OBLIVIOUS HEARTS

A man sat elegantly in a dimly lit room, he slowly sipped his wine seeming so proud of himself as he watched the teary eyed girl infront of him. She looked more broken than she has ever been and that means a lot since she's practically been living miserably her whole life. LOLI sat infront of her father with a pained expression still hoping that he'd miraculously change his mind and all of this was just some joke that'll come to pass. She really wished he'd prioritize her and care about her just this once, she would appreciate anything but this right now. Loli was peacefully resting in her room next to her little sister, maybe not peacefully but LADY her little sister gave her peace without even trying. There are people whose basic reason for living is for someone else, they'd do anything to make that person happy. Lady is all of that and more for Loli, she is the reason for her very waking, the person she'd move mountains for, she'd risk everything no matter the consequence and she'd do it without a thought. Lady is always so happy, it was like nothing could put her down, well not for long that is. She always seemed to be smiling, even in her sleep she had a natural facial glow exuding brightness, her general presentation was opposite to the life they've lived. It has always been a wonder to Loli and their wicked house keeper MRS GARCIA the only two people who have contact with Lady how she is so happy and cheerful, Loli plans to keep that smile on her sister's face and unfortunately for her, their father knew that too well and he takes advantage of it. "Have you decided? I gave you three days to accept your reality, something I don't usually do." STEPHANO gritted out, he'd given his daughter enough time to accept her reality, despite her obvious wishes he wasn't going to change his mind, everything was already planned out. Loli could see the determination in her father's eyes and it scared her, she knows he's never changed his mind when ever he made his ridiculous demands and asked her to perform various tasks. Loli slowly raised her head with tears now heavily flowing out from her eyes, her eyes were filled with emotions that could move anyone who can be moved. Loli is someone who rarely shades tears, she's come to terms with the fact that they never work but she was just too overwhelmed. " Father I have done everything you've asked me to all my life" she spoke softly, her voice so smooth and alluring, a voice she rarely uses, LolI could easily pass off as a deaf person, there are people who've known her for years yet never heard her voice. She joined her hands infront of her face and begged like she was saying a heartfelt prayer. " please don't do this father, Lady and I only have each other" she cried. Stephano looked absolutely bored, he wasn't used to the little girl objecting to anything he asks of her. She would normally just find a place hidden from everyone especially her little sister and cry her eyes out then do a perfect job at whatever he wants. All his demands were fulfilled excellently by the little girl and he made sure to remind her that her brain is the only reason she and her sister still have a roof over their heads. Loli knelt down slowly, she knew deep down that her efforts were futile but she still tried hoping she'd make an impact on him, she was ready to do just about anything to change his mind knowing her efforts so far are futile. She crawled to her father any grabbed his pants burying her face in them. " I'll do something, I'll work hard and increase output, I'll get us new investors " Stephano was outright jaded, " there's no need for that, the company is doing great, way better than my expectations actually" He stood up causing Loli to lose her grip and slip almost knocking her face before she balanced herself with her hands, nobody cares. " I'll make you an even better deal" He adjusted himself and looked down on the girl at his feet. " I'll get your stupid little sister out of that basement, she'll be placed in a cabin far away from civilization, far away from me" he spat. This got Loli's interest, she didn't love the idea but she'd take anything right now. Stephano poured himself another glass of wine and walked to his large floor to ceiling glass window. " she'll be far away from me and the girl doesn't even interest me much so you don't have anything to worry about, it's just a method to keep you in line" He kept glancing at the emotions on her face as he spoke. " she will have everything she needs and ofcourse someone to take care of her and keep her safe" That didn't sound good to Loli " Mrs Garcia, will she be.." Stephano looked at her and elaborated " she's the only person I trust, don't worry she'll work on my strict orders" That is even scarier, Stephano saw the uncertainty on her face. " if you don't agree then we'll try the next option, which is sending your sister instead" he said lazily. Loli was completely horrified and her face showed signs of fear and shock. " it'd be even more interesting since she's a minor, more drama for me." he shrugged and enjoyed his drink like he wasn't wrecking his own daughter's heart. "you are of more use to me anyway so I wouldn't mind getting rid of her in a beneficial way and as an added advantage, am sure she'd willingly take your place so make your choice girl." A choice is exactly what she