Chapter 11

Darcie

Charles slumped on the chair, panting and breathing raspy. I got confused and almost scared at his unusual behavior. His shoulders trembled and he squeezed his eyes shut. 

“Charles, are you okay?” I tapped him, cupping both sides of his cheeks so he could look at me. But his eyes are tired, face weary. “Charles, please talk to me. What's going on?”

All the anger and insults I wanted to pour on him had gotten washed away immediately. Then he grabbed onto my arms and pulled me closer, into a hug. I didn't move back or push him away. He sniffs. 

“Please don't tell anyone. I'm having a hard time right now. I am not okay. It's happened two or three times.”

I listened carefully and patted his back. “I’m not telling anyone. Do you wanna talk about it?” I asked softly. 

He raked his hands through his hair aggressively. “The scouts are coming tomorrow. I feel nervous because of my father. Tomorrow is my big chance to get noticed by the scouts but I fear I might be a disappointment later on.”

“No, you won't–”

“Listen, Dad will definitely make it stop. The prelaw internship and his bullshit.”

“Charles, I know this is hard for you but do what your heart wants. Maybe try talking to your Dad. Convince him that football is your passion. You definitely can't lose that match tomorrow."

He bit his lips, “So?! What am I supposed to do?”

“Maybe you should start disrespecting your Dad. Try something new. Don't act like you're his puppet even if he's your master.” I sighed. 

He stood up. “Okay. Look, I have to get going. See you later.” he backed me, facing the exit. 

I crossed my arms and shrugged. I was a bit angry that he doesn't show gratitude towards the little things I tell him. Just as I was lost in thoughts, Charles turned and grabbed my hands further, pulling me into a hug. It was unexpected.

“Thank you so much Darcie. I'm going to put what you said into practice. It's about time I start disrespecting him.”

When he detached from the hug, there's a short smile on his face. “And sorry for today. I was a total jerk.”

He left the gym, I'm standing, just stunned that Charles Sterling actually apologized to me. His nanny. Wow. I left the gym room back to class. It was already closing time and I had worked my ass off. Just as I was walking through the hallway, Sloane purposely dropped her leg forward. I tripped and stumbled and she laughed. 

“Ohh. Clumsy girl. You're lucky nothing happened to my leg. You would have paid for medical treatment.” She sneered. “Oh, wait. You can't even afford it.” She bursts into laughter and Charles interrupts from nowhere. 

“Sloane. Leave her alone.”

“Or else what?”

“I'll have to report you for bullying. Darcie is with me. Which means you have no right to pick on her henceforth.” He says go Sloane coldly. 

Her jaw dropped and she looked aloof. I smirked behind Charles at her, looking pitifully at the angry queen. 

“This isn't fair. What's your problem anyways? Why do you always support her, huh?” Sloane fumed. 

“Mind your goddamn business.” He sighed and grabbed me away back inside class. 

“Uhh. Thanks.” I said unfeelingly. 

“I helped you with your notes while you were cleaning.” He grabbed three of my notebooks from his desk and I chuckled. 

“Whoa. Seriously. Charles, you?” I flipped the pages open and I saw a classwork attempt in which he passed everything..

“You solved this for me?” I used to think he knew nothing. 

“Yeah. Let's go home already.” He grabbed his bag, leaving the class already. I hurriedly packed the books and scurried after him, catching my breath, I turned to him. 

“I can't go home immediately. Remember I have detention.”

“It's fine. Your detention is cancelled. I talked to principal Eunice. She agreed that you can stop already.”

“What?” I opened my mouth, smiling and laughing, refusing to believe. “You're telling me you talked to principal Eunice and she let me go?”

“Yes.” He points to the car. “Our driver is here.”

We slid in the backseat and I didn't know how to thank him enough. I'm just reeling from the shock, excited too. “Thank you so much. I really am grateful. But what if she tells your father?”

He shrugged. “Then let her.” His eyes narrowed and he drummed his knuckles on the window. “I'm disobeying him anyways.” A calm smile showed on his face and I returned the same energy. 

While the car had glided in the mansion, we stepped out together, walking in. Then Charles noticed there's a different sleek white car parked in. I didn't say anything but watched him look keenly, when we stepped into the foyer, loud music blares from the room. Then upstairs, there's a guy that actually makes me startled. 

“Arthur?!”

Charles froze. 

“Hello brother.” He smiled. “I know. Surprised, aren't you? I just missed this place badly.” He walks down from the stairs majestically in a white robe and there's a wine glass in his hands. His hair is rough in a sexy way though. Charles had a brother. Oh, cool. I see the striking resemblance when he finally got closer and reduced the music volume from the speaker. 

“Uh, hey?” Charles doesn't seem to be happy he was here.

Arthur pulled him into a hug. “Argh. My junior brother's all grown. Man, look at that athletic build.” He teased him, playfully punching his chest and they both laughed. 

“Oh, who's this? Girlfriend?” Arthur referred to me and I replied abruptly.

“His nanny. Babysitter too and academic handler.”

Arthur choked on his laugh. “Oh, wait. That's right. Dad said he really got you one. He wasn't joking. Hold on. She's Darcie Miller. The daughter of the father who owes Dad a huge sum of money. That's why she's here as leverage.”

My chest tightened and I swallowed.

“That's not necessary. Arthur. You shouldn't say harsh things like that.” Charles defended and Arthur raised a brow. 

“What the hell are you talking about? Don't piss me off and don't tell me what not to say. I expect you to respect me.” He moved closer to Arthur, shoulder squared, dating manner..

Charles sighed. “Okay. What exactly brings you here?”

Arthur smirked. “To fulfill Dad's wish. Making sure you don't go to the game tomorrow and taking you to the internship program.”

We both freeze.