Threads Of Deception

Chapter3:One for one

After going back and forth with Kenneth, she stomped out of the shop, her face flushed with anger. “How dare he call me a filthy thing!” She muttered to herself, glancing back at the shop.

Through the window, she could still see Kenneth’s cold eyes fixed on her. Without a second glance, she grumpily picked up her bicycle and pedaled away.

Minutes later, Kenneth stepped outside with his daughter. They had just finished saying their goodbyes to Becky and the driver stood ready, holding the car door for them to enter.

Just as they were about to enter the car, a familiar voice made him freeze. “Hi, Kenneth!” The voice called out.

Kenneth turned sharply, only to see the lady standing before him was Lisa, his ex, a figure from his past he had hoped never to see again. “What the hell is she doing here?!” He muttered under his breath.

Lisa stood with a wrapped box of gifts in her hand, her smile wide and confident. Her gaze shifted down to Crystal.

She leaned down, her voice dripping with false affection. “Oh, happy birthday, my cutie!” She cooed, extending the gift to Crystal.

“Don’t you dare!” Kenneth exclaimed, flinging the gift away before his daughter could reach for it. Without a second thought, he scooped Crystal into his arms and placed her in the car, then turned over to the driver. “Give me a few minutes!” He ordered.

The driver went back to his seat, leaving Kenneth alone with Lisa.

Kenneth’s face was a mask of fury. “What are you doing here, you slime?” He demanded.

Lisa didn’t flinch. Instead, she crossed her arms, her expression turning from sweet to sly. “Firstly, Kenneth! Do you know how much that gift you flinged away cost me?” She snapped, jabbing her finger towards the discarded box on the ground.

Kenneth’s patience was wearing thin. “To hell with your silly gift, Lisa! My child doesn’t need it! Now, tell me, why are you here again?!”

Lisa sighed as she rolled her eyes. “Kenneth, well I really don’t care if you fling my gift away because you are going to give me double the amount anyway. I need some money!” She demanded.

Kenneth’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You must be insane to ask me for more money, Lisa! I gave you two million dollars a few months ago, and that was supposed to be the end of everything between us.”

“Oh, don’t look at me like that, I have needs, my sweetheart,” Lisa purred, closing the distance between them.

Her hand reached out, her fingers brushing gently on his chest. “Let’s not do this, Kenneth. I am sure you don’t want me showing your secret to the world.” She whispered as a sinister smile played at the corner of her lips.

Kenneth’s brow furrowed in frustration. Lisa would never stop blackmailing him about his past, and she had become a constant threat that loomed over his life.

She leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered, “The higher you give me, the farther I shall be.” She said and with a taunting smile, she pressed a piece of paper into his hand and stepped back, her eyes glittering.

Without another word, she turned and gracefully walked away, her hips swaying gently to each side.

***

Faith stood at a corner in the public park as she waited for Jessica. She was already cold and starving, but she would rather endure it than go back to tell her father that she had lost her job.

She called her best friend, Jessica, and explained everything to her after so many hours of contemplating, and Jessica promised to help her find another job at her uncle’s restaurant.

The happiness on her face was palpable when she finally saw Jessica enter the park. “Jessica! Jessica!” She called out, waving her hands at her.

It didn’t take long before Jessica saw her friend. She clutched her bag tightly and moved quickly over to her.

Faith was going to hug her friend but stopped herself immediately, realizing she was still wearing dirty clothes.

“Gosh!” Jessica exclaimed. “How did you get such a mess on your clothes?” She asked curiously as she placed the bag on the ground.

“This isn’t as important as the job, Jessica,” Faith cut her friend, an attempt to shift the mood. “Come on, tell me you have something for me”, she pleaded, holding Jessica’s hands.

“Oh yeah. The job. We’d talked about the job, but first, let’s get you changed into something presentable…and of course, some food.” Jessica unzipped the bag and brought out a small flask which contained some home-made food and handed it over to Faith.

Faith took it from her and began to eat.

Jessica shook her head, smiling at her friend. She continued to take out the contents of the bag— a pair of neat sandals, a pair of trousers and a pink shirt for her friend to wear.

She had pleaded with her uncle to offer Faith a job at his restaurant.

Faith quickly finished her food and changed into the new clothes, with Jessica using her body as a cover for her till she was done.

As Faith tidied up her things, Jessica looked at her with concern.

“Why do you look at me that way?” Faith asked as she caught Jessica’s eyes.

Jessica sighed, “Well, there’s nothing I haven’t told you. Just make sure to be on your best behavior when you get there and put a call through to let me know how it goes,” She warned.

Faith smiled at her friend. “Don’t worry, friend. I am sure I will be fine, and I will let you know if there are any issues.” She promised.

With a final hug, both women parted ways.

Using the address her friend had given her, she didn’t find it hard to locate Mr. Cole’s restaurant. She was so nervous but she reaffirmed to herself that it was better she was sure she had gotten the job than to go back home jobless.

She opened the door and headed nervously to the counter. “Please, I am here to see Mr. Cole.” She said softly to the first lady she saw seated in a uniform.

“Hello, I am Marvey. Are you Faith?” The lady responded, as she looked up at her.

Faith nodded, her face puzzled. “Did she know I was going to be here?” She thought to herself.

“Okay, over there!” She said, pointing over at Mr. Cole, who sat alone in a corner, going through his laptop which was placed in front of him.

Faith heard her stomach grumble, anxiety washing over her as she walked towards Mr. Cole.

“Good afternoon sir, I am Faith,” She greeted.