wished she had. "You know the kind of person GILBERTO EVANS is, are you sure you wanna throw your little sister in that kind of world?" He kept hitting where it hurts, reminding her of her awaiting reality. Loli had never felt weaker. All her life she has done everything to please her so called father. The difference all those tasks had with this specific one is that she never had to leave Lady with no known day of meeting her again. She had always known that whatever happens, she'll be with her little sister at the end of it all. Lady taking her place wasn't even up for discussion, it didn't even come to mind, she promised to shield her from all the evils of the real world, and she'd do just that. " why are you doing this to us? Aren't we your daughters?" This simple but true statement angered the him more than it should. He turned abruptly and walked towards the now creeped out girl on the floor with a murderous intent. He held he elbows and pulled her closer to his blazing eyes, eyes that looked exactly like hers. " My daughters? If you believe that I view you and your insolent sister as my children then I have been a really good father haven't I?" She slowly shook he head hoping I'd calm him and he'd let go or loosen his painful grip on her. Stephano abruptly jerked her weak body aside and quickly looked away like he felt the pain of his actions. Loli knew that'd never happen, Stephano Mora is never sorry. She didn't want to make him angrier, her father has never physically abused her but his punishments mostly involve time away from Lady and that was so difficult for her to handle. Stephano then grabbed a tissue to clean his hands like his own daughter was some infectious parasite. "you have been in the business world with me for a long time now , you know the ropes of it , better than than I do actually" he spoke.. Loli could only wonder what he was getting at now, definitely not something in her favor, she knew that much. " Gilberto plans to get married to his fiancee, that WHITE girl." Everyone knows about it, everyone in the city knows about the wedding of the year. " I didn't think he'd take that step so soon, that guy is a total mess but since he wants to get married, he will get married" Stephano had a full blown smile as he gazed at Loli. This startled her making her realize something, the plan was to trap Gilberto and make him vunerable to what ever demands her father asks of him, she on the other hand would be sent out of the country to make it look like she's an innocent girl who was defiled and is now looking for solitude. He didn't want her to break off the wedding, he wanted to make her the bride. That made so much more sense now because if she were just to set him up and flee, how would Stephano benefit in the long run. Realization dawned on her and she was now completely horrified, this whole thing was just getting worse. " you have always been a smart person, I can't let the Evans and the Whites be joined in marriage, where would that leave us, I mean me" he laughed wickedly. " they are just family friends now but are causing so turmoil in my business, how more so when they become family, if they become family that is." That sinister smirk on his face wasn't ever desirable to the person on the receiving end of it. " the Evans are the strongest in the business world, the animosity between the two brothers is doing more good than harm, their competitive characters only making them flourish" He got an extra wine glass and served some wine in it. He walked over and passed it to Loli who now looked like she needed it. Loli slowly accepted the drink with shaky hands and held on to it paying more attention to her father. " we of course are the second best thanks to you and I've stopped trying to be the best.....it's all about staying second best now which means stopping any potential overpowers, in this case ,the Whites" Loli already knew her value to him was all business, their was no love attached to it, maybe love for money but definitely not for her. She didn't want love, just not hate either, she knew she had not done anything to warrant hate towards her or Lady. " you are in charge of all our investigations so you know best that Gilberto doesn't really like me very much" he scoffed " my good guy facade doesn't work on him...such a smart guy" Loli could see the true admiration her father had for Gilberto Evans as he looked into the dark night with a little smile sipping his wine elegantly with so much posh contrary to her miserable state. Stephano has made sure to always remind her that he didn't want to have girls and has always wished for a son. Lately the Evans influence has greatly increased which has warrant them more clients and they've gained the trust of so many, the Whites have also greatly benefitted from this due to their close relationship with the Evans. Mora architects is the leading architectural company in the country and has been for generations. Stephano is also greatly involved in related fields like real estate and interior design. The Whites have the leading company in real estate and their influence keeps growing, being the in laws to one of the wealthiest and most respected families in the country would give them a massive boost. " I don't see how I'll lose in this plan" he bragged " a smart handsome rich son in-law..."He looked at Loli "you should be