Something in Mrs Wellington expression changed. And it was subtle,very subtle . The warmth in her eyes dimmed for just a second. Because those words,they weren't new to her. She had heard them before
From the media
From strangers
From people who knew nothing about her son
And the extent they would all go to tarnish her son's image, always angered her to the core.
Though she had learned to ignore it,to brush it off, just like how Smith and her husband had told her to, cause people will always talk, especially if it had to do with smith, someone who holds the whole city in his palms.
But hearing it now, from lily was different
Her lips curved into a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes this time
"Is that what you think of him?". She asked
Lily blinked, slightly caught off guard by the question
"Huh?
She didn't expect that Mrs Wellington had heard her
"Think of me?". Smith asked confused
He noticed the change of expression and the slight tightness in his mother's posture. Even the silence was questionable.
His brows pulled together
"What are you two whispering about?".
Lily shifted her gaze to him. Their eyes met briefly The change of Mrs Wellington expression says a lot. And now the atmosphere was somewhat dense cause of the silence.
'Am i wrong about Smith?'
"Smith don't you think it's high time you two talk?"
Mrs Wellington asked smith gently,but there was a change in her tone
"Talk?, talk about what?
"Talk about yourselves,like getting to know each other?".
Smith's lips twitched
"Is that really necessary?"
And just again, lily noticed something,this version of him when talking to his mum. Relaxed, casual, making his a total different Smith.
"What do you mean?, you two are couples, arranged or not, which means you are stuck together forever,you definitely have to....
"Wait, what?! Forever?". Lily asked,her eyes slightly widened
"Yes dearie, forever,why?. You want a divorce?".
Even though she had said it like it didn't matter,she inwardly prayed for Lily to say no.
Lily hated the idea of divorce. Marriage is a do or die affair especially if one was already in it willingly. But the case of her and Smith was totally different.
She slowly shook her head
"But can he stick to one woman?" Lily asked,this time, looking straight into smith's eye.
Smith was cut off guard by her words,he really hadn't expected it. He kept a blank face,but his mum could read through him
Mrs Wellington bursted out laughing cause of the expression on smith's face. Never in her life had she thought that a girl's statement would get at him. Though he kept a straight face,his eyes betrayed him.
Just then ,thenm door opened,and Mrs Baron stepped in
"Madam?"
Recognizing the voice, Mrs Wellington turned,and smiled immediately.
"Sara"
Mrs Wellington stood immediately
Mrs Baron dropped the leather which was filled with groceries before walking over warmly. The two women embraced naturally.
"You came back quite early". Mrs Wellington said holding her arms lightly
"I have to see you before you leave". Mrs Baron said smiling.
Mrs Wellington chuckled
"Miss me that much?, I told you I'll be staying for dinner"
"Oh,I forgot about that".
"You didn't mentioned that mum" Smith chipped in
"Do I need to mention everything to you?"
"I'm not the problem here". He replied lazily. "You know how crazy your husband becomes when he hasn't seen you for long, he's going to miss you and I'm sure you'll miss him too". He said , followed with a wink
"Don't you think you're meddling too much in my marital life?".
"Meddling?" He asked confused
"That's the word I can think of right now".
Smith closed his eyes briefly.
Mrs Baron Burst into laughter. She had really missed the mother and son banter.
Lily on the other hand failed to hide the laughter that was supposed to come out long before now
Smith head snapped his head toward her direction
"You seem entertained "
"A little ". She answered shamelessly.
Mrs Wellington and Mrs Baron exchanged a quiet glance.
"Let's start making dinner". Mrs Wellington said and picked up the groceries." I missed being in the kitchen with you".
Mrs Baron opened her mouth wide in shock, her eyes wasn't left out. Mrs Wellington is not someone who loves being in the kitchen,she hates cooking.
So Mrs Baron understood that this was one of her tricks to leave smith and lily alone.
"Really mum?". Smith asked with a knowing look.
"What?". She shot daggers at him
"Entertain your wife".
She held Mrs Baron hand and dragged her to the kitchen.
The door closed behind them. Mrs Wellington leaned against it and sighed.
Mrs Baron cackled, nodding her head, looking at her.
With a brow raised,an annoyed look plastered on Mrs Wellington's face
"What?". Mrs Wellington snapped. "since you left,I've tried to learn a dish or two"
Mrs Baron smiled
"But do you really wanna be in the kitchen with me this time?". She asked stretching her hand to take an apron
Mrs Wellington exhaled
"You know me too well". She said walking to the counter. She pulled a chair and sat on it
"She says the same thing about Smith".
Mrs Baron turned to face her,a puzzled look on her face.
"About smith being a playboy".
Mrs Baron chuckled
"Oh that". She turned on the gas and placed a pot on it
"She doesn't seem like someone who had known smith before now, so she's surely going to make some findings. And you know the media says the same thing about him".
"But don't you think she would have asked?, I don't think anyone would like to marry a playboy".
"She was forced". Mrs Baron corrected
"It was the only option left".
She rested her elbow on the counter, placing her hand on her chin.
"What are you making for dinner?".
"Something yummy". She faced Mrs Wellington. " Allow it be a surprise,will you?".
"A surprise?, and I'm here watching you prepare it".
"You wouldn't still know what it is even if you watch me closely". She said with a grin
Mrs Wellington pouted
"That was harsh"
Mrs Baron smiled
"Don't they talk casually?, smith and lily?".
"You know your son better than anyone,things he's forced to do,he doesn't take it seriously ". She said and stirred something in the pot
"But it's quite different this time". She continued
"That's brat, I'm really going to teach him a lesson ".
A laugh escaped Mrs Baron lips
"Those words sounds familiar". She said in a mocking tone
Mrs Wellington ignored her
"I've noticed it too,the way he interact with Lily is quite different"
"So why are you worried?".
"I just wised they will fall in love"
" They will".
"I want it now". Mrs Wellington nutter " this instant "
Mrs Baron laughed
"We both know that's not possible "
"What if she hardenes her heart cause she thinks he's a playboy. I think I should clear her on that".
"I don't think that's possible, Smith has all it takes for a girl to fall in love, and I think you should allow them talk about it. They're matured and already a couple,you shouldn't interfere much "
"I just want them to be together"
"They're already together"
Mrs Wellington frowned which made Mrs Baron chuckled
"Then they should fall in love before they both regrets it".
"Don't worry about that,they won't".
"I seriously think smith got his stubborn attitude from you"
Mrs Baron laughed heartily
"And i think it's a good thing".