3_ Pleading again

Olima hesitated at the kitchen door, unwilling to abandon her attempts to plead with her stepmother.

She had graduated as the top student in her school, and had she been aware, she could have taken advantage of the school scholarship program that was available to her at the time.

However, she believed her father had more promising plans for her.

She pleaded with Mrs. Gina once more, desperately expressing her need to take the university entrance examination in order to secure admission into any university.

Mrs Gina snaps, "And who's going to pay for your school fees, Olima? Did you forget how your father heartlessly cast me and Mia away?

Just a friendly reminder, the money I'm using to support you right now was originally meant to pay the previous maids I had to let go.

Unfortunately, there is no money available in this household to support your education fees at any university.

Why am I bothering to explain all of this to you? Leave my presence immediately! Watch out, or I'll give you a good beating!" Mrs. Gina raised her voice, prompting Olima to reluctantly return to the kitchen.

Nathan, the gate man of the mansion, politely knocked on the door before entering the elegant living room.

He entered to let Mrs. Gina know that the school bus had arrived to pick up Mia for school.

Nathan was aware that Mrs. Gina had not been in charge of the house before. However, after the previous madam's departure, Mrs. Gina assumed control of the mansion and assumed the role of the new madam.

Nathan cheerfully greeted Mrs. Gina, "Good morning, ma'am. Mia's ride to school has arrived."

Mrs Gina let out a sigh and responded, "Don't worry, Nathan. You're free to go and let the driver know that Mia will be outside shortly."

"Alright, Madam," Nathan said with a bow before promptly exiting the living room.

He's a middle-aged man, and he let out a sigh before heading outside to ask the school bus driver to wait.

Mia finished her breakfast, savoring the delicious noodles and fried eggs prepared by Olima.

She rose from her dinner chair and picked up her black schoolbag from the adjacent seat, informing her mother, "Mom, I'm heading to school. Take care of yourself, mom."

"Alright, my little one. Take care too," Mrs. Gina replied with a sigh. As she stood there, observing her only child leave the living room.

Mrs. Gina gazed at the dining table and proceeded to collect the soiled plate and tray that Mia had utilized.

"Why is Olima still in the kitchen?" Curiosity piqued, Mrs. Gina ventured into the kitchen to investigate on her own, rather than summoning Olima to join her.

Olima stood by the kitchen sink, gently washing her face with care. Her once innocent gaze transformed into a haunting shade of crimson.

As the kitchen door slid open, Olima turned her head and caught sight of her stepmother entering the living room.

Mrs Gina gives Olima a stern look and demands, "What are you doing standing there next to the kitchen sink?"

Olima responded promptly, "Nothing, Ma. I was in the middle of washing my face."

Mrs. Gina fell silent, making her way to the kitchen sink to deposit the dirty tray and plate for Olima to wash.

Mrs. Gina gazed at the carton of noodles perched atop the open cabinet, her eyes fixated on the three strands of noodles and two eggs meticulously arranged by Olima for cooking.

She inquired of Olima the reason behind the placement of the noodles and eggs.

Olima hesitantly responded, "I would like to prepare it, ma."

"Hmm," Mrs. Gina approached the carton of noodles she had purchased the previous week. She carefully examined it, as if the noodles were the smaller sized packet.

She inquired of Olima, "What quantity of noodles did you prepare for Mia today?"

"I prepared two noodles, Ma." Olima replied with a hint of nervousness.

"So, you're planning to cook just for yourself? How many noodles are we looking at here?" Mrs. Gina exclaimed in surprise, her eyes fixed on the nearly empty carton.

Olima shivered and responded, "Just three noodles, Ma."

"Only three noodles! Exclusively for your enjoyment! Oh my goodness!" Mrs Gina let out a gasp, her eyes fixed on Olima who recoiled in fear.

Mrs Gina questioned, "Were you intending to transform me into a thief overnight? How is it possible for you to consume just three noodles and two eggs in one sitting? No wonder you still look so fresh and beautiful even after the unfortunate loss of your parents..." Mrs Gina glared at Olima, who trembled in fear, while she focused on counting the contents of the carton.

Mrs. Gina declared, "From this day forward, a single noodle and egg shall suffice for you. If I discover that you prepare more than a single noodle and egg for yourself each day, it would be quite a sight. Then you'll witness a different aspect of my personality."

"There are only 10 noodles left in this carton. And when I purchased it brand new. There were 40 packets... It seems that you and Mia have devoured a staggering 30 packets of noodles in just one week. I'm certain that you consumed the most. Now, put those two packets back into the carton to make it twelve. Then, treat yourself to a simple meal by cooking just one noodle and one egg. But before that, please prepare my tea and bring it out to the dining table now."

