Chapter 3

Rosalie POV:

Thursdays were my favourite days of the week. Simply because it remains the only day, I get the entire house to myself. With no parents to bring down what’s left of my self-esteem.

My mum and dad, Lucia and Ricardo. Aren’t your regular loving parents, who would shower their only daughter with love and care. Neither your typical dad who would interrogate your first boyfriend until he’s visibly shaking.

Rather were the type who wouldn’t give two s***, whether their daughter got impregnated by wanderer or is brutally whipped for shoplifting. Unfortunately, that’s the level of cruelty they have reached.

The possibility of them being secretly employed to show me hell on earth became a high contingency. But but then again, I just might be undesirable.

In all honesty. They weren’t always this way. However, after my 10th birthday. They suddenly transformed from the sweetest parents to a beast that torments my every dream. Sadly, the reason I take cautious steps. Looking back now and then, to see how far I’ve gone. Till the beast finally catches up.

But on the other hand. Comes a little light, that peeps through the darkness I’ve been surrounded almost my whole life. That light being Thursday.

My uncle from my mother’s side recently got lung cancer. And so, every Thursday. Both mom and dad spend most their day at the hospital with him. Displaying fake tender love and care. (Sigh) how tiring.

Luckily, In my advantage, the long distance servers in my favour. Seeing that because of the distance, they have no option but to sleep at a nearby motel only to return the next morning.

Not once has it occurred to me that their actions were performed from the goodness in their heart. After all, they have no heart to begin with.

To simplify it all. My uncle is filthy rich. Owning multiple shares in different companies. Not to mention the houses scattered across the world. As the saying goes, “old habits die hard.” My mom being the stealthy person she’s always been. Believes by her putting on a facade. Her name will miraculously appear in my uncle’s will. (sigh) The perks of having a poor mentality.

Anyway, it would be in my best interest, if I spared no thoughts to my tedious parents. Though it’s funny how, despite their absence, they still mingle with my thoughts.

I go by the name of Rosalie Revaloson. An ordinary girl, born and raised in one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan city, London. I’m originally from Madagascar. Since both my parents are originally from there. Madagascar is an Iceland country in the Indian ocean, off the coast of east Africa, so basically I’m African.

Unlike most girls. I’ve never had someone who could walk me through this journey called life. Nor a best friend to share my personal experience in almost everything.

One could actually consider me a loner. And Sadly that goes without saying. I hold no soul in fault, rather than myself. Seeing that my comfort lies in solitude.

So here am I. Scrolling through channels and stuffing my face with which ever snack I come across, that I undoubtedly deserve. After a heart shattering job hunting for the past three weeks.

It appears, getting rejected serves more tiring than looking for a job. All the disappointment, anger and embarrassment. Becomes heavy baggage to uphold. Resulting to you cursing that business. Wishing it nothing but failure or bankruptcy.

“Good morning and thank you very much for your time, Mr vincenzio. Could you tell us more about the auspicious De Luca corporation, and what actually led to its bankruptcy, or is it just a speculation?” That seemed to have pulled me out of my trance of thought’s. Turning to the source of the voice. I realized I had stumbled upon a news channel.

“Reporting from Italy in the city of Milan. A Good morning to you too, Mrs patel. As for your questions... We know the De Luca corporation for giving of the best service. And throughout the years. It has succeeded in hitting top charts, hence becoming one of the best company in Italy.”

“Well, it has come as a great shock that the De Luca corporation has gone bankrupt. And as you can see,” he said as he stepped a little to the left to show us what was actually going on in the background.

“A wholesome of reporters, paparazzi's and journalist are outside the De Luca building awaiting the arrival of the CEO, Mr Giovanni De Luca. Not only to ease our baffled thoughts, but to confirm the speculations going around,” he continued.

“And it has come to our attention that Mr Albert De Luca has been missing in action for quite some time. Has he made an appearance due to the scandal or at least left a statement,” Mrs patel uttered.

“That is well said Mrs patel. But it seems both father and son are unaware of the situation. Which IS surprising as their faces are on the cover of every newspaper in Italy, not to mention the news channels.”

“Surprising indeed. In more details, could you please tell us the current state of the company along with what’s actually going on in Italy as we speak?” Mrs patel dared to ask.

“The peaceful city Milan is known to be. Stands in chaos, as the people remain in a state of great shock. Leading to unproductivity in work places. As workers remain on devices, only to keep up with circulating issue of the De Luca corporation. Despite the clearance of streets, Milan still remains in chaos. Because of the unusual behavior of the citizens. family upon family remain indoors watching news and just like us they too await the arrival of Mr Giovanni De Luca, Italy’s business tycoon.”

And just like that, I was hooked to the TV. Also awaiting the arrival of this so-called Giovanni De Luca. With three questions swirling through my mind.

*One being: The identity of this Giovanni guy. That has effortlessly brought chaos upon nations. With every news channel beholding his name.*Two: “Is he really that much of an important person?”*And three: “how does he look like?”

But I knew thinking about a guy who knows nothing of my existence renders no gain.

“There he is!!!” Someone amongst the crowd shouted. And within mere seconds, they all rushed towards this Giovanni guy, I suppose. Soon after, the camera follows too. Most Probably to get a closer view of Giovanni De Luca. And when they finally succeeded in doing so, my phone rings.

“ugh! talk about bad timing!” I roar as I roughly clutch my phone to glance at the caller ID, only to be met with an unknown number.

Swiftly switching off the television, with the hopes of still getting to see Mr Giovanni De Luca. Due to the crowd, that will most definitely slow his pace. I briskly race down to the kitchen. Stumbling now and then and cursing out the person who dared to call me at such a time.

“Hello!?” came out a rather frustrated voice... oh wait it’s mine.

“It seems I have called at rather a bad time.” Appeared a soft voice, which I guarantee belongs to a female not older than 21.

“Who are you!” I demanded harshly. Which was truly unnecessary. But what can I say, this Giovanni guy has us all under his spell... Or should I say "me."

“Are you miss Rosalie Raveloson?” She asked calmly for a person who was being disrespected.

“Don’t answer my question with a question. Now identify yourself and your reason as to calling me!” I uttered with annoyance coating my voice. Believe you me, I’m never this way. Only God knows what has gotten into me today.

“Oh... My sincere apologies. I am Stella Brown. A maid at the Foster mansion. Mr Foster came across your CV and has requested an interview if that is okay with you?” she said. With a tone, that held nothing but reverence.

I must say. She is quite professional and has definitely been trained to deal with people like me. Then it hit, just like it does when you realize your crush shares no interest in you, that I’ve been childish this whole time.

“Um... Miss Ravelosin, you still there?”

“yeah... yes sorry about that. When can I make an appearance?” I asked more respectfully. My change of attitude or tone surely took her aback. As the line went dead for a second or two.

“Mr foster has requested to see you today at 3 pm. I’ll email you the address in a short while.” She finally said seeming to recover from the shock.

“That would be great. So see you at 3

...Stella?”

“I’ll be awaiting your arrival, Miss Raveloson. Have a good day.” And with that being said, the line went dead.

Not sparing another minute. I quickly rush back to the sitting room. As I bring the television back to life. Only to find Mr Giovanni De Luca halfway through the entrance.

“Nooooo wait!!!” I wailed. Reaching out my right hand to the television. And by some miracle, he smeed to have heard me. Seeing that he turned back once more. However just as I’m about to get a glimpse of him. Some oxygen thief had to put their enormous head in the way. Blocking the camera from getting a good glimpse of him.

And at that very moment he walked through the entrance. His well-built physic never going unnoticed. As I could tell, just by looking at his back that he is a creation of art.

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