Chapter 7 SEVEN
The ‘Aether 9 X’ glided through the sky with an effortless grace, its sleek, titanium-gray fuselage cutting through the clouds like a phantom.
The jet’s engines were almost noiseless despite the immense power they held, a remarkable feat of engineering that made it one of Allwell's finest aircraft.
It had been hours since my family and I left our mansion in Port Harcourt, hours since we boarded the company’s private jet for Washington.
Inside the private jet with us were two bodyguards.
Before we left Nigeria, Allwell's welfare department had already secured a mansion, assembled my security detail, and prepared a convoy for our arrival.
The convoy wasn't for appearances. It was simply company protocol for executives overseeing sensitive government bids.
The Aether 9 X's cabin was luxurious and remarkably quiet despite the gentle hum of the engines. Plush leather seats provided maximum comfort as I gazed through one of the oval windows.
An air hostess approached me with a smile. “Do you need anything, ma’am?”
“No, thank you,” I replied and she turned to the children.
“What would you like, little ones?”
“Hot chocolate, please!” Eloise requested.
“I want freshly squeezed orange juice,” Damian blurted. Nathaniel, as usual, remained quiet before tilting his head thoughtfully.
“Can I have rice and stew with chicken?”
I chuckled and ruffled his hair. “Sweetheart, we’re about to land. You can have that as soon as we get home or at any restaurant of your choice.”
He pouted. “But I’m really, really hungry.”
His sister leaned over with a knowing look. “No, you just want to see if the jet has a kitchen.”
The air hostess laughed. “We do have a kitchen, but I think rice and stew with chicken might take too long. How about some cookies instead?”
He considered this, then nodded. “Okay. But only if they have chocolate chips.”
I shook my head fondly as the hostess left to fulfill their requests. These three always knew how to lighten the mood, even when my mind was spinning with everything waiting for me in Washington.
I glanced at my phone, at the several text messages Ruth had sent last night after receiving mine.
She was excited. Very excited to finally see me after all these years.
She wanted to know when I'd be landing and which airport I'd be arriving at. She wanted to be there herself, to welcome me.
But I couldn’t let that happen.
My company had asked me to keep a low profile after arriving in Washington.
Besides, the airport was too public. Too chaotic. The last thing I wanted was Ruth discovering my secret in the middle of a crowded terminal.
She wasn't the type to hide her emotions. She would be shocked. Hurt. Furious.
And then there were the triplets. They had never met her, never even heard of her. They deserved a proper introduction, not an ambush at baggage claim with emotions running high.
Above all, the last thing I needed was unnecessary attention in the airport, especially with Alec Rivera somewhere in this city. So I'd asked her to pick a restaurant for our first meeting, and an unsuspecting Ruth chose The Elysian Table.
Exhaling, I tucked my phone away and glanced again across the oval-shaped window of the jet just as the intercom came up.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. We’re about to make our descent into Washington. Please ensure your seatbelts are fastened as we anticipate a seamless touchdown in just a few moments. Thank you for choosing Allwell Aviation.”
The children squealed in excitement.
The sky stretched on, gradually revealing a breathtaking view of a city. Home. Washington. The Potomac River surrounded the city, its surface reflecting the glow of the setting sun.
In fleeting seconds, the runways of Dulles International Airport came into view, their guiding lights flickering in the distance.
A soft jolt signaled the jet’s wheels had touched down on the tarmac. After a smooth run, the jet taxied to a private hangar.
The air hostess opened the cabin door with a smile. “Welcome back to Washington, D.C.”
The familiar air of Washington seeped inside the aircraft. Taking a deep breath, I rose to my feet and straightened my jumpsuit. I walked to the door and my feet slowed.
Six years ago, I'd run through this same airport with nothing but a broken heart and a one-way ticket.
I never thought I'd return.
“Ms. Parker?” Mrs. Chukwuemeka touched my shoulder. I glanced above my shoulder and saw her looking at me with worried eyes. She was the only one who truly knew my story.
Sometimes, the air around her felt like a mother's.
“You’ve got this,” she whispered.
A reticent smile played on my lips. I wore my sunglasses just as Nathaniel slipped his hand into mine.
We descended the aircraft. The bodyguards went ahead of us to the terminal, meeting and exchanging brisk pleasantries with the other four bodyguards who led us to our waiting convoy.
“Mommy, this place is beautiful,” Eloise praised as we settled down into the car.
