The Deceived Heiress

Chapter 1

"And you're still in the Maldives?" I placed my phone between my shoulder and ear, putting enough pressure not to fall.

Carnelian was giving me a tough time. She closed Mother's bakery and excused herself for a month.

That's what she said.

And now, a whole year has gone by, and she still hasn't stepped a foot back here on Greek soil.

Mother had nothing to do in our large mansion here in Athens and decided to open the bakery and manage the business independently so she would not be sitting around the house.

But I couldn't allow her to do that.

She was already busy managing our home, Gold, Jade, and Nite's education.

I don't want to add to her stress, but it was a simple thing to do, and she always tried to convince me that she could do time management.

Still, I refuse— earning a good point from my father, who certainly agrees with me and always convinces her to believe me.

And believe me when I say that, he keeps my Mother busy.

Every night, Nite constantly whines that someone is banging on the walls of our parents' room.

Of course, we all knew what it meant. We didn't want to expose Nite to a liberated era at such a young age. It was fascinating how my father got whipped by an Italian baker and continues to love her so.

And I'm surprised that despite all the rumors and my Patri's choices, Mother still agreed to marry him.

"O-ohh, u-uhm Via... I have to go!"

My thoughts were cut off by a Carnelian breathing harshly in my ear and then a beeping line on the other side of the phone. I weirdly stared at it and then decided to place it back in my pocket.

I made my way inside the store and grimaced at the sight of my younger sister, Blue, who was dead asleep on her table with her excess fabric used to cover her face, probably to shield her eyes from the automatic bright light in her office.

Blue was a consistent fashion designer and wanted nothing to do with our family's shipping business unless she would use it to her advantage every time an order was delivered internationally.

Walking to her side, I gently tapped her head, hoping to wake her up.

But a few moments later, I gave up on gently waking her up because I knew for a fact that she was probably up all night creating exceptional designs for her self-built clothing brand.

But unfortunately for her, she wouldn't get that sleep she was deprived of as we have a scheduled flight to Italy in just five hours to represent my father's business, as well as for her. It was a simple party hosted by a well-known businessman in Italy and a family friend. Still, I discovered that this business tycoon would also be attending the event, and I would make sure to add him to the list of investors of our rising to the top shipping business.

Before I could stop myself, I screeched so loud that it resulted in her waking up with bloodshot eyes and frantically looking around. I tried stopping, but of course, she moved and slipped on the fabric scattered all over the floor, resulting in her slip.

"Still clumsy as ever, Blue, now get your arse up, and let's get going to the airport. Or better yet, let me ask you, have you packed yet?" I eyed her, letting her know that I was serious now.

She then pointed to the corner of her office, and I wanted to facepalm myself while looking at the mess she created. Of course, dear old clumsy Blue will never pack neatly on her own.

Heading towards it, I emptied the contents of her suitcase and began folding it back inside.

"Always the perfectionist, so how is Carnelian nowadays? Gosh, I want to go with her to the Maldives and at the same time create so many amazing designs. Have you seen my Christmas Collection? You should see it!" She shoved her portfolio in my face.

I smiled at her and took a look at it.

Though Blue was messy and very clumsy, no one could deny her talent for fashion and the arts. She could paint as well, and every free second she had, she would use it to be locked up there in her office to do her things.

Father did not like it when Blue told him that she wouldn't complete her business administration college course. Instead, she pushed through with her fine arts and design at Parsons School of Design in New York.

He did regret stopping her because now Blue was starting to build her empire.

She never took assistants because she knew that someone would have copied her designs if she copied. She repeatedly told me the same reason, but I would be a fool if I believed her.

I know there's a deeper explanation than what she is physically saying.

"Can I book the next flight and catch you there? I don't feel like flying today." She lazily slumped in her chair behind her desk and whined like a baby.

"No, and Luci-"

"Shut your mouth about that name."

She frowned at me then stood up.

"Okay, you can take the next flight, but I heard that he booked the next flight to Italy as he is part of the event."

I teased her, she growled, and then picked her suitcase up.

"So you want to get on that flight now?" I asked while laughing. She glared at me and huffed, then proceeded to push me outside her office.

After making sure that her office was locked and very secure, we walked out of her small building and the car waiting for us.

"To the airport, please, Dan," I told our family driver. He glanced at me through the rear window, and he smiled at me and tipped his hat.

===

"Damn it, Via, can I f*****g sleep here while waiting for our flight's announcement board blah blah?" Blue grumbled in annoyance and hugged herself as she shivered with cold because of the air conditioner here in the airport.

She's still not used to it, huh?

"Nope, I'm not going to wake you up. Well, if you're willing to let a handsome man wake you up named-" I continued.

She then slapped her hand on my mouth and harshly glared at me.

"Why don't you shut your cute mouth and let me have some peaceful time, okay?" She said while closing her eyes, and I opened my phone to text Patri that we were about to board the plane repeatedly when she shook my arm.

