Compelled

2: Look what you made me do.

''Is that the last of your things? All of the boxes are at the door waiting to be taken down.'' Liana emerged from my room carrying the last of the boxes that had all my books in it. From my med school textbooks to the many novels, it had all been in that box. I tore a long strip of sticky tape, using it to seal the cardboard ends. 

''Yep, just this one and we're ready to go.'' She nodded and carried some of the things down where Ian was waiting to transport them.

Four days after the news of my fathers bankruptcy, a middle-aged mans' lawyer contacted me with an eviction notice. At first I fought like a fool insisting that I owned the damn place but turned out my dad sold it without even warning me. To say I felt utterly hurt and betrayed was an understatement. The money, I could earn that again but the security and trust that I felt with my father before could never ever be repaired and to top it all of, he had left the day before today and didn't even care to tell me until he and mom were in Greece. 

The unbelievable part of this entire thing was when I had told him this was unfair and tried expressing my thoughts on the matter he angrily said that I should be thankful that he at least made lodging arrangements for me before he hung up. I haven't spoken to him since.

And what convenient arrangements he made. Well at least it was for him. 

Leaving the famous Justin Pearson to see to my affairs. The notorious playboy was all too willing to pay off the debts that my father so recklessly incurred but for a price too. He now possessed all of the hotels, the palatial home that I once grew up in and was in charge of the share my father left for me from his business. I guess I couldn't really be angry with him. He could've not cared at all and kept that for himself but he thought to safeguard it for me.

Inhaling deeply, I took one final glance around the apartment. The place that used to be my sanctuary since I graduated. It felt close to home and I had to leave it behind. The walls were plain, the windows bare with the gloomy, grey setting outside reflected within. All the rugs that once graced the floor of my entrance were rolled up and already loaded into Ians' Jeep. I turned around and picked up the small box, not having the heart to take a second glance. I locked the apartment door, trying to mentally shrug the sadness away from me but it didn't help one bit. 

The elevator pinged behind me and out came Ian. He motioned to take the box from me and I handed it over to him. He smiled sympathetically at me just before pulling me into a hug.

''Its all going to be alright, babe.'' He said in an attempt to reassure me but nothing that anyone could say would help me. 

Ian was my first person my brain thought of to help me but when I asked if I could move in with him he said not just yet since his tiny apartment needed some renovations and had it not been for that, I would have stayed with him but the downside of that was it was a bit of a distance to the medical centre I was receiving training at. As we got into the elevator, I began easing the little S key-ring that I had clipped onto my apartment keys. 

''Justin Pearson is a well-known businessman but his raving business isn't the only thing he's famous for, Scarlet. One wrong move and I swear to god, I will ruin him.'' He started again and I let out a breath thankful that it was just the two of us in this rectangular metal space. We've had this conversation before and that was when I suggested staying with him but that wasn't an option. He couldn't have everything.

''Trust me, Ian. I would never hurt you.'' I said flatly, annoyed that I had to say it out loud. He should know that by now. Circumstance didn't allow me to be picky and until the situation heals, I have to do what is necessary for myself. 

The doors opened at the ground floor where his Jeep was parked off. Behind that was my small old shape Audi. It was still going strong and I made sure it never ever missed a service. ''You go on ahead with Liana. Drop my things at the apartments' lobby on Fifth Avenue. I think they already know to be expecting me.'' He nodded and thanked him with a kiss on his cheek before getting into my car. 

The keys needed to be handed over to the lawyers today and after that I was scheduled to meet Mr Pearson and have him 'welcome' me into his place of residence. The lawyers office wasn't too far away from me and within few minutes I was out of the car again. The office was a small space situated next to a well-known coffee shop. The beige wood that lined the glass nestled a barely noticeable black bell. I tapped it once and the door buzzed signalling it was opened and I was allowed entry. 

Ignoring the gasps and stares of being the fallen rich daughter of the people that were lounging at the waiting table, I strolled to the young receptionist that stood behind the counter. She looked at me in acknowledgement and a routine smile spread across her lips.

