Chapter 4

Solana's POV

Alton looked at my mother with a creased forehead then after a while, his head turned to me before he let go of my mother's hand and completely walked away.

My mother watched Alton as he leaves and when Alton is completely gone she looked at me.

"What's going on between you and Alton?" fear crept into my system when I heard that question. The night that we had together flashed in my mind.

I swallowed hard then nervously shook my head.

"N-Nothing Mom," I responded stuttering.

My mother looked at me intently then after a while she let out a deep breath.

"I allowed you to live here because Timothy suggested. Don't you dare do anything that will ruin this family Solana or I will disown you," she said firmly and I can tell that isn't joking.

I nervously nod my head once again.

"Y-Yes Mom," I responded then smiled at her.

"Timothy wants us to live as a family. He sees you as his daughter so don't you dare do anything that will break his trust, do you understand?" she strictly asked so I was left with no choice but to nod my head.

"Good," she said.

"Come downstairs and let's have dinner," she invited me and that simple invitation made me so happy.

I never thought I am desperately craving her attention because that simple invitation made me feel as if I am on cloud nine.

I stepped inside my room and then took a quick shower before heading towards the kitchen.

When I stepped inside the kitchen I saw Timothy looking at me with a huge smile plastered on his face.

I walked towards him and then kissed him on the cheeks to greet him.

After that, I occupied the seat beside him and sat across from my mother.

"How's work Solana?" he asked while looking at me.

"It's tiring but fulfilling Dad," I responded then smiled at him.

"Being an actress is indeed a tough job. Aren't you considering another career? Business related perhaps?" he asked. I flashed an awkward smile and then looked at my mother.

Mom is looking at me intently with her right eyebrow slightly raised as if she is giving me the warning to answer properly.

"I will think about it Dad," I responded then looked at Timothy with a forced smile plastered on my face.

I am not into business. I am not cut out for that kind of job. All I want is to stand in front of the camera but I guess I should consider enrolling in a university and taking business-related courses to please Timothy and my mother.

"I know a good university that offers business-related courses. Acting isn't a stable career Solana. I hope you won't misunderstand my suggestion, all I want is the best for you," he said. I smiled at him and then shook my head.

"I understand your concern Dad and I appreciate it thank you," I responded then smiled at him sweetly even though deep inside I am offended by his words.

After that conversation, we started eating dinner and Timothy didn't even bother to ask or involve Alton in the conversation as if his son doesn't exist.

When we are done eating dinner I decided to excuse myself and headed towards my room.

I checked all my social media accounts and posted some updates.

When I got bored I decided to step out of my room and walked towards the kitchen to get a bottle of wine.

The whole place is quiet. Everyone is probably asleep since the only sound that I can hear is my footsteps.

Carrying the bottle and wine glass I headed towards the pool area.

I sat at the wooden lounge and then pour some wine into my glass. I am peacefully sipping some wine when Alton suddenly appeared in the water.

His eyes are directed at me as he mindlessly runs his fingers through his wet hair.

"What are you doing here?!" I asked with my voice filled with irritation since some of the wine spilt on my shirt.

Alton let out a soft chuckle then get off the water and headed towards the lounge beside me.

He took the towel and then used it to dry his hair and all I did is to stare at his biceps.

I immediately looked away when he looked at me.

"Can't sleep?" he asked then looked at the wine that I am holding.

"I just want to relax, " I simply responded without looking at him. I decided to focus my eyes on the pool in front of me.

"The water is cold it might help you relax," he suggested but I firmly shook my head.

"I'm fine, " I simply responded then let out a deep breath.

After a while, I decided to stand up and I was about to leave when he firmly held my wrist.

"Stay," he said. I looked at him with a creased forehead.

"Just stay Solana," I don't know what happen to me but I felt like those words have magic or something because I just found myself following his orders.

I sat on the lounge once again looking at him all confused.

"What do you want?" I asked. Alton looked at me and then smiled.

"You," he responded and upon hearing his answer I punch his chest which made him chuckle.

"You know how to punch woman," he uttered while massaging the spot on his chest that I punched.

While looking at Alton my eyes landed on his hands.

"Your hand...does it still hurt?" I carefully asked.

Alton looked at his hands and then showed them to me.

"It doesn't sting anymore. I guess my nurse did a good job," he answered then smiled at me.

I felt my cheeks heat so I immediately looked away.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked while my eyes are focused in front.

"What is it?" he responded.

I gather my courage and then looked at him.

"Do you hate my mother?" I asked while looking at him intently.

It took him a while to respond but after a few seconds of staring, he nod his head.

"As much as I hate my father," he responded and I wonder where that hate came from.

"Why?" I asked with curiosity laced in my tone. Alton looked at me intently and after a while, he spoke.

"They took something precious from me," he simply responded and no matter how eager I am to know where that hate came from I stopped myself from asking more because it seems too personal and it might trigger something.

"Don't hurt my Mom. You can hurt me in any way you want but please don't hurt her, " I sounded like I am begging but I don't care.

"Why are you protecting her as if she is a good mother Solana?" Alton asked while looking at me intently.

"Because she is the only family I have," I responded and I can feel pain in my voice.

Alton looked at my face and after a while, he stood up without breaking the stares.

"I hope you never lose her Solana," he uttered then walked away and those words made my whole body shiver.

It sounds like a threat or I am just being paranoid.