"Please leave without me! I don't need that Italian magnate we have to meet. My brand is growing on its own—" I shushed her and told her to be quiet so we could hear our flight call.

"You said you wanted a peaceful time, right? Well, I do too, so sit tight, my little sister, and endure these precious hours."

And just like the announcer cued it, the announcer called our flight number.

===

Arriving at the hotel was a relief. I called Patri to inform him of our arrival in Milan, Italy, and tried my hardest to ignore Blue's constant whining in my ear to end the call and to go up to our presidential suite as she was tired and jetlagged.

"Patri, we have arrived in Milan," I said, leaning against the pillar of the hotel as I awaited his response.

There was a little silence before he spoke, "Make me proud, Ametrine, I'll see fit for your promotion when you snatch up that Italian businessman that could be our potential investor."

I sighed mentally and smiled.

"Of course, Patri, I can handle it," I said while he chuckled through the phone and breathed deeply.

"Look out for Blue, and have a safe trip. I know you can handle yourself perfectly fine."

Of course, I had to.

I looked at Blue, who looked like she was running out of patience.

Deciding to be pitiful about her situation, I bid goodbye and said I would call again soon.

"You know what, I should make Opal my representative. You know how obedient our little sister is— ah, what a great idea! Please remember to remind me of my great idea." Blue cheered as if I would let Opal carry all Blue's burden.

"No."

"What do you mean, no? You're being unfair!" She said as she began to whine while the elevator rode up. I gave her a deadly glare which made her stop, but she pouted at me nonetheless.

"Let Opal have her semester break peacefully in the Philippines," I said as I proceeded to pinch her ear and swiped the card to our room. Opal is probably, no- I mean the most obedient of us. Yet, she knows how to say no if she sees something senseless. She was also brilliant and beautiful.

But sadly, she was shy and always preferred to be on her own.

Today is her semester break from school, and she asked permission to spend one week in the Philippines to be with her Mother.

I eyed Blue and shook my head in disbelief at how many protests she could squeeze out of her mouth.

She went off running inside and slumped on a king-size bed while throwing her shoes away. I let her do her thing because she was exhausted from the trip.

I walked to the window with a fantastic view of Milan, Italy.

I then began to be reminded of my last memories in Italy when I was still young back then. From arriving for the first time and leaving the following day after a few years.

"Father, I want to go back to Greece."

My blue eyes watered, pleading with my father to send us back to Greece. We had just got back from the Philippines, and I wanted to go back to Yiayia and Pappous already.

"Ametrine, we are here for me to secure your future along with your siblings. Be more understanding," He reprimanded me and carried me in his arms while the other nannies were taking my younger siblings behind us.

We were on our way to our house here in Italy. I wasn't excited because my Barbie dolls were back in Greece with Yiayia.

"What about my dolls Patri, what about Ivy and Katie?" I asked him as he placed me inside the car. My little four-year-old sister Blue looked around while munching on her biscuit happily and kicking her feet.

"Daddy, can we go and see those cute cartoons walking around that I saw on TV? There are so many houses here." Blue giggled while trying to stand up on the seat of the car. Father then pulled her back to sit down and whispered something in her ear.

"Do you promise me, daddy?" Blue's eyes widened at Patri. He gave her a nod and a smile.

She then went silent and played happily with her cute tiny dolls that she brought along with her from the Philippines.

Arriving at one of the largest houses I've ever seen, my eyes widened in excitement upon seeing the mini-playground at the front. Once the car stopped, my little feet guided me towards it.

But as I was about to climb up the slide, Patri immediately carried me.

"Later, you should rest and change first. We have guests who will arrive soon."

Then he carried me to the house, and then he placed me down on my toes. Upon the act, I went with my nanny upstairs to try and find where my name was.

"That's my room!" I giggled and pushed the door open; I stumbled to the bed and jumped up and down.

"Now calm yourself, little master, let's get you changed."

===

Walking downstairs while holding Nanny Bella's hand, I spotted my father talking to someone around his age, maybe a bit older because the man already had a thick beard.

"Ah, here she comes. Meet my eldest, Ametrine Via. Ametrine, meet a good friend of Patri's. His name is Alberico Romano." I walked to my father and went to shake his hand.

"Such a beautiful child you have, Dimitri," he spoke and eyed me. When I took my eyes off of him, I then noticed the little boy hiding behind his legs.

"You've noticed, come meet my dear baby son. Alejandro Romano." The little boy's cheeks immediately got red.

"I am not a baby anymore," he said.

His father richly laughed, "You'll meet Adriano soon. He is just getting his diaper changed."

With those words, Father gestured to the man to follow him.

And it was just me and Alejandro left in the living room.

"You're cute." He mumbled shyly. I grinned at him and held his hand.

"Your eyes are beautiful."

My little self said while staring at those captivating blue eyes.