Technically, he was our family's housekeeper, but I had always treated him well since he was Jude's relative. His job was easy, mostly just driving my mother around for grocery shopping or strolls. We also had a cook and a part-time cleaner, so he didn't have much to do.
Still, how could someone from a struggling background suddenly afford a Mercedes? Did he rent it? Or was there something else going on? These questions kept swirling in my head. I clicked on Jared's post again, but it was gone. Then I had an idea. I pulled up the security camera footage, which I never usually bother with and guess what? It was just a black screen! Nothing.
Suddenly, I heard this faint whimpering sound. Barely there, but it felt like a needle poking right at my heart. My gut was telling me something was seriously wrong. I decided to cut my business trip short and booked a flight home.
I rushed back as fast as I could. The moment I opened the door, Jude looked startled. His eyes flashed with panic before he quickly put on an expression of surprise. "Babe! You're back early! You must be hungry, let me make you something to eat!" As he spoke, he subtly blocked the doorway as if trying to hide something.
I frowned, an inexplicable irritation rising in my chest. "I already ate on the plane. I'm not hungry."
His voice suddenly got louder. "Oh, not hungry? Then just go rest!"
From inside the house, I heard the sound of things shifting. I pushed past him and scanned the room. Something felt off, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Jared was standing in the living room, sweeping the floor, with a bit of sweat on his forehead. He looked flustered for a second but then gave me this cheesy smile. "Mrs. Ysabell, you're back!"
I nodded and headed straight for my mother's room. She was wearing her reading glasses and seemed to be sewing something. She used to work in factories, making buttons and stuff, which really messed up her eyes. It made my heart ache.
When I opened the door, my mother jumped like I'd scared her. She dropped a men's shirt she was holding. When she saw it was me, she forced a smile. I signed to her, "Mom, what's going on? Why did you want to go back so suddenly?"
She shook her head and signed back. "I'm not used to the city. I miss Macey and the others."
I frowned even more. "Mom. Aunt Macey passed away last year. Tell me the truth, what's wrong?"
My mother's eyes darted towards the door. Someone was standing there. It was Jude. He yawned and said, "What are you two doing, playing charades?"
When my mother heard Jude's voice, she flinched and covered her face. I saw bruises on the back of her hand. I grabbed her hand and pulled up her sleeve. Her whole arm was covered in bruises. "Jude, how did my mom get these bruises?" I was furious and my voice was loud. "And why is she sewing? I told you a million times, that her eyes are bad. She shouldn't be doing any needlework. She needs to rest!"
Jude glanced at my mom. She quickly yanked her sleeve down and waved her hands frantically, signaling that she was okay.
"Ysabell Coleman, calm down," Jude sighed, looking exasperated. "What, are you interrogating me like a criminal now?"
