Her eyes widened, pain and displeasure staining her expensive make up as she looked back at all the people clapping, then to her parents. Her father and mother were still clapping and even with the smiles on their face which were obviously forced, one could still see the pain written underneath it. She stood still for some seconds as though she had seen an anomaly or a ghost. "What have I done to myself?" She asked almost aloud, just a bit beneath her breath.Flashbacks of all the times she had mistreated him flood her mind, waging war against it as she lowered herself in to seat. It felt like she was drowning in the applause of the crowd but could not be helped out. Michael, her lover stood right beside her in shock. He had been annoyed that Raymond didn't call his name during the recognition of guests but all he felt at this point was stupidity. For a moment, he regretted his rude and wicked character but brushed it off few seconds later."What are you doing, babe? Roberts being a W

In the room backstage, Robert sat smiling nervously as he thought about how the revelation had gone. That wasn't so bad, he thought, still smiling. His grandfather had gone into the audience after hir reveal, perhaps to mingle with one or two people and tell them what an amazing man Robert was. Today, he didn't exactly need Raymond or Robert to help him because he had a walking stick which helped him balance perfectly.Raymond went back on stage to continue his anchoring job which he was doing quite perfectly. "Good evening again, people. It has been brought to my notice that The Noels are here as well. I hadn't acknowledged them earlier, so please put your hand together and welcome Me and Mrs Noel." As applause filled the air, Michael sighed. Turning back, he could see his parents waving at the crowd. He has thought they wouldn't come because he didn't want them to but there were here anyways. He felt annoyed that he wasn't recognized along with them. But there wasn't really a thing

"Oh is that so, alright then." Jude smiled dryly. "And I want to thank you for bringing me the missing heirloom. If you never did, Robert would still be out there, away from his family. In fact, all this is because of you. Thank you." Mr Richard and his wife felt incredibly guilty because of everything they had done to him, especially because they tagged him a thief when the ring fell off him. They looked at each other, their conscience waging fierce war against them."I don't think you should thank us. I mean, we know Robert must have told you everything that happened." Mr Richard said, his head facing the floor."What you did? I don't understand." Jude said, almost bewildered.The Richards looked at each other in surprise at what he said. Mr Richard, especially kept wondering what kind of person Robert was, who didn't tell his grandfather about the mistreatments he went through. But unknown to them, he had indeed told Jude only that he didn't reveal that they were the parents of his

"I don't know what you think of me Sophia, but one thing you know I can never be is a fool. Maybe I was once, but I'll never ever be one again." He was looking her directly in her eyes, they began to flutter. "Don't think you can use that old magic on me, Sophia. It won't work anymore. You proved to me that you never loved me and I'll never forget everything you and your family put me through.""But I'm sorry, babe. Please forgive me. How do you want me to say this now? I've told you, it wasn't my fault. I promise.""It wasn't your fault that I caught you in bed with Michael, over there? No, tell me." He asked gently."I'm sorry, please. I did not mean for all of that to happen. There was just so much pressure on me, I didn't know what to do." "Spare me that trash, Sophia. And you see that thing you're doing with your eyes? Yes, it doesn't work on me anymore. Anyways, enjoy the party." He started walking away from the table to another table. "Robert, please.." She walked just behind

She looked up at him and saw the wide grin on his face, making her feel weak, like she was going to fall to the floor and turn to ashes. Her parents looked soaked in humiliation, each heading back to their seats to head home. But that wasn't Sophia's plan at all. She had to make her move before going home, an effective move this time. "Let's go home, Sophia. I'm sick of this place." Her father spat bitterly as he stood up."Yes. I have received more humiliation that I have ever done since I was born and all because of who? Our former son in law, your ex husband." She added, fixing her purse. Just then, Sophia held her father's hand, pulling him back down to his seat."Wait, dad. There's something important I need to do before we leave." She talked calmly as she watched the remaining guest kiss Robert's ring."What is so important to your than our dignity? What? We need to leave this place now." Mr Richard continued."Wait, dad. I'll tell you later but trust me, it will give us as muc