Chapter 3
Greene family.When Sue returned home, Sharon Greene greeted her as soon as she entered the door."Sue, how's it going? Did you fulfill it?"Sue pursed her lips and raised her head to look at the so-called mother in front of her, who would force her to do such a thing last night.She said coldly, "I call you mom, even though you're not my biological mother, I've always respected you, but can you really... no. Why do you want this title so much?""Sue, why will you talk to your mother in that manner? If the family hadn't adopted you, you would have starved to death on a back alley street long ago. After all, you are now the daughter of our family.You want all the benefits, but you don't want to suffer a little loss? Being able to be touched by someone from the Mason family is a blessing you cultivated in your previous life. " says Alexa who trembles with rage as she talks to Sue"Alexa, you are engaged to the eldest son of the Masons. But you are not clean, and you are afraid that the Masons will find out and use me as a shield. Now you are saying such excessive things. Don't you have any conscience?""Who is unclean? To tell you the truth, do you know why I didn't want to go last night? It's because I know that the people arranged by that family to check are not big or young at all, maybe someone like a gardener or bodyguard, and it's not my wish for me, Miss Sue, to be slept with by a gardener!"Sue thought that she had to replace her because her body was not clean, but it turned out that she didn't want to commit herself to the inferior.The injustice she's facing all because a despicable family took her in and gave her warmth...Alexa folded her arms around her chest, seeing Sue's angry face with a proud look, "If it were him, how could I not be willing. It didn't look like Ford Mason, are you disappointed? Could it be that you really want to be touched by your future brother-in-law? What a vile woman!" Alexa taunts her further and makes Sue only angrier.There were still some mottled red marks on Sue's neck, and Alexa kept mocking her "You, it seems like it was quite intense to have sex with that despicable man last night, and he pretended to be steadfast, look at you. It's just shit at the bottom of it."Sue was uneasy. She was disgusted when she was asked to do such a thing. But because her mother kept begging, how could she not agree?The actions of the Greene family made her even more disgusted. Her family and Mrs. Mason seemed to have some grudge, and she became the sacrifice, and Sharon lied to her."What are you staring at? You've been eating and drinking in my house for so long, what's wrong with your body already? It might have been unclean by now." Alexa didn't seem to want to stop insulting herSue clenched her hands tightly, and the veins on the back of her petite hands were exposed.Sharon glanced at Alexa, "Lexie, don't say a word, it was Sue who helped you. Even if you don't thank her, you shouldn't treat her with such an attitude, Darling, don't have the same knowledge as your sister."Sue broke free from Sharon's hands and said with a blank face, "Mom, I'm going upstairs.""Okay dear, I will have someone make soup for you, come down and drink something to nourish your body later.""Mom, why are you so nice to her, she's not my sister anyway.""Shut up Lexie." Sharon glared at her, "If she told that family what happened last night, your marriage would be over!Sue locked the door. She was adopted by the Greene family when she was a child, and the family raised her almost like their own child. She has always treated them with gratitude.At that time, Alexa was frail and sickly, so the Greene family was thinking about adopting another daughter. Alexa was afraid that she would take her place, so she was very rude to Sue since she was a child.Forget it, she can forbear for the sake of her parents.Yesterday, my mother said good things, saying that if Alexa's body is not clean and the Masons finds out, the marriage will definitely be called off.Sue couldn't refuse such a mother, even if she exchanged her chastity, it would be regarded as a repayment for the kindness of the family's upbringing.But she never thought that her mother's real purpose was because she wanted her own daughter to remain unblemished and could not bear her daughter being abused by servants, so she lied so Sue could replace her. What she was angry with was not the Masons or others, but the deception of her adoptive mother. It seemed that she was not regarded as part the family from beginning till that point.