. Of staying beside her through her toughest times. He should be beside Eddie now but...He's holding hands with his so-called wife...

Thinking about that, his grip around Olivia's hand tightened & she winced in pain, "What are you doing?"

Jake regained his composure when he realized he was unable to control himself.

Olivia desperately repressed her hatred towards Eddie, forced a graceful smile towards Old Master Milton, who had been wheeled in his wheelchair, towards her while she was observing Jake, and greeted him, "Good evening, Grandpa."

Old Master Milton had already observed Jake and Olivia's interactions ever since they had entered the room, and he beamed at seeing them so close. He called for the two to sit and they were served tea.

...

After their long chats, they were informed that dinner was ready. Olivia took this opportunity to slip into the balcony & release her frustration. The whole evening, Jake had spent time either sitting quietly or occasionally making or receiving phone calls. She could bet that he was checking on Eddie.

Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!

This name had ruined his eyesight. She must really do something. Right now!

She took out her phone & dialed a number.

...

Noticing that his granddaughter-in-law had not returned from the balcony, Old Master Milton was disappointed. What disappointed him even more, was that his grandson had been sitting lazily without going to find her. His patience broke & he ordered Jake in a stern voice, "Jake, go find Olivia. She must be waiting for you to go find her."

Jake was not someone who would offend his Grandpa. That's why he was the favorite among his grandchildren. So, he compiled to his request & headed to the balcony.