Chapter 2

        Priscilla's POV

I departed from the hospital with my mother's ashes and the funds that were intended for her medical procedure. Despite my efforts to weep and alleviate the acute pang in my heart, I was unable to do so. It was inconceivable to me that she was no longer with us. I refused to accept that she had chosen to depart and leave me behind, unable to locate or contact her. The most distressing aspect of this situation is that I have no alternative but to live alone. I had made a vow to her that I would persevere, no matter how difficult life became. I continued walking until I arrived at the eatery where I had previously encountered that gentleman. Fortunately, his vehicle was still present, indicating that he was still inside. I would return his money and express my gratitude.

I gazed upon the drab vessel clasped within my grasp, which held the remains of my dear mother. Was it too much to ask for her to hold on until I had amassed the funds to return? Now, I am destitute, uneducated, and unemployed, with no place to call home and no one to turn to. The most excruciating part of it all is that I am utterly alone,  Priscilla was now alone. As if on cue, the tears that I had been suppressing began to cascade down my cheeks without restraint.

    Max's POV

"Max, are you seriously telling me that you caught your wife and uncle in the act on your oed?" Nicole's voice was laced with disbelief, and I could only nod my head in confirmation.

"Our marriage may have been arranged, but I thought we were happy. At least, that's what I believed," I sighed heavily. "But it seems she never cared for me. I have no idea how long they've been carrying on like this."

"Don't fret, my friend. The doctor has confirmed that she's unaware of the pregnancy. Find someone to care for your child and divorce her. She married you for your money and nothing else. Her actions speak volumes," Nicole's tone was filled with annoyance.

"And your uncle, what a shameless man. Will he sleep with every woman you're with?" I could hear the disgust in his voice.

"I can't even think about it. I just want to drink and forget everything. Otherwise, I might lose my mind," I told him, my voice heavy with pessimism.

"Ugh, I can't believe this," exclaimed Nicoles with a deep frown etched on his face. "I refuse to let you drink yourself into a stupor over that foolish woman," he continued, his tone dripping with disdain for Nelly. From the very beginning, Nicoles had never approved of her, and he never hesitated to voice his disapproval. I should have listened to him, but I was too blinded by love to see the truth.

"What am I supposed to do then?" I asked, feeling defeated.

"We'll find a suitable woman to be the mother of your child, someone who won't cause you this kind of pain. And we won't even tell Nelly about the pregnancy," Nicoles replied, his words laced with bitterness.

"But won't that make me look like a cheater?" I protested, feeling uneasy about the whole plan.

"Didn't she cheat on you?" Nicoles retorted, his voice rising in anger. "Bringing another woman who is pregnant will make her feel the same pain you're feeling right now. It's only fair."

Nicole's words make sense. In that way, I won't have anything to do with Nelly after the divorce. She will never know about the baby, so she won't demand so much money from me. I think it's a good plan. I know it's wrong to separate a child from its mother, but I don't want my child to become a pawn that will be used against me to lure my money.

"I have asked my assistant to find a perfect person for me. I'm sure in days he will find one," I said after giving it some thought.

"There's a perfect place I know where we can find that kind of woman. I think we should go there," Nicole said. He brought out his wallet and placed R500 on the table. "Come on, let's go." He rose from the chair, and I followed him as we walked outside.

I scowled upon spotting the girl I had given money to a few minutes ago perched next to my car. What could she possibly want now? Women are so insatiable, all they ever crave is money.

"What is she doing next to your car?" Nicole inquired.

"Let me go ask her," I replied, striding towards the girl. She appeared to be weeping, but why would she be shedding tears in my car? She quickly stood up when she saw me.

"What do you want now?" I demanded sternly, observing her red, teary eyes.

"Sir, I have returned your money," she said, causing me to frown.

"Didn't you need it to pay for your mother's surgery?" I interrogated her. She remained rigid.

"I was too late," she said, attempting to stifle her sobs. "She had already passed away. Thank you for your assistance, but please take the money back. I no longer require it," she said, more tears streaming down her face.

