Chapter Five
Stephanie & Leon
Stephanie's POV
Claire leans toward the edge of the bed, scrolling through her phone, the door is widely open, and I stamp a knock on it.
"Mom, can I come in?" I ask but no response, she flaps her hand in the air. I take that as a yes and enter.
"How many times have I warned you not to call me your Mom, I'll never be your mother," she says not lifting her gaze focusing on her phone.
"Okay, I'm sorry if that offended you; I need some money to buy books," I mention, looking down on my hand as I peel off my nails, a habit I can't get over, sometimes I get hurt from peeling it, but since it helps me in calming my nerves I don't hesitate.
"Do I look like a charity giver? Is it my fault that your mother died?" she snaps at me. She is at it again, why does she drag my late mom in every conversation we have?
"Do not drag my late mother into this all I ask for is money," I warn my voice husky. She glares at me and laughs abruptly.
"My goodness," she scoffs. "When did you learn how to talk back? You've got some nerves huh?" I keep my face down. A hand slaps the back of my head, I turn back to see Nelly's angry face, her face turns red like an angry bird. I'm three years older than Nelly, she never treats me like an older sister, never will she not in this life, I'm more of a maid in her eyes.
"You wretch, are you trying to exploit my Mom?" she says unpleasantly.
"How dare you hit me? Are you insane?" I stride toward her and hit her in the face. Immediately I regret my action I hit my only sister, I should have held back, over the years no matter how disrespectful she was I never raise my hand to her. I cup my mouth and reach for her hand, she brush it off.
"I'm..I-so-sorry, I didn't mean it," my tongue betraying my words, Mom turns me to face her as she hit my face vigorously. My eyes wail up with tears as it blister on my cheek.
"Enough! I have had enough," I growl, my gaze flickering vaguely.
"Get out of my house and never return." Mom roars, staring at me coldly.
"I will leave. I have had enough of your torture; what is the point of staying here? You maltreated me and never considered me as your own; what did I do to deserve this kind of treatment from you. Dad isn't here with us and God knows where he is, you should be responsible for me because you're the one he left us with and the reason he went bankrupt."
My eyes flickers, I clench my fist heading to my room, I push the door abruptly, I slide the closet door as I fling all my clothes on the bed and pull out my suitcase, I flip it open, roughly pushing my clothes inside. I open the drawer to take my stationaries, and pause for a moment when I see the box father gave to me, my eyes shimmering with tears.
This was the box father said mother had left me with, over the years I haven't had the courage to open the box not even a glimpse of opening. I wipe off my tears and pack all my stuff and make my way to the living room, Mom and Nelly glaring at me. I sprint toward the door way and slam the door behind me without looking back, I stop at a bus station, I seat placing my suitcase on my lap, deeply engrave in my thoughts. Stupid me, I shouldn't have….I scroll through my hair in frustration.
"Where do I go now? I don't want to bother anyone with my problem. Should I go back and beg for mercy," I mutter softly.
My bag slip off my lap to the ground, all my things falls off, I squat to pick it up, my eyes crinkle at the black coat on the floor, it didn't belong to me, it look quite expensive did I mistakenly pack Mom's cloth, I deep my hand in its pocket checking if I could find some clue or something, the right pocket is empty I check the other my fingers feels something a tick paper, I pull it out. It's a card.
"I have seen this card somewhere before, but where?" I read what is written on it, "MRS Group? This rings a bell." I press down my forehead.
"Oh! Now I remember, oh no I forgot to call and thank him for helping me the other day, Wow! I never bother to check the card well I didn't know he works for MRS." I dial the number on my phone. It rings for few minute before it answers.
"Hello! Who is speaking?" This voice didn't sound like an old man voice, rather it sounds more of like a young adult, probably it is the driver. I clear my throat.
"Hi! It's me, the girl you helped in the rain, sorry but I want to thank your boss, please put him on."
"Hello? Hello?" No response still.
