Chapter 24
Around six in the chilly evening, beautiful people started arriving with their luxury cars, entering the mansion of the Castigados. Their jewelry sparkling like their glittering dresses, their expensive laughs and giggles echoing.
From Verna’s room, Stella could hear them all. Her hands were sweating while the hair dresser was doing her hair. Sure there are so many people, she expected that but being in the moment is not the same at all. The make up artist kept struggling which look is best on her in respect of her dress’ design.
“Would you like a heavy make up?” the makeup artist asked her. “I’m troubled with wings or no wings. Both wou
In front of the full length mirror, Stella did a turn, giggling at her sparkling dress. With the make up and her expensive dress, she sure does look like one of those beautiful people. Not to forget her shoes Verna bought her which matches with her dress. They weren’t that high but she is always used to flats.Just a second after, she heard a knock on the door and she turns. There she sees Charles against the doorway with an attractive smile on his face.“How long have you been standing there?” she asked, her cheeks pinkish from his gazes. For all she knows, he could have seen her adoring the dress.“Not quite long,” he answered.
There were countless shaking hands that happened. Somehow, it exhausted Stella, introducing herself over and over again. There are some seconds in which she thought they know her by the glitters from everything she's wearing than her name. Charles' girlfriend, they'd address her as."May I excuse myself?" Stella whispered to Charles' ear. She is having headaches from being around them too much."Going to the bathroom?" he asked, looking at her."Just up for a--""Felius!" Someone shouted and everyone looked one way.There, she saw who they call the most powerful businessman in the country, the one and only, Felius Castigado. He was walking mightily towards them. Every now and then someone would greet him. Stella's heart began racing in her chest."After I introduce you to him, we can go."The great Felius still has a charming smile despite the wrinkles. Like a celebrity, he waved and shook hands with people. Stella thought that
The guest were all heading out when Charles finally found Stella. She had a big smile on her face and he sighed heavily, making his way to her."When were you? I've been looking everywhere for you.""I snuck out of the garden," she answered, her face glowing. "There are lots of plants! And guess who I met?""You met someone?" His brows raise."Uh-huh," she nodded, "I'll tell you all about it in the room. Can I go upstairs now? My feet aren't used to these heels just yet.""Yeah, sure. I'll follow."Stella didn't say anything and rushed upstairs. Charles was left to wonder why she seemed so energetic. Who the hell did she meet? It won't be Jason. She said she finds him annoying.So, Charles went to bid the other guests goodbyes. They do that after a party. The host would be at the door receiving everyone's pleasure in being invited by the Castigados.After all the guests left the Castigado's mansion, Felius is again welcomed by
"When are we parting?" Those words rippled inside of Charles' head. He didn't expect that she would bring it up just right after the party. Yes, they can break the contract since the important part is done but if Felius says they want them to stay, they have to."Are you in a hurry to end this?" he asked with a straight face. The room started to get gloomy. It smells of business. "I did say a month.""It's to prepare myself," she answers. "I'm not in a rush."Charles looks down, thinking what else could prevent this. He doesn't want to let her go just yet."If you want the remaining balance, I can--""No! Why are you even mentioning that right now?""Well, we're talking about the deal. It can't be helped." Stella was giving him this frustrated look but he couldn't quite get it if she wants it to end so bad or... "Listen, we'll know tomorrow. If it's okay to leave, we'll part ways.""Alright," Stella softly said. She stand up and
Early in the morning and all of the Castigado's family members are sitting comfortably at the table. Stella was among them on her normal seat, just waiting for the breakfast to get started. Felius and Crolletta came last and sat at their usual seats.Now it was normal for them to greet each other a good morning before the maids serves their breakfast. Stella was happy to see Crolletta and their eyes met. She smiled at the old woman and Crolletta smiled back at her."May I request for Stella to change seats?" Crolletta asked all of a sudden which caught everyone's attention. "If it's not quite a bother."At the request of their grandmother, Trixie exchanges seat with Stella. Jennie plastered an evil smirk which Stella saw as she sat down in her new seat. Looks like Jennie thinks she's in trouble."Good morning, Stella. Have you had a good sleep?" Crolletta asked her. The maids were still serving the food and they have time to talk."Good morni
Charles just arrived at his office, closing the door behind him when he saw Andrea sitting in front of his desk. Her long flawless legs were displayed and her eyes seductively stared at him. A smirk then formed on her lips as she gets off the table and walks like a model to him."Good morning, baby boy!" she greeted Charles, wrapping her hands around his neck. "Did you have a good night?""Better than you'd expect," he answers nonchalantly, taking off her arms just casually and walking past her. "What are you doing in my office so early, Andrea?""I do this before!"Charles didn't know he'd deal with this bullshit this early though he had seen this coming when she announced her return. He sighed heavily as he sat down."Time changes, Andrea. I ask you to leave my office if you have no more to say."But Andrea scoffed away Charles' words and folded her arms across her chest. Then she walked toward him, slamming a hand on his
