CHAPTER 10: She looks just like her

SCARLETT'S POV

   I could feel the reflection of the morning sun, cascading from the open window down my face. My lashes fluttered continuously but I wasn't willing to open my eyes to the reality I'm yet to submit to.

   Everything still felt like a dream and I wanted it to be but every other morning I woke up since the big reveal, made me realize that I have to give up my dreams and live in my reality.

   It was a tough decision even though, I've been preparing for this subconsciously for a while now. My birth mom already paved the way, all I need to do was follow. But I'm so scared! I don't know how this new life would treat me. I'm worried as it seems I'll be alone in it. 

Mom and Sky would return and I'll be alone. How was I supposed to cope in a house with the woman who killed my mother? Without any form of defense, no skills whatsoever?

   I felt breathe on my skin and I finally let my eyes open. I turn around that moment and I almost had a heart attack.

   'Jeez! Sky, what the heck?!' I sat upright immediately. 'Stop that girl, it's so creepy!' I covered her face with the duvet. 

She was bent over my face, her elbows supporting her chin, smiling down at me. 

Well, that was heck creepy! 

She laughed as she removed the duvet from her face.

   'How do you even come up with your creepy ways of waking someone up? Tell me seriously Sky, what sort of awesome ideas go on it that pretty head of yours?' I said in sarcasm and she chuckled.

   'I figured I should find a way to wake you up that wouldn't scare the hell out of ya but duhhh. My brilliant idea still got you scared. Do you realize you're such a scaredy-cat?' I rolled my eyes and hopped out of bed. I dragged my feet in my flip-flops as I walked out of the room to the kitchen.

Uhmm yeah...we couldn't go back to the rotunda after the canal incident, because ever since my face got on camera every single person who knows my mom seem to be after my life _especially the older women. 

The media wouldn't let me breath as they went to camp around the hotel entrance, waiting for me to show up so they can end my life with their series of questions that's capable of making me go mad. 

   When Mom was returning us to the hotel few days ago -as I insisted- we noticed this and immediately had Mason turn the car around and speedily left the environment.

We're staying at her family's farmhouse for now because it wouldn't be long before those sly reporters find this place.

I opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of cold water. I was about opening the lid when Sky showed up beside me.

    'So? You're ready to meet your Dad today?' She asked. I paused and looked at her. Like me, she was still in her pajamas only that she had a towel wrapped around her head. She leaned on the refrigerator with one of her legs slightly raised in a playful manner backwards.

My eyes kinda clouded at the thought of her leaving without me. I'm going to miss her so much. 

I avoided her curious stare immediately and blinked severally to stop the tears.

   'Yeah, but I'm so nervous.' I said and she immediately hugged me slightly. 

   'I am too.' She said and I smiled.

Ever so supportive...

   'But I know you'll do fine. You always do.' She smiled and released me.

   'Thank you Sky. I'd be really fine if you'll stay here with me. But you have to return to your family.' I said and she raised a brow. 'I'll miss you so much.' I cried.

Oh well, I did cry...

   'Miss me? Girl, I'm going no where! I'm staying here with you because I know ya fine ass wouldn't do well without me.' 

My eyes lit up that moment. I wiped my eyes immediately.

   'Really?' I said with widen expectant eyes. 

   'Well yeah,' she smiled. 'Australia would be so boring without you.' She added and I grinned, hugging her immediately. This time I was the one almost pushing us to the floor. I steadied us and released her when a question came to mind.

   'But Skylar, what about your family? How will Cole and your parents feel?' I said and she chuckled, waving a hand dismissively.

   'I'm certain that coconut head would do better without me,' I chuckled understanding the double meaning behind her words. 

That's why he'll even miss her more. Who'll take his stuff without his permission again or who'll make him scream their house down? 

   'My parents would be fine, they have Cole. Besides, Aunt Aimee said she'll have a talk with them on that. Girl, I'm super excited about this turn of events, hope you don't blame me.' She grinned.

   'Oh Sky,' I hugged her again.

KYLE'S POV

   My secretary walked into my suite and I stared at her from the mirror. I adjusted my black tie and smoothened the strands of black hair falling at a side of my face.

   'I'm sorry boss, you can't head out now.' She said and I furrowed my brows.

   'What do you mean by that? We have a business meeting at the company in ten minutes and you're saying I can't leave the hotel now? What's your reason for that statement?' I asked, briskly turning to face her. She bowed her head low before replying.

   'I'm sorry Mr. Kwan, but people from the media are outside the hotel.' I frowned.

   'This isn't the first time I've been here. Not till today, they never crowd at the hotel because of me. So what could be the sudden reason behind this?' I asked. 

I have a private villa in city center, but I rarely stay there during my business trips. Occasionally I prefer to lodge at the hotel _you may think it's weird but that's me. With my connections, I ensured media people don't crowd my lodging area for useless interviews except a necessity arises.

   'I'm afraid Mr. Kwan, they aren't here for you.' I shot her a confused glare. 'They are here because there's been a rumor that the unknown daughter of Chairman Grey of JP's Enterprise, lodges here.' She explained but that got me confused.

