Chapter 2: Exes? Or not.

Daisy's POV

Two weeks. Fourteen days. I still haven't replied Rome.

Every draft either felt too vague, or too desperate or it showed I am not ready yet.

Not ready to become a stranger he's forgotten about, even though he's going to be my stepsister's boyfriend and I won't be a stranger but his sister-in-law.

Sister-in-law. I'd rather die than hear Rome call me that.

“Hey. The president is calling for you." A syrupy sweet voice calls from above me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Dread coils in my stomach and I slowly look up at Carmela, the president's secretary.

Her syrupy voice, a contrast to the sharp daggers shooting out of her eyes, as she glares at me.

With no real tangible reason if you ask me except, that's a common thing among the Zyla's fandom.

I stand up, now aware of the curious eyes on me.

It's always like this anytime the President — No, my father — summons me.

It's like they're always eagerly waiting for the grand show — Me getting kicked out of the office and their Queen, Zyla will take her rightful place.

It's such a shame that they'll never get to see that.

‘Are you sure about that?’ The mocking voice in my head coos, and I squash it immediately.

Yes, I'm not so sure either.

“Are you deaf ?” Carmela asks, her face scrunched up in disgust.

“Tsk. Coming from a visually impaired”, I mutter under my breath.

"Did you say something?”

"Of course not.” I force a fake smile and exit my cubicle.

Carmela scoffs, and flicks her blonde hair at me before she struts off.

I fight the urge to tug hard at her hair, and get a few chunks off.

Fight the devil, Daisy.

I follow behind her, the sharp click of her super high stiletto on the floor — Seriously, who wears that to an office?— is the only sound that fills the hallway.

As we near the CEO's office, knots form in my stomach and my hands turn clammy.

I hate going to his office.

Ever since he's gotten remarried to Zyla’s mother, looking Dad in the eyes is something I never look forward to.

“President. Miss Daisy is here.” Carmela announces, after she knocks on the mahogany door.

"Let her come in.”

I swallow, and take a deep breath before I push the door open.

“You called for me, Sir.” I look up, and lock eyes with Zyla.

“Sis, you are here." Zyla hops up from her seat, flashing a bright smile at me as she walks towards me.

I turn my gaze away from her, and head towards my father, hitting Zyla as I sidestep her.

“You called for me, Sir." I repeat.

"Sit.” He orders, without looking up at me, his eyes still cast in his documents.

I sit.

I hear a slight tsk from behind me, before Zyla plops down on the second seat behind me.

After a few moments, Dad finally looks up from the documents and I take in his appearance.

His dirty blonde hair is gelled, and curled to the side.

His blue eyes glances at me briefly before he turns to Zyla.

He looks nothing like a CEO who should be worried about the state of his company and I look nothing like him except for the mole on my left leg which he also has.

I got my caramel eyes from my mum and my wavy chestnut hair from my grandma — my mum's mother.

Dad slides his eyes to mine “I presume you're aware about the current state of the company, Daisy."

He's baiting me.

I nod, even though I know I'm playing right into his plans.

Currently, our company looks like it's flourishing on the outside but on the inside, it's on the verge of falling apart.

If I didn't know my dad, it would be a wonder to me how he managed to keep the news within the company, that not even the employees are aware about it.

But I know him and when it comes to upholding reputation, Dad is the best at it.

Dad's gaze lingers on me suspiciously for a moment before he clears his throat.

“Good to know. There's a party tonight and I want you both to attend in my place. For the company.” My eyes narrow.

Why?

The question plays out on my lips but I bite it back down.

"I don't need to tell you what to do, no?”

He wants us to build connections but he doesn't need me…

He's never needed me before so why now?

I nod in affirmation.

“Dad," Zyla calls out sweetly, her voice setting annoyance in my chest. “I told you I have a date with Rome tonight.”

The air in the room suddenly becomes too thin and my chest tightens at the mention of Rome.

Zyla turns to look at me, like she just realized my existence in the room before she slams her hands around her mouth.

Fucking hypocrite!

“Daisy, I'm—” I interrupt her before she can spew any lie and try to act like a pitiful victim.

“I understand that I'll be going to the party alone then. Can I leave now?”

Dad's gaze lingers on me again, before he nods and waves me off.

"Sis, I didn't—"

I stand up, and head towards the door.

“Daisy." My hand is on the door handle when Dad's voice brings me to a pause and I turn to look at him.

“Once it's 4pm, You will go with Carmela to get styled up. Remember this is important for the company. Do not disgrace me!”

My heart slams into my chest at his words but he is not done yet.

“Be like your sister and help out the company for once. You may leave."

I pry the door open with shaky hands. Tears prick my eyes, but I swallow it back.

You must not cry now, Daisy. Everyone's watching and waiting for you to break. You must not give them that.

I walk out of his office, blowing out a breath.

“Sometimes I can't help but wonder if you truly are the President's daughter.” I hear a low sigh and I slide my gaze to Carmela, currently sitting behind her desk.

“And sometimes I can't help but wonder why you're such a bitch." I retort, a cold smile on my lips.

I've been trying to curb the devil in me for so long.

But Carmela is really pushing me too far.

“How dare you?" Heat flares up her cheeks as she glares at me.

Seems like my docile act has really made Carmela forget who I really am.

I stalk towards her.

“No, Carm,” I say. “It should be… How dare you? Remember your position in this company and I'll always remain the president's daughter whether you like it or not.”

Her eyes widen, and she opens her mouth to talk but nothing comes out.

“Now, that's it. Be a good little secretary." I flash her my fake smile, which she's very familiar with and turn on my heels, heading out of the CEO’s office.

My chest feels like it's on fire when the realization of Dad being aware about Rome and Zyla the whole time hits me.

Like I'm the only one clueless about it all this while.

“Daisybell.”

I stop in my tracks at the name. Only one person calls me that.

To be more specific – only Rome calls me that.