Chapter 83: Disaster

"I'm not doubting that. But I know my son. This is the only relationship Frankie have been in since his infatuation with Anna kentley and I'm so happy he chose a nice girl. Someone that have his wellbeing at heart.

"I'm not saying you are wrong darling, but believe me, our son have been in several relationships before now but have kept them private. God alone knows why he seem to be smitten by this Paige of a girl and I wonder what he sees in the kentley household." Noah murmured the last sentence almost to himself.

"Baby, you are sounding so funny right now, I hope you know that?" Sarah asked.

"I know, I Know it may seem that way. But think about it. There was Anna kentley and now this Paige that works for the Kentleys." Noah said smiling. "Doesn't  it look like it's more than a coincidence? Look, I'm just saying hea........"

"I don't want to hear it." Sarah cut her husband off.

"It's not bad, I'm just trying to let you kn...."

"Noah please, not now." Sarah interrupted.

"Fine," Noah said with resignation. "I'll be upstairs. Need to make some calls to the office." I'll be right back." He said after dropping a soft kiss on her forehead. He then left upstairs.

*********************

"We've missed you so much." June told her brother as he wrapped her up in a warm hug. Just as Simon promised, he made a stop at Acubana to see his family before heading to Galvile. They were all sitted at Anna's sitting room in Acubana.

"You look so tired. Is everything okay darling?" Emily asked her son worried.

"I'm fine mum." He replied with a fake smile. 

"Is everything alright at your ranch. I mean you rarely go there. Is Timothy not taking care of the ranch as he ought to?" She asked.

"Timothy is doing a great job mother." He replied. "But I need to visit the ranch more often to see things for myself. He might be reaping me off and I have no idea." He said shrugging his shoulders.

"That's true." June chipped.

"Yes, it is." Emily replied. "When will you be back?" She asked.

"I should be back by weekend or even before then if everything is in order." He replied. 

"That make sense." Emily said. Just then, they heard voices from the entrance of the house. "That should Gracia and Monica. We are going for a swim today." She announced excitedly.

"Oh wow!!" Simon exclaimed. "Y'all are having girls time all day. I am so jealous." Simon said laughing. Just then Gracia and her mother walked in.

"Look who we have here. Isn't that my cute Simon?" Monica called as she saw Simon. She stretched out her arms for a hug which Simon grabbed. 

"Good morning Monica." He greeted with a Charming smile.

"Good morning Simon. It's been so long. I'm so glad June invited us for her wedding. At least Gracia and I got to see you and your lovely family again." Monica said breaking their hug and moving over to Emily who was already standing waiting for a hug. Anna quickly went inside to get Emily's bag while June called Anna's head body guide to come and pick Emily and Monica for their girl's time out.

"Hi Simon." Gracia greeted with a shy smile.

"Hi, Gracia. It's really nice seeing you again." He said stretching out his hands for a handshake. They shook hands with smiles. Just before Anna came out with Emily's bag and the head guard came in as well to help Emily and Monica to the car.

"Your car is ready Emily." Anna told her mother who smiled happily and holding Monica by the arm, they left the room just as Simon took a seat beside his sisters.

"Guys, I guess I'll have to take my leave. Y'all look like you need some family time." Gracia told them.

"That's not true."

"Not at all." June and Anna chorused.

"How are you?" Simon suddenly asked Gracia causing a cold silence in the room.

"I'm fine, thank you." Gracia replied with a smile. "Just juggling between life and family." She replied with a nervous smile. June and Anna cast a knowing glance at each other. "I'll just go now. I'll be back to pick up my mother. Just let me know when they get back Anna." Gracia told her friend who nodded with a smile. "Bye." She waved at them.

"Bye." Simon mouthed. 

"I'll see you off." Anna offered standing up.

"No, I'll see her off." June said jumping up to everybody's surprise. "I have something I'd love to discuss with you if you don't mind please." She told Gracia who nodded. They both headed for the door with Anna and Simon staring at them from behind. Gracia waved at Simon once more before moving out of sight.

Anna cleared her throat sharply and turned to her brother once they were out of sight.

"What?" Simon asked looking clueless.

"Nothing." She said with a smile. "You really do not look to well. Is Paige the only reason for this?" She asked.

"No." Simon replied with a sigh.

"Okay." Anna said not wanting to push the topic as she already understood what he meant. "You did a great job." She added. "I was unable to locate the lady that told me stuff about Paige. She suddenly moved out of her home and no one knew where she moved to. Your handwriting is so clear, no doubt." She said smiling at her brother.

"Oh wow," Simon exclaimed. "You went in search of her again. I thought we agreed that intruding into people's life was not such a good thing to do?" Simon asked.

"You're doing too much brother. I'm just looking out for you." Anna replied.

"I can look out for myself sister. You seem bored. If your work at the office isn't engaging enough, I would suggest you try learning a trade. He said with a straight face striking a sharp cord. Anna glared at him but he paid no attention to her whatsoever as he took out his phone to check his messages.

At the porch, Gracia stood with June Kentley who cleared her throat for the hundredth time pushing Gracia over the edge as her patience grew thin. "Out with it already June." Gracia said impatiently.

"Okay, fine." June said. "I just, I just wanted to say something." She said.

"But I know that already. Isn't that why we are here?" Gracia asked wide eyed.

"Gracia,I'm finding it so hard to tell you this cause I do not know how you will react." June started. "My father in-law, uhmm, he is a businessman. So....., my fiance is also a businessman. No, he is a pharmacist, he have something of his own, a pharmaceutical company. He is a businessman as well." June said pointlessly.

"I know all this already June. Just tell me what's on your mind. Let it out, I can take it. What is it?" Gracia asked.

June cleared her throat again before speaking. "So what I'm trying to say is that my father in-law is so good with making friends in business that at times, it might reflect or affect his close ones like his family. My father in-law is friends with....., with Mr. Noah Tedson. They've been business associates for a while now and great friends. They also got each oth......."

"Wait." Gracia cut her off with a painful smile. "Just stop there June please." She whispered the last word. "What are you saying? Is Frankline Tedson coming to your wedding?" Gracia asked in a scared voice.

"It's not what you think Gracey. It's just that the Tedsons and my in-laws are great business friends. So, it's kind of not easy to convince them not to invite the Tedsons." June pleaded.

"Why are you telling now?" Gracia asked with a painful laughter. "You already have him in your guest list. So, what's the need for the pre information?" She asked.

"Gracey, it wasn't me. It was my in-laws, they are powerful business partners. Please, you need to understand." She pleaded.

"Why did you invite me if you knew he was coming? After everything I went through? Anna told me your families weren't close anymore. What happened? Was she lying." Gracia asked in need of clarity.

"She was right Gracey. That is exactly what I've been trying to explain to you. I and my husband didn't invite them. My in-laws did and I felt it was only right yo inform you now than keep it away from you. Please understand me for once Gracey." June pleaded.

"Excuse me please." Gracey said tearfully and walked out on June who stood rooted on the spot wondering if she did the right thing telling her. After few minutes of standing, she finally headed back inside to her siblings.

"How did that go?" Anna asked once June stepped inside.

"It was a distaster." June replied

"What is a disaster?" Simon asked clueless.

"I told Gracey that my father in-law invited the Tedsons to my wedding." June replied.

"Disaster should be an understatement then." Simon told her.

"Honestly, it actually is." June replied with head bowed.