Victoria's face twisted in anger at her daughter's word but she didn't care. “If you're ashamed of me.. it's fine. But Reed is mine.. and get that into your thick score” She said and then walked out of Ava's room.
.... NEXT DAY 🦋
●♡♡ ๑♡♡
●♡♡ ๑♡♡๑
JEFF'S MANSION
🦋 8:45am
Cecelia woke up by the tone of her alarm and rubbed her sleepy eyes. She gently toss her duvet aside and got down from her bed stretching her hands.
“Ahhh!“ She yawned loudly picking her phone up to check the time and then she gasp.
“Oh no... I'm late!“ She whispered and immediately got up... Running into her bathroom.
7 minutes later 🦋🦋
Cecelia already had her bath. She was sitting at the front of her mirror applying a light makeup when her phone rang loudly vibrating on her make-up table.
She then answered the call without looking... Because she already knew who was calling at that moment.
“Hey... Baby. Wh...“
📞 “ Cut it off girl. Where are you?“ Avery voice sounded from the other end.
“ I'm driving.. right now. And I'll be there within few seconds” Cecelia muttered getting up and adjusting her brown leather gown.
📞”Interesting... But I can hear your voice upstairs” Avery sneered and Cecelia's eyes widened in shock.
“Where are you?“
📞”Girl.. get your silly ass downstairs. I'm waiting” Avery said and then the line went dead.
Cecelia immediately rushed downstairs to see if Avery was really there.
“So you were here?“ Cecelia asked immediately she got downstairs and saw Avery sitting on the couch while eating popcorn on a china glass bowl.
“We were supposed to go shopping by eight and now it's almost nine” Avery muttered without throwing her a glance.
“I know... But I just happened to wake up late” Cecelia said and walked towards where Avery was seated.
“Lets go now... Shall we” she added and Avery nodded.
“Yes. My Lord" Avery teased and both of them chuckled lightly.
Just as they were about to leave... A feminine voice sounded.
“Sweetheart, you're awake...“
Both of them turned to see a woman who looked like she was in her Forty's. She had a perfect blue eye and a long black hair which fell just below her waist.
“Good morning mom... I'm going shopping with Avery. Sorry I didn't tell you” Cecelia shuttered and Mrs Jeff smiled warmly.
“It's ok. Just take care of yourself.. and Avery too”
“Bye Mom!“ Both Avery and Cecelia chorus at once and they giggled before walking out of the house.
🦋 ALICE APARTMENT 🦋
๑♡♡๑ MADDIE'S ROOM 。♡♡。
“Ok... All done” Maddie said as she fixed Amanda's zipper.
“Okay.. “ Amanda muttered and turned to look at Maddie who went back sitting on her bed with a blank expression.
“Look.. it's not your fault okay. I know you were trying to help. But if only Mom could understand “ Amanda said sitting close to Maddie but Maddie remained still with a blank expression. Amanda didn't like the attitude Maddie was giving her and decided to make her smile.
After a long silence Amanda suddenly remember something and then a smile crept across her lips.
“How was the kiss?“ She suddenly asked and Maddie who once had a blank expression turned to her with a confused look.
“Me? What kiss?“
“Come on sis, don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about” Amanda said and Maddie's face flushed with embarrassment. She knew what Amanda was talking about.
“Well... It was just a kiss.. and a simple one” Maddie replied and Amanda hissed.
“I won't buy that.. I saw you guys deepened the kiss... And totally forgot about the world around you”
“I just wanted to prove something to Austin”
“Sis... I know you well. You're irritated with guys around you... Even when you're a tom boy.. and yet you choose to kiss him. Tell me. Do you like him already?“ Amanda asked and Maddie's eyes widened and she threw a pillow at Amanda.
“I don't silly. Now out of my room... I want to get dressed too” She said and Amanda giggled before walking out.
“Do I really like him....?“ Maddie whispered to herself.
●♡♡๑♡♡๑。♡♡。✿ ♡♡°
LEE'S SUIT AND HOTEL
* “Good morning boss”
* “He looks hot”
* “Why is he here?“
Austin walked in ignoring the commotions around his eyes scanning for someone. But then it seems the person he had been searching for wasn't there and he cursed silently.
“Where the hell is she?“
He immediately walked to his office angrily. Picking his phone about to dial someone's number but then remembers he doesn't have the person's contact.
“Damn!“ He cursed and made a mental note to get the number later.
✨ RD'S WEARS AND FASHION COMPLEX ✨
A Lamborghini pulled over the entrance of the shopping mall and two figures emerged from the car.
It was Cecelia and Avery... They had a bright smile in their face as they walked into the mall.
They walked into the mall, their eyes scanning the rows of high-end boutiques. They made their way to the first store, a trendy clothing boutique.
"Ooh, I love this one!" Avery squealed, holding up a sleek black dress.
Cecelia grinned. "Try it on!"
Aver then disappeared into the dressing room, Cecelia browsed the racks, picking out a few outfits to try on.
Just as they were about to leave the store, Cecelia bumped into someone, spilling clothes all over the floor.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Cecelia apologized, as she bent down to pick up the clothes.
As she looked up, her eyes met Damric's, his charming smile making her heart skip a beat.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm the one who should be apologizing," Damric said, helping Cecelia gather the clothes.
Avery walked out of the dressing room, eyeing Damric with interest. "Hey, look who's here”
“Hi” Damric waved and a Avery smiled waving back at him.
