CHAPTER FIVE
926 Words
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FLORIDA~NEXT DAY - AFTERNOON>12 PM
Two figures stepped off a private jet.
Merissa was dressed in a black, body-hugging short gown that stopped just above her knees. She paired it with a brown trench coat, black heels, and brown shades. Her sleek black hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders as she held onto her luggage.
Camry followed close behind, wearing tight, ripped jeans and a crop top that revealed her belly button. A trench coat swung loosely around her shoulders, and her flat shoes made soft crunching sounds on the gravel.
Her brown ponytail bounced with every step, and she carried Coco in one arm, while her other hand gripped her luggage.
A man in a crisp black suit approached them, bowing respectfully.
"Are you Miss Merissa Welles and Miss Camry Welles?" he asked in a firm but polite tone. Both women nodded.
"Please follow me. The car is right over here" he said, leading them toward a sleek vehicle.
He took their luggage, placing it in the trunk before opening the backseat door. The door creaked slightly, revealing a plush interior that smelled of fresh leather. They slid into the backseat.
As they drove off, Camry gazed out the window, the wind whipping her hair into a frenzy.
She sighed, her breath fogging up the glass.
"New life" she mumbled under her breath.
Merissa heard her and gently took her hand, offering a reassuring smile causing Camry to turn to her.
"It's going to be fine. You’ll adjust" Merissa said softly.
Camry forced a smile, but her gaze drifted back to the window, her eyes tracing the passing scenery.
'Does she think it's that easy?' she thought, rolling her eyes inwardly. Coco snuggled closer to her, and she absentmindedly stroked the cat's soft fur.
Minutes later, the car screeched to a halt inside a large compound. Camry’s eyes widened as she took in the grandeur of the mansion, her jaw dropping in awe. They stepped out of the car and were greeted by the full view of the mansion.
A few guards retrieved their luggage from the trunk. Camry, however, collected hers before they could, while the guards carried Merissa’s inside.
"What do you think of it, Cam?" Merissa asked.
"Nice mansion he's got" Camry replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
As they entered the mansion, both their mouths dropped in unison. The interior left them utterly breathless.
Footsteps echoed, and they turned to see a handsome man approaching. Merissa's face lit up, and she rushed to hug him.
"Manchester!"
He hugged her back, and after they broke the hug, Manchester faced Camry with a warm smile. She returned it, though it was clearly forced, and he chuckled.
"You must be Camry?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting. She gave a curt nod.
"Nice to meet you. Your mother talks about you a lot" he added.
"Good or bad?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Camz" Merissa cautioned, causing Camry to roll her eyes as she flopped onto the couch with her cat, her luggage thudding against the floor.
"Both, I guess" Manchester replied, taking a seat on the couch across from Camry. Merissa joined him.
"I hope you'll like it here" he said.
"I guess, not like I have a choice" she shrugged, ignoring the warning look her mother shot her.
"Forgive her rudeness" Merissa apologized quickly. "She's just adjusting."
"Seems like she doesn't like me" Manchester said, half-joking.
"No, she'll be fine. She just needs time" Merissa reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his arm.
Camry stood up abruptly, grabbing her luggage.
"My room?" she asked coldly.
"It's next to your cousin's. He can show you. The maid's out grocery shopping" Manchester said.
"Cousin? My soon-to-be cousin lives here? And it's a he?" Camry muttered to herself.
"Yeah, let me call him"
"Zaker!" he called loudly. Footsteps sounded from upstairs, and all eyes turned to see a figure coming down the staircase.
Zaker appeared, shirtless, wearing only joggers. He made no effort to hide his chiseled V-line, his ripped chest and muscles on full display, accentuated by the tattoo on his neck.
His messy hair added to his rugged look. No earrings, just plain and simple, yet breathtakingly handsome.
"Looks like you were coming downstairs anyway. Go put a shirt on" Manchester said, his tone half-exasperated.
"Jealous, man? Didn't Know you swung that way" Zaker muttered, and Manchester palmed his face in frustration.
Zaker's gaze flicked toward the two unfamiliar faces, his eyes locking onto Camry's. She stared back at him with obvious disgust, and his brow furrowed in response.
"Anyway, Camry, this is your soon-to-be cousin, and Zaker, this is also your cousin. I want you both to get along well, especially you, Zaker. Treat her like your baby sister" Manchester said.
"So this is my so called soon-to-be cousin? I expected someone more handsome, but here I am, looking at Shrek. Gross!" Camry made a face of pure irritation, and to her surprise, a dark smirk formed on Zaker's lips.
"Camry" Merissa half-yelled, her voice filled with shock.
Manchester was equally taken aback.
"What? Am I lying?" Camry scoffed, her tone sharp, while Zaker's smirk only grew.
"Stop staring at me, Shrek. It's creepy. Now, mind showing me my room?" she added.
"Keep up" Zaker said simply, taking another glance at her before turning to head upstairs. Camry followed, forgetting her cat on the couch.
"You think they're going to get along?" Merissa asked worriedly.
"It'll be fine. I think they will" Manchester said, stroking her hair.
- Writer
