Merger Day

Back at the Centennial Hall, the last preparations for the 15th anniversary were being made, Mr. Hill sighted Jonathan from a distance when he alighted from his car with the dress still in his arms. Furiously, Mr. Hill stormed out of the building and roared at Jonathan, “Why is the dress still with you?”

Jonathan stammered, “Lizzie… she said to return it.”

Mr. Hill's eyes narrowed. "And you obeyed?"

He snatched the dress and stormed towards his car, leaving Jonathan feeling flushed and embarrassed. Back at the penthouse Mr. Hill barged in and Alexis, sensing her dad’s anger went upstairs to her room. He called for Lizzie, his voice laced with anger.

Lizzie’s face flushed with a mixture of fear and defiance and she met his gaze. He saw the tear stains on her cheeks so in a raspy voice, he asked, "Why did you refuse my gift?"

“You hit me, a dress for your party cannot erase the hurt you’ve caused me.” Her voice was steady when she spoke.

Mr. Hill scoffed, “What do you want me to say?