''I'm here to see Mr Moore. I have something to hand over to him.'' She nodded the picked up the white receiver and pressed a green button as she held it to her ear. I assumed it got answered as she stated the reason for her call and after a nod, she placed the receiver back down and brought her gaze back to me. 

''Mr Moore is busy with a client at the moment.'' She said professionally, her red lined lips moving gracefully as she spoke. ''He said to hand the item over to me and he would collect it after his meeting.'' I nodded wanting nothing more than to be out and away from here. I placed the key in her outstretched hand before saying a goodbye and taking my leave. 

It wasn't long before I was pulling up in front of the luxurious five star hotel. The huge building with so many floors that one would have to strain their necks to catch sight of the penthouse that was right at the top. Palatial has always been on the rave. There were never unsatisfied guests from what I had heard even the newspaper reviews had been wonderful.

I halted the car just before the turning circle, parking it a few steps away from the glorious entrance. The plan was to meet with the one and only and be taken by him to his penthouse apartment so he could show me around and get me settled, state any rules he had and what not.

The doorman held the entrance door open for me the moment I reached the last of the three stairs. He was formally dressed, throwing me a subtle smile which I returned before walking in. 

It was breathtaking indeed. Everything was so clean and elegant. Huge curtains of a deep red velvet color graced the floor length window to the right. The covers pulled ever so gently to one side revealing the scenery and skies outside. Not too far from that a reception desk was situated, small yet not really difficult to find. The counter tops were made of sparkly granite which danced when the light of the Crystal chandeliers caught them. 

An intimate lounging space was precisely formed to the left. The white leather couches neatly arranged around a wooden coffee table that held beautiful flowers that had just the slightest tinge of yellow lining it's insides. 

Realizing that I had been gawking at the beauty in front me and people were starting to stare, I slowly approached the reception desk. On seeing me, the young man stood up straight and waited patiently to state my reason for being here.

"I'm here to see Mr Pearson. I- believe he's been expecting me." He nodded then picked up a diary that looked like it had planned events on it. He pursed his lips before looking back up at me. 

"Your name, Miss?" He inquired politely. His light blue eyes not at all intimidating but friendly. It lacked the sort of tension and the feeling of awkwardness that usually occurred when someone made direct eye contact with you. 

''Scarlet." I said, hoping that would be enough for him to work with. I mean if his boss just bought over my fathers company and paid of his well-known debts, surely my surname must be quiet the talk around here. I smiled politely, trying not to seem like some stupid girl who was lying about an appointment.

He exhaled slowly, looking back up at me. "Surname, Miss Scarlet?" He waited again, not at all seeming in a rush. Dang it, I just had to say it. 

"Miller." His face immediately changed, his features softening while the knowledge of who I was just hit him in the head. The look of pity laced through his olive skin face and I just smiled again, starting to feel a little bit awkward. 

"Oh oh, just one moment." He picked up the telephone, pressed a button. After a few 'aha's', ' hmm's' and a 'sure' , he placed the piece from his ear back down. 

"Mr Pearson couldn't make it. Something has come up but he has left someone to see to you." He professionally said while motioning to the sitting area. "If you would just wait here while Gregor comes to receive you." I nodded and obediently went to the white leather couch, slumping into it and sighing the moment my bottom touched the material. 

The sparkling porcelain tiles were clean, all neatly aligned. Very rarely would a small gleam catch the reflective surface of it and I watched out of the boredom that coursed through me as I waited. 

I wasn't really afraid unlike Ian. Sure many stories circulated about Mr Pearson, his womanly conquests, his charm, but I knew what I was here for and floating about with the man wasn't my intention. I'd stay until the share my father had left me along with my salary would rake up enough  for me to buy a place of my own. 

"Miss Miller." The deep gruff voice brought my attention to the person who stood beside me. He smiled courteously, waiting to ensure he had my acknowledgement. I assumed he must be Gregor. He seemed rather elderly with his hair starting to lose its deep brown coloring. His skin still appeared to be firm over his forehead but his cheeks denoted the beginning of aging. Nevertheless, he gave the notation of being professional. I nodded, confirming I am who he called out to and to my relief his gentle amber eyes never held the vibe of pity towards me. 

