CHAPTER 4

When I opened my eyes, I got up and went straight to the bathroom to brush my teeth this morning. I didn't bother to shower because I did it the day before, but I changed how my hair looked and added some styling to it.

Before going to check on my brother, I got dressed in light gray sweatpants and a black blouse I had brought. Even when I open the door, he is still asleep. Should I wake him up from his sleep?

Yes, and there is nothing you can do to stop me.

I brace myself for the impact, and then I rush at him and jump on him, which causes him to toss me to the ground.

"What the?" He lets out an annoyed groan.

                                     

"Good morning to you, too."

"What do you want?"        

Please assist me with my luggage. Could you?"

"Fine, get out."

After hearing that, I hurry downstairs, where I find my mother preparing breakfast while wearing a miserable expression on her face.

"I hope you had a good night, Mom. Are you all right?" I queried while I stood next to her, attempting to stare directly into her eyes.

She looked around, and the gorgeous hazel eyes that were speckled with green were holding a look of despair.

"No, I'm not fine. I'm not okay. You just can't go, dear. There's no way you can leave." She pleaded, and her words caused me to cry.

"Mom, I'm sorry, but I just can't stay here any longer. You know how difficult it is for my father to hear me say, I want to stay, but do I really have much of a choice?" I explained. She had a tear on her face, and I had to wipe it away.

"Okay, dear. But please always tell me updates about you. Do not forget that you have a mother waiting for your replies," she said. It is an easy request. I give her a wink as a sign of approval.

"Okay, then. Sit and eat before you go." After putting the food in front of me, I immediately began to eat it.

After I was done eating, I went back upstairs to my bedroom to get my phone and wallet. I did a final check to ensure that I had everything ready. I went down to the first floor of our house, where I spotted my mother standing at the bottom of the stairs. I ran up to her as quickly as I could and gave her a bear hug.

I choked up when I said, "I'll miss you, Mom," which caused my voice to crack. "Pumpkin, I'm going to miss you even more. It's the best for us now to part ways. I love you, my little girl."

"I love you too, mom."

I immediately rushed to Igor the moment I spotted him and gave him a bear embrace. He gave one right back to me.

"I'll miss you, sis. Behave or try to, at least." His remark amused me that I had to slap him on the arm.

"I won't make any promises, but I can guarantee that I'll miss you. Goodbye, and I'll see you soon!" Then, Igor waved his hand, and as I proceeded to the car, I heard my father calling my name.

"Hurry, some of us don't have all day." My grandfather had a croaky voice when he uttered it. "Well, some of us don't send our daughters away." I exploded in anger and stormed to the car, slamming the door as I got in.

"It had to be done, Bora." We exchanged looks as we both glanced at each other. His green eyes did not even show any emotion.

"Regardless of the circumstances, you would have kicked me out. It came at the perfect moment".

 As my body begins to shut down for the night, I fold my arms across my chest and rest my head on the window.

-

A shaking sensation roused me to consciousness. It was Juancho who was working as the driver.

"Your honor, we have arrived. Your father is currently flying in that jet," pointing at the jet in front of the car.

"Thank you, Juancho. Have a safe drive back." He gives a nod and then continues driving.

As I make my way to the plane, I pass by my father, who is sitting on the couch and using his phone.

"New York is where we will be heading. After my conversation with Conrad, I'll head off."

"Whatever, I'll be sleeping. Don't bother me." I rush to one of the rooms and slam the door behind me before resting my body on the mattress.

Does my life have to turn out even worse than it has so far?

Because I have nothing else to do, I've decided to go back to sleep till we reach New York City. I climb back under the covers and go back to sleep.

-

After sleeping for a few hours, I eventually woke up and walked to the front of the house, where I discovered that my father was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's he?" I asked the pilot.

"He is there. He instructed me to tell you to get in the car as soon as you woke up."

"Thank you."

I step off the plane and make my way to the car, where I find my father already seated. As I enter, I notice that his face is becoming increasingly angry.

