Mother
Sarah
Amir orchestrated the arrangement for Grandpa Mitchell’s chauffeur to await my arrival at the bustling Dubai airport, effortlessly sparing me of any travel hassles. From Highland Hills, I had informed my family of my forthcoming visit to the stately mansion.
Exhaustion enveloped me like a heavy cloak, and the yearning for sleep permeated every fiber of my being. Despite flying business class, I was utterly drained and craving sleep. The flight had been tiring, especially with my mind in such turmoil.
As I stepped through the mansion’s grand entrance, weary from travel, Amir’s welcoming presence enveloped me. Despite the late hour, his warm greeting reassured me of being home. Amanda stood beside him, wearing a welcoming smile.
“Are you alright?” Amir asked worriedly as I got out of the car.
I wasn’t sure if I should talk to him after he told Jessica what happened between me and Marcus.
“I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
Amir crossed his arms and voiced his assumption. “This trip came out of nowhere. As far as I know, it’s only been a few days since you went to your crazy ex-husband’s office. It’s not even a week, Sarah. You have a job there. You would only take such a sudden trip if something bad happened.”
“Well, you’re right. Where is Grandpa Mitchell?” I asked. Before I delve into the matters clouding my mind with Amir, I need to discuss them when our grandfather is around, especially since it concerns my mother. It’s been another day already.
“He’s resting,” he replied.
“Okay. I’m exhausted. Let’s talk tomorrow morning,” I said.
Amir nodded understanding and led me to my room, Amanda following with my carry-on bag.
At the door, Amir pulled me into a hug. “I’m really sorry… Honestly, I’m ashamed of myself.”
“Just make sure Jessica won’t go crazy sharing those things. I could handle your ex in a way no cosmetic surgery could fix!”
He pursed his lips. “Get some rest. See you tomorrow, sis.”
Once Amir was gone, Amanda immediately pulled me into a tight embrace. She’d been holding back with him there, and Amir would have given her a hard time about manners.
“I know we just caught up at Boss Amir’s engagement, but I missed you so much. Why couldn’t I come with you?” she said. “Anyway, I’ve already prepared your bed and everything.”
I squeezed her back. The room was neatly arranged, and Amanda had laid out some clothes for me to change into.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
“I’m bringing you this time.”
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
I gave a solemn nod. I needed Amanda’s support whether I liked it or not. Besides, she cooks well and would certainly keep me away from Philip. That’s right!
After freshening up, I collapsed onto the bed, allowing exhaustion to overtake me.
***
I had anticipated an early wake-up, but I was wrong. I ended up waking up almost in the afternoon. Amanda and another helper tended to me, preparing a luxurious bath infused with delightful scents and even indulging me with massages as I soaked. It felt like royalty treatment, making me wish everyone treated me this way without needing words.
After getting dressed, Amanda guided me to the dining area, where she had prepared a meal fit for a queen. Once I’d savored every bite and felt satisfied, I sought out Grandpa Mitchell and Amir. Fortunately, I found them in the library, where Grandpa greeted me by lowering his glasses, momentarily setting aside the document he had been engrossed in.
“Wow! I appreciate your remark about morning,” Amir said sarcastically.
“Sorry, I’m just utterly exhausted. I ended up sleeping longer than planned,” I apologized, trying to shake off the grogginess.
“Don’t mind him! I’m the one who ordered not to wake you up,” Grandpa Mitchell said.
I approached him and kissed him on the cheek. I frowned when I noticed the documents on his table.
“Considering you’re retired, why are you still dealing with these?” I inquired Grandpa.
“Who else can I count on for this task? You, who seem to roam everywhere? If you were handling this responsibility, I wouldn’t be concerned,” my grandfather remarked. Despite being retired, he still invested substantially in various companies worth millions of dollars. His days were consumed by analyzing the market to ensure profitable outcomes.
“You’re aware I prefer not to discuss finances,” I reminded him gently.
He sighed wearily, segueing into a topic that always made me uneasy. “Sarah, this is precisely why I hope you’ll consider marrying Bronn. Do you understand?”
My response was guarded. “Well, we are doing good. We’re friends.” I muttered, unable to fully conceal my reluctance.
Amir’s gaze lingered on me, a silent acknowledgment passing between us. Despite his awareness of my frequent outings with Philip, out of respect for our grandfather’s peace of mind, he refrained from commenting on the matter.
“So, what’s the sudden reason for your visit?” Amir finally broached the topic.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the revelation I would share. “I saw Mother,” I revealed.
Amir’s reaction was one of pure shock, his body almost propelling him out of his seat. “Whaaat?”
“I saw Mother, Amir, Grandpa,” I reiterated, trembling slightly. “I-I thought she was dead? But I saw her at the Luminary Productions office, and her son is about to marry my best friend, Jane.”
Grandpa Mitchell’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he processed my words. “That’s probably not your mother, Sarah.”
Amir’s confusion was palpable. “Hang on! W-what do you mean you saw Mother? Is this some kind of prank? You know very well that she passed away!” he exclaimed.
“But who else could it be? Who is Madam Olsen, who looks exactly like my mother? Why did she flinch when I introduced myself?” I insisted.
“Madam Olsen?” Amir repeated, his brow furrowed.
Grandpa Mitchell cleared his throat, his expression grave. “She’s my daughter, but definitely not your mother, Sarah.”
Amir and I exchanged stunned glances, grappling with the revelation. “What do you mean, Grandpa?”
“She’s your mother’s twin!” Grandpa Mitchell revealed. The truth hung heavy in the air, leaving us all reeling from Madam Olsen’s identity implications. “You have to be careful with that woman. She betrayed me once, even though I’m her father. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did the same to you.”