"If you would just follow me. There's a car waiting to take us to where I was told to escort you to." He explained as he held a hand out for me when I began to straighten and stand up motioning for me to go ahead first in a ladies first manner. 

He lead me not towards the entrance as I had suspected but pass all the chattering residents and busy staff through a door that boldly stated no unauthorized entry on it. He held the dark wood door open for me and I entered, confused as to how exactly we were going to be taken the vehicle that awaited us. 

The room was more formal than I had expected. A coat rack was at the entrance with a grey thick looking male jacket. A huge bookshelf was to the right and instead if holding books like the name stated, it held files. Loads of it. Directly in front of that was a black leather chair positions before a wide Burgundy antique looking desk. I briefly caught sight at the multiple frames of achievements, ratings and newspaper articles all pertaining to this hotel that were hung up proudly. 

Gregor approached towards the cupboard that looked much bigger than usual. He pulled the doors open and I had to admit that it was actually a genius idea that had me surprised and rather fascinated. The door lead into an already waiting elevator and Gregor got in while I followed closely behind him trying not to seem surprised. He touched a card on something that seemed to a censor and the keypad immediately lit up around the numbers of the floors and at the very bottom was a circular shape fancily displaying a 'J' on it. Gregor pressed that one, closed the doors and then we were moving down. 

"It's a private elevator only for the use of the boss. Without authorization it cannot be used." He explained holding up the key card. It was actually a smart idea especially for a well known businessman such as Mr Pearson.

I held back a laugh forgetting just how rich this man was. Although I have seen on very scarce occasions, the first being at my university the day I had graduated. He had given a speech and offered internships to business students. The second had been the brief meeting the day my father was declared insolvent he had been there negotiating with my father and paying him enough to get him out of debt and leaving him with just the necessary funds. I'm sure it wasn't much left after all the debts were paid for they were some hefty debts but aside from all of that Mr Pearson seemed like a very sophisticated man. Rarely had he ever been caught up scandals of business or woman although his trail of woman were well-known. 

The elevator doors opened and beyond it was a small private garage with a parking lot layout. A blue Audi R8 was parked to the right. Next to that was the latest BMW, next to that a black Range Rover parked and in front of that was a shiny black Jeep, a model or two ahead of Ian's. My eyes flickered back to the audi R8 and no doubt it was stunningly beautiful and seemed well taken care of but that wasn't why I looked at it again. 

"My car is parked our front. An old shape Audi." I said to Gregor who was already opening the backseat door for me. "Maybe I could drive it and follow you." I suggested since it seemed to be a convenient alternative than having them go through all the trouble of bringing it later. Gregor paused for a moment before he pursed his lips taking in the situation. He shrugged it off and held the door open for me.

"We'll have it sent around, Miss." He said politely. "Just don't forget to hand me the keys for it." I nodded and got in. Gregor closed the door and went to the front where he got in next to a bearded, muscled man in a crisp white and black suit similar to Gregors'.  

The car started its move, taking a turn then pausing shortly. The driver placed a key-card, a little similar to the one Gregor had used earlier except this one had a light blue trimming around the edge as a boarder, swiping it over the sensor in swiftly. The little bar that blocked our exit lifted, allowing the car to pass through. It was silent for a short moment and the one of the men pressed a few buttons and the radio resonated within the interior. 

I had to control the laugh from escaping my lips but failed and a small giggle sounded out. The bearded guy smirked in the rear-view mirror revealing his pearly whites. He was actually good looking. Gregor shot him a mature manlike glare before huffing and looking out the window. I was still rather amused at his choice in music. 

''What sort of crap do you listen to? It's atrocious!'' Gregor looked out of the window as he mocked the bearded guy. I observed the entire seen out silently from the back seat not wanting to ruin this amusing moment. 

The driver made an offended gasp. ''Don't you dare say that about my Taylor!'' He defended the artist while Gregor just scrunched his nose in disgust. He caught the movement and started to sing just to annoy Gregor. 

''But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time. Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time. I've got a list of names and yours is in red underlined-'' He went on and on, and by this point I had given up trying to hide my amusement. 

