Chapter 7

“Get up witch,” Juliet seized the duvet, the sun shine through the half-opened window, goosebumps were all over me as I struggled to get myself warm by tightly hugging myself. 

“Good morning Juliet,” I murmured. Curtsey was on one of the many things Margaret emphasized on. 

“Didn’t you hear me the first time? I said wake up witch.” And I thought Father considering to meet with the Ian’s for a marriage proposal was supposed to brighten her mood. 

I rushed out of the bed and ran like my life depended on it to the kitchen—I wouldn’t take any chances with Margaret, not after getting on the phone with my best friends. 

Oh no, Indiana, I felt like a terrible friend. I always knew I wasn’t entitled to have companies but deep down, I wanted to have friends like a normal young adult. 

As much as I enjoyed cooking, I couldn’t ignore the soreness from running errands. 

“Good morning Father,” I greeted while placing the plates on the wooden family dinning table. 

He hummed in acknowledgement. Juliet was having a big smile on her face like she had done it in life. While Margaret was rubbing the sleep off her face. 

“How was your night?” Margaret asked. 

The question was directed to all of us present it might seemed but Juliet took the privilege, and answered in an annoyingly chirpy voice. “ I had a beautiful dream about my wedding with Allen. It’s going to be lit, and have you seen modern dinners these days? They’re superb! I mean, they have i***a photos of couples kissing in Paris. Imagine Allen and I get to do those---”

While Juliet was gushing over her wedding dinner, I served hot tea to Father and Margaret. Father seemed uninterested in her chatter, while Margaret listened attentively, commenting once in a while. 

Moments like this fooled me into thinking that we were an actual family. Only I wasn’t part of this family, it had always been Juliet, Margaret and Father.

“Care to join us?” 

“No, she is doing just fine darling. She has errands to run don’t you dear?” 

I toyed with the hem of my oversized hoodies and looked down. I didn’t know why I thought that with Father here I could get a clean pass and finally get some rest. But I was wrong, nothing changed. I was still the same old girl that wore hand-me-down from her you her sister, couldn’t hang out with her best friends because of her mom and served food without eating. 

“Yeah, I have some chores I need to attend.” I whispered. 

Margaret smiled. Father said nothing but continue eating his bread and sipping his tea. 

Something came over me and for the first time in like forever I served myself some toast and fetched myself a cup of tea. I was so hungry that my stomach rumbled every few minutes. 

“May I be excused?” I walked out even before I got a reply from any of them. I couldn’t help but let a chuckle out when I got into the kitchen. 

I can’t wait until I tell Indiana and Grace that I defeated and defied the big bad wolf! 

Ever since my two best friends had become aware of Margaret’s mischiefs towards me they had referred to her as the big bad wolf. My mom—sorry Margaret, wouldn’t be happy with me for serving myself breakfast and walking without being excused. 

_____••••____

“Come in,” the butler led us to the gracious mansion overlooking the giant mountain. 

Margaret would’ve much appreciated if I stayed home. But because Father hadn’t finalized the contract, we needed to show the Ian’s how much of a decent family we were. 

“This way sir and madams,” he showed us to an elegant sitting room. The seat were leathery, and the fireplace glowed brightly. Everything about this place was just perfection! 

I was awe struck, standing in the middle of what I considered to be the finest and designated living rooms that I ever knew existed. 

Now I know why Father agreed to Juliet’s marriage proposal. This is the partnership the company needed. 

“Close your mouth Princess. Can’t let a fly get in there now can we?” 

His slender hands clamped my jaw shut. My heart beat escalated, I was breathing heavily. Just when thought I could relish in the warmth he provided I realized we were alone—me and him. 

I wished he could touch me forever, I got a taste of heaven I couldn’t get enough. 

Stay focused! This is Allen Ian, he is an important figure and you’re just—Cheryl.

“Good evening,” I bowed down. The old dark dress of Juliet’s that I wore felt underestimated. 

“Save the courtesy princess,” he whispered in my right ear. His breathe fanned over my tan skin. We were so close that I could feel the heat coming from his face, and we could touch if either of us moved. But we didn’t, we stayed still. His hands finding their way onto my thin shoulders, he kept them there taming me. 

I craved his touch despite having it for the first time. I almost got deceived by the lie but we both knew that he deserved someone better, someone like Juliet—I could easily pass for a maid. 

I tried not to overthink the fact that I was in his territory for a reason—Juliet’s engagement. 

What seemed like seconds or minutes I couldn’t tell, but our sweet encounter came to an end when the butler from before alerted us, “ Mr. Allen, your father and his guests are waiting. We request your presence and you too Miss. Gareth.” 

As if he was never there, he walked away. Allen stepped aside, the paddle of his feet lingering in the air. I fought hard not to stare at his muscled back when he walked. 

He’s Juliet’s. 

“Cheryl,” I could stay all day and listen to his raspy voice. It was un-forgetful.

“You’re beautiful.”