In the garden, Stella and Crolletta decided to plant more Vietnam roses to the sides. While they were doing it, Stella could not help but be quiet, thinking about Jason's words. Little did she know Crolletta kept glancing at her."Are you alright, my dear?" the old woman asked Stella, snapping her back to reality.Stella immediately turned and plastered a smile, shaking her head side to side. "Yes, granny. I might just be missing Charles," she lies."Oh, my! Well, my grandson is blessed to have you, Stella.""I wouldn't say that." Stella looks away. She's just somebody who happened to stumble into Charles. They don't know each other that well and they'll be breaking up soon too."Why would you say such a thing, dear?" Crolletta's voice was soft and comforting. "Enlighten me.""Well... Charles is very charming, very caring and thoughtful. He's stubborn and annoying too but he is sweet like a cake candy." She stops to softly laugh
Charles just came home and at the door, Marie greeted him with a wide smile. He frowned as this doesn't happen often. She was like a little kid, wanting to show her father something she found."Is something up? What are you grinning about, Marie?""I saw something earlier, Charles!" she excitedly squealed, tip-toeing for a second."What? Saw some bugs? A caterpillar perhaps?" Well, he knows Marie loves insects and she keeps them in a jar in her room. "Maybe a centipede this time?""Ugh, Charles!" Marie rolls her eyes. "Centipedes are not insects! And no! I saw your girlfriend talking to my brother near the staircase. They were shaking hands."His jaw instantly tightened. Stella said she would not get closer to Jason so why is he hearing this? And from Marie of all people. Her excitement is something fishy to him."Did your brother tell you to report to me what you saw?" he asked with a straight face."No," she replies, shaking her hea
Andrea has been shouting inside her room, breaking and throwing everything out of order. She is furious right now that she’s ruining everything and hurting herself is even an option for her.Because she hired someone to stalk Stella, now it made way for their family to come back to together. Andrea didn’t just fail in taking her life but also taking her son. Now everyone in the Castigado is happy because of that kid!“I want you all dead!” Andrea shouted, throwing another vase at the wall. It shattered and she laughed like a maniac. She was well aware that she wasn’t like this before but she could not control herself anymore.In Andrea’s mind flashes different images in which Stella, her son, and that daughter are killed. Blood was dripping from them and she laughed like the devil that Jason once called her.She took her phone dialing that special number that she once hired. Four years ago, she decided to delete this number but she didn’t know why she kept it. And now, it is clear to
When Stella and Charles arrived home, Stella was so surprised to see Casper getting along with everyone super fast. Everyone was surrounding him while Amunie was talking with Trixie. It seems liked everything worked out just fine for everyone.“Mom!” Amunie noticed their arrival. Casper and Amunie run to gave her a hug like they always do and she hugged them back. It was like the first time she was there, they were all looking at her weirdly.The funny part was they all went and said they were sorry they didn’t do anything. Stella was just afraid of nothing. Even Charles’ parents thought they were back together now.They also said the little boy had told them everything and now she didn’t have to explain to them what happened five years ago. Stella really didn’t have the intention to explain herself that time anyway.But, she was glad that everyone welcomed Casper and Amunie in the family. It was something that she wanted primarily, that they are treated right.“Stella!” And that voic
Jason, Stella and Vanessa are all waiting for Charles to come. Unfortunately for Jason, Charles insisted on coming to get Stella and driving her home so explaining to the family why she’s back there is smooth.As soon as Charles arrived, the criminals and the victim met with each other for the first time since that issue happened. It was a littel awkward, especially for Vanessa but thank fully they didn’t have to stay for a lot of time. They needed to hurry home.While Charles and Stella were in another car, Jason is with Vanessa. Their car was at the back of them and Jason can’t help but be silent with the fact that he’s still hurting to see Stella with Charles.Vanessa noticed that part. She didn’t know if it was a time for her to joke around, to lighten the mood or just simply let Jason feel his pain. She was well aware that Jason has feelings for Stella.“Quit staring at me like I’m a pathetic loser, Vanessa.”She immediately faced front, fixing her composure. Then she cleared her
“Where are we going, uncle Jenkins?” Casper asked. Nobody said anything to him. He just noticed how Amunie was acting weird earlier, looking all worried and all and now his uncle Jenkins is driving him somewhere.“Do you ever wanted to see your great grandmother, Casper?”It made his little mind wonder. To see his great grandmother? Are they going to see her?“Am I going to get introduced to her, uncle Jenkins?”“To everyone, Casper,” Jenkins answered. “You are staying in the mansion for the time being until we fixed the problem.”It shocked Casper to have heard that. At the mansion? Her mother don’t want to come back in that place ever again so why?“Does mother know about this, uncle Jenkins?”“Yes, she does. You don’t have to worry about hurting your mother’s feelings. She agreed on this. And this will keep you safe as well.”“What is this problem that you need to fix?”“It’s not a kid’s problem anymore, Casper. Trust us on this, okay?”Casper nodded. In his head, he still has so m
In the front desk, Stella and Vanessa asked to go see Jason. At first the lady didn’t allow them to go meet Jason since they didn’t have prior appointments but then Vanessa texted Jason. He called the lady in the front desk and let them enter.They were like careless teenagers forgetting to ask which floor, it was a good thing Stella’s been there. She visited Jason once with Jenkins.The moment they arrived outside the door, Jason’s secretary welcomed them both in. The kind mam even opened the door for them and they head inside. They immediately saw Jason on his desk, sitting like the boss that he is, looking at them with a poker face.“So, what are you two doing in here? You’re not trying to invite me in a reunion party, right?”“Tch!” Vanessa scoffed, walking to the side and sat down on a chair. “We were at the shop talking for hours when this guy started looking at us in a maniac way.”“Is this true?” Jason asked Stella.“How dare you!” Vanessa yells when Jason didn’t believe her.