#And when Alexa was happily preparing to be a bride, a big bolt of news came.James Drayton came in with a look of anger."Dad, what's wrong with you? Why are you so angry?""Husband, is there any news from that family?""Don't mention the Mason family to me! It was clearly said that Lexie and Ford Mason were getting married, so why did it become Harry Mason suddenly?"When it comes to Harry Mason's name, everyone in the family is nervous."Honey, are you mistaken? Everyone knows that Harry is a vegetable. How could it become him from Ford?""The Mason family personally informed me today that Lexie and Harry will get married this month.""What!!! If you want me to marry a vegetative person, doesn't that make me a widow even before I marry him?! Dad, I don't want it! I don't want to marry a vegetative person, I want to marry Ford Mason." Alexa whines like a spoilt brat"Honey, make it clear to the Masons, how can our daughter be allowed to marry someone in a vegetative state?""Mom, I know, it must be that bitch Sue, she must have told that family to replace me, so the family was furious..."Alexa suddenly becomes calculative "...Yes, it must be her fault, I won't marry a vegetative person, and she will marry him instead if I want her to. "Hearing the noise outside, Sue, who went upstairs to her room, heard their conversation, and she walked down quickly."Alexa, do you want to save your face and just keep it in the dark? I didn't say a word last night. I think this is what you get for trying to get everything on a golden platter." Sue shoots at AlexaSue was so angry that she even offered her chastity, but Alexa even spat out insults at her for doing it for her.A sharp slap resounded on Sue's face, James said with a calm face, "How dare you talk to your sister in that way?"Sue covered her face and looked at the few people in front of her, sadness overflowing from her heart."Since you never planned to regard me as family, why did you adopt me then?" Sue went upstairs and locked the door.She gave her most precious things to the family. She didn't expect them to be grateful, but such an attitude was really chilling.Sue locked herself up for a day, until Sharon knocked on the door at night."Sue, you must be starving because you didn't eat lunch. I'll have someone make you what you like. Come down and eat some.""I'm not hungry.""Eat even if you're not hungry. You worked hard last night. I know it all. I am a woman too. That man must be rude. Hey, darling, don't blame your father for being cruel. Mom can't help it either."Sharon persuaded Sue for a long time before she opened the door. Sharon took Sue's hand and said, "Don't be angry with your sister, she has been so bad-tempered since she was a child, come down to eat, the whole family is waiting for you, and your sister is there too. She and I know it was wrong.""Does she really know she's wrong?" Sue was very suspicious.Sharon pulled her downstairs and gave Alexa a look, and she hurried up to meet her."Sue, I was too impulsive in the morning. You know I always like to talk nonsense, please don't mind me.""Look, your sister has apologized to you. It's all about the family. Let's sit down and eat."The enthusiasm of the two, especially Alexa, who had never liked her, and now was so gentle, Sue felt that something was wrong.She was pulled to the table by the two of them, serving her vegetables and soup, which was something she had never received before."Mom, are you trying to say something to me?""Dear, mom won't hide it from you. The Masons have decided to marry into our family and it's Harry. Why don't you marry him instead of your sister.""What!!!" This news was a bolt from the blue for Sue."Mom, isn't this the marriage between my sister and that family? Why is it related to me? How old am I? I won't agree." Sue was going crazy on her seat but she still kept rational.Sharon had a hypocritical smile on her face, "Sue, Darling, you are about to graduate this year, so it's normal to talk about marriage.Besides, what kind of family is the Mason family? Everyone wants to have a relationship with them. If it wasn't for your grandfather's kindness to the family in the past, we wouldn't have this chance. It's your honor to marry into that family. ""I'm not going to get married at such a young age when I've not achieved anything or attached anything to my name. I refuse." Sue argues vehemently and drops her fork angrily"You will marry Harry or you'll leave my house!" James Greene finally speaksA look of great fear passes through Sue's face for a moment and then it's replaced with determination."Its well then. I'll leave so your beautiful daughter can get married to Harry." Sue sharply says and stands up from the table.Alexa looked very scared that if Sue goes, she'll really have to marry Harry but before she speaks, Sue has gone upstairs to pack her belongings.Sue is tired of them all anyway. She'll fend for herself from now on.Packing her bags upstairs, Sue hears a knock on her door. She hesitates before answering."Come in." She says almost inaudiblySharon comes in with a glass of some green liquid. Distrusting, she doesn't take the glass from her. "What do you want? For me to cover for your daughter again?""Drink this. It'll rejuvenate your strength from all the hard work."Sue eyes the glass suspiciously and takes it from her finally. She raises the cup to her lips and take a sip. It tastes funny. She returns the glass cup to Sharon.Sharon smiles slyly. "You know, I was willing to keep you being my daughter until I had to. You've gone ahead and forced me to show my true colours to you."Confused, Sue raises one eyebrow."Oh. You don't understand? Anyway, by the time you wake up, you'll be married to Harry Mason. It only takes very little of that drink to make you pass out."Sue looks angry and betrayed.Suddenly, Sue spits out the green liquid from her mouth. She spits it out completely, grabs a bottl
