Shadows of revenge

Chapter Twelve

Cindy arrived at the hospital and decided to visit Megan before her mother. Upon seeing that Megan's health had improved, she felt relieved, hoping this wasn't the start of another series of asthma attacks. She dropped off a fruit basket and chatted briefly with Megan before leaving to see her mother.

Her mother's condition was worsening, but the doctor confirmed that surgery would be done soon. Cindy hoped it would be before her wedding. Just then, Dr. Hopkins entered the hospital room.

"Hello, Ms. Bailey," he said as he walked smartly over to the bed.

"Hello, Doc," Cindy smiled, trying to gauge his expression for signs of good or bad news. He was smiling, which she hoped was a good sign, but she didn't want to dwell too much on it.

"Mrs. Bailey, how are you feeling today?" the doctor asked.

"Better!" Sophia affirmed.

"Awesome! I like that spirit," he said, smiling more. "Ms. Bailey, please see me in my office." He walked over to the door and then exited.

Cindy stood up to go see the doctor. "Mom, I'll be back. You should rest more," she told her mother before leaving.

When she entered Dr. Hopkins's office, he was busy with some documents. He welcomed her in, and she sat down. After arranging some papers, Cindy asked, "Doctor, I hope there are no issues?"

"No, there's none," he replied, handing her the files. "These are your mother's medical reports. Her surgery will be in two weeks."

That would be just days after her wedding, she thought. "Okay," she said as she reviewed her mother's medical reports and realized her illness was serious but remained hopeful that the surgery would help.

"She is pretty strong; she'll come out fine. Just sign here to confirm your agreement with proceeding with the operation."

"Alright, Doctor." She signed the necessary documents and handed them back to Dr. Hopkins.

"Alright. She should take lots of fruits and vegetables—and plenty of water."

"I will do that," she assured him as she stood up and left his office.

*******************

Max received a call from Stephan Royce, owner of Manhattan's largest car dealership. He learned they were looking for prime real estate for their new company and knew this deal could benefit his agency. They scheduled a meeting to discuss the project.

Max had planned to take Cindy for her gown fitting that afternoon but received a call from Sydney just as he was about to leave.

"Hello Max! I'm at the airport; won't you come pick me up?" Her cool yet persuasive voice came through the phone. He glanced at his watch—Cindy would be waiting for him soon—but he felt compelled to pick up Sydney instead of keeping his appointment with Cindy.

"I'll be there in thirty minutes," he replied calmly.

"Please hurry up," she urged lazily. He hung up and called Cindy.

After two rings, she picked up excitedly. "Hello! Are you ready?"

"I won't make it today; let's postpone our visit to the dress shop."

Silence followed before she asked, "Can I go with my friend instead?"

Surprised and frustrated, he simply replied, "Alright," before hanging up.

*****************

Cindy's heart sank when Max suggested postponing their dress shop visit. She pushed aside her disappointment and asked if she could go with Megan instead; all he could say was "alright." What did she expect from Maxwell Anderson? She had dreamed of a fairytale marriage but had to face reality: her marriage was unlikely to be romantic or loving. She picked up her phone to call Megan.

"Hello babe," Megan answered excitedly."I should go with you to the dress shop to choose a dress?" she exclaimed almost shouting through the phone after she heard Cindy's demand.

Cindy rolled her eyes. "Yes, please."

"I thought Max had plans to go with you?"

"He did, but something came up."

Megan gritted her teeth; she suspected Max wasn't genuinely busy but simply didn't prioritize going with Cindy. "Alright. Where are you?"

"At home."

"Okay, I'll be there in thirty minutes." She hung up and hailed a taxi.

Cindy stared at her phone after the call ended and sighed. Megan shouldn't pity her; she made her decision and would live with it. She stood up to change into a suitable outfit for going out.

Max picked up Sydney from the airport and drove her to the Anderson mansion in New Jersey. She had come to Manhattan for a modeling shoot with a cosmetic company and would stay at the mansion throughout the contract period—she practically grew up there and was like a daughter to Mrs. Anderson.

As Sydney exited the car, Max signaled her, "Syd, I'll be leaving for now; I'll be back later."

"Alright, don't be late! I want us to have dinner together tonight."

"Sure," Max said before driving off.

Once they reached the mansion, Madeline, the chief maid with a British accent from a traditional family in Britain, welcomed Sydney warmly: "Welcome young madam and master."

"Hey Madeline! It's been ages! How have you been?" Sydney smiled as other servants helped carry in her luggage.

"I've been fine young madam."

"That's great to hear!" Sydney smiled back as she walked inside.

"The Senior Madam will be with you soon," Madeline said as she headed toward the kitchen to continue her work.

Just then, Tonia came down the stairs with a big smile on her face: "Finally! I've seen my girl after so long!" She reached the landing just as Sydney rushed over for a hug.

"Mom! I've missed you so much! How have you been?"

Tonia searched her daughter's face lovingly: "I've been well; you're looking more gorgeous than ever!"

Sydney laughed: "Mom! You're always radiant and beautiful; I can't compare myself to your beauty!" They both laughed as they walked over to sit in the living room together. One of the maids brought tea but Sydney asked her to leave so she could pour tea for Tonia herself while they chatted about life.

"So has Max been treating you well?" Sydney asked casually.

"That rascal never pays attention to me; he overworks himself! So stubborn—I wonder if I was the one who gave birth to him!"

Sydney chuckled: "Of course Mom! You were the one who gave birth to him! How else would he be so handsome if someone else were his mother?"

Tonia smiled: "Your words always gladden my heart!"

"Don't worry; I'll make sure he listens to you now!"

"Please do that my dear."

"So what has he been up lately? That hard-headed man wouldn't let me know what's going on here."

"He’s been fine; his business remains at the top—and he'll also be getting married soon."

Sydney's hand froze mid-air as she was about to take a sip of tea: "What?"