Days Are Numbered

47. Silent resolution

Devastation was an understatement to define Noah's disappointment and pain when he found out about the backstage plans his mother carried out against him. At first, it was pain that consumed him, then rage, Then came a toxic blend of resentment, hatred, and profound brokenness that settled like a heavy fog over his mind. Noah refused to go for a confrontation rather he chose to suffer in silence, shutting down not only his mind to his pain but his spirit and soul. His little efforts to look happy crumbled along with the shutdown, unable to put on a happy face or fake a smile. Noah decided to shut his door, Days turned into weeks, and more weeks elapsed in silence and resolution.

Cordelia could hardly understand the sudden change. Noah no longer responded to her as much as he did before, he remained in his room with his door shut, not a sound could be heard behind the door. Cordelia would sneak up to Noah's room, hoping to catch a glimpse of him or perhaps offer him some measure of comfort. Yet each time, she found his door locked, the barrier between them growing thicker with each passing day. She couldn't understand his sudden shut out, she never tried barging into his room and forcefully questioning him. The last time they had a conversation was in the hospital, when they'd arrived home Noah was quick to ghost her. Refusing to leave his room even for meals.

Cordelia rose from her sofa, a stack of files clutched tightly in her hands. It had been a difficult decision, but she knew it was in Noah's best interests. She was determined to tell him about his acceptance to study business at Harvard, but she also recognized the importance of him seeing a psychologist to help him navigate through the challenges he was facing.

"Mark?" she called out as she made her way up the stairs.

Mark appeared at the bottom of the staircase, his presence calm and reassuring. "How may I be of help, Mrs. Merridew?" he inquired respectfully.

Cordelia paused, her mind racing with the weight of her decisions.

"Call Noah down here; we need to discuss. Tell him I won't take no for an answer," Cordelia instructed firmly as Mark nodded and promptly left to fetch her son.

She sank onto her plush golden couch, the files landing with a thud on the coffee table beside her. Julius, who was on his way out, glanced at her with a curious expression.

"What's all this for?" he chuckled, gesturing to the files scattered across the table.

Cordelia sighed, a sense of accomplishment mingled with frustration evident in her expression. "I was looking into universities that Noah could attend and the best career path for him," she explained, her voice tinged with determination.

Julius raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You? I mean, why can't he do it for himself?" he questioned, his curiosity evident.

Cordelia's lips pressed into a thin line, her displeasure evident. "Noah has tried to navigate things on his own in the past, and it didn't end well," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "It took a lot of effort to help him pick up the pieces, to help him find his way again. I believe it's time for me to take responsibility for him, to ensure that he's on the right path," she explained.

Julius shook his head slightly, a hint of frustration in his expression. "Don't be so bossy. With some advice, I'm pretty sure he can find his own way. He's smart," he suggested, his tone gentle yet firm.

Cordelia shrugged, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. "I don't think we're on the same page," she replied dismissively.

"I know he's your kid, but as a man, I can assure you that it might backfire," Julius asserted, his concern evident in his voice.

Cordelia frowned at his words, her resolve unwavering. "If he protests, I'll make him understand, don't you worry, and besides he is already accepted, I applied on his behalf." she declared firmly.

Julius sighed in exasperation, surprised at the level of control she had in Noah's life, but before he could continue, Noah walked in on them. His appearance was a cause for concern; he looked pale, with fading bags under his eyes. Despite his obvious fatigue, Noah managed to flash them a polite smile and offer a greeting.

Cordelia's intense gaze followed him as he settled into the opposite seat, clasping his hands together and waiting expectantly for the conversation to begin.

Cordelia shared a perplexed look with Julius before turning her attention back to Noah. "How are you feeling, dear?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

Noah met her gaze, his blue eyes momentarily losing their sparkle. However, instead of displaying any signs of depression or exhaustion, he replied with a forced expression of joy. Yet, there was a subtle tension around the corners of his lips that betrayed his true emotions. "Good. I was just trying to recover properly from all that incident. I needed time to settle in my head," he explained, breaking eye contact shortly after.

Cordelia nodded, though her expression was filled with doubt. "Well, I invited you here so we could decide on your next academic steps," she continued, pushing the file closer to Noah, who picked it up and began to read the lines, the content of his face melted into a blank expression.

Julius glanced at Cordelia, shaking his head slowly in disappointment. Cordelia brushed off his reaction, determined to continue. "You have excellent grades, so Harvard accepted you for a business administration degree, with entrepreneurship and finance as side degrees," she stated confidently. "I know you can handle those, doing it at once is better you know," she added, a smile playing on her lips.

Noah looked up, his voice flat as he replied, "Fine." However, his eyes told a different story, holding a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

Julius cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. "Noah, what about you?" he asked, earning a sharp glare from Cordelia.

Before Noah could respond, Cordelia interrupted, her tone aggressive. "This is what's best for him," she asserted firmly.

For a moment, a flicker of defiance crossed Noah's face as he met Julius's gaze with a piercing stare. "She knows what's best for me, she always does. I have nothing to lose," he replied with a forced chuckle, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

Cordelia beamed with pride at her son's words, reaching out to brush his cheeks affectionately. However, Julius frowned as he noticed the tightening of Noah's smile, sensing the underlying tension in the room.

"Noah, we're having a feast at the family house. Your cousins will be there, and I want you to come. So, change into something fancy and meet me in the garden by 2 p.m. It's about a 1-hour drive, and I don't want to be late," Cordelia instructed firmly.

Noah nodded silently. "Sure," he replied quietly before rising from his seat. "Excuse me," he added, flashing them a strained smile before leaving their presence.

Julius glared at Cordelia. "That's not nice of you," he admonished.

Cordelia rolled her eyes, dismissing his concern with a laugh. "You worry too much. He's fine," she insisted.

"I doubt you know your son," Julius retorted, his tone tinged with frustration.

Cordelia pouted defensively. "He's a different boy now. He's no longer rebellious. I made a good investment emotionally, physically, and financially. I thank God that I got a chance to bring him up the right way, which is what I'm doing," she countered.

Julius sat up, adjusting his glasses. "Don't push your luck," he warned sternly before leaving the room.

Cordelia paused, reflecting on their exchange. After a moment, she sighed heavily. "God knows I mean well for him," she whispered to herself, her expression conflicted.

A/N

Hiyaaa, how are you enjoying the chapter?

I'm so glad we have come this far and are approaching the end of the book, it's being six months lol!

Vote and comments on all the chapters please. (if you haven't already.) thankssssss.