Chapter 243: The apology that came a little too late

A month has passed on and it was finally the day they were returning back to school to finish their last semester. It was going to be a busy final semester for them as they would be required to submit and defend their thesis ahead of their graduation.

Paige and Carlien didn't have any lessons together in this last semester and their individual schedules were packed making it hard for them to even meet each other or keep each other company for a few hours in between lectures.

Carlien and Mirabel still made time in their busy schedules to accompany Paige for meals before or in between their lectures but that was making her feel even more guilty, so Paige asked them to stop patronising her.

After the close of her lectures on that Friday, Paige arrived home to find a luxurious car alongside the blue Bentley of Lucas parked outside her house. She got alarmed and rushed inside but what she saw shocked her.

Damien Attoh was on his knees with a solemn expression while her father sat watching him quietly. The sound of the door made them turn and they saw Paige at the door. She walked closer to them.

''Dad, what is he doing here?'' she pointed at Damien Attoh. Everyone's eyes seemed red the more she looked at them.

''Paige, I came to ask for you and your father's forgiveness. What happened that year was something I regret everyday but my pride wouldn't let me be honest''

''What does he mean by that, dad? Lucas, can you tell me what is going on?''

''Paige, actually, there is a reason why uncle Damien took the money and ran away. He didn't use it to start his own business''

''What do you mean?'' Paige furrowed her brows as her gaze turned to Damien Attoh.

''My late wife and I separated for a while after our company went into difficult times. She had to go to her parents with Jordan and Jessi to a rural community to work while taking care of them. When Thomas and I decided to venture into a joint business together, I had used all my money in trying to cater for my family, so Thomas was the only one illegible for the loan. The truth is, on the day I took the money, my wife called to tell me that Jordan had fallen ill from drinking contaminated water. I was confused at that time. The only thing I could think about was how to save my son, I acted impulsively by running away with the money. I used the money for Jordan's surgery and the rest left I opened a small shop in the community. I wanted to make it and then come back to Thomas but then I heard of what happened and didn't know how to face him anymore. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry''

''Did Jordan know about this too? Did you tell him about this?'' Paige shouted the question at him as her eyes turned red.

''En, I told him about it. that is why he felt apologetic to you. He felt that he should have been the one to die instead of your mother'' Damien Attoh said.

''Are you even human? How could you tell Jordan all this, knowing very well the kind of person he is? Now I understand why he wanted to get away from me so much. He was guilty and this is all your fault. I blame you for my father going to prison but my mother. She died in an accident. This isn't anyone's fault but you actually pushed it onto your own son?''

''I can't believe I also told Jordan to get away from my daughter because of this misunderstanding. I was waiting for a sincere apology from you. everything could have been resolved if you had been sincere but you only come to explain and ask for our forgiveness after everything is already this messed up?'' Thomas Payin looked at Paige, 'Paige, will you be able to forgive dad for hurting you this much?''

''Lucas, tell me. where did Jordan go to?'' Paige turned to look at Lucas.

''He went to Cosmos. He is currently with Ad-Din and Maria's family''

''Can you get a ticket for me. the fastest one?''

''Are you going there?'' Lucas asked.

''En, Jordan is going to keep thinking and feeling guilty. I need to clear whatever misunderstanding that is between us''

''Paige, does that mean, you don't hate Jordan?'' Damien Attoh asked.

'No, but I hate you and it's going to take a long time for me to come around so don't expect anything from me. I am doing this for Jordan and Jessi… and myself. Dad, can I go?'' Paige asked her father.

''This was originally something between the grown-ups. You and Jordan are innocent. Go and look for him if you want to. I won't stop you''

''Lucas, get me the ticket, I will go and get a few things ready'' Paige ran off to her room and Lucas started making a series of calls.

...

City B Airport.

Paige and Lucas arrived and saw Carlien, Mirabel and Joel already at the airport. They were standing beside a private jet that Lucas had organised.

''Paige'' Carlien and Mirabel called and went to give her a hug.

''Make sure you bring Jordan back, Paige'' Mirabel said.

''En, I will try my best''

'You will do great'' Carlien added.

''I called Ad- Din and he said Maria will be picking you up from the airport once you arrive'' Lucas informed Paige.

''Thank you, Lucas''

''There is nothing my babe can't do once he puts his mind to it'' Carlien said and held Lucas' hand.

''Paige, make sure you bring back that idiot. I will give him a good beating''

''Alright''

''Miss, the jet is ready to take off'' the pilot walked to them and announced.

''Alright, everyone. Wish me luck. I will call when I touch down''

''Good luck, Paige'' they all waved at her as she got into the jet.

Paige closed her eyes as she sat down and felt the jet taking off. in just five hours' time, she will be in Cosmos. She was nervous. It felt like forever since she last saw Jordan.

Four hours later

Cosmos Town.

Cosmos international Airport.

Maria touched her protruding belly as she pouted her lips. She had two bodyguards, a male and a female by side while she waited at the landing area. She was already seven months pregnant and Ad-Din didn't want her acting rashly.

When Jordan and Jessi first arrived, she had thrown caution to the wind and kept beating Jordan up until her anger was appeased. Not even Ad-Din could make her understand because she felt guilty for bringing them together for Jordan to hurt Paige.

Maria saw the jet landing and was about to run over when the female bodyguard held her hand back, ''Ma'am, you can't run in this state'' she said calmly to her and Maria frowned ad glared at her.

''Why did I have to be pregnant at this time?'' she cussed and waved her hand when she saw Paige getting down from the jet.

''Paige, my honey'' she walked in slow steps towards Paige.

''Maria. I missed you so much'' the male bodyguard took Paige's luggage and she went and hugged Maria.

''Fancy seeing you. I missed you too''

''Look at you. How is the baby doing?''

''Apart from occasionally kicking me, she is being good''

''That's great''

''You must be tired. Let's go and get you freshen up. I asked my aunt to prepare you something good to good. Everyone can't wait to see you. Kobby was so thrilled when I informed him about your coming. Calia too said she really liked you since that time at the wedding'' Maria paused and said seriously, 'that wedding. I shouldn't have introduced that coward to you then? I can only have myself to blame''

''How is Jordan doing?''

''Oh? He is… fine. Don't worry about him'' Maria said, but her voice sounded ambiguous as if hiding something from Paige.

'How is everyone doing?'' Paige asked as she wrapped her arm around Maria's shoulder. They walked out towards the car park chatting.

….

Denarius Estate.

Maria and Paige arrived and saw Ad-Din, Calia, and Kobby waiting by Ad-Din and Maria's quarters.

''Paige, dear'' Kobby went forward to hug her.

''Kobby, I missed you'' Paige hugged him and then went over to Calia, 'you look even more beautiful than the last time''

''And you are still the pretty woman I almost turned gay for'' Calia said with a wink making them laugh.

''How have you been?'' Paige asked Calia.

''I'm doing great''

'I'm taking good care of her'' Kobby said and Calia hit his shoulder.

Maria looked at Ad-Din who was with smiles and frowned, glaring at him.

''What did I do?'' Ad-Din mouthed.

''You better explain things properly to Paige later on'' she mouthed back and turned to Paige, 'let's go in. Paige must be tired''

''That's right. go in and rest. I am accompanying Calia to antenatal today'' Kobby said and touched the barely noticeable belly of Calia.

''Congratulations. I wouldn't have known you were pregnant'' Paige said to her.

''I'm just a few weeks in. go in and rest. We will catch up later on'' Calia said to Paige and she 'nodded.

''En, thanks for coming to welcome me. I will see you later'' Paige went inside with Maria and Ad-Din while Kobby went to their car with Calia.