Maxine's Pov:
After a while, the Audrey lady returned, looking a little better. 

She smiled as she took her seat, but stood up with her bag immediately.

"I'm so sorry, but I have to be on my way now," she said, her voice trembling slightly, and I arched my brows, sensing there was more behind her hurried exit.

So early?

"Huh? But why? You've barely eaten," Mrs Sigmund said.

"Don't worry, ma'am. I'm actually fine. I just...need to take care of something important. Thanks for accepting me, by the way.

"Um...Noah", she called.
"Can I have a word with you, please?"

Huh??

I looked at Noah immediately. What's she talking about?

"Uh...okay, sure", Noah replied and stood up.

"Thanks for the dinner once more. Bye, Rex," she waved and left the room with Noah.
*
*
Noah's Pov:
I followed her out of the room, wondering what she had in mind. 

We got out to the facade, and she stopped walking and turned to face me.

Her bulging eyes gleamed in the dark. 

"Hi Noah", she gave a light smile.
"I was actually scared you wouldn't remember me", she added with a chuckle, and I also smiled.

"Hi Audrey. Long time," I said

"Yeah - we've said that before. I've actually...missed you and just wanted to say a proper hi. I can see life is going on well for you. I mean... you're actually getting married. Congratulations".

"Yeah...thanks. And...I pray you find the same happiness".

"Of course", she smiled and didn't say anything else.

"So...I guess I'll be on my way now. Take care,"  she said and gave me a parting hug, which made me a little uncomfortable.

"Bye, Audrey", I cooed, and she smiled and finally left.

I took a deep breath and watched her walk to her car and drive off.

Oh! Boy.

Where has she been all this while?

Hm. Anyway, it's a good thing to know she's actually fine. 

As she drove out of the compound, I turned around and returned to the house. 
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I felt so uneasy knowing Noah was having a secret conversation with her. Why does she have to show up in the first place? 

I mean...his ex. Why did she show up, huh?

"So Maxine, you really like my son?" Mrs Sigmund broke into my thoughts, and I looked at her.

Oops! I don't think I'm ready for this conversation.

"Um...yes ma'am"

"Are you sure? Or you're only getting married to him cause it's urgent and you probably have an eye on his wealth?" Rex said, and I ridiculously looked at him.

Gosh!

"Let her speak for herself, Rex", Mr Sigmund cut in, and he rolled his eyes.
"Okay...let's continue, Maxine. Are you really getting married to my son cause its urgent or because you like him?' Mrs Sigmund continued, and I cringed a little.

"Well....the thing is, I've always crushed on Noah, ma'am, even before I'd gotten to meet him. So, I actually like him and...see it as an honour getting married to him," I replied, and she nodded with a smile.

She was about to say something else when Noah suddenly walked in, and I heaved a sigh of relief. At last.

He returned to the dining room and took his seat next to me, and Mrs Sigmund didn't say any other thing regarding the issue, and I wondered why.

"Is she gone?" She asked Noah, and he just nodded and continued eating.

After a while, we finished eating, and Noah announced that we were leaving since it was late.

His parents had excused him for a brief discussion while I waited outside for him.

And while waiting, Rex showed up.

"Hey", he smirked as he stood beside me, and I sighed.

Gosh! Not now.

"Please, I don't want any trouble", I said tiredly and tried walking away, but he held me back.

"Hey, chill. I just want to congratulate you on your engagement," he teased.

"Don't touch me!" I snapped and wriggled my hand from his.

"Woahh! Looks like someone's grown some wings, huh?" He laughed.

"Yeah - and trust me - I'm ready to cut out your balls if you mess with me again", I said, pointing my finger at him, and he widened his eyes in shock.

"For real?? Wow! Do you care if we carry out some practice?" He said grumpily and moved closer to me.

"Rex!" 
I heard someone call and turned to see his mother walking out with Noah.

Thank goodness.

"What do you think you're doing??" She asked, alarmed, while Noah just stared.

"Chill, mum. I was only having a conversation with my sister-in-law," he said with a chuckle and walked away.

Gosh!

Noah just watched and didn't say a word, and I noticed he looked kinda moody.

"Goodnight, mum", he said simply and started walking towards me.

"Um...okay son. Goodnight and take care of yourself, okay? Bye, Maxine," she replied and waved at me.

"Thank you, ma'am. Goodnight," I replied in obeisance and left with Noah.

Finally, I just couldn't wait to get home.

I sat next to him in the front seat as he started the car and took off.

Hold on; where's the driver?

He kept his eyes fixed on the road and didn't say anything, and immediately it started raining.

Oh my God! 

I had sensed it from the house already. I knew it was gonna rain, and now, with the car trouble, I felt a rising wave of anxiety about what might happen next. 

It was more like the rain had been waiting for us to set out on the road because it started falling immediately.

Holy Molly!

Thank goodness the road was clear and Noah tried to drive as fast as he could.

Suddenly, the unexpected happened.

The car broke down.

It screeched to a halt, and the manner in which it had happened almost made me shriek.

Oh my God!

"Wh...What's wrong?" I turned to Noah and asked, and he groaned and hit the steering wheel.

"I think we're having a flat tyre", he replied, and my heart skipped.

What?