The tension between them became awkward and Damric broke the silence.
“Why don't we have coffee together? At the cafeteria over there?“ He asked pointing outside and Avery nodded. "Sure, why not?"
Cecelia hesitated for a moment, but Damric's warm smile put her at ease. "Okay, I'd love to."
As they walked to the coffee shop, Avery whispered to Cecelia, "I'll continue shopping while you guys catch up."
Cecelia nodded, feeling a sense of excitement as she walked off with Damric.
●♡♡๑♡♡๑。♡♡。✿ ♡♡°
LEE'S SUIT AND HOTEL
The door swung open, and a young girl with short, spiky hair walked in. She was dressed in baggy jeans and a loose-fitting shirt, giving off a tomboyish vibe. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the sleek, modern decor.
Everyone assumed she was just another customer, but as she approached the secretary's desk, she dropped a bombshell.
"Hi, I'm here to start my new job," she said confidently.
The secretary's eyes widened in disbelief. "Excuse me? What job?"
The young girl smiled. "I'm the new employee. I was hired by Mr. Austin himself."
The secretary's expression turned skeptical. "I wasn't aware of any new hires. Let me check with HR."
The room fell silent, with all eyes on the young woman. The secretary's phone call to HR only seemed to confirm her doubts.
"I'm afraid there's been some mistake," the secretary said, her voice dripping with malice. "You're not on our list of employees."
Just as the situation was about to escalate, a deep voice interrupted.
"Actually, she's telling the truth."
Everyone turned to see Austin walking towards them, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Welcome to the team," he said, nodding at the young girl. "I see you're already making a stir."
The secretary looked taken aback, but Austin just chuckled.
"Don't worry, I'll fill you in on the details later."
As Austin led the young girl away, the room erupted into a flurry of whispers and speculation.
🦋 AUSTIN'S OFFICE 🦋
Austin closed the door behind them, his eyes locking onto Maddie's. "Maddie, it's great to have you on board," he said, his voice warm and friendly.
Maddie shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "Whatever."
Austin's smile didn't falter. "I know you're here for the job, and I appreciate your professionalism. But I have to say, I'm looking forward to working with you."
Maddie raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, joy."
Austin chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now, let's discuss the details of your job. I think you'll find it's a great opportunity for you to learn and grow."
Maddie snorted, her arms crossing over her chest. "I doubt it."
Austin's smile never wavered. "I think you'll be surprised. You have a lot of potential, Maddie. And I'm willing to help you reach it."
Maddie's expression softened slightly, despite herself. There was something about Austin's warm, gentle tone that made her feel...seen. But she wasn't about to let her guard down. Not yet.
"What's the job, exactly?" she asked gruffly, trying to cover up her momentary lapse.
Austin leaned forward, "You'll be working closely with me, handling various tasks and projects. I think you'll find it's a challenging but rewarding role."
Maddie raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I'm qualified for this job?"
Austin's smile grew wider. "Let's just say I have faith in you, Maddie. You have a certain... spark. And I'm willing to bet that with the right guidance, you'll excel in this role."
Maddie's expression remained cold. “Why are you talking so professional? I'm not that casual ok?“
Austin didn't say anything but chuckled lightly at her. He was trying anything possible to make her smile but seems it didn't work out.
🦋 RAVEN'S PEAK CAFE 🦋
Damric and Cecelia sat at a small table by the window, sipping their coffee. The atmosphere was cozy, with soft music playing in the background.
As they chatted, an awkward silence fell between them. Damric, sensing the tension, called out to the waiter.
"Excuse me, can we get another round of coffee, please?" he asked, smiling warmly at Cecelia.
The waiter, a young man with a charming smile, nodded. "Right away, sir."
As the waiter walked away, Cecelia couldn't help but notice the admiring glances he threw her way. She felt a flutter in her chest, but quickly brushed it off.
Damric, however, seemed to notice the exchange. His eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw clenched.
"So, Cecelia," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Tell me more about yourself."
Cecelia smiled, feeling a sense of ease with Damric. "What do you want to know?" she asked.
As they continued to chat, the atmosphere around them grew more relaxed. The waiter returned with their coffee, his eyes fixed on Cecelia's face.
"Enjoy your coffee," he said, glancing and winking at Cecelia who chuckled.
Damric's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned his attention back to Cecelia.
"So, what do you like to do for fun?" he asked, his voice warm and engaging.
Cecelia smiled, "I love shopping, trying out new restaurants, and traveling."
Damric's eyes lit up. "I'm a big fan of traveling myself. Where's your favorite place you've been?"
“ I think it's Paris.... “ Cecelia said sipping her coffee and Damric smiled. He was happy she was finally free with him.
“Do you love pets?“ Damric asked when he suddenly notice her staring at a cute little hairy White dog.
“I really do love them. But mom is allergic to animals” Cecelia answered with a sad expression and Damric nodded.
“Well, I have a dog... A cute little one” he said with a smirk and Cecelia immediately looked at him. Her eye were glossy with her lips pouted.
“Really. What's it's name “ She asked and Damric suddenly shivered. He hadn't expected her to ask. Since he just lied to her.
“Well....“ He muttered scratching his hair and thinking of a name.
“His name is... Love” he finally said and Cecelia chuckled.
“I'll like to meet him. Maybe I'll visit someday “ she said and Damric eyes widened in shock.
Should he be happy or sad?
Cecelia was coming to visit someday....