Chapter 1 (The price of being a Wilson)

A black Camry screeched and came to a abrupt halt in front of a tall glass building. The door swung open and a pair of fair slender legs stepped out. Slowly a young woman emerged, her glossy dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her dark hair danced with the breeze as she removed her sunglasses, her lips stretching out to a wide smile.

Before she could take five steps, a wave of reporters surged forward and covered her.

Click! Click! Click! Cameras flashed and Microphones were pushed forward to her.

" Miss Morgan, when will the latest collection be released?"

" Any sneak peaks into the upcoming style?"

" You're so gorgeous Miss Morgan!"

" What's in store for Morgy Fashion wears today?"

Reporters flooded Morgan with series of questions which she answered with practised ease, her smile unwavering.

Morgan Wilson just 20 years old, the youngest daughter of the Wilson family Is the current CEO of Morgy Fashion wears. One of the fastest rising fashion brands in New York City.

Alice Wilson, Shayla's stepmother sat cross-legged on the plush leather couch in the luxurious sitting room. A bowl of popcorn cradle on her lap as she watched Morgan live interview, on the enormous tv plasma. Alice smiled, satisfaction blooming in her chest. Her daughter's business was expanding, her name echoing far and wide. Everything was going exactly as she dreamed of.

But her moment of joy was cut short when the sitting room door creaked open and Shayla stepped inside. She was wearing a simple pink floral gown and a white mask.

" Good afternoon Aunt." Shayla greeted softly.

Alice face twisted instantly.

" You showing your face around here is never part of anything good." Alice snapped, her voice laced with Irritation.

Shayla swallowed hard, saying nothing.

" By the way are you done with the cafe?" Alice demanded, her gaze sharp.

" I just got back and I am really tired." Shayla replied softly. Truly, she had been on her feet all day, working long hours at the Cafe, taking orders, cleaning up and serving people.

" Tired?" Alice scoffed. " You are very stupid. Do you think this house runs on your laziness? " Her voice rose with each word, slicing through the room like a blade.

" But Aunt, it's my break and I just came back to rest." Shayla explained, fatigue etched on her face.

Alice glared at her, not even pretending to hide the bitterness in her eyes.

" I don't see any signs that you've worked today. Go back to the cafe and don't come back until it's closing hour."

Shayla's face twisted, her chest tightened, but she swallowed her tears. Saying nothing more, she turned and quietly walked out of the house.

Once Shayla was gone, Alice picked up the remote and resumed her show. Her irritation fading away and the smug pride returning to her face.

The bell above the Cafe door jingled as Shayla pushed it open. The familiar scent of coffee, pastries and faint air freshener welcomed her, but it didn't sooth her heavy heart. The moment she stepped inside, all heads turned to her, disgust etched on their faced and murmurs filled the atmosphere.

" Seems going back home was a wasted effort."

" Gosh! I can imagine her ugly face behind the facemask."

"I wonder why they still allow her work her."

" I just want to puke..."

" But she got nice shape though."

" Have you seen her stepsister Morgan? She's a goddess."

" The day I will meet Morgan Wilson, I will die and come back to life "

The last comment caused everyone to burst out into laugher.

Shayla quickened her pace to the counter and grabbed the apron which was not hung up too far from her then wore it. She fastened the knots and smiled warmly at the customers who returned it with sneers. Disgust evident on their faces. She could have been affected with what they all said but she did not care. She was used to this types of comments anywhere she went to. She had been receiving worse comments than this since she started putting on a facemask. Wearing a facemask had become part of her and the only time she was allowed to take it off was when she was alone.

The bell above the cafe jingled again as Tessa burst inside and that seem to drag Shayla out of her thoughts.

"Yo! I'm back! Who missed me?" Tessa voice rang out as all attention was focused on her and that drifted Shayla out of her thoughts.

Tessa eyes swept through the people in the cafe till her gaze landed on Shayla before striding toward her.

Shayla maintained her calm demeanor as Tessa got closer to her.

" Hey bestie." Tessa said cheerfully and sat on the stool opposite the counter where Shayla stood.

"Tessa." Shayla smiled warmly at her. " Could you please tone it down?."

" I don't care!" Tessa yelled and Shayla leaned closer to her and palmed her mouth. She gave the customers an apologetic smile.

Tessa's voice came out as muffles when Shayla released her palm from her mouth.

" Hey crazy, tone it down will you? We're trying to relax here." A lady said.

" Does this place look like your home? Maybe you should go to cemetery and just relax forever." Tessa shot back in response and the lady and few customers gasped while some just minded their business.

The people who minded their business aren't new to Tessa's character, they all know she is a loud one and anyone who messes with her get it back in threefold.

The lady stood up and walked angrily toward Tessa.

" Take it back." The lady warned.

" Just die." Tessa replied sassily.

Shayla glanced at Tessa and the lady, the atmosphere between them was getting hot.

" Please ma, I really apologize on behalf of my friend here, she can..." a slap from the lady interrupted her sentence. Gasps echoed, and now all the customer's attention were now fully on the scene unfolding.

" Who gave you the right to speak to me you ugly wench? It's no wonder your dad cheated on your mum and got married to her friend. Blood never lie indeed. Shouldn't you be ashamed your younger step sister is thriving far and you are here..." Her words were cut short when Shayla's hand struck her hard across the face.

" Don't let her speak lowly of your late mum babes." Tessa said and landing her own slap causing her to stumble and fall on the floor.

" I've heard enough of your nonsense bitch! You can call me ugly, useless or whatever you want call me, but don't you ever in ur life speak lowly of my mum again." Shayla said, her eyes rimming with anger.

She could take anything but can't accept people talking bad of her Mum knowing fully well who got betrayed. She could still remember clearly when her late Mum got the news of her husband's betrayal slumped and died before they could rush her to the hospital. The lady stood up, wiped her dress and faced Shayla.

" You'd pay for this Duck face." The lady threatened and stormed out of the cafe still simmering in anger.

Tessa faced Shayla, guilt etched on her face.

" I'm so so sorry Shayla, I should have listened when you told me to be quiet." Tessa said, guilt tinged in her voice.

" It's okay Tessa, I know it's not your type to stay quiet." Shayla said, a small smile slips out.

" I was the reason why old memories resonated. I hope you're okay? How about I treat you out for a meal?" Tessa said hopefully.

" I'm sorry but it won't be today Tessa. I got lots of things on my plate now." Shayla said trying to sound apologetic.

" Have you eaten?" Tessa asked and suddenly bringing the brown wrap of hot croissant bread to the counter table.

" I haven't. Thanks for that Tessa." Shayla replied, and grabbed the food tearing the wrap around it. Her eyes glimmered in delight when she saw the bread, she quickly took a big bite of it and moaned in satisfaction.