Chapter 9 : Living in Luxury

Next day

Pii pii pii pii

The sharp buzz of his ringtone filled the bedroom. Without hesitation, he reached over and silenced it with a smooth and unhurried movement.

Stretching briefly, he went to the washroom and came out a few minutes later, walking straight to his private gym.

He did a few rounds on the treadmill, some light weights...just enough to wake his body up.

From there, he took a shower. Steam curled through the air as he stepped out with a robe. He went to the kitchen and set his coffee machine to make black coffee.

Then he cracked eggs into a pan, making scrambled eggs and just two slices of toast.

....

Dressed in a tailored black suit, he surveyed his collection of watches and chose the one with sleek silver.

He slipped into his polished shoes, grabbed his keys, and headed straight to the garage. Sliding into his sports car, he listened as the engine purred softly while backing out of the driveway.

…..

At the company entrance, a line of employees waited

Rafael stepped out of his car and handed the keys to a security personnel to park it

"Good morning," he greeted as he walked in..

A few held their breath, some whispering among themselves

The women especially couldn’t help but admire the way he carried himself...refined, confident, yet approachable

Inside, he moved through the office with calm authority, acknowledging each person with a slight nod

"Let’s keep the reports on my desk by noon," he said to his assistant. "And make sure the finance team sends over the revised figures before the meeting," he said as he walk to his office.

"Yes, Sir," they responded almost in unison eager to impress.

"See who decided to finally show up here…" Uncle Robert said as he walked in shortly after, while Rafael sat in his chair.

Rafael leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the polished desk.

He barely spared his uncle a glance

"Uncle Robert," he greeted smoothly as he reached for the documents in front of him. "You sound surprised. Did you think I wouldn't show up?"

Robert chuckled as he stepped further into the office. "Oh, not at all. I just expected you to enjoy your freedom a little longer before burying yourself in all this." He gestured at the neatly stacked files.

Rafael allowed a small smirk to form as he flipped through the documents….he stood up..

I have a meeting soon let me go get ready there…

His Unclel shook his head with a smile as he was impressed

 Rafael walked out without any more word…

….…………

Camillia was already frustrated from all the calls asking about Thersa, making her look weak in front of the other women.

"It’ll take me years to make my name great again… Such rubbish," she said as she threw her phone on the couch.

She paused when she saw a guard leading one of the women from yesterday’s gathering toward the dining area.

Camillia straightened immediately and changed her expression, even though the frustration still burned in her eyes.

The woman, dressed elegantly, offered a small smile and glanced around

"Camillia, dear," she said in a sweet yet pointed tone, her gaze flickering over the room as if assessing it. "I hope I’m not intruding. I was just in the area and thought I’d check in… after all, we were all so worried about your daughter-in-law."

Camillia’s jaw tightened. A bitter smile formed on her lips as she gestured toward the dining table. "Of course, have a seat."

The woman’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as she lowered herself into a chair. "So, how is she now? Yesterday was quite the… spectacle."

Camillia forced a tight smile. "She’s fine," she said but the slight stammer in her voice gave her away. She had planned to spin a believable excuse....something about medication....but before she could continue, the woman’s gaze shifted past her.

"Aww, here comes the weak one," the woman said

Thersa hesitated mid-step, awkwardly making her way toward them. Camillia clenched her jaw but maintained her composure.

The woman sighed dramatically.

"I hope you’ve had enough rest, dear," the woman said as she touched Thersa slightly.

"Come, come sit with us," she added, holding her wrist gently to lead her over.

The maids were already pouring tea...

"How is..." Camillia started, trying to change the whole topic but the woman cut her off

"Last year, I brought my daughter in law to the gathering, and she handled most of the work effortlessly. Not even a hint of exhaustion," she boasted.

Camillia’s fingers curled slightly against the table. "Well," she countered smoothly, "not everyone is accustomed to such events right away. It takes time."

The woman chuckled. "Oh, I understand. Living in luxury can be quite… draining, I suppose."

Camillia’s smile didn’t break but her eyes darkened. "Yes, but real strength isn’t measured by a single gathering. It’s proven over time."

The woman simply sipped her tea"Of course. Time will tell."

The woman adjusted her saree and let out a small sigh. “Oh… you wanted to ask about Eva?” she said, casually running her fingers along her neck. “She’s fine, you know. You wouldn’t even get a moment of peace when you visit their house… grandkids crying here and there, so much life.” She glanced around the quiet room before turning to Camillia with a knowing smile. “You seem to enjoy some peace here, Camillia.”

