Wrongfully Yours

CHAPTER 14

It was a calm and cosy morning. Bruce and Snow were having their breakfast, and Marose stood behind Snow, while Mario and Jack were with Bruce, and he was munching on his roasted potato and chorizo hash, while Snow was having Gruyere, Bacon, and Spinach scrambled eggs, along with a blueberry-banana-nut smoothie. The dining room was awkwardly silent and Snow decided to ask her husband a question, since he wasn't in his harsh mood that morning.

“Why didn't you tell me my father got married? I only found out when I got to his house. Did you know about it and you didn't tell me because you didn't want me to attend or were you not informed?

Her eyes were down; she wasn't looking at Bruce’s face; she faced her food as she spoke; Bruce put down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with his napkin before he spoke.

“Your father got married on a private island in Hawaii. I was in London at the time, and since I wasn't going to attend, there was no need for you to know or go there without me.

“That is not very nice of you; you should have told me regardless. Can I have my phone now, please? I haven't seen my phone for over a week now.

“You can buy another one; you have enough money to buy as many as you can carry, or is there anything special about that one?

“How do you expect people to reach me when my line is off?

“And who are the people you are talking about? Jackson or your dad?

Snow was quiet for a few seconds and she took a sip from her glass.

“I’ll just get another phone.

“Good, have you decided what you want to do today? Do you want to shop for dresses or jewellery?

“I’ll shop for jewellery.

“Mario, bring me the briefcase on the table in my chambers.

“Yes Boss.

“I’ll be traveling to Helsinki by next week to oversee the commencement of the construction project. I want you to join me on that trip.

“Join you? You already have Jack and Mario by your side. Why do I need to be there?

“We are having a dinner party before the project commences. I want you to be by my side when I give my speech.

“I need Marose and Ella to come with me.

“You can come with whomever; just get ready for the trip. Marose, please ensure she has everything she needs for the trip.

Mario arrived and placed Bruce’s briefcase on the table.

“Here is two million in cash; you can spend it all; call me if you need more. The event in Helsinki is for three days; I do not want you to repeat the same jewellery set.

“Why do you want me to keep wearing different jewellery sets whenever we go out? Why can't I repeat? All the diamond sets I have are expensive, so it wouldn't matter if I repeated them.

“My company is handling a project worth billions of dollars; they see me as a god. I do not want my wife to look like a commoner; I want you to look and smell like royalty. Is there anything special you’ll need aside from your outfit and jewellery?

“Nothing at all; I have all I need.

“Good, Marose. When she is done shopping for her jewellery, I want you to take her to the Acadella Fashion House. I want Acadella to make you an outfit for the dinner night in Helsinki.

Snow was aloof; she was thinking about how to tell Bruce about her jogging that night. All his plans were useless to her because she wasn't going to be in the house by the next day; she was just playing along with all of his preparations.

“Snow!! Did you hear anything I said?

“I’m sorry, I was carried away. Did you ask me something?

“What is occupying your thoughts?

“The travel plans and everything are just overwhelming; I wasn't privy until now.

“That is why you have helping hands.

“I’ve been feeling bloated at night lately; I don't know if it's my diet, Bruce.

“Do you need to see a doctor?

“No, it's nothing serious; I just need to jog after dinner and have a cold bath. I will be fine.

“You want to jog tonight?

“Yes please.

"Jack, assign five of your boys to jog with her tonight; send your best.

“Yes sir.

“I thought you were going to protest about the idea of me jogging at night.

“Your health is of the utmost importance. I have a meeting at 11 so I have to leave. Call Mario if you cannot reach me.

Bruce, Mario, and Jack leave the dining room, leaving Snow on the table.

“Come have breakfast, Marose.

“I will, when you are done.

“I insist.

Marose sat on the table, took a slice of pancake and poured a glass of orange juice.

“Why do you want me and Ella to join you on the trip, Snow?

“Because I will be bored there; you know Bruce will be busy with numerous meetings. I need someone I can talk to when I go sightseeing. Speaking about Ella, I've not seen her since today.

“She is busy with the other staff.

“Can you call her for me?

“I see you’ve grown fond of her.

“Ella is such an innocent young girl; she reminds me of my younger self. I like her.

Marose stood up and went back with Ella. Ella’s eyes were red and swollen and it looked like she had been crying. Her face was down, and she dared not look directly at Snow’s face.

“Ella, are you alright? Why does your face look like a wet weekend? Is anything the matter?

“I’m alright, Ma. Is there anything you would like me to do for you?

“Have you had breakfast today, Ella?

"No, ma, I will do that after I clear your table.

“Come sit with me.

“I’ll lose my job if I do that, ma.

“Do not be scared, Ella; I'm asking you to.

Ella looked at Marose and she gave her a sign to sit. She sat down and had her hands in between her thighs; her face was still down.

“Dish out something; don't look like a prisoner.

Ella reluctantly took out a slice of bread and a cup of juice. She was eating slowly because she was still scared of being scolded.

“Why are you sad, Ella? Talk to me.

“My mom is sick, and I do not have money for her medication.

“How much is it?

“fifty.

“Fifty thousand dollars?

“No, fifty dollars?

“Fifty dollars? Don't they pay you well for you to afford fifty dollars?

“I’ve exhausted all my salary on her health; I'm the only one paying the bills.

Snow felt compassion for Ella; she wished she could trade places with her. She would rather be poor and have a sick mother than to be wealthy without a mother and a useless father who cares only about his finances. None were favourable though.

“What is wrong with your mum?

“She has diabetes.

Snow reached out to the briefcase Bruce left her and she took out ten bundles of 100-dollar bills and handed them over to Ella.

“That should be enough to cover your mother’s medical bills; use the rest to prepare for our trip to Helsinki.

Ella went on her knees to thank Snow; tears rolled down her eyes.

“Thank you so much, Ma. This is too much; I have never touched this amount of money before.

“Don't be too dramatic, Ella; get up.

Ella stood up but her hands were visibly shaky.

“Ma, I'm not aware of the trip; I do not even have a passport.

“Don't worry about that; Marose will handle it. I need to rest a little before we go out; I feel dizzy.

Snow went upstairs and laid on her bed. She put on a smile when she thought about Ella, and she was happy she did something that put a smile on someone’s face. Her cheek was still lifted up with a smile but her eyes were shut.