No one thought my father was good enough for my mother anyway, which was mostly because she comes from humongous amounts of money and he wasn't as wealthy as she is—or as accomplished.
If they find out about him leaving for another man, they would look down on us and our family name would be stained completely.
“Good. Make sure it stays that way.”
“I will.”
Of course, I will. Not that I have to try hard anyway; Adaline has made it increasingly clear she wouldn't tell anyone. I still don't understand why. If I were in her shoes, I don't think I would extend her the same courtesy. But then again, I'm a massive bitch.
“In other news …” my mother clears her throat, garnering my attention. “The board of directors can't wait for you to join them next year.”
“Next year? Isn't that a little soon?”
I know absolutely zilch when it comes to my mother's companies, nor am I interested in any of it; I'm just elated that we are successful.
My mother however, wants me to join the company; she wants me to become the next heir and I can't bring myself to tell her I don't want that.
She shakes her head. “I don't think so. You'll be in the university next year; it's perfect.”
It's obvious that she isn't asking me, she's telling me exactly what's going to happen.
Growing up, I was adamant on wanting to open up my own gallery or go to art university after college. However, ever since my father left, my dreams have taken a backseat.
If I don't join the family business, it will give people more reason to gossip and my mother cares quite a lot about what people think. Now more than ever, she needs our reputation to stay intact. So, if I have to give up my dreams to join whatever university she chooses, then so be it.
“When do you think you'll be able to take some time off work?” I ask, changing the subject and she thankfully complies.
“I'm not sure. We are really busy these next few months.”
“It's my cheer tournament soon. Do you think you could make it?” I question gently and flinch mentally when she looks up at me abruptly.
I know the answer. It's always the same, ever since I was twelve.
“I can't.”
Part of me wants to scream, ask her incessantly why she can't come. I'm her only child; I'm all she has, so why can't she show up for me? Is the pain of losing him too much? Is it so unbearable that you can't even see how great I am at something? I want to say all this, but I can't. I never ask her because I know I won't get the answer that I want and I'm so tired of it.
I just nod at my mother, not saying much else. Thankfully, I don't have to speak any longer because the waitress brings out our food just as I realize that my appetite has suddenly disappeared, which is shocking, because I'm a massive foodie.
Instead of devouring the food, I sigh and my eyes follow the waitress as she leaves. Her black shirt is well fitted, hugging her voluptuous curves. She is on the heavy and older side. I can't help but admire how beautiful she is and how alluring her backside is—what am I doing?
I avert my eyes, ignoring the stinging feeling. I did this often. I don't know why, but my eyes become magnetised towards women, no matter where I am. It must be because I'm envious of how attractive some women are. That has to be it.
I shake my head, pick up my knife and fork and begin eating. Anything to distract me from staring at anyone else. God! Going out for lunch is really mentally exhausting sometimes.
***
Lunch ended some time ago, I had to bid my mother goodbye because she has yet again another business trip to go on.
As for me, I've just pulled up to my house in my Maserati Quattroporte—my first and last car.
Anytime I'm fatigued or stressed, I sit in my car. It's my most prized possession.
No one is allowed to eat and/or drink in my car, nor is anyone besides me allowed to drive it. I remember once when Kai ate a granola bar in the passenger seat and I threw him out and made him walk back.
Before I fall asleep in the car, I get out. I'm not sure why I'm so exhausted. It must be because of cheerleading practice this morning; it was very intense.
I walk into my house and the maids come running towards me like they usually do and I just shoot them a soft smile, signalling that I can take care of myself. Thankfully, they walk back into the kitchen and give me my space.