I softly tugged her chin. “Wait until you see the rest of the city.”
The ride to the mansion left the kids in awe. While they gazed across the tinted glasses of the Cadillac, I stole the moment to remove my phone from flight mode and almost immediately came Mrs. Allwell’s call. “How was the flight?”
“The flight was great. We’re headed to the mansion.”
“Everyone at headquarters is eager to meet the woman who transformed our African division.”
I beamed. “Thank you, Mrs. Allwell. I'll do my best not to disappoint them.”
“That’s wonderful. Ensure to report to our Washington branch tomorrow morning. They have your outfit ready for the gala. But if you don’t like it, you have to go shopping yourself. The goal is to appear impeccable at the gala.”
“Yes, Mrs. Allwell.”
“Good. Now don’t forget to keep me posted on every step of the way. Do enjoy the rest of your evening, Ms. Parker.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
The call disconnected just as our convoy approached a towering digital billboard ahead.
‘RIVERA GROUP—Building Tomorrow's Aviation.’
My fingers tightened around my phone.
Washington hadn't changed. Neither had the ghosts waiting for me here.
Moments later, our convoy eased into an estate.
“Is this our house?” Damian asked.
“Yes, it is,” I replied, almost breathlessly.
We climbed out of the SUV and stared at the magnificent mansion before us.
It was far more beautiful than the one we had in Port Harcourt.
We stepped inside, and my breath caught.
Elegant ceilings rose overhead, crowned by a dazzling crystal chandelier. A grand spiral staircase swept gracefully toward the upper floor, framed by a sleek glass railing and lined with a plush cream-colored carpet.
Nathaniel sniffed the air and his eyes widened with excitement. “Mommy, I smell rice and stew!”
Mrs. Chukwuemeka and I exchanged knowing glances before I gazed back at my youngest child.
“It seems the welfare department had gone the extra mile to make our arrival feel like home,” I said, tugging softly at his cheeks.
We settled down for a satisfying dinner. The children excitedly chose from the dishes laid out on the table while the household staff attended to them.
I leaned back in my chair and watched them, a smile spreading across my lips.
Six years ago, I was terrified of losing the only roof over my head. Now my children sat around a table where they could eat whatever they wanted.
After dinner, Mrs. Chukwuemeka took the children upstairs while I remained in the dining room.
My phone buzzed.
Ruth.
“Please tell me you're in Washington,” she said the moment I answered.
I smiled despite myself. “I am.”
“Good,” she squealed. “I'm already at The Elysian Table."
I ended the call, grabbed my bag, and headed for the door. Tonight, one of my biggest secrets would finally come to light.
Located in the heart of Washington, The Elysian Table lived up to its reputation for luxury. The fragrance of fresh roses mingled with the aroma of gourmet dishes as I stepped inside, my heels clicking against the polished floor.
And then I saw Ruth drumming anxiously against the white linen tablecloth. The moment she saw me, her face lit up with incredulity and then pure joy. “Mabel?” she gasped, rising to her feet.
I barely had time to react before she enveloped me in a tight embrace.
“I can’t believe you’re actually here.” Her voice trembled with emotion.
I hugged her back, inhaling the familiar scent of vanilla and jasmine. “I told you I’d come,” I murmured, pulling back to meet her tear-filled eyes.
She studied me, as if trying to make up for all the years we’d been apart. “You look like one of those influential people on the cover of a magazine.”
I laughed. “Stop teasing me.”
“No, I’m serious. You look incredible, successful…Different.”
“A lot has changed, Ruth,” I muttered and took my seat, placing my bag on the table.
She sat down too and leaned forward. “Then tell me everything. But before then,” she paused and raised an index finger. “Let’s eat.”
We settled down to a mouthwatering meal, though I only picked at mine. Ruth noticed. “You haven't touched your food.”
“I ate not too long ago,” I replied, though that wasn’t entirely true. Anxiety knotted in my stomach as I prepared to tell her the truth. Lowering my cutlery on the table, I resorted to the wine instead.
Ruth finished eating and a server cleared the table, leaving behind the wine bottle. She took another sip of wine, set her glass down, and met my gaze. “Now, tell me everything.”
I wrapped both hands around my wineglass, my fingers tightening around the stem as I bought myself another second.
I drew a slow breath.
“I have children, Ruth.”
An eerie silence settled between us.
For a moment, she simply stared at me, as though she'd never seen me before.
Her mouth opened, but no words came out.
“Children?” she finally whispered.
