Chapter 5

Naomi's POV

When we arrived at the house, I was stunned from the entrance. My dad used to be wealthy, but that house was nothing compared to this one. I can't believe I will be living here for six months.

I stared at my wrist for a moment and remembered my last meeting with my dad and how much he didn't care about me. I have done everything to please him since I was a child, but he seems to never appreciate anything I do. I don't know why he hates us so much. Now I guess I have nothing to worry about anymore; Damien is about to make life very easy for me, but I can't be distracted by him at all because all these are only going to last for six months.

Why do I suddenly feel sad about the short time?

“Ma’am.” I snapped out of my thoughts the moment I realized the car wasn't moving anymore.

I was confused for a moment until I looked out through the window and noticed the house staff outside waiting for me to step out.

“We arrived a moment back, but you seemed to be lost in thought, ma'am.” I placed my hand on my head, feeling a little embarrassed he stepped out and opened the car door for me.

“I can do that myself.” I whispered to myself, trying my best not to make anything look awkward, “It’s going to take a while before I get used to this lifestyle... I guess.”

The moment I got out of the car, the staff introduced themselves to me and the position they hold in the house.

“Welcome home, Mrs. Holt.” I didn't realize when I smiled; hearing them say it in unison made me realize how much the name suits me. “Mrs. Holt.” I whispered to myself, trying to get used to the new title.

“Hola! Hola! Hola!” My heart skipped when I heard the loud male voice, but shockingly it was a lady standing in front of me; obviously she's transgender.

“Mio Caro, I have been waiting for you.” His voice was so loud, he was making me sick.

“Hi, my name is…”

“Mrs. Naomi Holt.” I swallowed my saliva as he completed the introduction for me.

“I'm Sparkles, the number one personal shopper in Italy. Well, guess what? I work for only the big wolves.” He said and started laughing. He's so weird.

I remembered I was told something about having a personal shopper; I guess he's the one.

He looked at me from head to toe like he was calculating something, then he clicked his tongue. “Samira!” He yelled her name even though she was standing beside him.

“Let's get to work.” He finally sounded calm.

********

After some hours I stood in front of the mirror, but I couldn't recognize myself anymore. This has always been my dream look, but somehow right now it still feels like a dream that's going to end soon.

“Thank you.” I said to Sparkles with a bright smile on my face. For some reasons best known to him, tears dropped from his eyes. Samira handed him tissues immediately. I was confused, and my facial expression could tell that I was.

“My boss is very emotional; he's just very happy to hear you thank him.” I realized he was just being dramatic.

“She is way better than Anna?” I heard that immediately even though it was supposed to be a whisper.

“Anna? Who's Anna?” I asked curiously.

“You’ll meet her soon,” Sparkles responded immediately and looked at Samira. I could tell there was something about this Anna.

It's finally time for me to pay a visit to my mom in the hospital. I'm sure she's been waiting for me, but I was too busy trying to sort out Dad's debt.

I hurried out of the room immediately. “Mrs. Holt, can I give you some advice?” Sparkles asked when he noticed I was rushing out.

I am new to this space, so I need to gather all I need so I don't get killed before the six months elapse.

“What is it?”

“It's very obvious you don't know what you walked into. You seem very nice, but I would advise you not to be, or else you'd be trampled on. This is a den, and you have to fight if you want to survive this den.” I looked around the house and felt goosebumps, then I nodded my head with a faint smile on my face.

“Thank you…. Sparkles.” I said to him and excused myself from the house. All through my ride to the hospital I couldn't stop thinking about what Sparkles told me.

“What was I thinking?” I asked myself worriedly.

*******

After a long ride, we arrived at the hospital, and I hurried inside excitedly.

The moment I got to her ward, I heard voices from inside, which got me a little scared. My dad was here; he never visits Mom. Why is he here?

“Mrs. Holt,” Elijah called me like he was trying to remind me of my new title. I looked at him, and he nodded his head. I summoned the courage and walked inside the room.

My dad started clapping the moment he sighted me. “The prodigal daughter is finally here to see her parents.”

“What are you doing here, Dad?” I asked him while gasping for breath a little because it's the first time I have to confront my dad.

“Look who's finally got some nerves.”

I brought out the check I prepared earlier for him.

“This will be enough to settle your debts.” He collected the check immediately and raised his eyebrows.

“Where did you get such an amount of money?”

“When have you ever cared?” I finally summoned the courage to tell him how I have felt all these years.

The moment he was about to walk away, I had something important to tell him. “Dad, I want you to stay away from Mom and me. The divorce papers will be ready soon. We're finally cutting ties with you for good. I hope that makes you happy.” He scoffed and stormed out of the ward.

“Mom, we're finally free. Tears welled down her eyes even though she was still unable to speak.

******

It was getting late, and I needed to head back home before Damian.

“I'll come see you tomorrow, Mom,” I said to her and wiped my tears. I know she has a lot of questions to ask, but she's not able to speak, so she can't ask whatever.

While we were heading out of the hospital, I was trying to breathe. I can't believe I finally beat my dad to it.

I was finally able to stand up for myself and my mom. Just as I was trying to catch my breath, a young lady handed a bottle of water to me as if she knew that is exactly what I wanted right now.

“Thank you.” I said to her with a smile as I was handing the bottle of water back after taking a gulp.

“You can keep it.” She looked very beautiful—her eyes, her hair, her height. She looked like art, an extremely beautiful one I could never compete with.

“Do we know each other?” I asked curiously because she was being kind to me.

“I don't think so. My name is Anna Davies.” She said to me with a bright smile, waiting for a handshake, and I placed my hand on hers, “I'm Naomi Holt.” I can't believe I just added his name as my last name.

“Holt?” She asked, and I nodded immediately.

“I just got married to Damien Holt.” I responded with a smile. She held my hand very tight with a smile on her face. I tried releasing my hand from her grip, but she held on very tight.

Suddenly the name started sounding familiar to me, like I had heard her name somewhere.

“Anna Davies.” I said in my mind while looking at her face.