After a while, Sue exits the office with a long piece of clothing draped over her hands. She calls Tara from the other working room from opposite the main room where she stood with Raya working on some documents not far from her."Ma'am. I already dropped the mini clothes on your desk in your office.""Yeah, I saw them. This is why I called you." Sue unfolds the cloth in her arms.Tara and Raya look at the cloth, positively surprised. "Is this...?" Raya trails off, apparently recognizing the cloth as what she started but gave up on a few days ago.The flowery pattern of the gown remained very beautiful and yet the flay had lace attached at the bottom. Giving it a classical yet trendy look."This is extremely beautiful boss." Tara comments gleefully."Thanks dear. And Raya..." Sue turns to face Raya who couldn't take her eyes off the gown still held out in Sue's hands."Yes?""Don't ever give up on any piece of clothing. Little adjustments here and there just might a mighty difference
Many hours later, Sue stands up from her chair and stretches her back. Still not done with that one cloth she's currently working on, she indulgently smiles and lifts Ash from her sea of toys.She was slightly surprised that the little girl didn't disturb her much through the course of her work and neither did she ask for food. Sue cradles her in her hands as she takes her to a proper bed in the corner of her workstation. "Such a mature baby you are." Sue whispers as she pats Ash's cheeks tenderly. The cute girl smiles in her sleep and adjusts her sleeping position.As Sue makes to leave, she feels a small pull on her smallest finger. Ash was holding on to it. Sue melts down beside her daughter and kisses her finger.After sometime, Sue sleeps off at the feet of her child's small bed.Hours later, but what seems like just minutes to Sue, Ash wakes her up, crying.Sue fully wakes up and grabs her. "What is it bear?"Ash quiets down and reduces her tears to sniffles. Ash makes a face a
Sue arrives at her workplace and parks her car, grabs the cloth from the backseat and goes inside. Raya and Tara are engaged in a conversation."Hi boss." Tara greets, extra friendly.Sue raises an eyebrow. "What are you both up to?""Oh us? We were just in the middle of a simple bet.""I'm interested. What are you getting on and how much?" Sue asks, genuinely interested since there's still more than enough time before Wendy arrives."Well, we bet on the cloth. Whether it'll be completed or not.""Oh. Who bet for completed and who bet on it being incomplete?"Tara hurriedly raises her hands. "I believe in you. I know you'd have completed it so I bet on the cloth being completed. I can't wait to see it." Tara chips fast and happily.Raya just chuckles. "Well, I bet on the opposite of what she laid her bet on. You have a child to take care of. And your own health too, there's a limit to what you could have done in less than fifteen hours.""Hm. How thoughtful. Well, Tara, she's right. I
"Welcome. Hope the ride down here wasn't a tedious one?" Sue asks Wendy as she welcomes her into the small but airy room where the mannequin stood, though draped over with a large piece of clothing."Not at all. There's a lot of beautiful scenery around here that made it enjoyable even."Sue is quite relived that Wendy seems to be in a good mood."Alright then. I know you're a busy person so I'll make this short. On that mannequin over there is the dress I want you to model on my behalf." Sue explains after Wendy takes her seat."Hm hm. Let's see it then."Outside the door stoop Raya and Tara who are eavesdropping, wanting to know what the outcome of the meeting will be.Back inside. "I have to let you know first. The dress is still in the stages of being made so it might not look it's best for now but I assure you it'll be much better when it's done.""Alright. You're keeping me very curious or is that part of it?" Wendy jokes lightly and Sue laughs."Not at all. Well, here it is the
The show has started and from the back, Sue can hear the murmurs of the audience.She finds Wendy who's fully dressed and just getting finishing touches to her makeup."What's up Sue? You look elated.""I figured what the missing piece is. Tara, get me a handheld needle and cream thread. Hurry."Wendy only looks on, puzzled and curious as to what the missing piece is.Tara soon appears with the asked for materials in her hands. "Here it is boss.""Wendy, could you please stand up for a second? I need to make just a tiny adjustment to the hem of the dress."Wendy obeys without question and stands up. Sue bends down and sows the hem of the gown up three joints. She joins three layers of gown and holds them together loosely.She does it in two parts. As soon as she's done, Wendy looks down at the gown she's wearing a big smile appears on her face."I knew it... You were certainly worth the time and energy.""There's just one thing I need you to do on the stage. You see this thread, pull
