Rejected Mate's Redemption (Freda and James)

Chapter 85

FREDA WHITLOCK

Dinner was ready. "Cisco, Elle, Gina dinner's ready". I called out as I placed the food on the table.

They all came downstairs, it seemed Elle and Gina were playing with Cisco as they all came giggling down the stairs.

Cole was already seated while everyone else took their seats carefully. I glanced at Lyra who had been quiet the whole time.

I wondered what she said by mate. 'Who was her mate?' What had happened to her today?. "Freda thank you for the meal. It's tastes so good". Cole said with a smiling face as he drew me from my thoughts. I shook my head as I cleared my thoughts. I would ask Lyra. later. "You don't need to thank me. It's the least I could do for you guys".

"But it's really good" Gina gushed out between mouthfuls of chicken. I laughed at her actions. "Okay, thank you everyone. I couldn't have done it without Lyra's help" I stated as I passed a smile to Lyra. She gave me a quick smile in return which was unlike Lyra. She was always talking about something or the other. Something was definitely wrong.

Now wasn't the time to ask her. I shifted my gaze back to

everyone and we began to dig into the food silently. Unable to

bear the allende anymore I began to speak.

"So Elle, how are things at the company?" I asked curiously. Since I had come back. There was little I could do, I could only trust my employees to do well. I was only able to monitor their progress from far away.

But I trusted Elle and her next words confirmed my thoughts. "Things are great, we are following the plan you gave us before. you left and it has attracted a lot of customers".

"The profit we are getting is double that of what we used to receive before". She said happily and I smiled, "I am so happy. you guys are doing well without me even being there to guide. you".

"I'm so proud of you guys, thank you for not letting me down. Thank you for coordinating yourselves and maintaining that professionalism in my absence". said with a voice filled with so much emotion. "It's all because you're a good boss. You always treat others. around you with love and respect. It's only natural they do the same". Cole stated as he looked tenderly at me.

"Thank you, Cole, I mean it". I replied softly. "Mummy's the best" Cisco yelled and we all laughed and resumed eating.

All through dinner, Lyra was so quiet. I tried to engage her in small talks but her answers were vague. I gave up after a while. and focused on the others.

Elle and Gina were talking animatedly about some gossip at the company. Apparently some people where dating each other. I listened half heartedly. 11 238

After a while, we finished dinner. Elle and Gina offered to do the dishes and I gladly obliged. I was about to go see Lyra when Cisco came to meet me. "Mummy, I'm feeling sleepy". "Okay honey, let's get you tucked in" I replied softly as I ruffled his hair.

I picked him up and we headed to his room. "Mummy is something wrong with aunty Lyra? Cisco asked innocently when I laid him on his bed and I was speechless.

"Why do you ask honey?", I asked as I recovered from my shock. "It's just aunty Lyra was just so quiet during dinner and when I asked her to tuck me in bed she said she was tired. Is aunty Lyra ill?" If even Cisco could notice that Lyra was acting strange then the issue was deeper than I thought. I had to find Lyra as soon as possible and ask her before she did anything stupid to herself.

I turned to Cisco who was still looking at me expectantly. "Well, aunty Lyra has had a long day, she's tired, that's why she couldn't tuck you in bed. Don't think much about it. She would be much better tomorrow" I assured.

"Okay mummy" Cisco stated and closed his eyes as I sang him his favorite lullaby, 'you are my sunshine'. I just hoped Lyra would be back to herself by tomorrow or else Cisco wouldn't stop asking questions. Minutes later, Cisco was fast asleep and I tiptoed gently out of the room and put out the lights. Okay, it was time to find Lyra.

I walked back to the dining room where I left everyone. Elle and Gina were already done cleaning the table as well as taking care 4606%

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of the dishes. Cole must have helped out as well as there was a damp cloth in his hand.

"Is he asleep?"Gina asked and I nodded. Thank you guys for helping out with the dishes, I'm deeply grateful.

"Oh it's nothing, you made a delicious meal for us, it's the least we could do". Elle stated happily.

levert.

"Have about opening your own restaurant Freda? Trust me I'll be your first customer" Cole joked and we all laughed.

I looked around and noticed Lyra wasn't in the room. "Umm, where's Lyra?" I asked curiously as I scanned the room wit my eyes.

"Oh she went outside earlier". Elle replied. "Umm, is she okay? She seemed a bit off during dinner, like so quiet?" Gina asked and Elle nudged her.

"What? I was only concerned" she stated as she made a pouting face. Oh goddess, everyone was beginning to notice that something was off with Lyra.

"Oh it's nothing, it's probably girl issues. I'll go find her". I assured with a light smile and everyone nodded.

I went outside to the backyard where I found her earlier. She sat down on the soft grass with her back against me as she looked forward with a blank expression on her face.

It was a bit dark out here, we were only illuminated by the soft glow which shown on her face as it reflected the sadness there.

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I walked slowly to her and sat down. "Lyra" I called out softly but there was no reply. "Lyra" I called out a bit louder this time and she turned to me.

"I heard what you said earlier when we were in the kitchen. What did you mean by 'mate'?" I asked and she stiffened beside me.

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