เข้าสู่ระบบ~Lilian~"This calls for a heavy celebration!" Mr. Nikolai bellowed as he paced about his room, his shoulders as high as someone that had just won a lottery.Well, technically, this win could be likened to that. He was so sure he didn't stand a chance. So sure, that even very early on the morning of the event in California, I had heard my phone ring from a distance while still sprawled lazily across Mr. Brostran on his bed with messy sheets we were too lazy to change earlier.My eyes were still heavy and the letters across my phone appeared double, but I had picked up regardless, almost getting a panic attack when I discovered it was Nikolai on the line."Hello," I had repeated after him, only to hear him crash out about how I didn't need to go to the event hall, and how I should rather sleep in because the charts didn't look promising.I had ended the call afterwards, adjusting well into the old man lying face up beside me - things did go the way I wanted them to."He forgot his pro
~Lilian~"You will be disappointed if I say this," I said, pulling myself up a bit, causing him to also withdraw from his initial position."Say whatever you want to say," he replied.His weight was resting on his knees and palms now, his eyes carefully examining mine.I chuckled at how serious he looked.His brows furrowed in a way to ask "why?""It's nothing. I was just going to say, I have no interest whatsoever in your hotel politics, but nevertheless, I want you to win, just because it's going to make you happy."I saw his face break into a smile - a genuine one. I was happy for him, but I had to do what I had to do.He lifted his body and crawled to sit beside me."This is non of your business really," he whispered, his tone suddenly hard, and his face slowly forming an expression that did not seem too friendly.I refused to be unfazed."What happens if you don't win?" I expected an outburst, maybe a demand to explain why I had asked that question, and after that, a long reason
~Lilian~I had flown to California with Nikolai even after making Mr. Brostran send me the money for my flight.Of course, I had told him I wanted to watch his big moment in California. I was surprised when he had agreed.I found out later that he was the type of man that empties his pockets in return for praise.I told him I could not fly with him when he offered me a ride in his private jet - lied about having to sort things out in school.Just like that, I was in California, staying in the same hotel as the two men, risking everything just to perfect my plan.I was still trying to put the mini luggage I had with me on order when my phone began to ring on the dresser.Before I even picked it up, I already knew it was Mr. Brostran. He had called thirty minutes earlier, and I assured him I knew my way and would be in the hotel soon.I told him I would call him as soon as I got here, but I had been a little busy with Nikolai who was a bit grumpy because I wouldn't stay in the same room
~Nikolai~"How are things going over there?" I asked my assistant even though I had just gotten off the life charts published by the business life channel of California."Not good," he answered sincerely, sending a shock down my spine."The charts aren't looking good at all. They have more people on their side, and I mean, a lot of people. He won't just be winning by a margin if a miracle doesn't happen before the ceremony."I shut my eyes painfully, wishing he hadn't gone further to break my spirit even more.I was sure I could figure out a strategy.Bigard Brostran might be popular in his part of the large sky, but California was my turf until he decided to make trouble.Worst still, the people I thought their loyalty stood with me had turned their backs on me now that I needed them the most.In a few days, there'd be a final verdict for the most influential hotel business in California.It wasn't just going to be an announcement, it was going to be a declaration. Like a calling to
~Lilian~My feet stood frozen in position as I watched the two.I found myself even trying to read their lips as they talked, but it was impossible, of course.I could only make out their facial expression which was nothing less than serious and committed to whatever it was they spoke about.They talked for about ten minutes before Stephen nodded, taking the wrapped envelope Sonia held out to him, then turning and walking away towards the gate.I didn't need a fortune teller to tell.me that they were up to something.It was definitely Sonia Swissman.All of a sudden, Stephen calls me out of nowhere, putting my matters in my face, then insists I remain at home, going further to police my movements.It was unlike him. I knew something was fishy.I was mad at Stephen for being such a cheapskate.I was very sure he didn't even bother to verify the authenticity of whatever it was Sonia told him I did.Because he had passed a couple of dollar bills, he was ready to go with anything.I was n
~Lilian~It's been one week since I had been strictly at home from Stephen's order.I didn't expect him to be serious about it, but he had been home too.A rare occasion indeed, because just like his father, he was mostly out.These days have been unbearable indeed. I hated to see my mother always smiling, because I knew too well that it was just a mask. Deep down, she was unhappy, but she doesn't even want to admit it to herself.I had given up on trying to make her let go of herself and feel freely, so I had resorted to forcing myself to smile whenever I talked to her.For some odd reason, my father has always slept at home these days. I avoided him. I made sure to go to school everyday even if I don't have any lectures on the timetable. It was my only way to escape that house for sometime during the day.I had been in contact with the men - Nikolai, Jhuy Clifford and Mr. Brostran, but only on the messenger app.Each time they asked to see, I told them I was pretty busy with schoo
~Lilian~Last night, after talking to Mr. Nikolai in the yard, I showered and went to bed, but I was just laying there, face up and staring at the ceilings.Sonia came in later, clicking away at the gum she had in her mouth with her tongue, her face glued to the screen of her phone, her fingers swi
December 25, 2024~Lilian~A few hours ago, I had noticed a note tucked between the pages of my book, with a message.It was hot daddy again.Or not.I wasn't sure.I'd like to believe it was him.If it truly was him, then it means he is the same man that blindfolds me in the kitchen.Else, it mean
~Lilian~It was time for dinner, and everybody was present.As often, I sat opposite of hot daddy.As dinner proceeded quietly, I couldn't help but think about the conversation between father and daughter which I had overheard.It was as if they were hiding something, but it's not like I could ask
~Lilian~Like I had promised, I was going harder.I didn't join the family for dinner last night.Yes, that was very intentional.I decided to attack with my absence.I wanted him to long for me until he was out of his mind, until he could no longer breathe.The walls he had built around himself we