The next day, all is packed and ready for travel. Sue is leaving for Atlanta with Ashley.Sue is somewhat apprehensive and really hopes that she goes and comes back without meeting anybody from her past. The flight is set for two pm in the afternoon so by 1pm, Sue, Ashley and her two assistants are already at the airport, sitting at the waiting area. "Don't slack while I'm gone. Make as many pieces you can and keep me updated about what's happening here."They both nod."Is there any way we can convince you to not go? Its not safe. I read a deleted article yesterday about a company that was squashed a year ago for complaining about being plagiarized." Raya tries to convince Sue to not go"I understand your fears. Ash's Glam is all I have. I won't let it go down like this. And I hope not, but if it does, at least I'll put up a fight. And I have positive support on my side, everyone knows in the fashion industry that it's something they do regularly so I'll be fine." Sue reassures them
"STOP THAT WOMAN!" The fluid and authoritative order rang deep in Sue's ears as she desperately tries to leave that damned hall.But unfortunately, several security men fan out around her and impede her movement. Slowly they close in on her. Scared, Sue just holds Ashley to her chest. The little girl doesn't even look scared but just curious as she just looks around with a small pout.The security men open a path that leads directly to that man. Ford Mason. But whose identity is still a mystery to Sue. Sue hesitantly walks out of the circle she's enclosed in and comes face to face with Ford."Why did you run?" He asks her indifferently. Ashley just chuckles on Sue's shoulder and tries to hold out her hand to be carried. Sue only tightens her hands further, stopping Ashley."I did not run. I had to leave.""Why did you have to leave?" He asks again, looking disinterested but interested at the same time. Sue simply shrugs. "Can't I leave a place when I want to?""Fine, you can. But w
* Years later*Sue opens the door, laughing widely and happily."Welcome home guys. I'm happy to be hosting the Christmas Dinner this year. You guys should come on in."Darlene comes in first, Harry behind heTwor and then Tanya, all of whom give her hugs as they enter, all of them beaming."It's been quite a while Mum." Sue remarks as she hugs Darlene.Darlene tips her hat, "what can I say? I've been out traveling the world with my husband. All my children are old enough to take care of themselves so I deserve some respite.""Speaking about that, where's Wade?""I'm guessing he's fighting with the baskets we came with. They are yours by the way and my babies. Where are they?""Inside, with their Dad. He seems to be the only one they take clothes from these days, just like Ashley when she was little. I learnt to adapt." She smiles, her beauty showing no sign of fatigue or fading.Tanya walks around, smiling at the beautiful frames on the wall, saying nothing.Harry is on a call on the c
At the party after the wedding ceremony, everyone puts on their dresses according to the theme as decided by Holly and Darlene.And Egyptian times were known mostly for the gold in their clothes and fine linens so there was a flash of gold coming from everywhere.But when Sue came in, there was no gold that matched hers, none was as luxurious and elegant as her own, along with the modest yet exquisite accessories laid in her hair.And none shone the brightest.It was really giving the Cleopatran vibe as everyone expected.As they will say, Sue ate and left no crumbs.When it comes to the time to throw flowers, every single person was arranged behind Sue, all, or most, eager to catch the flower and decide their future for themselves in marriage.At the back, it included Tara, Raya, Marshall was forced there by Ford against all his own wishes, Tanya and Harry, forced in there by their mum, Darlene and Holly too, giggling like children how they would not mind a man at their age, Ella, Ear
Dignitaries from fear and near, important people from inside and outside the country all attended the wedding.It was tagged that one wedding that will be me remembered for years to come.Holly and Darlene really outdo themselves, making sure that everything is in place and then leaving Sue and Ford to just simply enjoy their day.Very early in the morning, people have started to arrive and upon closer look, they are no ordinary set of people.There was a special guest that threw everyone off the bat.Very early that day, a long black limousine shows up, bearing a ton of gifts and simply a letter with it.At the time, only the residents and family members are around, also the working staff, doing last minute touches to the outdoor wedding venue.Sue receives the flowers and the other gifts and then the letter. She thanks the deliverers and tears open the letter, she reads the letter to the slow widening of her family's eyes and surprise.Even she herself had to gasp."This is signed Sa
It's Ford's turn to facepalm, although there's a hint of hidden laughter on his face. "We'll deal with you two later. Let's attend to the reporters so we can get some rest, what do you think?"Sue nods, agreeing. "Please.""Attention please. Come this way if you have questions. We'll answer them to the best of our abilities."This grabbed all attention towards the couple who stand side by side, Ford's large hands enclosing Sue's in his. "So we heard you have questions for us?""Is a wedding really happening? I mean you're two influential families. Don't you want to give a chance to others?"They all laugh."Well, what can we say when fate drew us to one another? I can't swap her for the world and I'm sure it's a mutual feeling." Ford responds, gently squeezing Sue's hand.Sue nods slowly by his side, her smile infectious."Another question. What will happen to your businesses when you marry? Ms Sue has her own company and you do yours and Ms Sue's family has hers too. It's a lot. Woul
