FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO - Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Eunice’s Plea

The Harris tea parlour has always been a special meeting point for both young and old herbal tea lovers. They provided not only the best quality and rarest tea for their wide range of elite customers but also magnificent scenery for nature lovers.

Eunice Stevens inhaled deeply, calming down her fraying nerves whilst taking sips of her herbal tea, waiting patiently for her former best friend to arrive.

She watched as different customers, mostly elderly by nature, made their way into the tea house in small groups, chatting and laughing heartily. They sat in small groups of three and four around different round tables, as some young waiters approached them with the tea house menu.

Seated alone and smiling to herself, Eunice felt a bit nostalgic as she reminisced about her special moments with her girls. Those days have always been the best moments of her life.

Sadly, after her foolish daughter gave up her dream husband for her career when she could actually have both, everything ended. Not only did Eunice lose her best friend, but due to Maria’s domineering influence, she lost the company of her other friends.

After watching her daughter return home drunk and more miserable than ever last night, claiming Blaze has married the tramp, Eunice decided to take the matter up with her former friend.

“Good morning, Mrs Anderson.”

Eunice lifted her face away from her teacup to look at the entrance to the tea parlour.

There she was, adorning in the sky blue flawless chiffon dress with minimalistic pieces of jewelry and a captivating smile. She was talking briefly to the cheerful owner who was beaming and nodding enthusiastically as though he was being given a fat paycheck.

Eunice slowly brought down her tea cup and inhaled deeply again to calm her racing heart. She stood up as Maria looked from left to right, in search of her. A feverish smile framed her lips as she waved her hand at Maria signalling the latter.

Eunice watched as Maria slowly approached her with an air of pride and contentment. There was no arrogance in her subtle smile and there was no hatred in her dazzling eyes.

“Hello, Eunice.” Maria beamed as she stepped before her old friend, sticking her hands out.

“Hi, Maria.” Eunice shook hands briefly with her even though she would have preferred a warm bear hug. “You look awesome as always, never aging a bit.”

“Thanks, you look great too.” Maria took her seat opposite Eunice whilst the latter did the same. “How are Rowland and Kelvin.”

Eunice paused as the manager of the tea parlour approached their table and personally served Maria her unique brand of tea with some special cookies. She waited for him to leave before replying to Maria’s question.

“Rowland is away for his business trip as usual. He hasn’t been home for almost a month now but we’ve been talking over the phone. Kelvin on the other hand just concluded a special ops training. He made lieutenant and he will be coming home on Wednesday.”

“That is good to know,” Maria said casually.

“What about that charming son of yours, Blaze,” Eunice asked excitedly, grateful that Maria had been receptive towards her so far.

“He’s fine,” Maria replied casually, dedicating her attention to pouring herself a cup of tea while Eunice watched in admiration, waiting for her to ask after Tina. She exuded a serene aloofness that was both contagious and enigmatic, making Eunice slightly nervous.

Maria picked up the small spoon on the saucer and meticulously stirred her tea in silence. She dropped the spoon and picked up the teacup with one hand. She raised the cup to her lips before meeting Eunice’s gaze.

“Are you going to keep staring at me all day or tell me the reason why you have pleaded to see me?” She asked, blowing and sipping her tea.

“Ahem!” Eunice cleared her throat awkwardly, forcing a smile on her face as she spoke.

“Maria…I know you are still angry with me…”

“That’s in the past,” Maria said rather sharply, cutting Eunice off. “Go straight to the point because I have somewhere else to be in the next twenty minutes.” Her initial sweet and calm countenance was replaced with a slightly cold and piqued expression.

“Okay…” Eunice released a sigh, inwardly angry at Tina for putting her in this awkward position and ruining her relationship with one of the most kind-hearted women in the world. “It’s about Tina.”

“I’m listening.” Maria took more sip of her tea, showing no signs of interest in the matter being raised.

“She has finally come back to her senses and she is deeply sorry for the hurt she caused Blaze.” Eunice’s voice quivered as though she had been assessed for a new job position by a difficult judge.

“Good for her.” Maria dropped her tea cup and picked one of her favourite coconut chocolate chip cookies. She took a bite and munched it really slowly making Eunice salivate from where she was seated.

Eunice could feel beads of sweat crowding on her forehead as she made known her intention. “Tina is ready to make amends for her past mistake. She has realized over the past years that there is no place you’d rather be than in the arms of her love. She loves Blaze so much and she is willing to give up everything to be with him. All she needs is your blessing and approval to marry your son. I promise she won’t disappoint you ever again. Please.”

Eunice could feel her heart racing as Maria leisurely finished the biscuit in her hand, dusting off the crumbs and taking more sips of her tea. She waited breathlessly for her to say something either in favour or against the request as Maria looked up to meet her gaze.

“I used to think you were a woman of principle, empathy and integrity. But now, all I see is a woman of low standards, desperation and selfishness. Only a mother such as yourself, who lacks compassion for others would encourage her confused child to take a walk of shame instead of telling her the bitter truth.”