CHAPTER THREE

I arrived home earlier than usual, classes weren’t over when the principal called me informing me that the driver is here to pick me up, I was confused at the moment but when I remembered the party I realized that my parents sent the driver to pick me early so I don’t act like the way I did last time.

The moment I entered the house, I was startled to see the living room

covered with black and golden flowers, the tables were arranged everything was looking perfect.

“Beautiful” I said to myself

Everything was shining and was in black and golden

“That must be the theme color” my inner voice said.

“There you are. Your mom told me to give you this" Rose said coming closer to me

Rose is dark in complexion, she is tall, her eyes are brown, she has a brown full heart-shaped mouth and she’s a bit chubby

“What is that?” I asked immediately after she gave it to me

"Some accessories you need for the party"

“How not surprising, mom keeps spending money on new pieces of jewelry even though I have many” I said

“Come on the jewelry is very pretty and I heard it’s made of blood diamond”

“Blood diamond! I thought that is illegal”

“It is but you know your parent have their ways” she said

I adjusted my voice before speaking

“I’m thirsty”

“I will go get you water” she said

“Don’t worry about that, please keep this in my room, I will go get some water" I said as I gave her the box and exited the living room

I entered the kitchen and saw different kinds of dishes, pastries pie, cocktails, and so many different kinds of things I don’t know about.

“Good afternoon ma'am, is there anything you need" the main chef asked immediately after I entered the kitchen

"I just need a glass of water” I said walking toward the fridge.

“May I” a servant said

“Yes of course”

After having a glass of water, I went to my room and came face to face with a young woman

“Who are you? How did you get into my room?" I instantly asked

“I’m Jasmine and I am your makeup artist for tonight's party” she said with a smile on her face

I came closer to her before speaking

“You look familiar, have we met before?”

“I don’t think so” she said

I looked at her face for almost a minute before speaking

“Jasmine Farouk” I said excitedly

“Yep” she said

“Of course you are. Oh my God, I can’t believe you are my makeup artist for tonight’s party” I said

“Well your parent wanted the best so they got me” she said

“Not surprising. But as much as I like your work and respect it, can you please leave my room for some time I need to rest” I said

“No worries but I will be back soon” she said before exiting the room

After she left, I entered the bathroom and released myself before taking a shower.

I used the landline phone and called the servants

“Hello”

“Hello ma’am, do you need anything” he asked

“Can you send Rose to my room”

“ Okay ma’am she will be there in some minutes,” he said

“Okay thank you”

“Anything else,” he asked

“Yeah, I will like a grilled chicken salad”

“Okay ma’am” he said before I hanged up the call.

A few minutes later, rose came in with my salad

“Here you go” she said handing it over to me

“Thank you. By the way, can you tell me what the party is about"

“I have no idea but I think the president's representatives will attend the party," she said

“ The president representatives, well now I understand why everything has to look more than perfect," I said letting out a short laugh

“Today is the day Rose” I said

“What's gonna happen today” she asked

“My parents are planning of ruining my life today”

“I don’t get it” she said

“My parents want me to join their company. And the announcement and contract signing is today”

“What! Are you serious” she said

“Yes, I have no choice”

“Forget about it, I know you figure a way out of this mess” she said

“I hope so”

“What a minute I just came up with an idea and I think it will work” she said

After she told me her idea, it changed my mood

“You are the best” I said before I hugged her

“Now eat your salad, I have to go” she said before exiting the room

SOME HOURS LATER

The makeup artist came and began her work, it took her almost two hours to finish what she was doing. I tried different clothes before finally getting the perfect clothes that are best for the party.

“And I’m done for today” Jasmine said

“Now can I look at myself” I said

“Wait” she said before adjusting my necklace

“Perfect, now you can” she said

When I looked in the mirror, I couldn't recognize myself, my hair was curled, my eyebrows looked perfect, my eyelashes were fixed nicely, and my lipstick was shiny red.

I wore a gold and black off-the-shoulder dress that stopped at my knee, with glass heels, a diamond necklace, and earrings that match my bracelet.

“Not bad Jasmine” I said

“Not bad, seriously”

“Best work” I said

“Well I’m a professional after all” she said as she began packing her things

“Aren’t you staying for the party”

“I don’t think your parents want me to stay” she said

I was about to talk when my parents came into the room.

“Lovely” mom said immediately as she entered the room

“If you are done, can we go the party has already started” dad said

“Thank you for the makeover” I said while she was exiting the room

“Shall we?” dad said

“Yes but before that, I know you aren’t happy about the contract signing but don't worry about it because I have a surprise for you after the party" mom said.

“I have a bigger surprise for you” my inner voice said

“But I can’t tell you about it now, till everything goes well today” she continued

“Okay” I said

I wasn’t interested in what mom’s surprise is about as I already know she was just saying it as a bribe so I don’t ruin her party.

