A Naive Bride for the Sophisticated CEO

Chapter 64: Visitors.

Amelia got discharged and was driven home by James himself. Amelia sat at the backseat with Elena next to her. She refused to leave Amelia’s side all the time she was at the hospital.

Penelope and the others headed back to the Parker’s mansion, waiting for James to arrive with Amelia.

As he drove them home, James constantly kept looking back at Amelia and Alice through the interior mirror.

Alice was in Elena’s arms and James wasn’t so comfortable about that. He knew she couldn’t do anything to Alice in front of them, but he still wasn’t comfortable with her being so close.

He had always known Elena to be manipulative, and he hoped this wasn’t another way of her getting into their lives and hurting them again.

Getting to the house, they saw a few cars parked in front of the mansion. James knew they were all there to welcome Amelia home.

After he posted “I am now a father” on his Social Media handles, he expected nothing less. He drove into the compound and switched off the engine.

Before he could go to the back of the car and open the door for Amelia, Elena gave Alice back to Amelia and helped her open the door.

Amelia stepped out of the car and let out a loud sigh. She looked at Amelia and saw she was still sleeping soundly. She beamed widely as they all headed to the door

James took the lead and opened the door for the ladies to go in. Amelia walked in first, and Elena followed behind her. James and Elena’s eyes locked for a few seconds, before she looked away.

James wished he saw anything weird about her, but he didn’t seem to notice anything.

They got to the living room and met so many people seated on the couches.

“They are back.” Helen uttered happily. She sprang to her feet and everyone turned to look at them.

She headed right to Amelia and stretched her hand to carry Alice.

“She’s asleep.” Amelia said as she placed Alice carefully in Helen’s arms.

“Awwn. Isn’t she adorable?” Helen said, carrying her to where others were seated. They all stood up as she moved closer to see Alice’s face.

Amelia smiled widely and stretched her hand to James, he took her hand in his and they held hands as they walked to the people.

“Congratulations, Mr. And Mrs Parker!” James’ co-workers and the others chorused as soon as they got closer.

“Thank you.” He responded with a slight bow.

He looked around the living room real quick to see those that were around so that he could make preparations for them.

He saw Freddie, three of his co-workers, one of his important clients (the one that drove him to the Cooper’s mansion), Charles, Hopper, Penelope, and even Ava.

Next to Ava was a very good-looking man. He held hands with her, and she was resting her head on his arms. They seemed pretty close.

He furrowed his brows and looked away before she could catch him staring at them.

Amelia looked at Hopper and clenched her jaws. She exhaled softly and looked away.

Hopper approached her with a bright smile and when he got in front of her, he stopped.

“How are you, Amelia?” He asked, and she bounced her head. “I’m fine.” She responded. James tightened his grip on Amelia’s hand just to remind her that he was with her.

“Can I have a private chat with you?” Hopper further asked, and Amelia gulped and kept mute for some seconds.

“I think all the chats should be done in the court.” James butted in, and Hopper looked at him.

“I am not trying to change her mind about her decision, James. I just want to have a father to daughter chat. That’s all.”

“Mr. Hopper…” Amelia stopped him by tapping his arm with her other hand.

“It’s fine, James. Stay here with the others. We’ll have a short chat, okay?” She said with a faint smile. James knew she wasn’t comfortable talking to him.

“Are you sure?” He asked in a low tone, and she bounced her head.

She slowly let go of his hand and began to walk away. Hopper divulged a polite smile and followed behind Amelia to the kitchen.

After they left, James heaved a sigh and looked up to see Ava and the man next to her approach him. James’ lips curved up in a smile when they got closer.

“I never expected to see you here, Ava.” He uttered, and she exhaled and rolled her eyes.

“I also didn’t expect to find myself here. My father forced me to come.” She shrugged, and James chuckled.

“I know you, Ava. If you don’t want to go somewhere, no one would force you. You sure did want to come here.” James responded, and she pouted.

“Maybe you are right, maybe not! Congratulations anyways. I’m happy for you.” She responded with a smile.

“Are you sure?” James asked, narrowing his gaze at her.

“Of course, I am. You really thought I’d be pursuing you and your wife for the rest of my life?” She asked, and he chuckled.

“Here… this is Nicholas. President Anthony’s son. My boyfriend.” She added, rubbing Nicholas’ cheeks with her palm.”

“Nicholas? I have a friend named Nicholas too. Nice to meet you, Nicholas.” James uttered, stretching out his hand to Nicholas.

