Chapter 31: I did it for Trina

Alessandro got a business card from his pocket and gave it to her.

"Excellent," he said, his voice smooth and professional.

"I'd love to discuss the details of the competition with you further. Why don't you make an appointment with me at your earliest convenience?"

Trina took the business card, her eyes scanning the elegant font and simple design.

Alessandro's name and contact information were printed on the card, along with the logo of AA Foodz.

"I'll do that," Trina said, tucking the business card into her pocket. "Thank you for thinking of me, Alessandro."

Alessandro smiled again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Walter. I look forward to speaking with you soon."

With a nod, Alessandro turned and left Trina's office, leaving her to wonder about the cooking competition and the opportunities it might bring.

After the long day of work Trina went back directly to the hospital. She found Meble lying on the bed and

sat down beside Meble's bed, gently taking her mother's hand in hers.

Meble's eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile spread across her face.

"Dear, You are back ?" Meble whispered, her voice barely audible.

Trina's eyes welled up with tears as she smiled back at her mother.

" Yes Mom, How are you feeling?"

Meble's gaze drifted lazily around the room before settling back on Trina. "I'm...tired," she whispered.

" Ryan gave me a ride around the hospital. The air outside was fresh." Said Meble.

" Ooh, That's so kind. I'm glad she did that." Said Trina.

" She's really a good woman, I'm glad you got such a good mother in.law." Meble smiled.

" You are right Mom. Mrs Ryan has been so good to me." She said.

Meble's eyes locked onto Trina's, and she whispered,

"Where's Romeo? I haven't seen him since ."

Trina's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to worry her mother, so she decided to lie.

"Romeo's...um...really busy with work, Mom," Trina said, trying to sound convincing.

"He sends his regards, but he's been stuck in meetings all day."

Meble's eyes seemed to cloud over, and she nodded weakly. "Okay...tell him I said hi."

Trina forced a smile, feeling guilty for lying to her mother. "I will, Mom. I'll make sure to pass on your message."

Meble's eyes seemed to bore into Trina's soul, as if searching for the truth.

"I hope you're very happy in your marriage, sweetie," she whispered, her voice laced with concern.

Trina's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to worry her mother, so she decided to put on a brave face.

"Oh, Mom, I'm...I'm very happy," Trina said, forcing a bright smile onto her face. "Romeo is a wonderful husband. He's kind, supportive, and loving."

Meble's eyes lit up with a warm smile, and she squeezed Trina's hand weakly.

"I'm so glad to hear that, sweetie. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Trina's guilt intensified, knowing that she was lying to her mother.

But she couldn't bear the thought of worrying Meble, not when she was already fragile and ill.

So Trina continued to smile, to pretend that everything was perfect in her marriage. But deep down, she knew that she was living a lie.

___

When Romeo returned back that evening, he found the maids busy charrying some items.

Romeo's eyes narrowed as he watched the maids scurrying about, carrying various items upstairs.

"Excuse me," Romeo said, his voice firm but polite.

"What's all the commotion about?"

One of the maids, a petite woman with a friendly smile, turned to him.

"We're preparing one of the rooms upstairs, sir. Mrs. Ryan said that Trina's mother will be moving in."

Romeo's expression darkened, his annoyance simmering just below the surface. Meble moving in? Without discussing it with him? He didn't like the sound of that one bit.

But he kept his silence, his jaw clenched in frustration.

Romeo's eyes never left the maid's face as he asked, "And where is my mother?"

The maid's expression faltered slightly before she replied,

"I'm not sure, sir. She left this morning and hasn't returned since."

Romeo's brow furrowed in concern.

He turned his attention back to the maid. "And what about Trina? "

The maid nodded. "Yes, sir. She came in this morning to change clothes. She said she had to go to work."

Romeo sighed and then went to his study room.

Ryan walked back into the house, accompanied by Candy, who was helping her carry some bags and boxes. As they entered the foyer, Ryan asked the other maid, "Has Romeo returned?"

The maid, who was busy dusting the furniture, replied, "Yes, ma'am. He just went to his room."

Ryan walked into Romeo's room, finding him still visibly upset. His arms were crossed, and his eyes narrowed in annoyance.

"I still can't believe you didn't tell me about bringing Trina's mother into our home,"

Romeo said, his voice laced with frustration. "I'm your son, and I have a right to know who's living under our roof."

Ryan stood tall, her expression calm and collected.

"Romeo, Meble is your mother-in-law. Who else is supposed to take care of her? She's been in a coma for nine months, and Trina has been shouldering the burden alone. It's our duty as a family to support them."

Romeo scowled. "That's not the point. The point is you should have informed me first. I'm your son, and this is my home too. I have a right to know what's going on."

Ryan's eyes flashed with a hint of authority.

"I am the eldest Mrs. Walter, Romeo. I have every right to bring whoever I want into this mansion. I don't need your permission. Besides, I did it for Trina, and for you. You're married to her now, and Meble is a part of our family. We need to take care of her."

Romeo sighed, his expression softening slightly.

"I understand what you're saying, mom. But I still wish you had talked to me about it first. I feel like I've been left out of the loop."

Ryan's expression softened, and she walked over to Romeo, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

" Romeo. I didn't mean to leave you out. I just wanted to help Trina and her mother. Let's just agree to communicate better in the future, okay?"

Ryan spoke and then left the room.