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.
I looked at the piece of jewelry on my finger and got emotional. I had a strange feeling of fear. A whole 365 days of my life. I returned upstairs and continued in with the work on my closet. I separated work clothes from my dinner dresses, lounge wear, undies and beach wear. My shoes, I arranged according to their colors, my jewelry set followed suit and my head wraps too. It took hours but it was worth it. The final result was so neat and tidy. Immediately I stepped out of the closet, and met Damien taking off his gym clothes. Those arms were nothing short of beautiful and alluring. My eyes were lost in his broad shoulders and arbs, his beautiful and spotless skin with a mini short made his groin more attractive. My hands itched to touch his chest but I couldn't. “What's wrong with your face?" Damien snapped his hands and I immediately cleared my throat and tried walking away. " Stop” I stood obediently as he walked to me. Watching him scan me with his eyes and his
Irene reluctantly picked the glass and held it without looking at me. “Eat" I instructed with a grin. Irene's face turned red and it felt like she was about to explode. “Excuse you?" She raised her voice for the first time and I knew this was the second stage of depression. Anger!!. “Listen young man, I am not … .. “ " shiiiiiiii” I shut her up before she would cause a scene. "you requested breakfast for me and it's now a big deal when I ask you for a bite?” I said smiling. Irene's eyes could kill and I still couldn't understand why she can't handle a little sarcasm. "Sit Irene! Don't make things hard" I said coldly. Irene sat down reluctantly and her anger level remained the same. “Take a bite" I maintained eye contact till she took a bite. She chewed really slow and I kept my eyes on her till she swallowed the sandwich. "That wasn't poison. You are not dead yet!" I said munching on my sausage. I dropped my cutlery and signaled the maid a few meters away to clear th
We got to the work space and closed the door. Raymond gave me a seat and signaled the tech guy who brought a laptop to me. “Sir, we were able to get the location of the hit and run driver," Raymond announced. I nodded and gazed my eyes fully on the screen. “His name is Albert. He stays at the outskirts of the city, has multiple criminal records, and is a fugitive" a team member said. I stared at the bald man's picture in front of me and wondered who had hired him. A week ago, Raymond had noticed a truck always trailing Chole. He tried to get the car's plate number but it turned out to be a fake license plate. This criminal had made an attempt on my baby girl's life. Raymond was quick to pull her out of the way before he could run her over with his car. “Get him" I instructed immediately. Raymond gathered the team members and gave instructions to them. I returned to studying.Irene's POV. I woke up at the sound of the Alarm clock on the bedside. I open
Damien had put up a show downstairs as usual and had instructed the butler to get us for breakfast. The maids and staff have never seen me all dressed up before. They stared at me surprised, smiling, envious and neutral. I got to the table and sat down far from The prince of Cabin city. I preferred to sit close to Chole . Breakfast was served and we had a peaceful breakfast unlike the day before. Damien was the first to get off the table. “Ray, get Chole to her lesson. My wife and I will be leaving soon" he sent instructions flying as soon as he dropped a spoon. I noticed how sad Damien's request made Chole, she played with her food and lost appetite immediately she heard her father. “We would drop Chole before heading to the interview" I stated clearly and seriously. Damien's eyes almost skinned me alive. He looked at his daughter and turned to me before he reluctantly agreed. Few minutes later, the maid had packed Chole's lunch box and we set out to Begin our day. We s
After the commercial break, the host turned to the questions from viewers. We were expected to answer questions from social media pages and followers. "How were you able to keep your relationship a secret till this day? “ She read the question. "My wife is a private person. It is very obvious and you all are aware. She loves her peace and quiet" Damien answered, rubbing my hand. Damien's Public display of affection was on another level on Live broadcast. Even the devil would be convinced by his act. “The last question before we call it a day. "How did your daughter react to your union? Is she happy?” She read. I glowed up at that question, finally something I had a clue about. " Yes. Chole is the sweetest angel I have met. We are buddies and she is very happy” I beamed. Damien agreed and added to my sentence. " We arrived late because we had to drop her off at her piano lesson. She insisted Irene drop off. Sometimes I feel left out in my own house. They are almost i
I could tell she has missed this place. It was almost 1pm and we met some of the board members outside. “Mr Damien, it's just a pleasure to finally meet you" I took the hands of the middle aged woman with a smile. We walked to the building and entered the elevator. " Congratulations on your wedding Mrs Damien “ Another board member extended his hands to Irene. Unlike the middle aged woman, this was a very young man. He had a sweet smile and he held Irene's hands longer than expected. Before we got to the board room, Irene totally forgot about me and concentrated on smiling on every lame joke the nerd cracked. We got to the board room and I took a seat. Irene sat next to me and we waited for the other board members. Within ten minutes, they were all complete, six of them. I signaled Irene's personal assistant and she moved forward, handing over the printed documents to each board member and Irene. “The documents with you contain all necessary deeds of agreement and ne
It was a proud father and daughter moment for me. Irene ignored Chole and I all through the way back home. I listened to Chole tell me about her day and how she got new friends too. Despite my appreciation, Chole still needed Irene's validation. “Irene, talk to me please. Don't be upset, you told me to not allow anyone to bully me because nobody can bully daddy" my baby girl pleaded. Hearing her say those words smoothed my heart. Irene used me as a model for my child, it was what a wife would do. “I didn't tell you to become physical Chole. That's very bad” Irene scolded Chole. " But, daddy beats up bad guys or asks uncle Raymond to do so” Chole broke the damn. Daddy beats up bad guys. Raymond and I exchanged glances again through the rear mirror. Chole is not that dumb, she is as smart as her daddy. I silently waited for Irene's reaction and it finally came. She turned to Chole and held her face "Listen, your classmates are not bad guys. They are
Irene's POV. “Come here" Damien pulled his daughter in for a hug. For a minute I saw the great dad in Damien. Chole was all over Damien and almost fell. Just to reflect, Damien and I caught her at the same time. Chole laughed and giggled in our arms. Damien's hand on mine was firm. He held my hands and our eyes met. I noticed how beautiful his eyes were. They were just like Chole's. There was a knock on the door, and it was a maid. “Sorry to bother sir, Chole's food is ready" she replied from the door. Chole got down with a smile and went with the Maid outside. I looked away and tried to get up but Damien wouldn't let go of my hand. I struggled but it almost got my ankle broken. “Let go" I said under my breath. Damien was hesitant, he enjoyed watching me struggle. He stood up and touched my face with a smirk. "You don't have to always be fierce. Calm down “. The smile on Damien's face annoyed me even more. I pushed him and freed myself. I got to the ba