“Nice to meet you too, James. You can call me Gordon instead. You know, so there are no confusions.”

“Babe, I told you I like the name Nicholas better!” Ava muttered, and James chuckled.

“I’m happy for you, Ava. You’ve finally found the man of your heart.”

“Yes.” She giggled. Ava’s smile faded off immediately and she lowered her head as she remembered Hudson.

‘Can I talk to him about it now? He seems to be in a good mood.’

“Can we talk about my brother? He is still in prison.” Ava added, and James swallowed.

“Ava, you know what Hudson did to my side is unspeakable. He has to suffer for it.”

“I know. But he has been there for over three months now. Don’t you think he has suffered enough? You’ll be sending my father there too, I will be alone.” She mumbled, full of emotions.

“You still have Gordon.” James teased, as he tried to avoid the topic.

“James, C’mon.”

The door of the mansion opened again, and everyone looked in its direction. Fred and Patricia walked in, and immediately James saw them, he raised one of his eyebrows.”

“What the f**k is he doing here?” James muttered in anger.

***

Amelia rested her back on the kitchen cabinet and folded her arms. She waited for Hopper to start up the conversation.

Hopper stood a few meters from her and smiled again. “Congratulations once again, Amelia. I am so happy for you, my child.” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Amelia bounced her head and divulged a feeble smile.

“What is it you want to talk to me about?” She asked anxiously.

“Ummm. I don’t think your husband, James, likes me so much.” He stated, and Amelia creased her brows.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, the way he attacked me back there. If you didn’t stop him, he would never let me even touch you.”

“He is just worried about me, okay? Isn’t that how it should be?” She asked, feeling even more uncomfortable.

“Oh yes. Sure, that is how it should be. Well, let’s forget about that. Have you checked your phone notifications?”

“No. Why?” She wondered.

“I sent you some money…”

“Why?? I never asked you to send me any money. Do you think you can buy me with that?” Amelia raised her voice as she felt offended.

“What? No. No. This isn’t about that! It’s not what you think, okay? I sent it to you for Alice. She is my grandchild, remember? My first grandchild, I need too…”

“No, you don’t. I’m not suffering. My child has rich parents. You don’t have to send me money for her. How did you even get my account details?”

“I got it from Freddie. But that doesn’t matter, does it? I know Alice is in a rich family. I get it. But I’m her grandfather. Shouldn’t I contribute to her growth?”

“It isn’t necessary. I’ll transfer the money back to you.”

“No. I insist. I’m not going to give you my details. Use it for Alice. You hate me, I know that. But can you please don’t let Alice hate me too. She knows nothing about this. This is all I ask.”

“Well, I don’t think she’ll know you that well…”

“Because I’ll be in jail, right?” He cut her short. She lowered her head and played with her fingers nervously. She had no response to his statement.

“Don’t let Alice hate me, and please accept the token I have sent to her. I have been selfish and I’ve made mistakes, I don’t want to regret not doing this. That is all I want.” He added.

After minutes of silence from Amelia, Hopper turned to leave. He hoped that one day, she would find a place in her heart to forgive him for what he did.

Amelia sniffed and cleaned her teary eyes with her hand. She threw her head backward and exhaled with her mouth. She tried to put on a normal countenance and walked back to the visitors.

***

“Where are you doing here?” James asked within gritted teeth , standing in front of Fred.

“Hey, take it easy, James. He came to congratulate you, okay?” Patricia said, looking over his shoulders at the visitors.

“Really? How do you even know? Why did you two come in together?”

“We met outside.” She answered.

“Can’t you just be without drama? Amelia is my friend, and I’m here to show her my never-ending support. That shouldn’t be a big deal.” Fred uttered.

“James?” Amelia called after seeing him with Fred and Patricia.

“Attention everyone!” Penelope uttered in a loud voice, pulling everyone’s attention.

“I’m thankful to all of us that are present here today! Thank you for the love you’ve shown to my daughter and her family. I’d love to announce that there will be a big birthday celebration for my daughter and her sister, coming up in a month's time! Please bear this in mind, and you are all welcomed!”

Amelia furrowed her brows and looked at Elena, who also looked at her.

“Did she tell you about this before?” Amelia asked, and Elena shook her head.

“No. It’s surprising to me too. Maybe she wanted it to be a surprise.” Elena responded, and Amelia reluctantly nodded.

‘Why does she want to throw us a big birthday party?’ Amelia said to herself.

“Looks like we’ll see ourselves soon again, Mr. Parker.” Fred teased, with a smirk on his face.

“A**hole.”