THE RING OF REDEMPTION

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

Darya smiled, looking at her grandma. "Grandma, you know I'm curious. By the way, it's a few days until my birthday. I'll be 25 years old the day after tomorrow," Darya said, pouting with her swollen face. Daisy smiled weakly, her eyes red and swollen. Grandma sighed. "You girls should go to bed, it's late. And make sure you freshen up because it seems like you girls have been having a crying competition," Grandma teased. The girls walked out of the storeroom with heavy feet; their mission wasn't successful. Darya and Daisy walked to Darya's room. "Did you hear her?" Darya said, while Daisy nodded. "Don't worry, okay? Your 25th birthday is close," Daisy hugged her. Darya returned the hug. They both lay down on Darya's small bed.

Grandma made sure they left before her; she locked the storeroom before heading to her room. She noticed the girls' little adventure into the storeroom.

DAISY'S POV

I couldn't stop thinking about Darya's story. It was deeper than I had imagined. If I had known, I wouldn't have pressured her. Darya is broken; now I understand the reason behind her story. I stared at her; she was fast asleep. Tears rolled down my eyes. "Darya, I'm sorry because the world is cruel to you," I murmured quietly in order not to wake her. I can't imagine myself going through this; I might not survive. I know my parents are one hell of parents, but they have always provided all I want, even if they don't have time for me, and they want to make decisions for a 24-year-old girl. The age difference between Darya and me is just a year, but I see her as an elder sister. I sobbed quietly.

ROWON GALVIN

I tossed on my bed; it was a sleepless night. A part of me was happy, and the other part was curious. I'm happy because I'm finally a graduate, but I couldn't shake my curiosity about the girl called Darya Whitethorn. "Who's she? I believe there's a dark side in every villain's story; if not all, but many villains are villains today because of a painful past. I must find out and get to know her story," I said quietly before drifting off to dreamland.

DAISY POV

I and Darya were in the garden cultivating some pepper Grandma wants to use for breakfast. "Good morning," Benjamin greeted; he's Darya's neighbor, but she didn't respond. Benjamin went his way; I'm no longer surprised anymore. We continued what we were doing. In no time, breakfast was ready. We had rice and sausage sauce for breakfast. "Grandma, this is the best so far," I said with my stomach filled. "Oh please Daisy, it's just pepper and sausage, nothing special about it," Grandma chuckled. I laughed. Meanwhile, Darya was still eating. My phone rang; I looked at my phone to see the caller.

DARYA POV

I was eating when Daisy's phone rang; with the expression on her face, I knew it was her father. "Hello, good morning, sir." "Yes, I'm at Darya's house." "I'm fine; how's mom?" "Okay, send my greetings to her." She dropped the phone with a heavy sigh. "Now he's calling me," she frowned deeply. I smiled, "because he knows you are here," Grandma said. "Even though, at least to show they care. I'm their only child; all they know is to make money and tell me how to live my life, what profession to take," she said nervously. "Don't stress yourself out," Grandma squeezed Daisy's hand gently. "Thanks, Grandma," she smiled. I didn't say a word. I don't like Darya's father; he's a man too. I hate rich people because they can do anything to increase their wealth. I'm even surprised why he still allows Daisy to be my friend despite the fact that I don't greet him or respond to him.

AUTHOR'S POV

Ronin sat in his laboratory, going through some drugs. Ronin is known as the best pharmacologist in the world, which made him stand out. He has also won the title of the most handsome man in the world too. So, with a competition coming up, the UN has given a task to all the pharmacologists in the world to look for a particular drug that can eliminate or heal a disease. Any country that will be able to win this will be given so many billions of dollars and many more promises were made. Each country is to make a group of ten pharmacologists (5 male and 5 females) that will represent their country. According to UN, there will be a secluded environment for all the pharmacologists from each country to stay so they can focus on the job and everything will be provided. They were given 3 months to get the drugs. So all countries all over the globe were anticipating it. "A date has been fixed," Sam said while walking in. Ronin tilted his head towards Sam's direction. He dropped a long book on the table where Ronin was resting his hands on. "Hmmm, you are looking so hot today," Sam said smiling, he joined Ronin on the table. Ronin was wearing black jeans, a T-shirt, and a silver necklace adorned on his neck, with white slippers. He opened the long book before him and started going through it. "Not a thank you?" Sam asked, looking at him. "I don't need your compliments," Ronin said calmly with a slight smile on his lips. Sam hit him on his hand gently. "Rude fellow," he laughed.