Vanessa is really nervous, pinching her own fingers over and over again. She is to meet up with Stella, finally and she came an hour earlier because she’s excited and at the same time really nervous. She’s the reason for all of this.“Five minutes more,” she uttered, glancing at her wristwatch once again. Her hands were shaking really bad.“Vanessa.” When she looked up, she saw Stella. She was so different from the old Stella that she knew. This in front of her was glamorous.“St-Stella! Hi!” She exclaimed and abruptly stand up, still snapping out of her shock. Vanessa’s heart just keeps pounding that although she opens her mouth to speak, there was no voice coming out.Then just nowhere, Stella wrapped her arms around Vanessa. All Vanessa’s worry annihilated. The storm in her mind became clear and calm. All she could do was cry softly.“Thank you for coming to my rescue five years ago,” Stella cries as well. “I have not thanked you enough for that day because I had to go hide. I was
When Casper finally calmed, he could not stop but be talkative with Charles. They kept talking and talking. Stella could just watch her son being alive.“Casper is in cloud nine right now,” Amunie whispered to Stella. “I bet he is really happy.”“Yes, he is.” Stella smiled. Amunie and her was washing dishes but they can hear Casper’s giggles. “Are you okay now with the Castigado, mom? Or are you still not convinced to bring Casper there?”Right that takes Stella back to Crolletta and the rest. Earlier she realized, it’s not important anymore what Crolletta and the others will do.“I can’t keep him a secret anymore. I’ll just have to protect him with my life, Amunie. Whatever God decides our faith, then be it. I won’t have regrets.”Charles stayed with Casper the whole afternoon until the little guy just fell asleep for his nap. It surprised Stell how he fell asleep so fast and then Amunie told them that he was awake late at night. Guess Casper really wanted to meet Charles that bad.S
Back in Akane, Casper in his room stays wide awake even though it’s past midnight. He was just staring at his ceiling filled with different sizes of glow in the dark stars. He designed them himself but it didn’t make him happy.He wonders if he believed in shooting stars, does that make him a normal boy? If he wished to them, will his wishes come true?Actually, there’s only one wish that he wanted so bad to come true. It’s to meet his father. He tries to keep it a secret from Stella because he loves her mother and he knows the pain she goes to everyday.Tomorrow, if his uncle Jenkins’ plan went out fine, he will be able to meet his father in the airport. But if it failed, then tomorrow, it is Stella that he will come get at the airport.He doesn’t mind to be kept as a secret to everyone just not to his father.***The very next day, Casper was let down when he was told by Amunie not to get out of the car and just wait for Stella in the car. Casper didn’t have a choice and watch in the
On the other side of the elder’s place was Charles. The old man was giving these small wine glasses and he knows having just around two of those will get him drunk. He tries to refuse but he ended up having a drink. It was too strong.“I know what you are here for, young man!” the old man exclaimed. He has this loud voice when they are just in front of each other. Charles thinks it’s the old people's thing. “You are here for the silk! The old woman from earlier will not allow you!”“So I have been told a couple of times, gramps!” he needed to louder his voice too because the old man is kinda deaf. “But I am not entirely here for the silk. I’m here for my woman.”Then the old man’s laughter echoed across the room again. He lifted the bottle and filled his cup. And immediately drank it.“Your woman? That beautiful lady earlier with you?” the old man continuously asked. “She doesn’t seem to be fond of you!”“We were once in love!”“Once!” the old man repeated. “She is not anymore, is she