"I think you dialed the wrong number," he says his voice husky.
"Wait, don't disconnect I'm sure I didn't dial the wrong number, isn't this MRS Group, the owner—oh I mean he gave me his business card himself. I called just to thank him for helping me the other day." I explain.
"That makes sense not anyhow person can call this number." "Why are you taking my call?" I hear a voice underneath the call. The call is still on but I couldn't hear anything afterward.
"Hello. Who is speaking?" the change in the voice, explains it all.
"Sir, it's me the one your driver almost ran into," I say biting down lip.
"Oh, it's you. What took you so long to call?"
"I'm sorry for just calling you now, sir. It's skipped my mind."
"It's okay."
"Sir, where are you now? If you're not busy can I meet you now? I want to return your coat," I say, grinning my teeth, not sure of what his response will be. I just hope he is able to make it today.
Yeah sure, I'll text you the address."
"Okay bye sir," I say and end the call, my phone beeps. I slide up the screen and click on the text.
It reads: Mauve restaurant, table four.
I lock the screen and pick up my stuff, the restaurant is not far from here it will only take 10 minutes to get there. I stop the taxi coming toward me, it stops in front of me, and I open the door slide in.
"Ms. Where should I take you?" he asks looking at me through the rearview mirror.
"Drop me at Mauve," I tell him, he accelerate. Mauve is one of the biggest restaurant in D.C and known to be popular among billionaires and celebrates, any Gen Z will kill just to take a picture or dine there. I haven't been there before, that is because I can't afford it. I just pass by and stare at its immaculate building, every Christmas Mom and Nelly would hang out here without me, not that I didn't want to come along with them they just decided not to take me along, since childhood they have both make me feel invisible in the house. I almost thought I was invisible to the public as well until I met Serena in middle school.
Thinking of Serena, now that reminds me. . I remember her telling me she has moved back to D.C here, now that I don't have anywhere to go, should I just give her a call? The car stops, I gasp when I look outside the window, I was trap in my thoughts that I didn't realize we had arrive at Mauve. I hand the driver a note and I step out of the car. I look up at the building, the logo plastered almost at the top of the building captures my eyes, I stare secondly at it as I straighten my eyes toward the two doorman on both sides of the entrance they push open the door as they smile at me and I throw them a warming smile as I make my way inside.
The walls and interior décor of the doorway a glimpse of opulence beckons the plush carpeting, the rich hue crystal chandeliers refracting light into a thousand tiny sparks and the gentle hum of conversation punctuates by the clinking of fine china. Indeed this place is what they think it is, it's just…just breathe taking, if I stare too long people will figure out it's my first time here and that I don't belong here. I take my seat and look around but the man isn't here yet, I guess I'm too early then, I pull off my school jacket and smile down at the university name written on it as if it was my first time seeing it for fuck sake I graduated a year ago and I still can't toss it I drape it on my chair, one of the waiter approaches me.
"Good evening Miss," he greets with a low bow and straightens. What would you like to have Miss?"
"No thank you, for now I'm okay, will call you when I'm ready," I smile courteously at him, and he takes his leave attending to the next table. Call you later my foot. I can't even afford the air they breathe here.
"Hello. I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long?" I look up to the voice speaking, my eyes crinkles at the man standing before me, he moves with a grace that belied his size, his tailored suit accentuating his imposing frame as he stretch a hand to me. I shook his hand and I slightly let go as he seats with confidence.
"Welcome, sir; good evening," I rise to my feet greeting him, and I sweep down my mini gown taking my seat back.
"Good evening, how long have you been here, I hope I didn't keep you waiting? he asks.
"Not at all sir," I say waving my hands in the air. "Actually I came a bit too early because I was close by when I received your text," he nods with ease.
"Tell me. How have you been doing lately?" he asks, his voice soothing. Why do I always find his caring words a bit weird and surprising that it gets me off guard. Maybe I'm reasoning it too much or because I'm not use to someone caring about me and asking me how I am and how I'm feeling.
