Chapter 2.

“Hmm,” I let out a deep groan from deep within my soul. I was so beat last night that I forgot to draw my curtains close, now the bright morning sun wakes me from my peaceful slumber harshly. I planned to sleep in since it’s a weekend and I have no pending papers from this week to cover up. I get to have the day to myself, on my bed. At least that’s what I thought. 

I sluggishly get out of bed to complete my morning routine and probably read a book afterwards since I have nothing else to do.

I brush my teeth and shower. You know, the normal routine of a hygienic person. 

Making my way down the stairs of my beautifully wood constructed and spacious loft apartment. I’ve never been a fan of minimalistic decor, no hate, but that’s just not my style. I love my space and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

 I have a floral chandelier hanging down the high ceiling. A record player at the corner of the living room and a handcrafted ponyo mat underneath my little glass center table. I love the smell of plants and fresh flowers, so my home is filled with jars of fresh flowers and plants. The calming scent comforts me in a way no one else has been able to. Not even the medications prescribed by my therapist. 

“Shit, I really need to stop skipping breakfast.” I mutter as my stomach grumbles in protest of my bad habit.

Settling myself on my comfy couch, with a strawberry smoothie in one hand, I prepare myself for the ultimate N*****x binge. Can’t remember when I last did this.

Immediately I pressed the play button, the sound of my phone ringing disrupted my alone time. I picked it up to see the name of my darling secretary pop up on the screen. “This can’t be good.”I thought to myself, knowing that Freya only calls with the official line when it’s something super urgent.

“Hello Fre, what’s going on? Hope everything’s okay.” I respond, mentally preparing myself for anything.

“Your father’s assistant called…” There was a slight pause as if she was hesitating to speak.” Your father has arranged a family meeting, and he demands that you must be present tonight by 7 pm, no matter what.”

None of us spoke for a while. Fre understood what that news she dropped just did to me. I quickly composed myself and responded. “Alright, thank you for informing me, I’d be there on time, so you don’t need to come over this time.”

“Are you sure? You know I can come over right now, I have nothing I’m doing anyway, and-”

“No Freya, there's no need at all, I promise I'll be fine on my own. Also, don’t you have your baking class today? I know you hate missing classes. Just make sure to bring me whatever goodies you make like always.”

“You definitely are always more excited for my class than I am, you big glutton. Finee, but remember, I'm just a phone call away if anything happens.” She sighs in defeat and the line goes dead.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

My nerves are taking over. Consuming me whole. There’s nothing more I want to do than turn this car around and hide.

I thought I was ready to face him. I've prepared several months to do this, confidently, passively.

I thought the effect he had on me had been watered down after months of no physical contact. Boy, was I wrong.

I can’t believe I’m feeling this way. Pathetic. Ridiculous!

I let out a short angry laugh. The tears brimming at the edge of my eyes, threatening to spill, but I cannot in hell let that happen. I have to appear perfect – be perfect.

Months of rebuilding my image for father cannot be flawed even the slightest tonight. I will not let my hard work go to waste.

My fingers tremble against the steering wheel of my car as I round the curve and appear right in front of my father’s mansion. The same mansion I grew up in.

My own hell.

“Good evening, Miss Hazel, your father and the rest of the family are waiting patiently for your arrival.” The mansion’s oldest doorman addresses me.

“Thank you, Arlo, I’m sure I can find my way to the dining room, thank you.” I say as I respectfully decline his offer to escort me. I need a moment to myself to gather my nerves while maneuvering the familiar halls of the house I was raised in. 

Shivers ran down my spine from the draught memories that came rushing back. I breathed in and out,  and walked into the dining room confidently.

“Ah, look who decided to grace us with her presence five minutes late.” My father, Mr Dominic Jones. CEO of the Jones enterprise. The perfect man with affluence and a ‘healthy loving family’.

The media loves him and he loves the attention, so he keeps feeding them shit and they keep eating it up.

“There was a slight delay on the road, I apologize for the inconvenience.” Inconvenience my ass, arrogant motherfucker.

“Have your seat now, let’s get right to it.”

“The round family dining table was occupied by my father, stepmother; Veronica Adams, my step-siblings; Lexi and James  Jones, and I; Hazel Jones.”

The atmosphere was so tense you could cut it with a knife. Jealousy, bitterness and bloodlust could be perceived with just a sniff. I can’t wait for this to be over.

Twenty.

Thirty.

Forty minutes have passed, I've lost my appetite long ago, and the irking voices of my stepmother and her kids are pushing me over the edge.

“Marie, the last project I gave you to work on — I heard it was a success. I mean that’s the least you could offer since you know how high my expectations are for you.”  My father says, dropping his cutlery, staring at me intensely with the same amber eyes as mine, but more sinister.

“And since you know that already, there is something you must do to acquire the position of CEO. Failure to comply means the position automatically goes to James.”

Those words made my heart drop. Not only did his first sentence destroy my esteem as always, but now he’s making me crazy, wondering what he wants from me again with that dramatic pause.

“Okay Dad, what is this thing you want our dearest Hazel to do for you?” 

James asked, while staring me down with so much disdain in his eyes.

“You must get married to the De Luca heir”.