Jasmine was getting hurt and seeing how reddened Patrick’s eyes had gone, she nodded, the tears were running down the sides of her eyes. She sniffled and Patrick hissed before stepping out of the ward.
Her mother, he was going to hurt her mother for whatever reason? How can Patrick think that way? He was closest to her mother the most before they got married. If it weren't for mother, she would not have gotten involved with him.
She was in love with Andre, no they were in love with each other. But mom persuaded her to go with Patrick, their financial life will be taken care of for forever. If he dares to do anything to her mother, she will not spare him.
But what will she not spare him on? She didn't see Patrick for the rest of the night.
Next morning, Andre woke up, got prepared early and set out for the Wood's Electroworld. He'd written his resignation letter and would submit it alongside the money he was supposed to pay for the next one year and nine months.
He'll stop by, exchange his car for the money and keep the balance. Then he'll tell his mom when he's back. If he tells her before doing it, she wouldn't let him do it. No matter what happens, he'll never be working with that woman again.
He arrived at the company like every other day. Went to the administrator’s office, submitted his resignation and went to the finance department. Requested for the company's account, paid back his supposed balance and went to the workshop, picked everything that belonged to him and walked out of the company.
Now with no car, he simply strode to the express, took a taxi and returned home. He glanced at his wristwatch, it was past 9 am already. Why wasn't his mother back from the morning mass? She doesn't take this long before coming back home.
Unknown to Andre, his mother was having a heated exchange of words with Regina Logan. The two haven't been on talking terms after the occasion of Jasmine's wedding. Many condemned Regina for being part of her daughter's betrayal.
But not once had she ever been remorseful about it. She bragged about it and said they were jealous of her daughter and couldn't hide it hence they reprimanded her for leaving that fellow who cannot afford a proper car for himself.
Her daughter has been destined for men that have class and elegance. And envy wouldn't let them be happy for her daughter. And the situation reached the ears of the reverend father.
“Sister Regina, you should apologise on behalf of your daughter to sister Alice's son. He'd loved your daughter so much and this is how she'll pay him back?” Father John cautioned.
“Never! I cannot condescend so low to do that. Whatever he's done, my son in-law can refund it double, even triple fold. If my daughter chose a secured future and happiness, should I be sad about it and go over to that poor thing who doesn't know where he originated from…” Regina yelled.
“Please sister Regina, I haven't invited you here to insult someone that has done you no wrong. But fine, you have made up your mind not to apologise. I pray the Lord have mercy on you "Father John cautioned.
Regina sneered. She doesn't need mercy on this matter. Her daughter is happy and that's what matters most. They'll soon be back from their honeymoon and Patrick will hand over the key of a penthouse to them.
Reverend father John shook his head and glanced at Alice. She felt pity for the woman. Everyone knows she raised Andre despite not being her biological son. But Regina kept reminding her of her childless state and won't stop taunting her at the slightest provocation.
“May the Lord bless you from the treasure of heaven. Please extend my warm regards to brother Andre, I send my blessings and happiness upon him. Please tell him to forgive his former fiancée sister Jasmine and he would be surprised how God brings someone special to him.
And also I want the brotherly love to continue between you and sister Regina. I've been in this parish for over five years and you've been friends for as long as I have been here. Please return to that love and friendship again.
Let forgiveness prevail over the offences and let love cover all our shortcomings. And may the peace of the Lord rest upon us all. Amen” Father encouraged Alice.
Alice clasped her hands together and said “Amen”
“May the lord be with you both” Father John blessed and Alice replied “And also with you” she stood up and Regina also stood up, going out after Alice. Today she's going to give Alice a piece of her mind.
Father John squinted and shook his head. He prayed silently in his heart to God to bless Andre and make him someone that matters in the society and as for Jasmine, he prayed that the lord have mercy on her and wave karma away from her.
“You wait there, Alice,” Ragina ordered, pulling her by her dress. She walked over and stood before her. Other people were around and curiously watched what Regina intended to do to the poor woman.
“Enough of your gossip about my daughter. Why can't you accept defeat and mourn your loss? You should be seated in a corner of the house and be nursing your wound. My beautiful daughter doesn't belong to your hustling son.
She deserves a soft life. She deserves someone who can take care of her. Why can't you let her be? The next time you spread gossip about my daughter, I'll arrest you for defamation” Ragina warned, pointing her finger at Alice's face.
“It isn't a contest, what brought about defeat and victory into this? Please stay happy with your family and I will stay happy with mine. What matters the most is the happiness of our children. If Andre were your son…” Alice was saying when Regina interrupted her.
“He can never be my son! I cannot be a mother to a boy who cannot trace his origin. Never compare my rich classic daughter with your lowlife lost identity son, okay?” Regina warned.
“You get out of my way. I am not interested in living a cat and rat life with you…”Alice was going to walk past Regina when she grabbed her by her hair.
“What? You called me a cat?” Regina bellowed, pulling Alice’s hair. She called her a cat, how can Alice have the audacity to call her a cat?