Chapter 1

. (Stop treating me like a child)

My eyes are fixed on the garden, and thanks to the transparent view, I can easily silence the voices around me, just got admission into NYU and I feel like my whole life has already been planned out for me. The sun cast a warm glow on each rosy flowerbed, they were my mom's favorite, still shaken by her sudden death, I wish she never left that night, if only I knew it was the last time I might get to see her, I would have held on longer.

"Are you even listening" my dad's cold and husky voice interrupted my thoughts as I glanced around the dining table, all eyes were on me.

"Excuse me" I manage to say, my voice calm. Ignoring the mocking smile from my stepmother and sister, God I hate them both, I held my head high, refusing to let their doubt defeat me

"S-sorry got distracted" trying to look prepared for whatever earful he has in store for me

"Are you even ready, your mind seems to be somewhere else, am I boring you Gemini" I knew this was a trap, my dad's way of showing me that I am incapable of handling simple tasks, I couldn't believe he thought so little of me, I know I have caused him a lot of trouble in the past but it disappointing when he vandalisé me in the presence of others. Nanny Laura walk-in before I could answer, all eyes now on her, giving me enough time to gather my thoughts

"He is here" Sir

"Let him in, thank you nanny Laura" he smiled briefly as he drifted his attention back to the newspaper he was reading

"Dad, I believe the next contract should be signed immediately to avoid...." I was interrupted again, what was the essence of trying when no one even listened to you, I dropped my cutlery in annoyance, and as the sound echoed, they were all startled as they stared at me.

"Good morning everyone" Gustavo greeted addressing my father, my stepmom, Tiara, and I. My attention briefly shifted to Gustavo, who had brought some documents over for my father. As always, he excluded a captivating aura of handsomeness. His Emerald Green eyes were relentlessly piercing, rendering him perfect in my eyes.

I found myself stealing glances at his toned torso, which was accidentally revealed as the fabric of his pristine white shirt threatened to rip under the strain. His dark hair was impeccably slicked back, enhancing his overall charm. I could spend hours uninterrupted, merely admiring him, if it wasn't for the wicked stare, Tiara shot my way, quickly reminding me of the situation at hand.

As tension lingered in the room, I let out a cough, hoping to relieve some of the nervousness. My dad's gaze turned wary but he remained focused on scanning through the stack of documents in front of him. Meanwhile, tiara eyes were fixated on Gustavo, a shameful display of admiration.

Amid this awkward silence, my phone chimed, drawing my attention away from the strained atmosphere. Impatiently, I tapped my finger on the perfectly designed dining table, a luxurious gift from one of my dad's numerous foreign clients. As I looked around, I could not help but notice that almost everything in the living room, kitchen, and dining hall had been gifted to my dad by numerous clients, all in an attempt to earn his favor. It struck me as absurd that his insatiable desires for money and fame made him so appealing to others. Mama always said it was a good business strategy, but it seemed to come at the cost of a genuine connection.

I stood up about to take my leave. "Going somewhere" his voice was cold, commanding, my eyes focused on my dad trying to look for a reasonable excuse to get myself out of this house before I lost my mind.

"Yes, I have lectures to attend" I quickly added

"Sit down, I already called Mr. James to cancel all your lectures for today".He must be joking or I misheard him, finally grateful for getting admission to NYU, I thought my days of being in this house and my dad's grips and control were over, but who am I kidding, he made it his life mission to make my life miserable even in college, I barely sleep at the dorm I requested and paid for, I miss two to three classes a day just because my dad always want me around with him on every meeting and business trip, I just clock 20 but yet I feel like my life is over.

"You can't keep doing that, it's my life and I should have a say" my voice fueled with bitterness.

"How dare you speak to your father like that young lady, he is only doing what's best for you and the company. sacrifice must be made" In a sudden burst of anger, I found myself locked in a heated argument with my stepmom. The tension in the room was detectable as her words pierced through me. she defended my father's actions claiming he was looking out for my welfare and the success of the family company but deep down I knew sacrifice shouldn't feel like an obligation, fueled by her words, I raised my voice, demanding her to keep silent.

The entire house fell into a heavy silence as if holding its breath. Gustavo, our calming presence in times of chaos, attempted to intervene. yet my emotions were too overwhelming to be eased, and I brushed off his comforting touch.

"You are being too much, Gemini, how dare you yelled at my mother, you ungrateful bitch" I was taken aback by Tiara's audacity as her disrespectful words hung in the Air. the room grew tense as her spiteful comment echoed through the otherwise calm atmosphere. Fighting back the urge to give a harsh response, I found relief in realizing that distance prevented an immediate confrontation, my father engaged in his work, remained ignorant to the escalating pressure within the room, and was engrossed in the weighty documents sprawled before him. his lack of attention fueled my judgment to maintain self-control in the face of such obvious disrespect.

"That's enough" a thunderous sound interrupted us as we all stared at my father, who was now on his feet, his height was imposing, sending fear among each of us. " Gustavo, Gemini will be learning from you today, do well to teach her the proper ropes and as for you Tiara, watch your tongue" he quickly added as he walked away, nanny Laura followed behind with his briefcase and suit jacket

"Mom, aren't you going to say something" Tiara faced her mom who sat down in anger, her face all red as she stood up, she was an inch close to my face this time, I leaned back a little giving us room.

"You are one lucky spoiled brat, but not for long" Her eyes furrow as she walks away in anger

"Lily"

"Yes ma"

"Prepare my handbag, am going shopping"

I watch her exit the front door, Returning my gaze to Tiara whose eyes bear hatred

"You better watch your back sister, Daddy won't protect you forever" A wicked Grin appears on her face as she heads upstairs

"Who do they think they are, can you imagine those bottom feeders, if not for my father I don't think they would have experienced this luxury, how dare they act big and mighty, what do you think Gustavo" I stood now facing him, his eyes gave me a pitiful stare, I hate it when he looks at me like that, how he makes me feel useless and pitiful, he had no right to pity me, no one does.

"Are you okay Gemini" he tries to touch me as I lean back.

"Don't....don't give me that look, you have no right Okay, you are just like them, so you have no right, everyone should stop treating me like a child, I don't need anyone's pity" My eyes filled with tears, but I held it in, you can't be weak Gemini, try and prove him wrong, you are more than a rich spoiled brat.

I brushed past him, as I headed towards the black Suv parked outside the mansion. I felt like the whole world was against me, but I never expected Gustavo to look at me like I was something to be pitied for. Maybe they all had the right to pity me, I was a laughingstock anyway.

My eyes burn as I try to withhold the burning tears

"Gosh, Mama I miss you" I whispered