Chapter six

I stood on the door waiting patiently for Chole's response, but there was none from her. I knocked and all I heard was “Go away". Chole yelled sobbing. I knew this was definitely a bad idea, but I had no choice.

     I walked downstairs purged in my own thoughts. I really could understand Chole's reaction. It reminded me of my reaction when dad introduced Annabel and Cole. I couldn't blame the kid, I was selfish. I did all this for my company and interest without considering hers. 

    I thought of how I felt betrayed and lied to, now I am left to pay for their recklessness and irresponsibility. I got downstairs to meet the butler who was dressed neatly. It seemed like he had been waiting for me to get down. 

   With a smile, he greeted me. “Good morning ma'am, hope you had a great night” I nodded with a weak smile. "I will be taking you round The Villa, we could talk about changing the interiors to something you like, introducing you to the staff and their duties too”.

    It sounded like a lot of work, but I nodded and signaled him to go ahead. We started from the staff quarters. There were twelve maids, four chefs (all male), three drivers, two gardeners, and a security team headed by Raymond. They all had a welcoming smile.

    My father had domestic staff, but this was more than I could have expected from a single parent. “Listen up you all, Mr Damien has instructed that his beautiful wife is in charge of delegating duties to all the staff, you all are answerable to her orders only" I heard the butler say.

     I was surprised. Damien is definitely a good actor, all this for a fake marriage? I pondered. I stood with my hands folded behind my back as he delegated new maids to me. We continued our tour around the house.

     The kitchen was like a five star restaurant kitchen. It was big and well equipped. “Can you cook ma'am?" He asked to bring me back from drooling over the interior of the kitchen. With a smile I responded “yes". We headed to the laundry room, then to the store, study, party hall, game area, swimming pool, garden, garage, fountain and a mini playground.

      It was a big house and managing this was not a one man's job. The staff came in handy I thought. We talked around the garden discussing the kind of flowers and how much they meant Damien. “Damien transplanted these sunflowers himself. They grew in his mother's grave area, he adores these flowers. These white roses are Chole's favorite… “ 

   The butler's words were interrupted by Damien's voice. “Diego? Honey? Honey?" He yelled walking towards the garden. “Your husband ma'am" the butler said, walking towards Damien's voice. “There you are Diego, where is my wife?" I heard Damien's voice from the garden entrance.

    I patiently waited, sitting on the garden bench. “Hey" I heard his voice from behind. He carefully looked around before sitting next to me. “How did it go?" He asked, looking away. I chuckled bitterly and whispered "we were cruel to the lad. She didn't deserve any of this. She hates me now” I said, almost breaking down into tears.

     Damien kept quiet and stared into space before leaning towards me. “I got, I mean we got into this because she likes you. You better make her unhate you before next week. That's the only seal to our supposed union. Chole “. 

   I felt threatened by his words and I was really tense and I had no idea whatsoever. “Your phone wouldn't stop buzzing. Here" he said as he extended my phone to me. Damien picked up his sport bag and turned to leave but he stopped.

   “Hand it over! Your phone miss" he snatched my cell from me and had me unlock it. He took his time and handed it over. “My phone number. Don't go around calling me please" he added before heading out.

     I stared at his contact info and it was saved as hubby, with two red hearts. I hissed disgusted and irritated. I went through my phone and I had missed calls from Madison and my Dad. I dialed Madison and she answered in seconds.

Me: Hey Maddie. Good morning.

Maddie: What's going on? Do you need me around? You sound so down.

Me; it's nothing serious dear, I had a stressful morning.

Maddie: Stressful? You guys had morning sex? (She said whispering)

Me: shut it Maddie. We both can't stand each other. I had a fight with Chole and she hates me now. What should I do? 

Maddie: She's upset about being daddy's wife? 

Me: Yes Maddie. I am just confused. Was I selfish?

Maddie: Stop it Irene. You aren't. He is selfish too, let's say you both had other motives. You can make this work actually.

Me: how so?

Maddie: She is a kid, so it's easier to win her over. Get her favorite snacks, take her shopping, get her a new doll, kids are materialistic.

Me: alright Maddie. Thank you. Can you come over later? It's choking here.

Maddie: alright ma'am. I told dad, you were sleeping, call him soon. He is worried.

     I hung up and I had a new idea from all Madison had said. “Breakfast is a good way to start". I called the butler immediately as I walked in and asked him what was on the menu for breakfast. “Tea, baked beans and toast, “ he replied. "What's my step daughter's favorite food? I mean, I need a list of everything she loves eating” 

     The butler mentioned all Chole's favorite and they happen to be my favorites too, but with a slight difference. " Pineapple “ I was allergic to pineapple and it's flavor. "Breakfast menu has changed. I want Chole's favorite breakfast on the menu today” I instructed the butler. He nodded and walked to the kitchen to inform the chefs.

   I walked upstairs and I decided to knock on Chole's door before heading to shower, but she wouldn't respond. "Baby girl , I am sorry ok? Breakfast will be ready in 10,freshen up and come down for breakfast honey, it's your favorite “ I tried to cajole but all I heard was footsteps and a door slam.

       Opening the door, I noticed how neatly the bed had been laid, I could get a better view and I took note of the minor details in the room. I noticed my bags beside the room with a note “get your stuff in the closet neatly". I hissed softly and got in the closet.

      There was enough room in here for my stuff. The other spaces were occupied by Damien's suits, wears, sneakers, shoes, wristwatches, cufflinks, etc. I walked to his watch collection and my jaw dropped. They were all customized diamond, gold watches specifically for him. They all had his Initials on them. 

     It took me several minutes before I could get out all my clothes, it was tiring and I gave up halfway. I walked to the bathroom and buried myself in the tub as I affirmed I wasn't making a wrong decision. I got out of the shower and changed into a floral dress. I unwrapped my hair and brushed through them. 

     My stomach rumbled and I remembered breakfast. Immediately I came out of the room, I met Chole on the hallway and waved at her but she ignored me. I ran to meet her and bent down to her level and pleaded with her to talk to me.

   “Baby, please don't be upset. You know keeping me locked out is hurting me. Please" I said, holding her hands. Chole looked at me and smirked like her dad. "You lied to me. I invited you for tea time and you lied to me. Instead you were somewhere marrying my dad! I thought dad hates and scolds you, I had a fight with him because of you” she said breathing hard.

           "You should have told me you were dating my dad! I wouldn't have been this mad. You and dad lied to me” she said, sobbing. I hugged her and apologized, Chole sobbed on my shoulders but she pulled away wiping her tears.

     “We are not friends anymore, friends don't lie to each other" she said walking past me. I sighed and walked behind her to the dinning. Chole's face beamed happily immediately as her breakfast was served. She stared at the butler and whispered “it's toast day. But you are serving spaghetti'' 

     The smile on Chole's face and her giggles made my morning. Chole ignored my gaze throughout breakfast, she would talk to the maids instead. "Good morning ma'am. You have got a package” The maid said, handing me a box. It was labeled “Irene Swift''.

     I ordered her to take the box to my room and I returned to my phone. A text came in from Madison. 

   “It has been posted ma'am. Your wedding has been made known. It's all over blogs, social media and Talk Shows" 

 Immediately I saw her text, my face turned pale. I had to go around carrying a strange badge as Damien's wife.