BENEATH THE SURFACE

THE FACADE

TATIANA

I scrubbed the whole house clean, my arms aching from the hard work. I had been at it since morning, moving from one room to another without rest because my step-mother felt it was a waste of money to have staff when I lived with them. I did every work at home without complaining since I had nowhere to go if they threw me out.

I wiped the last bit of dust in the kitchen and dropped the rag exhausted when I heard her voice.

"You must think you can sit around doing nothing when there is nothing to eat," Sussan said walking into the kitchen.

Behind her was Jenny her daughter and my step-sister who made my life even more miserable than her mother.

"I just finished cleaning," I said quietly, hoping they would leave me alone.

"Are you dense? How dare you talk back to my mom?" Jenny hissed angrily. "It’s like you want to be homeless soon."

I swallowed hard staring at my feet, I wanted to say something, anything, but I knew better. If they threw me out, I had nowhere to go so I put up with everything.

Today was a different, I was a little happy since I was leaving for two days. Dorian, my fiancé, was taking me on a trip to meet his family and I couldn’t wait for him to come pick me up.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked coldly and I quickly wipe the smile from my face.

"Nothing," I said quickly,

"Nothing?" Sussan repeated kicking the bucket of dirty water I had used to clean the water splashing all over the floor.

"Oops," Jenny said. "Looks like you have to start all over again, and make sure you bring me food in the ten minutes." She said laughing as she walked out with her mom.

I take a deep breath, grab the mop and start cleaning again. I had to be ready before Dorian came to pick me.

I was done with the house work, my bags were packed and I was ready to leave; I was so excited glancing at my phone repeatedly as I waited for Dorian to come pick me up.

He was supposed to be here by now. After so many years, I was meeting his family in Huston. Dorian told me his grandfather had insisted I come with him since we were betrothed and he was taking over the family business soon.

After a while I heard the familiar hum of his car engine and rushed to the window and saw his sleek black car driving into the compound and I ran out of my room to go welcome him.

By the time I reached the front door, it was already open and he walked in.

Dorian looked flawless as always. His navy-blue suit was crisp, perfectly tailored to his tall frame. His blonde hair was neatly trimmed, and he looked very sophisticated.

I smiled and leaned in to peck him on the cheek. But before my lips could touch his skin, he brushed past me and went straight to Sussan. “You’re here,” she said, smiling warmly at him.

Dorian nodded, his expression softening as he pecked her cheek. My heart sank slightly but I understood, he didn’t want to seem rude towards her.

He looked back at me finally; “Are you ready?” He asked and I nodded quickly smiling

“I’m ready to leave, I’ve been waiting but you’re late” I said softly.

He scoffed shaking his head. "You know Tatiana instead of complaining you should be grateful," he said suddenly.

"Grateful?" I asked.

"Yes grateful, a poor girl like you isn't easy to deal with," he said. "You should be glad you have someone like me who you can rely on."

I felt like a fool for telling him he was late, it’s true I was lucky to have him. “I’m sorry,” I apologized immediately.

He glanced at me briefly before his attention shifted. It was Jenny, my step-sister; she looked like she had stepped straight out of a fashion magazine. Her tight white dress clung to her figure perfectly, and her long. She wore diamond earrings that sparkled under the light, and her makeup was flawless.

She had two big traveling bags with her.

“I’m ready,” she said cheerfully, flipping her hair and smiling up at Dorian. I blinked in confusion wondering what was happening.

“Excuse me,” he said, “I’ll help Tatiana with her bags.”

I followed him as he walked to my room. The moment we stepped inside, I shut the door behind us and turned to him, my arms crossed.

“What’s happening, Jenny is coming with us?” I asked

“Yes.” He said simply. I stared at him, waiting for an explanation but he said nothing.

“And why is that?” I asked finally.

“My family invited top construction companies from all over the world. Your fathers company is one of them and Jenny is your father’s successor so she is representing your family.”

I froze unable to say anything; it’s true that Jenny was my fathers successor but I thought this was supposed to be my moment with Dorian and his family.

“And you didn’t think to tell me earlier?” I asked my voice trembling.

“It’s not my duty to tell you anything Tatiana,” he said. “I know this isn’t ideal, but what do you want me to do, Tell the family to uninvite her? Tell your father to send someone else?” He shook his head. “You know that’s impossible.”

I looked away, blinking back tears. Dorian stepped closer. “You can stay back if you don’t want to come with me.” He said.

I inhaled sharply pushing the hurt aside I felt aside. I could feel his eyes on me, searching my face.

“I’ll go,” I said quietly forcing a smile that didn’t reach my eye.

“Alright, I’ll meet you outside,” he said, leaving me alone. I picked up my bags and followed him to the car.

When I got to the car Dorian was saying something to Jenny and she looked smug smiling happily.