chapter 3

Kylie's POV

It was a long, silent drive to the house. Madam Wilson didn't say a word to me since we left the police custody. I couldn't look her in the face, the shame that I failed after she severally warned me against my decisions was eating me up so badly.

Madam Wilson was my grandma. Four years ago, I met Austin, and we fell deeply in love. Madam Wilson was pissed when she heard about my relationship with Austin. She didn't support me getting married to someone with nothing to his name; she believed they were only humble because they didn't possess the power needed. I was so much in love that I left everything behind just to be with him but guess who was going back home? Me, the prodigal daughter.

“How did you know?” I murmured out. Looking at my feet like a treasure was kept there.

“Is that supposed to be a question?” The atmosphere went quiet again.

Compared to Madam Wilson's status, that was not the right question. Madam Wilson is a respectable and well-known business tycoon in the whole of the city. The name Wilson has so much power attached to it. I have always loved a quiet life, hiding the fact that I belong to the Wilsons.

“I can't believe that is who you wasted your past years on,” she said and made a sound with her mouth.

Things were still the same way I left; maids showered immediately after we drove in.

Nostalgia was all I felt at that point.

Butterflies fluttered in my belly as I beheld the magnificent structure of our abode. I smiled and breathed in, basking in the scent of the flowers and heaving a sigh of relief.

Welcome miss,” the chief maid said to me waiting on what next I'll say. She was looking nice, just like she was when I left. Her neatly ironed uniform sparkling.

“Thank you!” I said.

“Do you need me to get anything for you?” She asked.

“No, I still know my way around. I'll call you if I need anything,”

I bounced on the bed, turning around and smiling widely. The joy I felt within me was something I hadn't had in a while now.

“Knock!” I heard a knock on the door, which made me jot up the bed.

“Hey, big sis,” it was my stepbrother, Fred.

After the death of my mother, My dad remarried and I was able to get a loving brother. Fred was everything you could ask for in a brother; he was sweet, caring, and loving.

“Not even a welcome-back hug?” I spread my arm widely and he ran into it like a little child.

“I missed you so much!” he murmured. I smiled gently, patting his back.

“How dare he treat you like this? To think you have been secretly helping him.” He glanced at me and continued, “Why do you look surprised? You don't think I know about all you have been doing for him?”

“Well- I stammered not knowing what else to say. Even after Madam Wilson took away every opportunity attached to my name as Wilson's first grandchild, I still used the little power I had left to help Austin.

“That isn't a secret anymore. Madam Wilson knows that you have been helping him using Lady O”

“Dinner in 10 minutes” he patted me on my shoulder and slammed the door behind himself.

***********************

I got down the stairs and Fred was the only person who was already at the table. I glanced at the table when Madam Wilson walked inside.

“I asked Nana to make your favorite” she patted me on my shoulder. That was the first thing she said ever since we had arrived. I smiled warmly and dug into it.

We were having roast chicken with herb butter. The butlers did a great job with the dish. I could feel the butter melting in my mouth as I chewed

“Look who will have here? The prodigal child finally returned.” I heard a familiar voice; it was Rachel, my stepmother.

Rachel never liked me, and she made it very obvious. She tries so much to make the house a living hell after the death of my father but Madam Wilson never gave that chance.

I raised my head with a smile on my face. “Yeah, how have you been?” I asked, trying to act polite.

“Why bother to come back? It was peaceful without you” she scoffed.

“Pa!” It was the sound of the spoon slamming on the table. Madam Wilson gave her a deadly stare and went back to eating.

The atmosphere became so quiet that the sound of the pins could be heard falling, and we all went back to eating.

“ Kylie is resuming as the CEO on Monday,” Madam Wilson's voice finally broke into the air.

Nobody expected such announcements. The water in my mouth got stuck; I glanced at Madam Wilson, whose face was emotionless, and then at Fred, who smiled at me.

I gently gulped down the water in my throat and then dropped the water glass on the table.

“This isn't right, she just returned after so many years,” My stepmother interjected.

The sound of Madam Wilson's spoon softly clinked with the plate. She raised her eyes, looking at Rachel “Do you have a problem with that?”

She couldn't respond as she quickly glanced away.

“I thought as much. Get ready for the appointment party in two days.” She walked away.

*********************

The chief maid did my hair and makeup herself. It wasn't necessary, my grandma insisted.

I was used to helping myself, but staying with Austin taught me that.

"You look beautiful, ma'am!" The chief maid said before leaving my room.

I walked over to the mirror, I did look beautiful in the dress Madam Wilson picked for me. She still had her touch.

The lights radiated like balls of fire, and the hall's arrangement was electric. It felt like stepping into a mini world of wonders and excitement.

Most of the company partners, shareholders, and notable personalities were present

“What are you doing here?”

I halted at the familiar voice. I glanced behind, it was Austin and his little princess.

“Hello, Ex-husband,” I waved my hand.

“You haven't answered the questions. Do you know the Wilson family?! And why did Madam Wilson show up at the custody?” He rushed me with so many questions. I guess curiosity was eating him up.

“No way..” Emily said and continued. “she can't be related to the Wilson family; maybe her wretched self works as a maid in the Wilson mansion. I know people like her.” She placed her hand on Austin's shoulder and then smiled.

“Austin,” I called out, and I folded my arm. “Why should I answer your question? Isn't this information meant for Close relations? If you are so interested in my life then find out for yourself! Do not forget your place.” he blinked his eyes severally. I could swear he didn't believe I could talk down at him that way.

“Let's welcome the new CEO of Butane Company; let's welcome Miss Kylie Wilson,” the voice of the anchor finally answered his question.

Austin opened his eyes widened. Murmuring filled the whole room as they all wondered who I was. The reporters were confused and wondering where exactly their camera should focused

“Is- that true?” He stammered.

I Ignored his question and I took a few steps forward. Something stuck in my head, making me turn behind.

“You know what, I have something to return to you, Emily”

“Hun? What do -

My hand landed so hard on her face, leaving a fingerprint on it.

“ What!! Austin! Are you just going to stand there and watch?” I heard her say as I walked into the world where I deserved it.