''Oh, thank goodness!'' Gregor exclaimed, still looking out the window. I craned my neck to see outside and knew why. The car was slowed down before turning sharply and heading into a parking lot. A more public one this time. Very few cars where parked in here and I assumed since it was the middle of the day and everyone had work to do. The medical centre gave me the day off after explaining to the HR department of my situation. They were sort of understanding but I had to go back tomorrow. 

''We're here, Miss. The apartment will hopefully be to your liking.'' Gregor said as he held the door open for me. ''Can I have your keys for your car. Jason will bring it up here.'' I nodded as I fished the keys out of my pocket and handed it to him. He pocketed it and lead the way into yet another elevator. 

There were many round buttons on the panel. One for each floor and this said to have twenty-five. Gregor tapped the twenty-fifth one and I couldn't help but find this so unsafe especially if it lead directly into the apartments but that doubt was cleared when Gregor produced an altogether different key-card, waved it over the sensor and the doors closed before we started going up. 

''Doesn't that get old, I mean keeping track of all these cards and remembering which one is for which pass?'' He shrugged slightly then held the fully golden card out to me. 

''It does, I suppose. It is a good thing that these cards will only ever be used by me today. The boss has to keep tabs everyday of which pass key is for which entrance but I guess you get used to it after sometime.'' He explained while I stared at the quarter inch thick object in his hand and his pushed it more to me to take it.

''Mr Pearson said to hand this over to you. Make sure you do not lose it. You will need it to get in and out of here as long as you stay here.'' I took the card, analysed it for a small second then stuffed it into my jeans pocket. 

The elevator came to a halt, a ping was sounded and the doors opened revealing an oak coloured wooden floor and a white wall with a painting on it. The lights where bright which only made the entrance alone look pristine. 

I couldn't really see anything aside from the white wall and the painting until we headed to the short passage to the right then everything became visible. The penthouse apartment was spacious and neatly kept. A beautiful kitchen was situated to the left and quiet hidden unless one really looked. An elegant lounge was set up much more further into the apartment. The big screen T.V hung proudly on the wall above a brownish cabinet. A fur rug was thrown casually on the floor of the lounge with my luggage and boxes next to it. I was impressed that they got my stuff up here so quick from reception. 

A little further in the apartment and to the left side were three doors that were closed and that was where Gregor headed towards. I assumed it were rooms and judging from the wide distance between doors, it did seem spacious. My eyes flickered to the side opposite from where I was standing. There was another two doors there that were closed too and were much more apart than these ones. 

''That's Mr Pearson's home office and the door next to it is a gym.'' Gregor explained following my curiosity. This apartment was so cool. Nothing was out of its place and everything had a place. Gregor pushed open the door we were standing in front of. 

''This is your room. Through that door is your own en-suite and next to that is a dressing room.'' He said from the doorway then he turned to the door opposite mine. ''This is the old Mrs Pearson's rooms. She won't be here until a few weeks time. The room next to this one is Mr Pearson's.'' He went back towards where we came in from. ''There's Netflix, an assortment of movies and wifi that is hooked up to the T.V.'' He walked towards the kitchen. ''Feel free to make yourself familiar with the kitchen if you would like.'' He pointed then towards thick blinds that were drawn so I couldn't see what was beyond. ''That is a balcony. Decently spaced out and since this penthouse is so high the city lights looks breath-taking during the night. It catches a decent breeze as well.'' He said and I nodded taking everything he has been saying in. 

''You'll find a well stocked freezer, fridge and pantry in case you get hungry. I was told to inform you not to unpack all of your belongings but just ones that are necessary. You won't be staying her long. Mr Pearson plans on moving to his newly attained palace like house during the course of the week.'' He was heading for the elevator when he said his good-day and I thanked him for all his help. 

I didn't think I would get to stay in that house again after everything went down but it seems like I was terribly wrong. It was once home to me and my bruised knees and muddy shoes and happy memories with my parents. With my father especially, who was more easy going then, but I understood that times and circumstances changes all of us as it had him. 

I took in a deep breath, savouring the silence since it was all I got this entire week, then begrudgingly got my things one box and suitcase at a time since it would be better if they were in my room instead of out front. I would remove items of clothing and my toiletries and other essentials since I was told not to unpack everything.