Chapter 126: 126 When Things are no longer awkward, let's have a meal together 1

Three days later.

First Hospital.

Private ward.

Maria opened her eyes and saw herself in the hospital. She tried to sit up and heard the door opened. Ad-Din hurried towards her as soon as he opened the door and saw that she was awake.

''Maria, you are awake. How do you feel?'' Ad-Din asked worriedly and touched her forehead for any signs of fever. He sighed relieved when her body temperature was normal. He placed the flask in his hand on the table and sat closer to her.

''How do you feel?'' Ad-Din asked again.

''My…that woman. What is going to happen to her?'' Maria asked and looked at Ad-Din.

''Are you worried about her?'' Ad-Din asked and Maria shook her head.

''I am not worried about her. I just wanted to know what your brother intends to do to her'' Maria said.

''My brother was worried that the things that woman did will be blown up by the media and you might get hurt in the process. We never intended to keep you in the dark. I planned to tell you everything that day but her certain appearance made it difficult to''

''Can you tell me into detail what kind of business she is involved in?'' Maria asked and Ad-Din nodded his head.

''Alecia Maria Lee, is operating a brothel. 8 years ago, she bought a few girls from a casino…'' Maria listened as Ad-Din narrated everything to her.

Maria sighed and couldn't believe her mother was capable of doing such a cruel thing.

''So, Marvel was one was the victims? The girls. Those innocent girls must have had a tough life. How did she turn out this way? I feel like I don't even know her at all. I thought that she would at least live a decent life after abandoning me but it turns out she abandoned me because of that same kind of thing. I feel just disgusted thinking about that''

''I understand. But, Maria, I want you to know something. That woman is responsible for herself just as you are responsible for yourself. She was well aware of the fact that what she was doing was wrong but because she had the backing of people in high position, she took things for granted. You don't have to feel sorry for anything or to anyone. You are different from her''

''What is going to happen to her now? I really don't have any opinion on anything about her. She is the woman who gave birth to me but I feel strange just talking about her'' Maria said.

''Max already filed a report to the Police and Girl child Protection bureau and an investigation is already underway. I couldn't tell you because you were still asleep and sick. Maria, I'm sorry for not telling you about this earlier. Can you forgive me this once? I promise it won't happen again'' Ad-Din said and held Maria's hands.

''Is alright. I shouldn't have behaved that way. It was really childish of me to get angry with you when it wasn't even your fault. Tell me, how long have being here for?'' Maria asked.

''This is the third day since I brought you here'' Ad-Din told her and she furrowed her brows.

''Then, that means I missed the show? God, Ad-Din, what do I do? I feel so bad. Won't Calia be angry with me?'' Maria asked worriedly and the door opened that moment and they heard Calia's voice.

''You need to appease me Maria. I am still pissed you missed my show over something so trivial''

''Aunt Portia, uncle Din'' Tiana mentioned their names and ran off to sit by Maria.

''I'm sorry. I really have no better excuse'' Maria said as she hugged Tiana.

''I understand. It was unfortunate that such a thing had to happen on such a good day. The show was successful and I got invited to City View Jewellery show next month, you can make it up to me by not missing it'' Calia said.

''I won't miss it. But, where is Kobby?'' Maria asked when she didn't see Kobby with them.

''He is doing some rounds. He said he will be here soon'' Calia said.

''I see'' Maria smiled.

''Aunt, you scared me. Do you know how everyone was worried about you? You shouldn't do that next time'' Tiana said as she leaned on Maria's shoulder.

''See? Even Tiana is scolding you for making us worried'' Calia said and they laughed. The door opened once more and the Denarius family entered.

''Who is scolding my daughter in law?'' Mona Lisa asked as she walked closer.

''Grandma Lisa, I already scolded aunt, so don't scold her again. Great grandpa, why are you looking at my aunt like that? Are you going to scold her too?'' Tiana asked and everyone laughed.

''Look at this little one'' Old Mr. Denarius said and laughed.

''Maria, how do you feel?'' Ken Denarius asked.

''I'm fine. I'm sorry for making everyone worried'' Maria said.

''If you know then don't do that again. we are a family. Is there something we can't solve together by having a good chat? This time, we were able to find you early, what if something had happened to you? I was finally accepting you. don't tell me I thought wrongly of you because the Maria I know isn't some weak kid?'' Mona Lisa said.

''I won't do that again''

''Mom, I already scolded her. She is still sick. Do you have to scold her again?'' Ad-Din said.

''I just knew you weren't happy that we were scolding your little bride'' Old Mr. Denarius said.

''Where is brother in law?'' Maria asked 'I hope he isn't here because of me?'' Tiana got down from the bed and went to stand by Calia.

''No, Max had something going on. He will visit later on. We heard everything from him. You don't have to worry about anything. Just focus on getting better. You have no reason to be sorry or feel bad about what happened. You didn't do anything wrong. Maria, we are now a family. I hope that you will trust in us a bit more and don't do anything rashly next time'' Old Mr. Denarius said.

''Yes, grandpa, I won't do that again'' Maria said.

''What did the doctor say?'' Old Mr. Denarius asked.

''She can go home tomorrow after running some tests. Kobby will collect the results for us'' Ad-Din said.

After seeing that Maria was alright, Ken Denarius and Old Mr. Denarius left to go and do their own things. Ad-Din also left for a meeting leaving Maria with Calia and Mona Lisa.

...…..

It was late afternoon and Maria was alone in the ward when she heard a knock and turned. She looked at the door and answered ''come in''. Marvel opened the door and walked in holding a basket of fruits. She stood at the door and they looked at each other. Things were suddenly awkward between them.

Maria smiled and pointed at the couch and said ''sit down''

''I asked Mr. Denarius and he said you liked autumn apricots, so I got you some. They are organic and fresh'' Marvel went ahead and placed the basket on the table before going to sit on the couch.

''Thank you, but you didn't have to do that'' Maria said and sat across her. Her hand was still connected to the IV pole.

''Are you okay?'' Marvel asked cautiously.

''I should be the one asking you that. I don't know how to make things any less awkward between us. I thought that we would have being good friends because you seemed really nice and genuine but I honestly don't know how to face you knowing that my mother did such a horrible thing to you'' Maria said.

''I also don't really know what to say. I feel responsible a bit for causing you to be in the hospital. If I never told Max about it, he wouldn't have investigated and we wouldn't have gotten to this point'' Marvel said.

''You did well by talking about it. You shouldn't keep quiet and allow evil to thrive and you don't have to feel responsible for anything. If anything, I should be the one to feel apologetic to you. It was my mother who did that to you after all. I know that things are going to be a little awkward between us but I hope that one day, when things have passed. You and I can talk and be in the same place without feeling awkward''

''I can't forgive Alecia Maria Lee because of what she did and I know it will still be hard on you since she is your mother. No matter how you pretend to be okay, I know it is not. I came here today to let you know that, you don't have to feel sorry for anything. You don't have to punish yourself for something you didn't do''.

''I hope that we can be friends again after everything is over. For now, I know it won't be possible because anytime you see me, you will be reminded of my mother because we look too much alike''

''I should go back now. The case was forwarded to the police and since I am a witness I will be needy to make a statement'' Marvel said and stood up.