Chapter 2

NORA'S POV

“I see you have not changed a bit” Jeremy said as he sat in his chair flipping his pen like those CEOs I have seen in movies.

“You requested my presence, sir.” I ignored what he said earlier and pushed aside every form of familiarity.

Jeremy looked puzzled, like he expected me to know something. “I guess you haven't heard from your mother. You can go.” He raised an eyebrow.

At that point, I had so many questions. Why did he mention my mother? I have not seen him in years and when we meet, he brings up my mother.

“If I may ask, what business do you have with my mother, Jeremy?” 

“I guess you recognise me, afterall. I will see you at home.” He walked out of the office.

Arghhhh!! Jeremy is always having the last word. I should not have feigned ignorance at first.

“Meet him at home? What does that even mean? I just remembered my mum told me to meet her, I guess she will tell me what this is all about.

I was lost in thought when Jeremy's secretary barged into the office. She was shocked to see me alone in the office. Her cleavage was more exposed than it was when I first saw her.

I could see the rush of embarrassment on her face as she used both hands to pull her shirt together.

“I came to lead you out.” She said pointing towards the door with a fake smile drawn on her face. My guts told me something was up but I shook it off and returned a fake smile to her.

“Tiffany! Tiffany!!” I screamed from across the room and waved at her, I never believed I would be so happy to see her. They were done with the orientation and we were told to resume fully the next day.

Since that was all for the day, I rushed to Sips cafe to meet my mum. My curiosity had reached its peak since it seems like Jeremy has something to do with what my mum wants to talk to me about.

The atmosphere was filled with a pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries. I was reminded of the moments I spent with my best friend, Laurel, as sales girls.

Attending to customers was my best part of this job because I always had to keep a smile on. On the other hand, Laurel hated attending to customers. She would always reply them if they are being rude– she has no tolerance for disrespect. That is what makes her fun to be with.

Immediately Laurel sighted me, She waved at me. I smiled and signalled to her that I was here to meet my mum.

My mum already ordered coffee for both of us. I walked towards her as she sipped her coffee. I had a bad feeling about this meeting already.

My mother and I have not always been the best mother and daughter duo. We argue almost everyday, it is safe to say that I spent more than half of my life arguing with her.

Ever since I lost my dad, my mother got into prostitution and gambling. I had to work part time jobs to pay my tuition f*e and provide some basic necessities for myself.

I got home from Sips cafe, after working the night shift when my mum presented a job offer. I didn't think twice before I accepted it. I thought she was trying to make up for being a distant mother.

“Thank you for coming, Nora,” She said.

“I feel you shoul-”

“Before you start, I want to thank you for the job. I figured I have not said a proper thank you, mum.” I interrupted as I wrapped her hands in mine.

She cleared her throat and bowed her head. All of a sudden, her face spelt guilty.

“I got married again.” She dropped the bombshell.

“What do you mean?” I questioned, my face tightened.

“Yes, I am getting married into the JKC group. So make peace with Jeremy and don't spoil this for me.” She sounded like she was threatening me.

My stomach churned.

I immediately let go of her hand as my face tightened.

When I was in college, I always complained to her that Jeremy bullied me, but she ignored me each time. And now, she is getting married into his family 

“Why?! For his money??” I yelled at her.

By now all eyes were fixed on us, Laurel walked up to me and whispered to me to tone it down.

My mum frowned and squeezed a piece of paper into my palm. “This is the address you should come to, that's where we stay now. I sold our house already.”

“You must be joking.” I scoffed

My mum has always been a servant to money, it is safe to say that she can sacrifice me just to get money after all she has tried it before. 

Now I know why Jeremy was running his mouth earlier. He has me wrapped around his finger again.

Laurel kept me company while my mum walked out of the cafe. It was time to go home since I couldn't stall anymore. Laurel stays with her aunty and her cousins so I didn't want to crash there. The only place left was that mansion…My new home?

On getting to the mansion, the giant gate slid open as if it was waiting for me to get home. 

My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. I have never seen a huge mansion like this before, I had only seen buildings like this in the movies.

On entering the house, a black suv pulled up at the side of the house. The place was so dark. From what I could see, two men dressed in black suits lifted a long black bag and placed it in the back seat of the car. The bag seemed heavy.

“You know where to dispose of it.” A voice came from upstairs, like the boss was up there.

“Miss, this way.” One of the men said.

I didn't think much about it since I was searching for my mum but there were too many rooms so I just admired the artworks hoping I bump into my mum.

“I didn't think you would come to my mansion, Stepsister.” He dragged out the ‘stepsister,’ Jeremy's deep voice sent shivers down my spine. This was the second time he was sneaking up on me today.

I turned and I saw him standing at the end of the hall.

I had no choice, my mum sold our house in a heartbeat.” I gave him a sarcastic smile.

As I walked towards him, he eyed me up and down. I got so nervous that I almost tripped. I tucked my hands in my pocket as I walked towards him, I didn't want him to see that my hands were trembling.

Jeremy wore a transparent white shirt which made his abs very visible. My gaze dropped to the lines cutting across his abs. I didn't mean to stare, but I suddenly forgot why I was even mad.

“Nora! Nora!!” He called me back to life.

I blinked my eyes trying to come back to my senses and he smirked.

“Have you seen my mother?” I avoided eye contact.

“She should be somewhere, all over my father.” 

He grabbed a glass cup and poured himself some whiskey. I walked away from him because I was not interested in getting into a banter with him.

His phone rang. 

‘Hey Denver, She is here now.” Jeremy walked away and looked at me with a side eye- to check if I was listening to his conversation.

‘Denver?’ I guess Jeremy and Denver are still friends, they kept the brotherhood going. They have been tight friends since college, though some say they grew up together.

“She is here now,” I wonder who Jeremy eas referring to. He seemed cut up in his conversation so I decided to walk away and search for my mothet in this huge house.

“I am sorry for everything I did, Noey!” He quickly said. My steps came to a halt.

That nickname, ‘Noey’. Memories flashed in my head.