As we walked down the stairs, all lights went off, and a bright directional light was shed on us making us the center of attention.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the best couple in town Mr. and Mrs. Morello, and their beautiful daughter Victoria Morello.

The MC said as we gently walked down the stairs.

The first people we approached are some men in a black tuxedo.

"You have a beautiful house, Mr. Morello” He said

“Thank you, Mr. Loan, it’s an honor to have you attend this party” dad said

“Oh come on it's no big deal” he said

“This is my wife Maggie the love of my life” dad said

Immediately they exchanged greetings with mom, and dad spoke

“And this is my daughter, my business support Victoria”

“Really, I must say I’m impressed” one of the men said

“Seriously my kid hardly cares about my job” the other man said

“Well today is a big day for Victoria because she’s joining the family business” Mom said

“It has been a dream of hers,” dad said

“He is a good liar,” my inner voice said.

They congratulated me before I excused myself not wanting to continue the conversation.

The party was boring just like every other party. Everyone was either talking about business and comparing each other’s pieces of jewelry

I stood by the balcony alone thinking about life when I heard a voice from behind

“Hi” he said holding a glass of wine

"Hey" I replied in a weird tune

"I am Noah," he said coming closer to me

"Victoria," I said with a smile on my face

Noah is good-looking, he is dark in complexion, his eyes were brown, he was a little bit muscular, with pink lips, a pointed nose and he is tall.

“Great party” he said

“Thanks”

“You must be enjoying it,” he said

“Yeah of course” I said trying not wanting to make eye contact

“Doesn’t mean like it, what do mean” I said

“All am trying to say is, if you’re enjoying it then why are you here standing alone”

“Okay you got me, this party sucks” I said

“Yeah I can tell with the look on your face”

I let out a short laugh before speaking

“Looks like I’m not the only one who thinks this party sucks”

“No kidding, seriously why am I here” he said jokingly

I was about to talk when mom came and interrupted.

"Vickie I have been looking for you and what are you doing here” she said

“Mom this is Noah”

“Noah son of John Webster,” she said

“Yes and I love your dress ma’am” he said

“Oh please call me Maggie” she said

I looked at her for a moment before speaking

“Why were you looking for me”

“It’s time for the contract signing” she said

"Okay”

“It was nice meeting you Noah” I said while leaving with her.

“Ladies and gentlemen please welcome the daughter of Mr and Mrs Morello” the Mc said

I walked beside mom and dad as the Mc gave me the mic to speak, I was about to take it when dad grabbed it from his hands.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is Rufus Morello. I am very happy and rather elated that my daughter's dream is becoming a reality, today Victoria is going to sign our company membership contract and will be an official assistant to the CEO. I don’t have a lot to say but I wish you the best of luck as you embark on this journey” he said

I looked at him the whole time he was speaking, I didn’t expect him to write a speech or even say anything.

A servant brought the contract and placed it on the table in front of me, mom gave me a pen to sign. I looked at everyone before opening the contract booklet.

I held the pen as I wrote “You are not the boss of me” on the signature line before closing it immediately as I didn’t want anyone to notice what I wrote.

Everyone began to clap after I signed the contract.

“May I please take a picture of the contract” one of the journalists said

“No” I instantly said making everyone look at me

“I mean, I will like to be the first to post the contract” I said.

We took a bunch of pictures, journalists kept asking me questions about the business and why I want to join it after high school.

A few hours later, the party was over and everyone was gone. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Noah as mom kept introducing me to her friends.

“I’m so exhausted, I am going to my room” I said after I stretched a little bit

"Did you think you will get away with this” dad said

"Oh my lord, what is it now," my inner voice said

“With what?” I asked

He threw the contract on the floor before speaking

“How dare you make a mockery of my company”

“What!” mom said

“I didn’t want to join the company and the only way I could stop that from happening is by doing that” I said rather it sounded like a yell

“Victoria how could you” mom said after she took the contract from the floor

“Oh really ”

“After all, I have done for you, the luxury the wealth this is how you repay me by almost ruining my reputation”

“Not everything is about luxury and I didn’t ruin your reputation” I said

“What is this all about” he said as he grabbed the contract and brought it closer to me

“I’m exhausted I need to sleep, good night” I said exiting the room

“Don’t worry honey I will talk to her” mom said after I left the room.

I immediately entered the room I locked it, took off my heels as I lay on the bed, and screamed on my pillow.

“What do they want from me I already told them I didn’t want to be a part of their company did they really expect me to sign the contract,” I thought

I was lost in my thought when my phone beeped, I took it and checked

Message:

Nora: is everything okay?

Victoria: Not really

Nora: I just saw your contract signing

Victoria: I didn’t sign it with a real signature

Nora: Oh for a moment I thought your life is going to be over

Victoria: LOL

Nora: so how was the party

Victoria: same as always

Nora: just wanted to know how you were doing

Victoria: thanks you’re the best

Nora: good night

After chatting with Nora I changed to something comfortable and then went to sleep.