Chapter Sixteen

"Hey Joy, someone has been dropping flowers on daily basis, you definitely have a secret admirer," Ann stood at the door holding out a huge bouquet of flowers on her hands. She was the secretary in Joy's firm.

Joy was self employed as a legal advisor and part time private investigator among other things. She loved her own freedom since she always got time to spend with her daughter without anyone limiting her.

Mirabelle had grown into a beautiful girl with a charming smile and adorable personality. She, like her mother, was the epitome of beauty. She was just four years old yet she could give a very sane piece of advice to an older person. With this she got huge attention from admirers. She could be seen in crowds talking to children her age giving them instructions as leadership came to her naturally. She attended Victoria preparatory school within the town. Her teachers were so proud of her and made her the leader in every event. Her confidence was so high that she always walked with her head held up high.

Back to the village, after Joy gave birth, she didn't immediately go back home. She continued to stay with Dr. Reyes who was just so glad to have them around. Stella went back to her village and often came to see them. Joy took up an evening job to help her keep up with her profession. She compiled cases and resolved others by writing reports for her boss. She made sure she did all the research well so that she wouldn't give wrong judgment. Her boss gave her a comfortable pay as he constantly got many clients. Joy was glad that she got time to raise mirabelle.

A year later she decided to go back to the village. She was so surprised at the turn of events, people who had earlier mocked her looked at her and her daughter with admiration. Those who had avoided her all of a sudden wanted to be friends.

Rumor had it that she was eating life with a big spoon. Her smooth skin and alluring features earned her the name beauty queen. She couldn't help but just shake her head in awe. She however didn't want her daughter to grow up in such a toxic environment. She decided to go back to the city and take her daughter with her. Stella remained behind to take care their home. She was a happy grandmother.

Joy would pick up mirabelle from school every evening on weekdays. They were a beautiful pair to watch and thus someone somewhere was busy watching them.

UNKNOWN

"You can't keep your eyes of her, can you?" He asked.

"I just can't help it. She is so beautiful and adorable. And her daughter looks so familiar. Am not sure where I have seen her." came the reply.

"If you asked me I would say she somehow looks like your brother. I wonder who her father is. I have never seen him picking her up. It's always the lady." he said

"I have been sending her flowers but I have never really had the courage to talk to her. I asked around and nobody seems to know who the father of her baby is either. They have never seen him around. I think she is just a single woman with a bitter past." came the reply.

"Damn dude, you have really fallen for her. Hard and fast. Take it one step at a time. I don't want to see you heartbroken" joked the other.

Joy had not fallen in love before. Things had happened too fast. She was a mother before she even tried it. The flowers she received brought about mixed feelings. She didn't know who her suitor was but wished she could meet him. He always bought her red roses, her favorite and they came in fresh definitely picked from the best garden.

Her doorbell sounded early in the morning. It was on a Saturday. She was still sleeping but had to go see who was disturbing her sleep that early. She found a delivery man by the door.

"Good morning ma'am. Is your name Joy?" he asked.

"Yes, how may I help you?" she asked

"I have a delivery for you. Kindly sign here." he requested as he gave Joy the pen and file. Then he brought out a box and gave it to her and left.

Joy was confused. She wondered what the box contained. When she opened the door she met mirabelle who was yawning.

"Darling, you are awake already?" she asked

"Yes mummy." she answered as Joy leaned to kiss her head.

"Just a little while and breakfast will be ready baby," she told her and rushed to the kitchen abandoning the box on a table. A few minutes later breakfast was ready. And they both sat down to it the delicious meal.

The box already forgotten