glad, your future husband is every girls dream." He had it all planned out, everything to detail, there's no escaping this, she'll just have to adjust to it, her life hasn't been that perfect anyway. Loli slowly brought the wine glass to her pulp lips and gulped all it's contents in a go. If anyone else was blessed with this girl's drinking habits, they'd be total drunkards. " I don't have the whole night, we have a party to get to" " I know" replied her meek voice. She did know, she just tried ....to ignore it , a way of comforting herself, escaping her reality. She was holding onto the little hope she had, a hope that was now completely crushed. She slowly stood up and took slow calculated steps towards the large desk, coming to this office has never been good news to her. Walking out of their basement home generally has never desirable. She tightly closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. She placed the wine glass on the desk and looked up to meet her father's eyes, she could see absolutely no love in there but a sheer determination to get his way no matter the cost. " can I at least say goodbye to my sister?" she requested with a very heavy heart looking into his eyes directly. Stephano looked at her miserable state and turned his back to her. " just be careful about what you tell her, I don't want any more drama, were running late" She could only nod and turn around to walk out, she heard him yell out 5 minutes as she walked into the hallway while heading to their basement. She'd never wished for time to go slower than she wished this particular day. She wasn't mentally or physically in the mood but she had to walk fast to secure more time with Lady. The Mora mansion is located in the outskirts of the city. The mansion is definitely most people's dream house, it has a large compound, many trees, a beautiful flower garden that's always maintained by professionals. It is a modern mansion with exquisite designs to die for but this mansion was only brick walls and fancy furniture. It is anything but a home, maybe to some of the live in house staff but not to it's true owners. The only thing homey about this vast place is the spacious basement underneath. Two innocent souls had made it a home and filled it with memories. They designed it to fit their weird preferences and shared everything possible under the sun in this basement, in their tiny little home. Loli walked down the basement stairs faster than she could in her state. Their home was more like a studio apartment, It's was a vast open space with no partitions or walls in between. Lady had designed it so it was filled with colours, the various colors acted as the landmarks to every space ,the whole place looked like a big play house for a little girl at that describes Lady to some extent. From the floor to the walls and the roof of the particular area would be designed in its own colour. The bathroom and closet the only enclosed spaces in the basement are blue and pink respectively, the kitchen is yellow and the dining right next to it is orange There were two cute orange chairs around the small round orange table. On the other side are white tiles leading to a pool with clear blue water. Their living room is green and Loli had a small smile remembering how lady begged for a green tv when she was designing their home. The study at the corner is designed with a grey theme because Loli is mostly the one using the area for her work stuff. Their bedroom along with everything in it is purple, Lady's favourite colour, standing on the stairs she could see the different arrays of the colors. Tucked under a thick purple blanket on their large heart shaped bed was the only reason for her life. Sadness slowly creeped in as she took the remaining steps down the stairs and walked towards her little angel, the light in her dark world. Loli slumped down at the edge of the bed where Lady's head was, her whole body was practically on the very edge of the bed. She smiled at her sisters ridiculous sleeping styles, Lady loved sleeping at the edge of the bed, she weirdly enjoyed her nap more when half of her body was hanging at the edge. She'd sometimes push her head out of the bed and drool on the floor. Loli had a smile for the first time this night just watching her sleep, the peace she gave her was unimaginable. Lady is the most beautiful girl she's ever seen, her features were so detailed that she'd be so jealous if she wasn't her lovely sister and if she cared about looks. Descriptively they had the same features but Lady's were just.....much better. She has a small face, big light brown eyes, long eye lashes and thick naturally beautiful shaped eyebrows, perky cheeks, full lips and a button nose. The girls were blessed with thick brown hair that had so much shine. Lady was only 17 years old but she had a body shape to die for ,she was the complete definition of modern beauty standards. She was even taller than her 21 years old sister and had broader hips, she looked like a grown woman an opposite to her child like elder sister. Loli could imagine her as an even more beautiful woman in some years to come, she really is going to be a heart breaker . Loli's wild thoughts put a small smile on her face, she earlier thought she'd cry her eyes out but she felt peace looking at Lady, she brushed her curled up long hair with her fingers untangling