Chapter 24
Around six in the chilly evening, beautiful people started arriving with their luxury cars, entering the mansion of the Castigados. Their jewelry sparkling like their glittering dresses, their expensive laughs and giggles echoing.
From Verna’s room, Stella could hear them all. Her hands were sweating while the hair dresser was doing her hair. Sure there are so many people, she expected that but being in the moment is not the same at all. The make up artist kept struggling which look is best on her in respect of her dress’ design.
“Would you like a heavy make up?” the makeup artist asked her. “I’m troubled with wings or no wings. Both wou
In front of the full length mirror, Stella did a turn, giggling at her sparkling dress. With the make up and her expensive dress, she sure does look like one of those beautiful people. Not to forget her shoes Verna bought her which matches with her dress. They weren’t that high but she is always used to flats.Just a second after, she heard a knock on the door and she turns. There she sees Charles against the doorway with an attractive smile on his face.“How long have you been standing there?” she asked, her cheeks pinkish from his gazes. For all she knows, he could have seen her adoring the dress.“Not quite long,” he answered.
There were countless shaking hands that happened. Somehow, it exhausted Stella, introducing herself over and over again. There are some seconds in which she thought they know her by the glitters from everything she's wearing than her name. Charles' girlfriend, they'd address her as."May I excuse myself?" Stella whispered to Charles' ear. She is having headaches from being around them too much."Going to the bathroom?" he asked, looking at her."Just up for a--""Felius!" Someone shouted and everyone looked one way.There, she saw who they call the most powerful businessman in the country, the one and only, Felius Castigado. He was walking mightily towards them. Every now and then someone would greet him. Stella's heart began racing in her chest."After I introduce you to him, we can go."The great Felius still has a charming smile despite the wrinkles. Like a celebrity, he waved and shook hands with people. Stella thought that
The guest were all heading out when Charles finally found Stella. She had a big smile on her face and he sighed heavily, making his way to her."When were you? I've been looking everywhere for you.""I snuck out of the garden," she answered, her face glowing. "There are lots of plants! And guess who I met?""You met someone?" His brows raise."Uh-huh," she nodded, "I'll tell you all about it in the room. Can I go upstairs now? My feet aren't used to these heels just yet.""Yeah, sure. I'll follow."Stella didn't say anything and rushed upstairs. Charles was left to wonder why she seemed so energetic. Who the hell did she meet? It won't be Jason. She said she finds him annoying.So, Charles went to bid the other guests goodbyes. They do that after a party. The host would be at the door receiving everyone's pleasure in being invited by the Castigados.After all the guests left the Castigado's mansion, Felius is again welcomed by
"When are we parting?" Those words rippled inside of Charles' head. He didn't expect that she would bring it up just right after the party. Yes, they can break the contract since the important part is done but if Felius says they want them to stay, they have to."Are you in a hurry to end this?" he asked with a straight face. The room started to get gloomy. It smells of business. "I did say a month.""It's to prepare myself," she answers. "I'm not in a rush."Charles looks down, thinking what else could prevent this. He doesn't want to let her go just yet."If you want the remaining balance, I can--""No! Why are you even mentioning that right now?""Well, we're talking about the deal. It can't be helped." Stella was giving him this frustrated look but he couldn't quite get it if she wants it to end so bad or... "Listen, we'll know tomorrow. If it's okay to leave, we'll part ways.""Alright," Stella softly said. She stand up and
Early in the morning and all of the Castigado's family members are sitting comfortably at the table. Stella was among them on her normal seat, just waiting for the breakfast to get started. Felius and Crolletta came last and sat at their usual seats.Now it was normal for them to greet each other a good morning before the maids serves their breakfast. Stella was happy to see Crolletta and their eyes met. She smiled at the old woman and Crolletta smiled back at her."May I request for Stella to change seats?" Crolletta asked all of a sudden which caught everyone's attention. "If it's not quite a bother."At the request of their grandmother, Trixie exchanges seat with Stella. Jennie plastered an evil smirk which Stella saw as she sat down in her new seat. Looks like Jennie thinks she's in trouble."Good morning, Stella. Have you had a good sleep?" Crolletta asked her. The maids were still serving the food and they have time to talk."Good morni
Charles just arrived at his office, closing the door behind him when he saw Andrea sitting in front of his desk. Her long flawless legs were displayed and her eyes seductively stared at him. A smirk then formed on her lips as she gets off the table and walks like a model to him."Good morning, baby boy!" she greeted Charles, wrapping her hands around his neck. "Did you have a good night?""Better than you'd expect," he answers nonchalantly, taking off her arms just casually and walking past her. "What are you doing in my office so early, Andrea?""I do this before!"Charles didn't know he'd deal with this bullshit this early though he had seen this coming when she announced her return. He sighed heavily as he sat down."Time changes, Andrea. I ask you to leave my office if you have no more to say."But Andrea scoffed away Charles' words and folded her arms across her chest. Then she walked toward him, slamming a hand on his
In the garden, Stella and Crolletta decided to plant more Vietnam roses to the sides. While they were doing it, Stella could not help but be quiet, thinking about Jason's words. Little did she know Crolletta kept glancing at her."Are you alright, my dear?" the old woman asked Stella, snapping her back to reality.Stella immediately turned and plastered a smile, shaking her head side to side. "Yes, granny. I might just be missing Charles," she lies."Oh, my! Well, my grandson is blessed to have you, Stella.""I wouldn't say that." Stella looks away. She's just somebody who happened to stumble into Charles. They don't know each other that well and they'll be breaking up soon too."Why would you say such a thing, dear?" Crolletta's voice was soft and comforting. "Enlighten me.""Well... Charles is very charming, very caring and thoughtful. He's stubborn and annoying too but he is sweet like a cake candy." She stops to softly laugh
Charles just came home and at the door, Marie greeted him with a wide smile. He frowned as this doesn't happen often. She was like a little kid, wanting to show her father something she found."Is something up? What are you grinning about, Marie?""I saw something earlier, Charles!" she excitedly squealed, tip-toeing for a second."What? Saw some bugs? A caterpillar perhaps?" Well, he knows Marie loves insects and she keeps them in a jar in her room. "Maybe a centipede this time?""Ugh, Charles!" Marie rolls her eyes. "Centipedes are not insects! And no! I saw your girlfriend talking to my brother near the staircase. They were shaking hands."His jaw instantly tightened. Stella said she would not get closer to Jason so why is he hearing this? And from Marie of all people. Her excitement is something fishy to him."Did your brother tell you to report to me what you saw?" he asked with a straight face."No," she replies, shaking her hea