Sam was a caretaker to Ronin and Galvin when their parents were alive. They made him swear an oath to always protect their children no matter what, that the day he betrays them he will run mad on the street, and Sam has been keeping to his promises. So he's more of like an elder brother to them, that's why he's called young Dad. The book given to Ronin was the name of the nine pharmacologists that will be working with him since he's the leader; he is chosen to be the leader by the American government. So Ronin will be representing his country, the United States of America. He took a deep breath. "Why is she placed in this year's group?" Ronin asked, but wasn't expecting an answer. Sam shrugged

Seth walked in, dressed in a brown pants and a white long-sleeve shirt, he's looking cute. Seth Calvin, is a close friend of Ronin, they went to the same university, and they are both children of the elites. Seth is also a pharmacologist; he's among the pharmacologists who were chosen because of his abilities. Seth sat down. "Have you seen the enlistment?" he asked Ronin. Ronin nodded. "What's Ellie doing on the list? I mean, why was she enlisted? She's not even among the good pharmacologists we have in America," Seth said, looking displeased. Ronin looked away.

Rowon walked in, his hair a bit messy, and he sat close to Sam. "I saw the list and date on i********:," Rowon said. Others nodded. "Hmmm," he sighed. "This is serious," he added. Sam smiled. "It's not. Everything will be taken care of. Whatever Ronin needs or requires before leaving will be available," Sam said, smiling brightly. "Come to think of it, Ronin needs a personal assistant," Rowon chirped in. "Yeah, that's true. I forgot," Sam said, nodding his head. "I will put that online now," Sam said. "Male or female?" Sam asked, looking at Ronin. "What?" Ronin, who wasn't listening to their conversation, asked with a slight look of confusion on his face. "Your personal assistant," Sam replied. "Anyone, as long as they meet up with the criteria," Ronin answered. "Ok," Sam nodded.

A beautiful, girly room where two beautiful girls were in. They both looked expensive and beautiful, daughters of the elites in society. "I am so happy," she smiled with excitement written all over her face. "So am I," the other girl said, while sipping her wine...

Days turned to weeks as Rowon took it upon himself to get to Darya. He tried his best through his friends, bodyguards, and staff, but no positive news about Darya. All they could say was that she's rude, disrespectful, unapologetic, unruly human. Darya has been tagged with these names in GALVIN University. Rowon was able to find out little information like Darya is a medical laboratory scientist; she was on a scholarship, the overall best student in the university before she graduated. "Hmmm," he sighed. "Rowon, if you want to get more information about her, you have to ask her very close friend," Joel said. Joel is Rowon's close friend who studies at GALVIN University. "She has a friend?" Rowon was surprised. "Yes, or better still, try and get some information from Mr. Kate," Joel added. "This is interesting," Rowon said. "But why are you so interested in this girl? She doesn't give a damn about anyone, mostly the males here. I think she has special beef and hatred for men," Joel said. "Really? You know I'm interested in things like this," Rowon said, smiling. "You are interested in her?" Joel was surprised. "No," Rowon shook his head. "In her story," he added. "Ok," Joel said with a sigh of relief. "Why?" Rowon asked. "Darya is not someone you should go close to," Joel said. "Don't worry," Rowon smiled.

