Chapter 9

THIRD PERSONS POV

Danielle had just returned back from school a few hours ago, but had refused to have her dinner because she believed her father and Alyssa would be coming to take her out for dinner. She was sitting in her room, making a drawing once more when her door creaked open then a maid walked in.

She swiftly turned to the maid with a smile, “They're coming, right?” She questioned, dropping her pencil on the table. 

The maid forced a smile but Danielle noticed the change in her expression, so she stood. 

“Don't tell me they're not coming. I'm not having that. They promised.” She snapped at the maid who sighed.

Danielle has always been like this. Stubborn and out of control and it was only Derek and Alyssa that could handle her, but what was she to do now that they're left alone?

She crouched down to Danielle's level, then smiled briefly at her. 

“You know daddy and Alyssa wouldn't keep you waiting, huh? Something came up. Something happened and the dinner has been shifted to some other time. You're not angry with them, are you?” the maid questioned slowly, her words were collected. Danielle didn't say a word for the first few minutes and when she finally did, it was in understanding of the current situation. 

“You're such a sweet girl.” The maid ruffled her hair with a smile, then left Danielle's room.

Danielle sat back and returned to her drawing, but she suddenly grew tired and bored, so she kept the pencil once more. She picked her tablet, the same one Alyssa had gotten for her and it was as if the tablet brought her mind back to something. 

Her mother.

The last time she saw her mom was the night Sara caught her playing on her tablet and everything ended awkwardly. She didn't have time to apologize to her and now that she wanted to reach out, she didn't know how to go about it.

She sucked in on her bed, trying to figure out ways to reach her mother when the maid informed her about the dinner. 

Danielle sat around the dining table, the aroma of the freshly cooked pasta and veggies swirling in the air.

She had tasted the food, but however, it felt sour on her tongue. Her spoon clung to her hand but she was barely eating. 

“Princess......”

“The food, I don't want to eat.” She dropped her spoon and muttered. The maid's eyes widened. 

The estate chef poured everything into making that dish just so it could suit Danielle's taste and here she was... Oh God. 

“Well, mom used to make cute-shaped foods for me. I miss her food. Can mommy cook for me?” She whispered once more and the maid sighed, staring into space.

“Huh?” Danielle narrowed her gaze and the maid exhaled. 

She brought out a phone, then clicked on Sara's contact before sending the call.

SARA'S POV

I had just got off from work when my phone dinged in my pocket. I pulled out the phone, thinking maybe it was Rina calling, but my expression shifted when I saw it was Derek's maid calling.

I didn't pick up on the first ring but when the call came again, I answered. 

“Mom, can you pick me up? I want to eat your food.” Danielle said from her end and I halted on my steps.

Danielle was requesting that I cook for her? What happened to Alyssa? 

“Danielle...” I dragged in a long breath, shutting my eyes for a brief moment. 

I almost told her I wasn't staying with Derek, that I'd have opted for a divorce but I stopped myself right on time. She was still a kid and sharing this information to her would be traumatizing, though I doubt it will. 

I sighed. What was I going to tell her, that I'd moved out? Or that I was still leaving with Derek when it could be possible he already had my things cleared.

“I know you're upset mom, I'll apologize properly if you come over, huh? Don't say no mommy, please.” Danielle whined over the phone and I sighed, rubbing my temples. 

I wasn't angry with her, I was conflicted within me. After much whining from Danielle, I had a change of mind.

She was still my daughter which made her my responsibility. 

After I ended the call with Danielle, I threw my phone into my purse and left to pick her up. The drive to the estate wasn't that long and soon enough, I was at the estate.

“Mommy!!” Danielle rushed into my arms, and I hugged her back slowly.

“I missed your food,” She muttered as soon as we broke the hug and I smiled at her.

That was right. She missed my food and not I, her mother.

“Where is grandma?” I questioned as I took her hand.

“She went for a walk,” She replied back with a shrug. 

The moment we got back to her room, I made her sit on the bed and that was when I heard the overbearing voice of my mother-in-law at the door.

“Oh!! It's the infamous daughter-in-law.” She mussed with a scoff and I gritted my teeth. I wasn't hurt by her words but I was simply offended.

How dare she refer to me as an infamous? I wanted to reply harshly to her, but I bit my tongue hard. 

Danielle was here with me and I couldn't do that with her watching, it'll be a negative training from my side.

Without paying attention to Bethany's words, I patted Danielle's hair with a smile. 

“Everything is set? Let's go.” I pulled her up, scooping her into my arms.

“Suddenly acting like a mother? You literally abandoned her here just to pop out like the sun? Interesting. But you need to do better.” She drooled with a scorn, glaring hard at me.

“That's enough, mother.” I seethed and she came closer, eyes menacingly dark.

“You're being dramatic, Sara. You never visited all this while, always busy with work and this, and you think you deserve my granddaughter and son? No. You're unfit, dirty.” She snapped at me.

Wait... What? Wasn't she the same woman that took over from me because she believed I wasn't good at raising a child? 

"You're being delusional, aren't you? Your son? The dick? I have no use of him, so you might as well have him fúck you. Stupidity clicks, or don't you think?” I walked up to her and whispered. I saw her eyes dwindle and I smiled, satisfied with her reaction and my reply. 

She has not yet recovered from her shock when I bolted out with Danielle in my arms, my footsteps echoing behind me.

I tucked Danielle into the backseat, strapped her belt and went behind the wheels. A moment later, the car was gilding softly on the road. 

I stared at Danielle from the rearview mirror, she was chatting on her tablet with a giggle and without being told, I knew exactly who she was chatting with. 

I didn't say a word, I only tore my gaze away from her, concentrating back to driving.

We arrived shortly and I led Danielle to her room after which I left to prepare something for her. I was done with thirty minutes before calling her for dinner.

Danielle's face lit up as soon as she saw the food, “This looks yummy.” She rushed and sat down and I couldn't help the little chuckle that tore from my lips. 

After the dinner, I waited for Danielle to sleep while I patiently glanced at the time. Derek will be back soon. I needed to leave.

It finally happened. She dozed off on my lap and I left to tuck her in the bed. After I was done, I picked up my purse which was on her bedstand and made a turn, but I barely took a step when I felt a pull, like something was pulling me back.

“Where are you going, mommy?” I hadn't even turned and Danielle asked her question. 

I cussed underneath my breath, then turned to her with a smile. “Mommy's busy with work.” I replied. She blinked her cute lashes, then shook her head. 

“I want to have breakfast tomorrow morning prepared by you.” She requested. 

“What? No.... I mean, you see, mommy really has to go. If not, things will spoil at the office and I'll be held accountable.” That was a lie, I knew it was. But anything to have Danielle off me. 

She exhaled, then, “I still want to eat breakfast with you. Work can wait till tomorrow morning and —”

“Danielle!!” I called. 

It wasn't a snap and I had no plans to snap at her, but her expression faltered and I sighed. 

“Baby...”

“What the hell is going on here?” The sharp voice of Derek boomed from the doorway and I froze on my spot.