the knots like she always does. Loli wanted to be there for her sister every step of the way like it has always been. She hoped to be there when she steps out of this prison for the first time, so that she'd take her to new places and show her life beyond the gates of this mansion . Lady turns eighteen in a month, she hoped to plan an escape and give Lady an identity of her own, she had saved up and was so close to ending it all but could swear her old man predicted it all explaining this current untimely set up he came up with all of a sudden. The tears eventually started to role down her rosy cheeks as she caressed her face, it didn't matter because Lady was a dead sleeper and could practically sleep very peaceful through a hurricane. She didn't want to wake her up, she wouldn't know what to tell her and her eyes would completely break down the little will power she was trying to retain. Lady would always try to hide her depressed state whenever Loli informs her of a travelling plan. She would try to play it off by requesting for ridiculous things. Lady loved cooking, she'd ask Loli to learn new foreign cuisines so that she'd teach her when she comes back. Loli is very fast learner, she can easily master anything she puts the slightest bit of interest in. She always made sure all the possible required ingredients were stocked and fresh, she'd even buy as many spices as she could in the different countries she travelled to. Stephano never allowed her to do personal business so she'd just find experts on line and order a favor for a good amount. Lady wasn't allowed to have a phone, there were strict instructions to keep her away from that device, Loli's phone would always be taken away before she enters into the basement, she could carry her laptop but that was strictly observed as well. They could only communicate locally, face to face. All the times she had gone away, there was a promise to come back, the assurance of meeting again and the anticipatory feeling of hugging each other and enjoying the silly welcome parties Lady would throw in this basement. Loli had happy tears reminiscing their moments together, she had a disarray of feelings at that moment. She didn't know what she'd tell her little sister if she woke her up. What promise would she make today? She had lost absolute control over her own life to make any promises, her time wasn't even hers anymore, It wasn't a new feeling but it just got much demanding and less predictable. She was unwillingly walking into something she didn't know how to walk out of having no right to decide for herself. She adjusted the sheets on Lady tucking her in comfortably and kisses her fore head gently, the crazy girl just keep on snoring softly not that she minded, it was good that she remained unstirred in her sleep. She knew her five minutes had long passed but it looked like something finally worked out for her this night. She wished she could take advantage of it and spend more time with Lady, it is a tempting idea but she knew her luck would run out soon enough and she needed to prepare a lot of things for Lady to get by, it took everything in her yet she knew Lady deserved at least some explanation for her sudden disappearance. No one else would give her a valid one. Walking into their shared closet ,she could see her dull clothes on one side and Lady's vibrant ones on the other, she doesn't need to pack anything, she has more than enough clothes in the city. Mrs Garcia is most definitely eager to get rid of her, one less person to deal with . Loli needed to make sure she didn't hurt her sister, Mrs Garcia isn't your usual nice nanny who treats the children she raises like her own, quite the opposite, she's Stephano's partner in crime and she hated the girls with a passion for reasons unknown to Loli. Mrs Garcia is dead set on keeping the girls in line, Loli is just glad she and her sister have never been abused physically, Mrs Garcia is mostly just verbal. She and Lady have gotten used to it, luckily Lady doesn't take anything to heart, there times she's really bothered by their life but she plays it off because she doesn't like seeing Loli sad, the two sisters only had each other. Loli walked to the hidden space behind their close, it is a small compartment in the wall , anyone not intently looking wouldn't see it. Loli and Lady had decided to dig it once they found out that there was nothing hidden from Mrs Garcia. They wanted to have a space for things they didn't want Mrs Garcia to lay hands on since she directly reported to their father about every single detail she regards significant . There was a time they tried installing secret voice recorders and cameras but nothing ever got past Loli . She was a master at any technological work and would flop all their plans to which they eventually stopped trying. Lady and Loli personally burrowed a hole in the wall to create the hidden space, it took alot of time and they worked for days because they had to operate without any suspicions since Mrs Garcia was naturally a human being who based her life on their business, it didn't matter if personal or not . She parted the clothes covering the closet as an added advantage, the closet was sealed with the pink floral paper theme of the whole closet to make it blend in with the overall set up of the partitioned walk in closet . Loli tried to feel for