Light shone brightly in a girl's room that has everything in pink, illuminating pink hues. She sat on the bed while using her phone. A light knock landed on the door. "Yes, come in," she said while looking at her phone. "Good day, ma'am. Your father is calling you," a young lady said while bowing. "Ok," she said. She stood up and followed the staff. She got to the living room; the atmosphere wasn't friendly. "I am highly disappointed in you, Daisy," Mr. Shoppoff said. Daisy looked away. "Hmmm," her mother Mrs. Shoppoff sighed. "You couldn't graduate with very excellent results, always average," Mr. Shoppoff said angrily. "Take a look at the person you call best friend; she's ahead of you in everything. I wanted you to come out with good grades; that's why I still left both of you as friends. That girl is not someone a parent should allow their child to mingle with, but I allowed you so you can step up, but you refused. As from now, I forbid you from seeing her," Mr. Shoppoff gritted angrily. "Dad," Daisy was surprised, tears forming in her eyes. "Dad, please no," she pleaded. "Leave Darya out of this. It's my fault, and by the way, you forced me to go for a profession I don't want," Daisy sobbed. "Can you hear her?" he said while looking at Daisy's mother. "You are living with me to Australia. You will start working as my CEO," Mr. Shoppoff commanded. "Dad, please," Daisy fell on the ground. "Mom, please talk to him," she rushed towards her mom who hugged her. "It's okay, my child, just do as he says now, please," she said as she patted Daisy on the back. Daisy cried bitterly.

Sam had received several applications concerning Ronin's personal assistant, but they weren't satisfied with any of them. "No need to hurry; we still have time," Ronin said, looking at Sam, who was a bit worried. "Hmmm," Sam breathed heavily.

Rowon continued his investigation about Darya, but there wasn't any progress. Rowon's phone rang; he picked it up immediately since it was Joel. He believes Joel has good news. "Hello," he said calmly.

"Hello, Rowon. You need to come to the university now; Daisy is in school," Joel said over the phone.

"Who's Daisy?" Rowon asked, a bit confused.

"Oh, Darya's friend I told you about," Joel answered.

"Oh, okay. On my way now," Rowon stood up immediately. Ronin and Sam were taken aback by his sudden change. He was smiling from ear to ear.

"What's it?" Ronin asked, looking concerned.

"I am going to the university now," Rowon said while trying to fit his long legs into his white slippers.

"Why?" Sam asked.

"Don't worry; I will tell you everything you want to know when I am done," he smiled. Sam looked at Ronin. "Be careful, Rowon," Ronin said.

"I will," Rowon rushed out.

Daisy was in school to get cleared before leaving with her father in a few days' time. Daisy hasn't told Darya; she doesn't know how to pass the news to her.

DAISY'S POV

I was cleared, am now officially a graduate, but I am not happy. "When will I have a life of my own? I am just like a prisoner," tears rolled down my cheeks. I couldn't see because my vision had been blurred due to tears. I still don't know how to tell Darya and grandma that I will be leaving. I held my files in my hand while I stared at the school I studied in. "So many memories," I whispered as tears found their way down my cheeks. "I will miss you so much; you have become more than a family to me, Darya. I can't bear this," I clutched my chest tightly. Darkness took over.

I opened my eyes only to see myself lying on the bed, with three people around me. I sat up, trying to take a look at the faces. Mrs. Kate was here; she smiled at me. I turned to look at the others. I gasped when I noticed Rowon Galvin's presence. "Hello," he said calmly. I lost my voice; I couldn't speak. The Galvins are not only known for their endless wealth but also for their handsomeness. This is the first time I am coming face to face with him.

"How are you feeling?" Mrs. Kate asked, bringing me back from my thoughts.

"I am fine," I swallowed.

"I am Rowon Galvin, and this is my friend Joel," he said, gesturing towards the other guy in the room.

"I am Daisy Shoppoff," I said nervously.

I took a look at the room; it was a hospital. "I passed out?" I asked myself quietly. But I was feeling a bit relieved.

"We saw you lying on the floor lifelessly. So we had to inform Mrs. Kate before bringing you to the hospital," Rowon explained. I shook my head.

"Daisy, why don't you call your parents?" Mrs. Kate asked.

"No, I am fine. I don't want to get them worried," I smiled nervously. If I call, they will still put the blame on me, especially my Dad. I really don't know how to please him.

"Don't worry, I will take care of the bills," I said while searching for my bag.

"Your belongings are here," Rowon said. "By the way, I have taken care of the hospital bills," he said. I was surprised.

"I am sorry for causing any inconveniences," I looked at the floor, feeling guilty.

"Oh, don't say that. You are not," Rowon smiled.