CHAPTER 18

I stormed into the kitchen, still fuming from the altercation with Sofia. Mrs. Jenkins, our loyal housekeeper, looked up from her work, concern etched on her face.

"Aries, dear, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and walked over to her. She drew me close, her arms enveloping me in a warm hug.

"What's going on, child? What was all that commotion about?"

I took another deep breath, letting it all out.

"Sofia barged into my room, disrespected me, and slapped me. I slapped her back, and then Mrs. Victoria came in and took her side, as usual."

Mrs. Jenkins' expression turned stern, her eyes flashing with anger.

"That young lady needs to learn some manners," she muttered. "And Mrs. Victoria needs to stop coddling her."

I nodded, feeling a sense of validation.

"I know, right? It's always the same. Sofia gets away with everything, and I'm the one who gets in trouble."

Mrs. Jenkins held me at arm's length, her eyes searching mine.

"You can't let them get to you, Aries. You're a strong, capable young woman. Don't let their drama bring you down."

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "I won't, Mrs. Jenkins. I'll stand up for myself, no matter what."

Mrs Jenkins smiled, her eyes warm with approval. "That's my girl. Now, how about a cup of tea and a cookie? You look like you could use a little pick-me-up."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this kind, wise woman. "Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins. That sounds perfect".

Mrs. Jenkins led me to the kitchen table, her movements warm and comforting. She pulled out a chair for me and gestured for me to sit down. I did, feeling a sense of relief as I sank into the soft cushion.

Mrs. Jenkins bustled over to the counter, her hands moving with a quiet efficiency. She lifted a delicate china teapot and poured a steaming cup of tea into a matching cup.

The aroma of Earl Grey wafted up, soothing my frazzled nerves.

Next, she opened a glass jar filled with an assortment of cookies - chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter.

She offered me the jar, and I chose a chocolate chip cookie, the softness of the dough and the sweetness of the chocolate which was a perfect comfort.

Mrs Jenkins smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I knew you'd like that one," she said, setting the jar down in front of me.

She sat down across from me, her tea in hand.

"Now, tell me more about what happened with Sofia," she said, her voice gentle but probing.

I took a sip of my tea, feeling the warmth spread through my chest, and began to recount the events leading up to the altercation.

Mrs. Jenkins listened attentively, her expression growing increasingly stern as I spoke.

When I finished, she nodded thoughtfully. "You did the right thing, standing up for yourself," she said.

"But next time, try to keep your cool, okay? No need to let Sofia get under your skin."

I nodded, taking another sip of my tea.

I finished my tea and cookie, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. I looked at Mrs. Jenkins, who was watching me with a warm smile.

"I think I'm going to head to my room now," I said, standing up from the table.

Mrs Jenkins nodded, her expression turning serious. "Be careful, Aries," she said, her voice low and gentle. "Take care of yourself, okay? If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this kind woman. "I will, Mrs. Jenkins," I said. "Thanks for listening and the tea and cookie. It helped."

Mrs Jenkins smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, dear," she said. "That's what I'm here for. Now, off to bed with you. You've had a rough day."

I nodded, feeling a sense of exhaustion, I hugged Mrs Jenkins tightly, feeling a sense of comfort and security in her warm embrace.

"Thanks again, Mrs. Jenkins," I whispered.

Mrs. Jenkins patted me on the back, her hand warm and soothing. "Get some rest, Aries," she said. "Things will look better in the evening"

I hugged Mrs. Jenkins tightly, feeling a sense of comfort and security in her warm embrace. Then, I let go and headed towards the kitchen door. I had a meeting with Mr. Jack, my mother's secret lawyer, and I needed to be prepared.

I walked through the doorway and into the quiet hallway, my footsteps echoing softly on the floor.

As I reached the stairs, I glanced at the clock on the wall. I had a few hours before I met with Mr. Jack, and I needed to get ready. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of purpose rising within me.

I climbed the stairs, my hand trailing on the bannister. I reached the top of the stairs and turned down the hallway, my eyes fixed on the door to my room.

I pushed open the door and stepped inside, feeling relieved. My room was quiet and peaceful.

I walked over to my closet and opened the door, scanning the rows of clothes hanging inside. I needed to dress professionally for my meeting with Mr. Jack.

As I scanned the rows of clothes hanging in my closet, I talked to myself, weighing my options.

"Okay, Aries, what do I need to wear to impress Mr. Jack? Something professional, yet confident. Not too flashy, but still shows I mean business."

I ran my eyes over the dresses, considering each one.

"No, not the red one, too bold. Not the yellow one, too bright. Ah, the black pencil skirt and white blouse, are perfect. Classic and professional."

I took out the outfit and held it up against myself, checking my reflection in the mirror.

"Yes, this is it. I look confident and capable. Just what I need to face Mr. Jack and get some answers."

I put on the outfit, smoothing out any wrinkles. "Okay, shoes. What shoes go with this?" I scanned my shoe rack, considering my options. "Ah, the black pumps. Elegant and professional. Just what I need to complete this outfit."

As I slipped on the shoes, I gave myself a final once-over in the mirror. "Yes, I'm ready. I look professional, confident, and capable. Bring it on, Mr. Jack."

I took a deep breath, quickly grabbed my bags and headed out of my room, feeling a sense of determination and purpose.

I walked down the stairs, my heels clicking on the hardwood floor. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw Mrs. Jenkins standing in the foyer, a warm smile on her face.

"Hey, Mrs. Jenkins," I said, walking over to her. "I'm heading out now. I have a meeting, I need to get going".

Mrs Jenkins nodded, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Okay, dear. Be careful, and don't forget to be back by 3:30 PM."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. "I will, Mrs. Jenkins. Thanks for reminding me. I'll see you later."

I gave her a quick hug and headed out the door.

As I walked out to the driveway, I saw Mr. Thompson, my private chauffeur, standing by the car, a professional smile on his face.

"Good morning, Miss Aries," he said, opening the door for me. "Where can I take you today?"

"I need to go to the mall, please," I said, getting into the car.

"I have a meeting with a friend, Can you drop me off there?" I lied I could not afford anyone to know my whereabouts.

Mr. Thompson nodded, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. "Of course, Miss Aries. We'll be there in no time."

After a few minutes, Mr. Thompson spoke up again. "Miss Aries, we're arriving at the mall now. Shall I drop you off at the entrance?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of readiness. "Yes, please. That would be great."

Mr. Thompson pulled up to the entrance and opened the door for me. "Here you are, Miss Aries. Good luck with your meeting."

I smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Thompson. I'll see you later."