Heiress of the Hidden Kingdom

II

The smell of roses perfume the office, a bouquet was left on her office desk. When she lifted it, the card fell. She read the message on the note, To the beautiful hardworking secretary. -Maximus. Zeynep had just started working in the company a few months ago and her boss has been hitting on her. She took the bouquet and put it on the vase at the end of the hall. She wasn't interested in any love affair let alone a work related affair. She considered her boss a kind and generous person but didn't want to form any feelings.

Zeynep Viscount had finally liberated herself from debt and pain. She needed time for herself before accepting any man back in her life. "Zeynep, hurry the meeting is going to start soon," her office buddy reminded her. She made her way to the meeting hall with the documents at hand. She positioned each folder in front of the chairs then took her seat next to Lily on the corner of the room.

The meeting lasts longer than was scheduled, therefore everything has to be pushed back. So she went late, as she walked toward the bus stop she felt somebody following her.

She always followed her instincts since that was the only thing that she could trust. Even though she felt the presence of someone following her she didn't have the urge to run away or even to take cover. She took a breath and continued her path. She took the bus home and once she arrived at her bus stop, the feeling stopped. She walked to her apartment and took the stairs. After cleaning her apartment and prepping tomorrow's food she showered. Before going to bed she took her pills.

Ever since she could remember she has been taking them. Her doctor parents never really explained why only that if she didn't that she could hurt herself and others. As an adult she figured that maybe she had a form of double personality disorder. After reading cases, she preferred to not take risks.

She went to bed and fell asleep after watching a few episodes of her favorite series. Around 3 am at night, she woke up with pain in her chest. She couldn't breathe and the pain was heavy and electric. No matter how much she wanted to scream no sound would come out. Searching for he phone, she realized she left it on the ottoman at the end of the bed. She crawled toward the ottoman but with every movement the pain increased. Just as she reached for her phone, one last electrical shock shook her body. Her world went black.

The alarm went off on her phone, she woke and grabbed her phone. Dismissing the alarm, she checked the time. Her head pounded and her chest ached. Slowly she made her way to the bathroom and started to prepare for work. She took a pain relief pill and left for work. Her day went by without a repeat of what happened last night, so she didn't give it a second thought. Before she could make her way to the bus stop, a brand new vehicle parked in front of the office. She may not know the vehicle but the driver was the Viscount's. Right it's the weekend tomorrow. She got in the car and they drove off to the manor.

In order for her to live her separate life from her foster parents she made a deal with them. Every weekend she would visit them and report if she had any physical problems. She prayed to God that what happened to her last night was a one time thing. If they find out she will not hear the end of it, plus she would have to move in with them again.

she remembers the first time she met them. Zeynep was found alone with a bag next to her in a dark alleyway of the city. With no Id on her except a bracelet with her first name engraved on the back, Zeynep. She would travel from foster home to foster home every year until she was 8. She meet the Viscount's when she was running away from her abusive foster parents at the time. Fiona Viscount pulled some strings so she could foster Zeynep. When she moved in with her she met Roger Viscount, son of Fiona, and his wife Lucille. She was educated in all subjects and talents. She loved passing her time with Fiona. She was grateful and gave her best at everything they asked of her.

When she turned 12 and started her period, they started taking her to the doctor. For a while it was fine but on one occasion she woke up in a hospital bed with no recollection on how or why. The only thing that it occurred to her was that she might have forgotten to take her pill. Fiona told her she had screamed in pain two nights ago and fainted from the pain. She was unconscious for two nights in the hospital. Fiona started to worry over her more often, Roger always had a guard with her and Lucille would hang out with her more often. After Fiona's death Roger was harder on Zeynep. She assumed it was because with his mother gone he was under no obligation to care for her.

The car pulled in the driveway and parked in the front door. The door opened and a hand was extended to her. She took it then made her way into her home. The doors opened before she could knock, Lucille was waiting for her in the receiving area. Lucille hugged her tightly and took a long look at her. It had been almost a year since they last saw each other, it usually was always Roger.

"You have grown so much since the last time we saw you. I mean you look more like an adult. How's life, work, and love life? I want to know everything!" Lucille looks like she was 10 years older than her age. Reluctantly she replied, "It has been an adventure that I enjoy. Work is alright no complaints but as far as love...nothing. Things didn't turn out well with my last boyfriend so it might be awhile before I can start looking for love. How about you? Where have you been all this time and where's Roger?"

"Roger will meet with us later. I was traveling and visiting old friends of mine. Anyways enough chit chat let's go have dinner or do you want to train first?"

Zeynep contemplated if is was a good idea to train after last night. "Let's have dinner and talk more about your adventures?" Nodding they made their way to the dining room.