"I warned you that it was getting late. It looks like we won't make it there on time."

"I won't, but you will." I laughed sarcastically and rolled my eyes.

As I look out the window of the car, I can see the brightly lit streets of New York City. It is really populated. There are shops on every street corner, and the sidewalks are always packed with pedestrians.

My father announced that we had arrived after the car came to a stop. I opened the car door and walked to the trunk to get my luggage. It wasn't that much to the point where I couldn't keep hold of them either.

"Hurry up, can you be any slower?"

"Be quiet. Are you the one who is moving, or am I the one who is?" I said sarcastically. Father is just looking at me, standing and waiting for what I will do next.

I was able to bring everything with me on just one trip, thank God. Conrad opens the door after we give him a knock.

"Greetings, Zachary, and the same to you, Bora. Please come in." He gives each of us a firm handshake before gesturing for us to go inside.

"I'll get maids to take your things up, okay?" I gave a slight nod, but my father started talking before they arrived.

"No, she is highly capable of doing it herself." I rolled my eyes and picked up my belongings.

"Nonsense, we'll have the maids do it," Conrad said. After receiving his encouraging smile, I set my belongings down, and he smiled again.

"No. It's not a problem. She's free to leave."

"Okay. The housekeeper will lead you to your room." When I saw a maid, I rolled my eyes and grabbed my belongings." Good morning, Ms. Malfianni."

 I complied with her instructions and followed her up the stairs, where we entered a corridor that led to a room. It appeared to be a personal fitness center. After observing a big man with many tattoos covering his back sparring with another man, I decided not to take even one step inside.

"Excuse me?" I gave him a short glance as he was leaving, and then I hurriedly exited the room, following the maid who was standing at the end of the corridor.

She was in her senior year yet appeared to be much younger. Her short, curly hair was sprinkled with gray strands, and she spoke with a Spanish accent. Her posture was excellent, and she spoke beautifully.

"This is your room, Ms.Malfianni." She led me to a large room with a queen bed that was immaculately painted with white covers.

"My name is Bora. What is your name?"

"Rosana, ma'am."

"I'm happy to finally meet you, Rosana. It makes me feel ancient when you address me as Miss," I laughed, and she responded with a muffled giggle.

"How old are you, if I may ask?"

"18."

"Wow, you are quite young. Are you familiar with Mr. Zulueta?"

"Absolutely, with Connor. I used to collaborate with him, but we stopped doing so after he became an heir."

"Well, I should be going, ma'am. I'll see you around, Ms. Mal, or should I say Bora?" I gave her a friendly grin, and with that, she was gone.

After emptying everything out of my luggage, I sat it on the bed. Because I had already folded everything before I went, the only thing I could do was put it all away in the drawers.

I went to the restroom to put my toiletries away, and as soon as I got out, a hand grabbed my neck and pushed my back against the wall. That surprised the shit out of me.

He asked, "Who are you?"

He is the guy from the gym. He has black hair, emerald eyes that pierce, and full pink lips. He had the aroma of sandalwood mixed with cologne, possibly Versace. I wasn't entirely sure. His arms were covered with tattoos, and the breath that came out of his mouth smelled like mint.

"I could ask the same thing," I retorted. This man has the aura of someone who could scare you, but I know I can handle him.

"I don't want to play with you. Who are you, exactly? Or else I will send a bullet right through that cute little head of yours." He drew his weapon, and as he did so, the top trigger clicked as he pulled it back. I gave a snort of amusement, bent forward, licked it, and gave the barrel a peck.

"Don't bother trying to scare me. I have no problem with all of this gunplay." I made a joke. Since the rifle was still pointing in my direction, I pushed him away from me with all my strength. I quickly grabbed hold of my hand and pointed it in his direction as I did so.

"You must leave. The other option is that I will be the one to send a bullet through that hard head of yours." He said as he walked out of the room.

"Then don't try to kill me next time, sir."