I cannot fathom how she could return the money. Does she not require it to conduct a funeral for her mother? My gaze shifted towards the colossal bottle she clutched, containing ashes. It appears she requested the hospital to cremate her mother and now, despite her mother's passing, she has chosen to return my money. Does she not have other pressing needs, such as renting a dwelling? This woman appears to have no regard for money. How could she possibly be a suitable mother for my child? Her appearance alone is enough to make me recoil in horror. Even in my wildest dreams, I could never fall in love with her. Nevertheless, I trust her.

"May I inquire if you have any family or a place to reside?" I queried, to which she shook her head.

"And how old are you?" I pressed further.

"I...I will be turning 20 on the 5th of December," she murmured.

"Stay put, I shall return," I stated before making my way back to Nicole

"She's perfect," Nicoles whispered before I could say anything. "But will she agree to this? I doubt it. She's still young."

"Well, we won't tell her anything now. We'll wait until she's pregnant. I'm doing her a favor because she looks like she wants to kill herself," I mumbled, and Nicole nodded in agreement.

"We have to take her to the beauty parlor first. She's too dirty," he said.

"Follow my car then. I'll be going with her," I said and walked back to the girl.

"Hey, come with me. I own a big company. I can give you a job and a place to stay now that you have no one to take care of you," I said, and she looked at me.

"You've helped me a lot, sir. I don't want to bother you anymore," she murmured.

"You are not bothering me in the slightest. If it were anyone else, I would have done the same thing. Please, do come with me. I couldn't forgive myself if I left a young girl like you all alone on the street." I said, I hope she doesn't disagree, as she seems like a stubborn type.

"If you insist, then I will accept your offer, sir," she says.

Thank goodness she didn't give me a hard time. I'll deal with any anger she may have later.

Once inside the car, I instructed her to sit in the back seat. She was quite dirty and smelled bad, with mud all over her.

After she settled in, I started the car.

I couldn't help but steal glances at her through the mirror. She appeared to be lost in her world, with tears streaming down her face without restraint. Undoubtedly, her mother's death had left her feeling hurt, disappointed, disheartened, alone, and abandoned. Perhaps, her mother was the only person she had in this world, and now she was gone. I knew how she felt because I had experienced the same pain when my mother passed away. It was a difficult pill to swallow, and the pain still lingers.

"What's your name?" I asked, hoping to snap her out of her daze.

"My name is Priscilla Jenks," she replied, devoid of any emotion.

"Do you have any identification or certificates?" I inquired.

"I have them," she replied.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" I asked.

"Who in their right mind would even consider being with a repulsive girl like me?" she spat out. It was a valid point, as she emitted such a foul odor that no one would dare to come near her. It was for the best. I didn't want any trouble in my humble abode. Despite her unfortunate circumstances, she was quite stunning. Her face was delicately rounded and heart-shaped, with big, Blue-Gray eyes and long black hair that cascaded down her shoulders. If only all the dirt and grime could be removed from her face, she would be a sight to behold.

I pulled up to a Beauty parlor and opened the door for her. She followed me inside without uttering a word.

Once inside, I instructed the ladies who worked there to transform her into a proper lady. I took a seat in the waiting area and pulled out my phone to dial my assistant's number. After a few minutes, he finally answered.

"Good day, sir! I had the opportunity to speak with your lawyer, and he informed me that the divorce proceedings will commence tomorrow, as your wife has filed for a divorce," I explained.

"Excellent news! Please don't trouble yourself with finding the woman I requested. Instead, I would like you to purchase all the necessary items for a lady. Additionally, I need you to ensure that Nelly is unconscious and taken to Mark's hospital by this evening, without my uncle's knowledge," I instructed over the phone.

"Understood, sir. I will carry out your instructions to the letter," he replied.

"Very well, then. I will end the call now," I said, placing my phone back in my pocket.

The ladies who had gone to clean Priscilla returned with her, and I was amazed by her transformation. She looked stunning and immaculate, wearing a lovely floral dress and simple sandals. I stood up from my chair, filled with admiration for her new appearance, she looked perfect to be the mother of my child.

After making all the payments at the receptionist, We left the place and headed to the hospital.