"Haha, yes, Monica dear… that’s why I have this clear skin even at 50+ with no wrinkles," Camillia said as she throwned a shade back

"Right, right..." The woman smiled awkwardly and adjusted the shawl on her shoulder.

Camillia leaned back slightly, a satisfied smirk on her lips. "Not everyone is blessed with such a stress free life, Monica. Some of us age gracefully, while others... well, let’s just say life takes its toll in different ways."

Monica's smile twitched, but she quickly masked it with a chuckle. "Oh, dear, stress comes from many things...handling responsibilities, running a big family. Some of us don’t have the luxury of endless leisure."

Camillia let out a soft laugh, tapping her manicured fingers on the table. "Luxury? Oh, Monica, I suppose it depends on what you consider luxury. Some of us believe peace of mind is the greatest wealth, don’t you think?"

Monica’s expression subtly hardened. "Of course," she said, her voice just a little tighter.

''She sigh and stood up..I think I have to get going Camillia..'' she said. Without waiting for a response, she turn to walk away..

Camillia tilted her head. "Oh, so soon? I thought you wanted to stay a little longer," she said as stood up to follow her..

Monica paused at the entrance. "Yes, I wish," she said and forced a polite chuckle. "But you know how it is... Kumi will be up by now, and if he doesn’t see me, well, hell will break loose. I don’t want that happening."

Camillia clasped her hands together "Of course, of course. Family comes first," she said smoothly. Then, as Monica reached for the door, she added casually, "Next time, do stay longer. Let's have some real food together."

Monica’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded. "Mm, yes... next time," she muttered before walking out without another word.

Camillia paced fastly to Thersa.

"If not shame I don’t know what else you will bring me…now I will have the woman talk about me all year around..beause of your weakness…Camillia this Camillia that"

 "I can’t believe this! she said" Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she turned a sharp gaze on Thersa."I gave you a simple task...act accordingly, blend in! But no, you had to…She shook her head and walked out angrily...

Thersa stood up from there feeling overwhelmed and walked away..

….………

"You only had one job, Theresa. Just one," Mr. Mondragon groaned as he was frustrated. "But no, you always have to show your incompetence wherever you go."

He paced the room and shook his head as he go. "All you do is sit pretty at home. What could possibly bother you? I don’t see why a young woman like you, who should have energy, would go to a simple gathering and faint!"

Now...you've made my mother look like a joke in front of all the women who don't even match her status. You need to get a grip on yourself Thersa," Mr. Mondragon groaned as his hands pointed at Thersa who sat on the bed with her head lowered.

Camillia eavesdropped from outside, a satisfied smile curling on her lips. Slowly, she pulled away from the door and folded her arms. "Definitely my son," she murmured before turning and walking away.

"When will you learn?how are you even going to pull off at tomorrows program?" he said with a sharp voice..

Thersa stood up as her eyes locked onto his. "Why are you talking like you don’t know the condition I am in? I am pregnant, for grace’s sake!" her voice shake...

"Enough!" Mr. Mondragon cut her off. "You always use pregnancy as an excuse to do the dumbest things. I’ve seen pregnant women running in the Olympics, and then there’s you.....who couldn’t even..."

"Speaking of pregnancy…" he muttered and pulled out his phone. "Let me get Doc Emily on the line. We need to go get the ultrasound to find out the gender as soon as possible....before things get out of hand" he said…

Thersa looked at him her heart beat as her gaze fixed on him without breaking..

"The number you are calling isn't currently unavailable," the phone said, and Thersa felt a bit of relief on her face.

Rafael frowned, staring at his phone screen. Without a word, he dialed again.

"The number you are calling isn’t currently available," the automated voice repeated.

Thersa felt a small wave of relief wash over her, but she didn’t dare show it. She kept her gaze steady, watching as Rafael’s jaw clenched in frustration.

He tried once more. Still nothing.

"She told me she will be out of town for some time," Thersa said hastily.

Mondragon looked at her sharply without a word.

"Maybe we will get it done when she returns," Thersa said hastily. "We can't go see any other doctor... she's the only one who knows about the pregnancy."

Mon looked at her for a moment, then shook his head without a word and walked past her to the closet.