Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

Daddy's girl!

The morning birds chirped softly at the window as the first rays of sunlight seeped into the room, lightening up the bedroom.

Janice yawned and stretched as she lazily got up from the bed. She rubbed her bleary eyes and walked to the window.

Clean morning fresh air hits differently!

The fresh flowers in the vast dampened with humidity and she sniffed.

She washed her face and brushed her teeth languidly as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror: Her hair was dishevelled, sleep bags underneath her eyes, and sleep marks decorated her cheeks. She heaved a long deep sigh as she continued to stare at her reflection.

How does it feel to be the only child? This question constantly wounds her whenever she ponders on it. After losing her mother and supposedly younger brother that didn't even have the chance to catch a glimpse of this world, she was left with only her father. He'd give her everything she could ever ask for-the world becomes boring to her. Nothing excites her anymore. She could get anything

But now is different.

She could not get him or so she thought. He's proving too stubborn to handle and this ticks her off more than anything.

He had the gut to disappear and then suddenly shows his face. The nerve!  The whole thing took her aback which was the reason she concocted a white lie so she could get away from there as soon as possible. It was a ticking time bomb for her.

A sad realization suddenly hit her as she registered the thought in her head:

She couldn't handle it, she couldn't handle him

Isn't it laughable? The mighty Janice Jordan A.K.A drop-dead gorgeous everything I say goes.

What has happened to her?

She sauntered down the stairs to the kitchen. The tantalizing scent of scrambled eggs, toast and vegetables welcomed her. The maid was busy preparing breakfast when she sensed her presence, she turned and muttered greetings with her head slightly bowed.

Janice answered curtly and waved her hands at her, urging her to continue her work.

The polished light beige marble tile floor reflected the pendant's light; The large brown cabinets, granite worktop, the modern kitchen technologies and appliances all gave the kitchen a distinct aesthetic style.

She opened the double door fridge and grabbed a chilled orange juice. She poured herself a glass and gulped it down.

I will drop by tomorrow... his words suddenly rung in her head.  That's right! Drake said he'd drop by the house today. 

Come to think of it, when she informed her Dad last night about Drake's he just dismissed her fusses and said:" I always knew he'd come back. That boy just needed some time off. But it's sad about his mother though".

She clucked her tongue still lost in her thoughts when she heard footsteps in the dining room. That must be Dad.

She strutted to the dining room and gave her Dad a soft kiss on his cheeks

His expensive navy blue customized well-tailored suit smartly fitted him. His sleek Louis Vuitton shoes sparkled underneath his well-ironed trousers.

"Good morning Dad," she mumbled.

"Sweetie hope you had a good night's sleep?" He said brushing his lips on her forehead in return.

"Yeah," she said airily

They both sat at the dining table just in time for the maid to emerge from the kitchen to serve breakfast. She gently placed the trays across the table and served the brewed coffee.

"thank you, Abigail," Mr Jordan said as he neatly placed the napkin on his shirt.

The maid bowed slightly and then disappeared into the kitchen.

They began eating in silence.

"How's the company going Dad? Is everything fine?" She said, breaking the silence.

He munched a bit then dabbed his mouth with the napkin.

"Well,  it's been going great so far darling. It's just the pressure mounting on me lately." He grunted softly.

"Oh daddy please take it easy. I'm sorry I can't be of use to you." Janice said almost dewy-eyed as she reached for her father's wrinkled hand and gave it a gentle squeeze with a wide smile plastered on her face.

His grip was firm and imploring as he held on to her slender small hands in his.

"Says who?  Honey, you're amazing and you can do this trust me."

Janice groaned and rolled her eyes knowing where this conversation is headed.

"Dad can we please not talk about this again? Besides, you would run late for work"  she withdrew her hands from his grasp.

"Honey you keep evading this topic anytime I bring it up. This...company is what is holding this family together-for generations! It's our trademark. Therefore we can not afford to just whisk it away. You need to learn Jane because you will be in my stead someday. Do you understand?" He said, giving off the stern look. His hazel eyes never left hers during the conversation.

Janice lowered her eyes to her unfinished breakfast that have now gone stale. After a couple of minutes of utter silence, She simply nodded slowly.

Her father sighed and drew closer to her, his hands gently rubbing her young shoulders.

"Look at me sweetie, I've always wanted the best for you. Always. And you know that. After your mum passed away..." He paused to gather himself as his voice was almost breaking.

"Well, it was a devastating moment for us. I do not wish to relive it. What I'm saying is,  I know you're still trying to get over it. I miss your mum badly and I know you do too but she's not coming back, Jane. I know she'll always be here with us. So you need to make her proud. She believes in you and so do I. I know you've always loved fashion that's why I gave in to your demands and got your fashion store all set up for you. But who will lead the company when I'm no more? You really need to think about this. I will leave it here for now. I have a business meeting by 10, I better hurry."

He pecked her on her forehead.

"That's my little girl. I love you." He whispered sweetly in her ears which caused her to giggle sheepishly. Her Dad always has his ways of waking that little girl in her. Always her Daddy's girl.

"I love you too Dad"

He retrieved his coat from the rack. He paused then jerked his head toward her.

"Are you staying in today?"

"Sure. My store assistant has everything under control. I-I just need a break." She said, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, wondering why her father suddenly inquired. As if she got the big question mark written all over her face, Mr Jordan simply chuckled then said:

"I see. My regards to Drake whenever he comes. I will have a word with him in due time. Have fun".

He hurried down the stairs, leaving the flustered Janice whose cheeks have now turned pink. His shoes stomped the floor as he went. In a few seconds, she heard the car tires screech and zoomed out of the compound.