What Will It Take

Chapter 6

*MARSHALL*

I wake up feeling so refreshed and oddly calm.I take a shower quickly and get dressed in an all black suit and I style my hair and head downstairs.

“Mr D’Angelo!”,Nana exclaims happily.

“What did I tell you about calling me that?!”, I ask with displeasure from the stairs.

“I’m sorry. Good morning Marshall,how are you?!”,she says with a motherly tone.

“I’m actually very fine today all thanks to you!”, I cheerfully say and head down to kiss her on her forehead.

“Let’s have breakfast shall we”, I help her sit down and I sit down as well. We are served some food and we eat happily.

“I’m off to work now,see you in the evening”,I tell her and get up and drink a glass of water.

I walk confidently to the door and I find Anderson waiting for me already.

I get in and he drives out of the villa and to the office.

•••••••

I enter my office and I get to work.

“Devin,come to my office”,I speak into the office phone.

He steps into the office after a small knock.

“Yes sir”,he lowers his head in respect.

“Devin I need you to take care of the C&M’s project immediately and I want it completed in two weeks maximum and make sure everything is done with perfection.I’ll have an approval meeting after I see how well you have completed it”, I say kindly.

“Noted.”,he responds surprised.

He heads out of my office and I get back to the other work.

*CHRISTINE*

I wake up and take a quick shower and I get dressed in a black long sleeved flared dress of knee length and I pair it with some comfortable black slippers and I look at myself in the mirror.

I’m so sorry Chase. I never wanted to make you feel controlled.

I do my skincare routine ignoring my terribly swollen eyes and I head downstairs to make breakfast.

I prepare something light and serve it on two plates and I place it on the dining table.

“Chase breakfast is ready!”, I shout softly knowing he might have a terrible headache.

I sit down and start eating slowly. I hear footsteps approaching and I face downwards avoiding eye contact.

“Good morning Christine”,he says nervously.

“Good morning Chase”,I respond.

“Breakfast is ready and I’ve prepared your school bag if you’re going for class”,I add.

I finish my breakfast and head to the kitchen without waiting for an answer. I quickly rinse the plates I used and head upstairs to my room.

“Christy-”,he begins.

“It’s okay Chase you said what you felt and I heard you. I’m going to see mom in the afternoon after my job hunt and you’ll text when you need something. Have a great day”,I walk over to his side, give him a hug and head to my room.

I change into something more formal,get my bag, all the papers and head out.

*MIRA*

I stretch luxuriously on my king-sized bed as the soft morning light filters through blush pink curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.

“Ugh, mornings should be illegal,” I mutter, pressing the gold button beside my bed.

A soft chime sounds, and within seconds, Marina,my patient personal assistant walks in with a tray of freshly squeezed juice, warm croissants, and my day’s planner.

“Miss Mira, your 10 AM nail appointment has been confirmed, and your driver is waiting downstairs.”

I wave her off with a bored sigh. “Cancel it. Nail salons are so last season.”

Marina blinks, clearly trying not to judge. “Understood, Miss. Would you like me to reschedule something else?”

I toss my hair and grin. “Surprise me. Something exciting. Something high society, like a charity gala or a fundraiser. I want to see and be seen.”

Marina nods and leaves silently to work her magic. I glance at the clock.

Time to get ready.

Downstairs in the grand dining room, my parents sit across from each other, perfectly poised as always. My father sips his espresso, reading the morning paper, while my mother elegantly arranges fresh roses in a crystal vase.

I enter, draped in a silk robe with an innocent smile.

“Good morning, my dearest Mother. Lovely Father,” I greet, sitting into my chair.

My father glances up. “Mira, you’re up early. What’s the plan today?”

“I want to go out. And I’m thinking bigger………maybe a charity event or something glamorous,” I say, watching their reactions carefully.

Mother’s eyes widen just a bit, but she quickly masks it with a polite smile. “Events like that do require preparation. Aren’t you already booked for a nail appointment?”

I smirk, leaning backwards. “I cancelled. Sometimes you have to shake things up to stay relevant.”

Father folds his paper and looks at me thoughtfully. “Just remember, your choices reflect on us all. Make sure you keep it elegant.”

I nod, perfectly aware but acting oblivious. “Of course. I always keep up with the family name. That’s why I’m called “The Padparadscha of the Devereux bloodline.”

After a quick shower, I slip into a sleek pastel green dress with subtle gold accents…my signature colours. I apply light makeup that highlights my best features without overdoing it.

Marina appears with my phone. “Your driver is downstairs, Miss. And I’ve arranged a few invitations to upcoming events. Shall I share them with you?”

I smile, feeling the familiar thrill of the chase. “Yes, let’s see what’s on the horizon.”

*CHRISTINE*

The cool air outside sharpens my focus as I walk toward the nearby employment center, clutching my bag filled with resumes and ID copies.

Job hunting feels overwhelming, but I remind myself this is just another step,a door to a better future.

Inside, I approach the receptionist and ask about any openings for sales assistant positions. She hands me a printed list with a warm smile.

“Try these three locations,” she says, circling them with a pink pen. “They’re actively hiring and accepting walk-ins.”

“Thank you,” I reply softly, grateful for her kindness.

I take a seat, pull out a pen of my own, and review the job descriptions carefully. Retail work wasn’t my original plan, but it’s honest work and right now, I need stability more than pride.

After submitting two applications in person and emailing a third, I step out of the coffee shop I sat in for a lunch break and take a deep breath.

The streets are busy, the noise familiar, but everything feels......quieter in my mind. I feel a tiny feeling of pain in my heart but I choose to ignore it.

It will get better , I whisper to myself.

I check my phone. *No new messages* and I’m relieved. I’m not ready to talk to Chase. Not yet.

I adjust the strap of my bag and glance at the time. It’s time to visit mom.

The hospital isn’t far, so I decide to walk.

I’m almost at the corner near the entrance when I collide with someone.

“Oh! I’m so sor—” I start, stepping back.

I look at the person embarrassingly. She is tall, poised, and dressed in a fitted designer blazer with perfectly ironed pants. Her hair is pulled back into a clean, elegant bun, and her sunglasses hide her expression but not her aura.

She adjusts her sunglasses and offers a faint smile. “Careful, sweetheart. You okay?”

I nod, flustered. “Yeah, I just—I wasn’t looking.”

She scans me for a second, but not in a judgmental way……more like she’s reading a page. “Hmm. Sometimes life weighs heavier than our steps. Just don’t let it slow you down too long.”

Before I can say anything else, she’s gone, heels clicking confidently toward a different wing of the hospital. A driver shuts the car door behind her.

I stand still for a second,thoughts running wildly in my head. Then I shake it off and keep walking.