In your Arms Again

Generousity Of A Wealthy Family

A loud ringing jolted Marcus from his restless sleep, making his already throbbing head feel even worse. He groaned, pressing his fingers against his forehead, trying to massage away the pain. “Ugh, my head is killing me,” he mumbled, his voice thick with exhaustion. With a sigh, he fumbled for his phone, barely managing to squint at the screen before answering the call.

“Marcus, grandson! Good morning!” Arthur’s voice boomed from the other end, far too cheerful for Marcus’s current state.

“Good morning, Grandpa,” Marcus muttered, his voice was unclear and laced with fatigue.

Arthur chuckled knowingly. “What happened last night? Did you drink too much? You sound terrible.”

Marcus sighed. “Yes, Grandpa. I might have gone a little overboard. My head is aching.”

“Well, that’s your fault,” Arthur teased before his tone turned more serious. “Anyway, tomorrow is the big day! The official announcement of your promotion to CEO.”

Marcus sat up straighter, rubbing his temples as he processed the words. Right. Tomorrow was the day. “Oh, right! I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” he said, his exhaustion disappeared as excitement crept into his voice.

“Believe it, my boy! Everything is set. Just be ready,” Arthur said before ending the call.

Just as Marcus was about to put his phone down, his mother, Aya, entered the room. She took one look at him and sighed. “Drinking too much again?”

Marcus ignored the remark and focused on the bigger news. “Mom, Grandpa just called. He told me that tomorrow is the official turnover of the next CEO. We need to make sure all our maids and employees are properly dressed for the event. I don’t want them spending their own money on outfits.”

Aya nodded approvingly. “Of course, son. We’ve been taking care of these things for almost two decades now. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” She glanced at him. “Now, come on. Let’s go down for breakfast.”

As they made their way downstairs, the smell of food filled the air. In the dining area, Ella and Eden were busy setting the table. When Marcus’s gaze landed on Ella, something inside him shifted. His heart beats so fast and he wasn’t sure why.

“Good morning, sir! Good morning, ma’am! Your breakfast is ready,” Ella and Eden greeted them warmly.

Marcus nodded, but his mind was still asking. What was that feeling? Why did seeing her make his pulse race like that?

“Thank you, ladies. Please go and summon your companions. I have an important announcement to make later,” Aya instructed.

“Yes, ma’am!” Ella and Eden responded in unison before hurrying off.

As they sat down to eat, Aya turned to her son. “So, how was your night with Felix? Is he upset that Grandpa chose you instead of him?”

Marcus shook his head. “No, Mom. He told me he’s happy for me. He said maybe I was meant to be CEO.”

Aya smiled proudly. “Then we should finish breakfast quickly. There’s a lot to prepare.”

After the meal, Aya gathered all the house staff in the grand living area. Standing at the front, she addressed them with her usual commanding presence. “Listen up, everyone! Tomorrow marks the official turnover of the new CEO. I want all of you to be there, looking elegant and presentable—like royalty!”

A ripple of excitement spread through the staff. Murmurs of anticipation filled the air.

“Carlos, prepare five company cars. We’re heading to MJ’s Mega Boutique. You all can pick whatever outfit you like, and I’ll cover all the expenses,” Aya continued, her tone firm but generous.

While the employees cheered in excitement, Marcus found himself lost in thought. His eyes unconsciously sought out Ella again. She stood among the staff, smiling as she chatted with Eden. There was something about her, something he couldn’t quite put into words.

Why does she always look so beautiful? he wondered. She was just wearing a simple white shirt and light gray jeans, but to him, she outshone every woman he had ever met. Her long black hair cascaded around her shoulders, and when she smiled, the dimples in her cheeks deepened, making her look even more stunning.

His thoughts were interrupted when his phone buzzed again. He frowned at the unregistered number before answering.

“What now?” he asked, irritation seeping into his voice.

“Marcus, babe! How are you? I’m on my way to your house right now. Can you wait for me?” a familiar voice chirped through the speaker.

Marcus clenched his jaw. Celine.

He hadn’t even processed the engagement announcement yet, and now she was acting like they were already a happy couple.

“Hey! Are you still there?” Celine pressed when he didn’t respond.

Marcus let out a slow breath, forcing himself to keep calm. “Yeah, I’m here, but I have important things to do today. You can come another time.”

“No! Tomorrow is a special day for you! Your grandpa asked me to help you prepare. You need me,” she insisted, her voice laced with entitlement.

Marcus’s patience snapped. “Fine,” he said curtly before ending the call.

Annoyed, he raked a hand through his hair, but as his gaze drifted back to Ella, something shifted inside him again. There was a warmth in her presence, a kind of peace that Celine had never given him.

But before he could dwell on it further, it was time to leave for the boutique.

Upon arriving at MJ’s Mega Boutique, the group was buzzing with excitement. The employees browsed the elegant clothing racks, their laughter filling the high-end store.

But amidst the excitement, Ella’s heart was heavy. While the others eagerly searched for outfits, she quietly stepped aside and pulled out her phone. With trembling fingers, she dialed her cousin Grace.

“Hello, cousin. How’s my mom doing?” Ella asked anxiously as soon as Grace picked up.

“She’s fine, sis. Don’t worry,” Grace replied, but there was something in her voice—something hesitant, something unspoken.

Ella’s stomach twisted. “Are you sure? She’s really okay?”

There was a pause on the other end.

Meanwhile, back at Ella’s home, Maddie watched anxiously as Grace held the phone. “Tell her that I’m fine,” Maddie whispered.

Grace hesitated. She hated lying to Ella. “But Auntie, she—”

“Please,” Maddie pleaded, her eyes desperate.

Grace swallowed hard, forcing a smile into her voice. “Yes, sis. She’s doing okay.”

Ella sighed in relief, not realizing the truth was being hidden from her. “Okay. Thank you, Grace. Please take care of her for me.”

As Ella hung up, she turned back toward the store, forcing herself to push the worry aside.

She’s not interested in choosing a dress for her despite Aya’s word that she’ll shoulder everything.

A decision crossed her mind. “I’ll ask permission from ma'am Aya, to visit mother tonight and come back tomorrow. I know she missed me and I missed her too.

With that decision, Ella chose not to join the group but she’ll wait for them at the waiting area instead.