   'I don't understand you. Rephrase that statement.' I adjusted my cufflinks as I watch her.

   'If you remember the major headlines from every UK papers and magazines some days ago, you'll understand that a lady having close resemblance to Chairman Grey's first wife was seen at the city's canal. Ever since that incident, the media guys began to dig on her bio and it was discovered she's based at Canberra, Australia and was here on a tour with her friend.' She scrolled through her phone and soon showed me some photos. 'However, what speculated the rumors was her last name.' I raised my eyes to her. 'Apparently, she bares the last name of the chairman; Grey.' She explained. 

   'Hmm,' I stared at the photos for a while before handling the iPad back to her. 

   'Get the car and the guards ready, I can't have an important meeting rescheduled because of someone's family meeting.' I said and turned to pick up my briefcase from the chair. 

   'Okay boss.' She bowed. I handed my briefcase to her as I added.

   'I was supposed to have a meeting concerning a business proposal with the Sales manager of JP's Enterprise today right?' 

   'Yes boss,' She said.

   'I see,' my wristwatch beeped in my wrist and I sighed. 'You know what, kindly reschedule the meeting for another day.' I said and she gave me a fast questioning glance. 'It can't be helped Min Ha since my schedule for today is already too tight. Do squeeze the next appointment in a less busy day so it doesn't get rescheduled again.' I said and began walking towards the door. 'And please, don't forget to send my apologies to them.' I added as I tucked my hands in my tuxedo pockets. 

   'Alright Boss.' Min Ha said, stepping out beside me as she easily locked the door with the digitized room key via the mobileapp on her business phone.

SCARLETT'S POV

I stared nervously at my reflection in the mirror, it was time to meet my dad.

Mom had got my a beautiful expensive silk Fendi-FF print -shirtdress with the sleeves closely reaching my wrist. I had on my feet, black Lita boots. My hair was held up in a french bun while my right wrist was adorned with the gift bracelet from my birth mother and I had on my neck a pretty diamond necklace _gift from dad. The jewelries though simple looking were expensive and were just right for my outfit. 

Skylar made me wear a light makeup and she was now admiring her work and exclaiming on how beautiful I look. 

Truly, the lady staring back at me in the vanity mirror seems a lot different from the girl wearing the beanie, sunglasses and casual boots when we arrived here.

Without doubt, I knew I was charmingly beautiful with this irresistable effect I have on people such that they couldn't ignore me or turn me down when I'm without my beanie, glasses or artificial lens. 

   'Are you sure I'm staring at my sugarplum right now?' Skylar said and I giggle. 'You look absolutely gorgeous sugar. Awwn, I'm so proud of the people who brought your royal highness to this world.' I laughed over her words.

   'Really?' I chuckled.

   'Baby you look amazing. Paige would be so proud of you.' 

I looked towards the door and mom walked in.

   'Mom,' I smiled at her.

   'Let's take a few pictures before you leave, the limo your dad sent over already arrived.' She said and I instantly stood up and picked up my lady dior pouch on the vanity.

   'Relax Scarlett, you seem really tense.' Mom said, touching my shoulders encouragingly. 

   'But I'm tensed. Can't you go with me?' I asked and she chuckled.

   'No baby, not today. You're having a father-daughter date remember?' She smiled. 'Don't worry Scarlett, your father is the kindest man I've ever met. You won't regret today, trust me.' She leaned up and kissed my forehead. 

   'Well, picture time.' I turned to Sky and found her holding a selfie stick while grinning. 'To remember the moment you first set out to meet your father.' She said and I smiled.

******

   I fiddled with the silvergrey bracelet on my wrist as the limo drove through the city. I was so edgy as I wondered how the dad I've never met would react on seeing me. I've never had a dad so I don't know how this things work. Mom raised me up herself as she wasn't married -she didn't want to- according to what she said.

   We passed by several towns and areas I haven't been to and few I've toured with Sky and I wished she was here in the limo with me, clinging unto my bicep like she'll always do. My palms were sweaty, it seemed like the ride was taking forever. 

Moments later, I felt tempted to raise my gaze and I did. I was somewhat relieved to find the limo pulling up at an exquisite villa in a town mom told me was called, Erdington. The gate opened immediately and the driver drove in.

Several burly guards stood at the gate and around the entrance of the two-story villa. The gray painted building had an exquisite design I wasn't familiar with and it also have a lovely patio.

   One of the burly guards hurried to my side and opened the door. I stepped out and they all bowed low in greeting, much to my amazement.

   'You're welcome Miss Grey, the chairman is waiting inside.' He said and I offered him a small smile. Seems like my dad already told them about me.

   'Thank you.' I said and let him lead the way.

>>>>>

Click! Click!! Click!!!

His camera sounded several times as he took photos of the beautiful lady that was being escorted into the villa. 

   From his hideout in a discreetly parked car few blocks away from the villa, he stared at his camera and a smirk appeared at a corner of his lips.

He raised his hooded shaped satin-gray eyes from the camera and stared intensely at the retreating figure of the lady.

   'Truly, she looks just like her.' He muttered.