the edge with her fingers and scraped the wall paper with her putty knife to peel it off. Lady has never used this place, it was always Loli using it since Lady had nothing to hide. Opening the closet meant peeling off the wall paper and replacing it with a new one which was kept in the compartment it self and discreetly discard the torn wall paper anywhere but the mansion premises just to be on a safer side, she wouldn't want to have to answer any questions regarding reasons for replacing a wall paper and even worse if Mrs Garcia asked to view the spot replaced. After peeling of the wall paper, she opened the safe and couldn't be more glad they had thought of constructing it some years back, it was really going to be useful today. Although she had hoped for everything to turn out differently, she had prepared for the worst to some extent. She did the obvious things she'd do when she planned to travel, that is when some one planned for her to travel, if it were up to Loli, she'd always be cooped up at home. The kitchen was fully stocked and the female requirements Lady would need where prepared. Depending on her father's promise, she knew it wouldn't be too long before Lady is taken to the cabin he mentioned, of course that is if she played her role right, she hoped it wasn't a bad idea and worked for the best for Lady. We are never really prepared enough to leave the people we love, there is a constant battle with own yourself on what to do and how to go about the whole situation yet sometimes, you just can't choose because you literally can't. Loli checked the contents of the safe to make sure of the necessities and organized them. She then got the letter she had kept in her hoodie and placed it in a noticeable place for Lady to decipher, hopefully she'd get to it. She didn't want to waste more time and risk being discovered so she stuffed the torn up wall paper into the compartment and cut out some to cover the area getting all the equipment she'd need from the closet. She was already an expert at it since she had done it many times before so it didn't take that long before she was done. She walked to the attached bathroom and washed her hands and her face, she looked at her reflection in the large mirror. As she studied her face, she realized something, the smiles, tears, her very rare funny side, they were all gone. The resilient light in her eyes wasn't there anymore, all that was left was a shell of a person and it wasn't going to change anytime soon. Loli walked out of the bathroom to find Mrs Garcia's curious eyes gazing all over the basement. She was standing up the stairs and could easily spot Loli as she walked out of the bathroom. She had her usual rigid face with her hands clasped behind her back and her roaming eyes finally got fixed on Loli to which she interjected in finality. " your fifty minutes are done, get yourself upstairs right now and wipe that stupid attitude off your face" her voice wasn't loud but it was so dominating, Loli hadn't even realized how long she'd been there, it's surprising they let her stay for that long. Loli knew she'd show up any time soon, having guessed the intrusion, she ambled towards Lady for the last time and side hugged her, joining their cheeks for some seconds before kissing her forehead and standing up . This time she had no emotions in her eyes, they were dull, lifeless ,empty and.....lost. With one last look at Lady, she walked up the stairs and right past Mrs Garcia who hand not moved from her spot . Loli didn't even glance back to take a final look at anything, she walked straight out of her safe haven but only she knew the battle in her heart. She knew Mrs Garcia was going to stay back to look for anything she believes shouldn't be there. Loli didn't leave anything out of the ordinary but hoped Lady would with time understand the situation and decipher opening their hidden compartment before she is taken out of the basement . she could only hope. One of her father's men was already waiting for her right outside the basement door as she walked out. Mr Stephano didn't want to take any risks today, he had planned everything to detail and he didn't want any setbacks to his plan thus keeping a close eye on the price . That being his daughter Loli. Loli was lead out of the mansion to her father who was already waiting in a black SUV, she could see him because the window was slid down. He was on phone but he ended the call once he saw Loli being lead to the car . One of the men who was in the front seat came and opened the door for her ushering her inside. The other bodyguard who walked her out entered in the black SUV behind the one Loli got in . Mr Stephano always travelled in a convoy and surrounded himself with sturdy bodyguards . the world of the rich. " am guessing you didn't have enough time to change." Look was wearing grey sweatpants and an oversized hoodie, her hair was braided by Lady earlier this night before she persuaded her to go to bed early for reasons now apparent. Her emotional and physical presentation was the least of her worries at this point. Loli sat upright and motionless in the car looking straight ahead, Mr Stephano looked at her stoic demeanor before quickly looking away. He gestured to drive off and the vehicles started to head towards the gates and eventually right out of the mansion . and she didn't look back.