"Wow, Alice! You were savage today. What happened?" Kira teased, bouncing toward her best friend. "Will you stop exaggerating?" Alice rolled her eyes, grabbing her bottle and sipping calmly.
Just then, Josh and Japheth approached the girls."Hi, ladies," Josh said, his voice light and charming. Kira turned around instantly, grinning wide as she recognized the voice. "Josh!" She opened her arms and he embraced her warmly.
"You did amazing. I could hear you cheering loudest for me," he whispered into her ear.
Kira blushed, and Alice raised a curious brow at her before standing. "You two can continue your rom-com," Alice said dryly, slinging her sports bag over her shoulder. "I have a student council meeting to attend."
"Alice, can't you just wait for me?" Kira pouted."Maybe you're forgetting I'm the vice president of the council?" Alice responded, arching a brow. "Okay, okay, fine." Kira shrugged.
Alice turned away but paused mid-step, then turned back with a calmer expression. "Sorry, that was kind of rude of me." She strolled up to Josh. "Hi, Josh," she said with a soft smile, and they exchanged greetings.
She turned to Japheth. "Hi, Japheth. And I'm sorry about yesterday." No need. You were right. I owe you the apology. I'm sorry," he said sincerely. It's okay." She smiled faintly, then waved. "See you guys. I've got to run."
I stood still, watching her retreating figure until she vanished from sight. Josh and Kira were already lost in their own little world, so I decided to excuse myself. As I turned left, my eyes caught a neatly folded pink towel lying on a bench. I couldn't explain why, but I felt compelled to pick it up. As I opened it, I noticed "Alice" embroidered in delicate gold thread. It wasn't even close to my nose, yet it smelled so damn good.
"Guys, I'll be heading out now," I said quickly.
"Okay, take care," Kira and Josh echoed.
"My God, Nicole! Where have you been?" Stacy squealed as she opened the door.
"Aunty, you know me. I've been off on one of my wildest adventures." Nicole Miller waltzed into the living room in her signature heels, sunglasses perched on her head and her confidence unmatched.
"I just landed a new endorsement," she added casually, flopping onto the velvet couch. "Guess with who? Aurora Brooks."
"Really? Lucky you," Stacy said, genuinely impressed. "Aurora's such a beautiful, sweet girl."Nicole narrowed her eyes. "Didn't know you were so familiar with her."
"Of course I am. Charles and Rose tried to protect her from high society's pressure, but I've known of her for years. I was invited to her celebratory party recently though I might not make it. I'll visit her clinic instead." "You should. She's worth knowing." Nicole smiled, then leaned in. "But Aunty… you called me here for something urgent? You scared the hell out of me."
Stacy's face shifted into a grim expression. "It's Jeffery." Nicole's posture stiffened immediately. "Aunty, you know Jeffery and I are done. I don't want anything to do with that chapter again."
"No, dear, listen. Jeff wasn't in his right senses when he ended things with you. And now…" She paused, almost choking on her words. "Now, he's introduced a middle-class girl as his girlfriend." Nicole's face hardened like stone. "What?!"
"I'm losing my mind, Nicole. I need your help. We can't let this continue."
***Flashback***
"Kira! Come down for breakfast!" Stacy called from the dining hall. "Coming, Mom!" Kira shouted back. Meanwhile, the butler opened the front door. "It's young master, ma'am," he said with a bow.
"Jeffery?" Stacy furrowed her brows. "Strange… maybe he wants to join us for breakfast."She stepped out with a smile, but her expression dropped the moment she saw Daisy standing beside her son, their hands intertwined.
"How dare you bring this filthy piece of trash to my house?" Stacy snapped venomously. "Mom!" Jeffery yelled. "What is going on here?" Kira entered, adjusting her school uniform. Not now, Kira. Eat and get to school."
"No, Mom! You need to start respecting me. I'm not a toddler you can just order around!"
"Kira, I said stay out of this!" Stacy barked.
Mom, please," Jeffery interjected. "Take it easy on her. And as for Daisy you owe her an apology."
"Oh, how I wish your father were alive to witness this disaster," Stacy muttered. You better get that thing out of my house!"
"MOM!" Jeff's voice cracked. "She's my girlfriend. Show her respect!" A sharp gasp escaped Kira's lips. I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I'm just… surprised." Jeff turned back to his mother. "You'd better start liking her, because I'm going to be with her with or without your blessing."
Just then, a maid entered, carrying a tray of cold drinks. As she passed, Stacy snatched a glass, marched over to Daisy, and poured it all over her. A collective gasp echoed through the hall.
Daisy shuddered, stunned, cold liquid dripping from her hair. With trembling hands, she took a tissue from her purse and wiped her face. "MOM!" Jeff screamed.
The tears Daisy had been holding back finally spilled.
"This was a mistake," Jeff muttered bitterly. "I never should've brought her here. I thought we could have breakfast… like a family."
"Over my dead body," Stacy hissed. "I will never dine with a gold-digging peasant."
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Daisy said quietly. "I'll leave your son alone."
"You'd better," Stacy huffed, storming off.
"Daisy—" Jeff tried to hold her hand, but she stepped back, refusing him. "Don't," she said through tears, then turned and walked out.
"Kira, let's go—" he turned, only to realize she was gone. Jeff exhaled heavily, defeated. "What a mess."
I can't believe Jeffery actually did this. A middle-class nobody?" Nicole spat, her nose wrinkling. "I think I'm going to throw up."
"So… what's the plan?" she asked, eyes gleaming. "We need to break them apart. I need your help, Nicole." "Of course, Aunty. You can count on me." Nicole crossed her legs, grinning wickedly. "I'm sure she lives with him now. And I still know my way to his mansion."
"Oh, thank God." Stacy exhaled in relief. "I knew you were the right person to help."
"Dad says hi, by the way," Nicole added.
"Send my regards. It's been so long since I saw him." Nicole smiled again but this one wasn't sweet.