For the next few weeks, all Holly and Darlene saw of their children and grandchild was video calls and posts on their social media accounts.They had tons of fun, not wanting it to end.They visited many states, including Dallas where everyone got to go to a Cowboy festival where they had rodeo drives and roasted pigs and kicked up as many dusts they could on themselves and others while riding horses and when simply running around, having fun.For the first few days after the incident that shook the whole family so much, Ashley was a little sad and scared. Every minute, she would shake without reason, like a sudden gust of wind was blown on her and it worried everyone so much until they went on their vacation where Ashley was always within eyeshot. Everyone had eyes on her and others, ready to make another lesson of anybody who tries to try shit with them as an individual and as a family as a whole.For a whole month, they visited every amusement park, every theme park, every Five Mi
Ford stands with the Chief of the Police Force as they both watch the body get covered and the ambulance leaves with the other.The chief barks out orders to his men and they respond with gusto and then he faces Ford and smiles warily. "What really happened here?""They both had kidnapped my daughter and sister. I wanted to teach them a lesson but I didn't even get to. Brian got his hand shot off by Angela while she fell through that window all on her own. I guess the guilt from shooting her partner was too much but I don't think she'd want to die so the falling must have been an accident." He explains, meeting the Chief's eyes very bravely and squarely."Hm, I see. So that's what happened. We'll get the body to the morgue while the man will be taken to the hospital. I never thought I'd see a severed hand like that, it looked so roughly pulled or torn apart. Do you know about that?"Ford shakes his head. "As soon as Angela fell, I and my assistant both left the room, hoping we could s
Angela backs towards the window while Sue walks forward as well, scalpel in hand.*Hours later, Ashley is asleep with Sue holding her close to her chest, rocking her as she sleeps.She doesn't even notice when Tanya comes into the room, her face wet with tears, tears of mixed feelings.Sadness and Happiness at the same time.Tanya sits beside her and touches Sue's shoulder ever so slightly. "You know it is not your fault right? Those bastards must have known one way or the other that whatever happened was a result of their own choices."Sue tries to smile. "It's not that actually but thanks for being here with me..." Sue glances at Ashley as the girl snuggles closer to her, putting her head on her inner arms. Sue turns to Tanya and smiles appreciatively. "You know, I never had the opportunity to adequately thank you for what you did even after you got beaten while doing it. I really owe you a lot."Tanya smiles widely. "You don't need to thank me. It's what any human would have done,
James picks up Ashley from the ground, trying to calm and stop her from crying and at the same time, noticing the soft bump on the door.The door opens and out comes Marshall, who barks at one of the two men who came up with him. "Call the authorities! Immediately." He goes back in and closes the door behind him again.James tried to peep in through the open crack but he didn't see anything other than Marshall's body blocking the door and the light in the room.Who had been shot?No one knows, all except those inside.*Holly laughs excitedly as she licks off the upper part of the ice cream she's holding, and Darlene cracking jokes jokes beside her."And then I go, oh my goodness, I didn't switch on the electric cooker after putting the water on for over two hours..."Holly only laughs the more. "How did you not know?""Seriously. I felt like an idiot. All after bragging that I can make a world known chef. A world known chef who forgets to switch on the cooker.""Yeah, you're well on
Terribly shaking and nervous as she stares at the dark muzzle of the gun pointing at her head, Angela walks straight for the door after pulling the key out of her chest.Shakingly, she puts the key in the lock and turns it open."Open the door."Angela pulls down the knob and opens the door just as Marshall and two men enter the boutique.All the noise and ruckus has attracted people who weren't there just minutes before and now there were people peeping in through the boutique's glass windows.Angela steps out first, Sue follows behind her and then James.When the crowd sees the gun, there's a collective gasp.Marshall walks to meet her. "Would you like me to handle that?"Sue smiles at him, "Don't worry, I've got this. I'm sure if I don't kill her, I can at least ruin her pretty face." Sue says quite loudly and just as much as she knows people's weak points, she'll bet everything that Angie's weak points is her looks.Her hands still up, Sue nudges her into the other room, she enters