"I..." I hesitate before I reply him when I notice where his gaze moves to. I shift my gaze to his, my eyes falls on the suitcase beside me. Oh maybe that's why he asked how I'm doing. Huh, here I am thinking otherwise but at least he asked.
"Are you going somewhere?" he asks again, the curiosity in his eyes makes me want to spill all the things have been longing to tell someone that care and that will be glad to listen.
"It's okay you can talk to me about it," he says his voice assuring. Oh man he will be the death of me if he doesn't stop now.
"I got into a fight with my stepmom. I have nowhere to go for now," I tell him in a low voice as tears erupt in my eyes. Goodness! I guess not spilling out my feelings to a stranger is too late now since my emotions betrayed me already. I wipe the tears off my face as I see the waiter approaching, with a wine, and he stops at our table I didn't order any wine.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting Ma'am and sir." The waiter takes the wine off the tray his hand misguides the glass and it spill on my lap.
"I'm sorry Ma'am, sir, please forgive me," he apologize, the man pull out his handkerchief from his front pocket, my eyes paste on the crescent-shape embroidery on it as he mops my laps with it.
'It's okay."
"Thank you sir," I take the handkerchief from him and he takes his seat.
"I ordered the wine and this happened, I'm sorry." Oh right, he requested for it I should've known.
"Why don't you come and stay at my house?" I look up at him, surprise flourish through my face. I didn't expect him to suggest such, for a moment I was tempted if I had no option I'd hug the offer but I'd rather stay with Serena than a stranger's house.
"Thank you, sir. I don't want to bother you with my problem. I will be staying at my friend's place," I tell him, disappointment lurking in his eyes. I feel bad rejecting him like that but just because he is nice to me and I'm desperate for shelter doesn't mean I should accept his offer.
"Okay, whenever you need my help, call me; I will be waiting for your call," he says, and I nod at him. Why is he being sweet and caring again? Why is he nice to me I'm just a stranger?
Leon's POV
I knock on Mom's door, but no one was responding. I lean closer to the door, I could hear someone crying. Could that be Mom? I forcefully push the door open, and then I see Mom sitting in front of the vanity crying, I rush to calm her down, I take out the tissue on the table wiping away her tears.
"Mom! What happened? Who made you cry?" I ask her my voice heavy.
"It's nothing, dear, don't bother yourself," her words are a bit far-fetched. Shedding tears over something is not a thing not to worry about.
"Did Arnav say something to you? You don't have to say anything. I know what to do to deal with Arnav," I tell her, and leave the room.
I take out my phone to call Sunny as I enter the car.
"Hello? Sunny where is Mr. William?" I ask, eagerly on the phone.
"I can't tell you his whereabouts," he replies.
"You know how angry I can be. If you don't tell me where he is now, you will be sorry," my voice cuts sharp warning him of my wrath. My phone beeps I open the lock screen to check the text, it's from Sunny, he'd text me the address, I read it and floor the gas.
.....
When I arrive at the restaurant I see Sunny standing beside Mr. William's car, I drive pass him to pack my car a few distance away. I get off my car and shut the door and stride toward Sunny.
"Is he still inside?" I ask putting on my sunglasses.
"Yes sir," he responds looking down.
I enter the restaurant, I scrutinize the tables and I finally found the one Mr. William is, seeing him with someone at the table means he his busy, but I don't care if he is talking to the queen of England or whoever, I need to talk to him now and I can't wait till he is done. I move toward their table, I hear a voice call out to me I turn sideways following the voice, not anyhow person can come here so I didn't bother to bring an escort.
"Oh hello…! Fa-an…." I say my voice drawls.
"Can I get an autograph?" she demands.
"Sure, anything for my fans." I sign on her designer bag, someone else approaches me, and I thought that was all until the number keeps increasing. I take a glance at Mr. William's table, he stands from his seat and moves toward the girl sitting opposite him, he brings out his handkerchief wiping off her lap.