Mrs. Gina released her grip on the noodles carton and exited the kitchen, leaving Olima in tears. Olima hurriedly made her way to the teacup cabinet to prepare her stepmother's tea.

She had a feeling that her stepmother would disapprove.

With grace and precision, Olima emerged from the kitchen, delicately balancing a tray of steaming teacups as she made her way to the dining room.

She approached the dining table and placed the dish in front of her stepmother.

Olima eventually returned to the kitchen to make her own breakfast.

She quietly prepared a simple meal of one noodle and one egg for herself, hoping to avoid any punishment from her stepmother.

Once she finished cooking the noodle and egg, she settled onto a stool in the kitchen and began eating her meal with a quiet demeanor, tears streaming down her face.

Olima longed for the presence of her parents, aware that her father had been incredibly wealthy and financial concerns were never a burden.

Her eyes welled up with tears as she realized the depth of her stepmother's animosity towards her. She couldn't help but wonder who would be there to advocate for her in her stepmother's absence. With the arrest of her uncles, it seemed as though none of her relatives cared anymore.

Their sole focus was on her late father's properties. His oil company and extravagant mansions as well.

After finishing her breakfast, Olima got up from the kitchen stool and headed towards the sink to wash her plate.

Afterwards, she ventured into the dining room to check if her stepmother had finished her tea, hoping to clean the teacup and tray as well.

Olima noticed her stepmother's absence from the dining table, and a silence fell over the mansion.

As she listened, the familiar sound of a car engine starting reached her ears. Curiosity piqued, she made her way to the dining room window. Peering out, she caught sight of her stepmother driving away from the garage in one of her late father's luxurious new cars.

Olima's late father owned up to five brand new, spotless cars, including three Jeeps.

Olima let out a weary sigh as she made her way back into the kitchen. She diligently washed all the dirty plates and teacups that were left there before heading upstairs to her bedroom. Exhausted and alone, she was in desperate need of sleep and rest.

As she finished her bath, she slipped into yet another delicate blue gown and settled onto her bed, contemplating the daunting task of enduring her stepmother's relentless cruelty day after day. Then she drifted off into a peaceful slumber on the bed.

Later in the evening, Mrs. Gina returned home from her boutique shop, specializing in feminine clothing. She gracefully pulled into the mansion premises and parked her car.

She gracefully exited the vibrant car and securely locked the door with the press of a button on her remote.

Mrs. Gina fondly recalled how her late husband had graciously purchased a car for her. Once Mia reached the age of five, she began expressing her desire for Olima's mother's car. And her mother required a car as well.

It was at that moment when Mr. Leo made the decision to purchase a new small car for Mrs. Gina, which she had been making do with until now.

Mrs. Gina let out a weary sigh as she gazed at her compact black car, still sitting in the garage.

She shook her head and approached the mansion entrance, ready to step into the elegant white house. The center of the compound boasted a stunning fountain, surrounded by a plethora of vibrant flowering plants at the front.

Mrs. Zoe had a deep passion for flowers and plants.

Nathan completed securing the gate and warmly welcomed Mrs. Gina once more, saying, "It's great to have you back, Madam." As he caught sight of her approaching the grand entrance of the mansion.

"Yes, thank you Nathan. Has anyone come looking for me?" Mrs. Gina paused and inquired, to which Nathan responded, "No, Madam."

"Okay," Mrs. Gina replied, and she made her way up the grand entrance of the mansion before stepping into the elegant living room.

Olima jumped up from the black couch in the living room when she spotted her stepmother entering the room.

She was completely absorbed in the captivating romance movie playing in the living room, oblivious to the sound of the car engine.

With the blaring volume of the flat screen television, Olima was completely unaware of Mrs. Gina's arrival.

Mrs Gina looked stunning in her long blue gown, which perfectly accentuated her figure. She completed her look with a sleek black handbag.

Olima greeted her with a quick "Good evening, Ma."

Mrs. Gina stared at Olima with intense, fiery eyes, growing increasingly frustrated as she received no response. Her eyes drifted towards the living room wall clock and she noticed that it was already past 7pm in the evening.

However, Olima failed to show up at her shop in the afternoon to collect the money needed for their evening meals.

Mia rose to her feet and warmly greeted her mother, "Good evening, mom."

Mrs. Gina glanced at Mia and greeted her with a simple "Evening, Mia. How are you feeling today? Have you completed your school assignments yet?"

"Yes, I have, mom. Olima was instrumental in assisting me with it." Mia replied and Mrs. Gina let out a sigh, "Hm."

Mrs. Gina watched as Olima made her way towards the dining room. Curiosity piqued, she called out to Olima, "Hey, Olima, is dinner ready?"

Mrs Gina was aware that there were no food supplies in the house, yet she felt compelled to ask Olima about it.