"Hey Leon let's take a picture." I turn my gaze away from him facing the phone camera. Thank God she is using an expensive phone with a good camera, I can't afford to use a low quality phone for a selfie I won't go as low as that for a fan.
"Girls look isn't that Steph over there?" The blonde hair girl standing next to me says pointing, I shift my gaze toward the direction she points, my eyes struck on the girl sitting with Dad. I stare at them for a minute nothing unusual is going on, I turn back to the girls they rumble and whisper in each other's ears. I'm not the type to poke nose or gossip like Jay would but this is my business there are clearly talking about the girl with Mr. William. But how do I ask them what they are rumbling about for it not to look like I'm gossiping, fuck!
"Why don't we go and find out what she is doing here, let's have fun girls," Blonde says chirpy, that is the name I have decided to give her since I don't know her name.
Yeah let's find out who this Steph is. Fuck what I'm I doing? Gossiping? Poke nose?
The girls make their move towards them and I secretly follow behind.
"Hello Steph, Hello sir." I guess blonde is the queen of this group because she is always the one talking, I'm tired of listening to her weird voice, I might bleed in my ear if I keep hearing her talk. She continues, "Steph what are you doing here with this old man?" I couldn't see the girl's face since she is backing me.
"I'm sure you can't afford this expensive restaurant," she says, using her hands to draws an invisible O in the air. The girl didn't reply after all the questions blonde ask. I'm starting to get curious, I tuck my hand in my pocket trying to calm my nerves. If only I could take a picture of her and send it to Martins to run a background check on her. A great rock star like me won't do that. No. Never.
"Or could he be your sugar daddy?" Thank universe curly dark hair with blush cheek is finally talking with a manageable voice at least. Oh! Wait! Did she just say sugar daddy? I fly my gaze to Mr. William, his face turns dark he rise to his feet and I take a step back and head to the bar at the corner, I can't let him see me, while I observe a few distance not too far for me not to hear their conversation. Two security runs in, Mr. William must have called them.
"Sir, what drink would you like to have?" The solemn voice of the male bartender at the other side of the desk distracts me as I trip my gaze away from the scene.
"Tequila with a little lime," I tell him and return myself to the business I'm here for. Everyone is gone not a single person is present. I clench my fist, bang the marble desk and stand from my seat and pay for the drink.
"Hey, where is the manager? The person using that table earlier dropped this, take the purse and make sure the manager finds the owner." The man next to me says handing the purse to the bartender and leave for his table.
"Hmmm can I have a look at the purse? I think it belongs to my sister she was sitting with my…" I pause, calling Mr. William my Dad is something I vow not to do a long time ago. But I need to let go of my ego right now.
"The man she was with is my father, I have a picture of us," I turn on my phone and stuck into my gallery to fish out an old picture I forcefully took with Mr. William three years back when we met at an event in Italy, no strings attached the picture was just for a show. I show him the picture before the fool could believe me.
"Okay, but that doesn't mean I will give you the purse," he says firmly. Clearly the fool is actually not a fool but that---I'll eventually make him become one. Do you know who I am? Call your manager right now," I snap.
"I'm very sorry sir. I'll give you the purse but it comes with a condition, fill in your contact details and sign here that you're responsible for whatever goes wrong afterwards." Shit! I almost meet my match today dude is fucking smart. Shine just for today I will make you pay for giving me orders. He passes me the file I sign on it and fill in my details.
"I need to take a picture of you." I give him a displeasing look. I still let him take the picture. Like I said before he will regret this. I should thank this bloody name tag on his shirt, how easy it is for me to destroy this new prey of mine. He hands me the purse I tuck it into my jacket pocket. I make my way out, and look everywhere until my eyes meet Mr. William getting in his car and the girl he was with is nowhere around. I hang my hand at the waist and bit my lip in frustration. I take out my phone and text Sunny.
Me: Don't tell your boss I was here.
Sunny: Okay sir.