Season 4 Chapter 11

There was a long silence, Victoria stood outside waiting for our conversation to end, her heartbeat increased with each passing seconds. Meanwhile inside of the closed dinning hall, the two figures stared at each other without uttering a word. Greta was going through inner turmoil, fight between ideologies and reality wasn't easy, she knew that she was wrong but failed to admit her mistakes. I sighed, I knew the iron was hot and it was time to strike. Shoving my hand in my pocket, I carefully took out a folded photograph and unfolded it, and put it in front of her. It was our family picture, placing my finger on my father's face, I stared at Greta, who's eyes widens in surprise.

Me: I think, you already recognized this face. (I said in a composed manner)

Greta: I should have guessed that you are his daughter. (She said rubbing her forehead)

Me: So you believe me? (I blinked) You don't need any other proofs? (I felt surprised) I thought you will claim that this photograph is fake.

Greta: Trust me, you both don't even need to conduct a DNA test, both of you are equal morons. (She rolled her eyes)

Me: That hurts….but it's true. (I said sitting down)

Greta: I still remember those eyes filled with fire of aspirations, lively even after going through hell. At that era, Mr. Smith was like honey for other smaller businessmen including my father, everyone thought that after him, his brother would be the successor, because Mr. Smith didn't have any legal heir and was a bachelor even at the age of 50. Until that fine day, when Mr. Smith ended up marrying a maid whom he took mercy on and brought her 15 year old son as his legal heir. Everyone felt betrayed and thought that Mr. Smith has lost his mind due to old age. My father always cursed him at his back, saying that he shouldn't have trusted a woman, but for me, Mrs. Smith was a role model. A widowed woman, who ended up in streets, gets back on her feet and remarried to a businessman and took care of his empire. Mr. Smith trusted her with everything and Douglas reminded me of myself, those burning eyes started losing hope, I pitied him but somewhere it made me happy that there was someone beside me who was dying slowly just like me. (She smiled) but that devil…..he ran away, leaving everything behind, even his fiancé. How could he do that? What gave him so much courage? I wish I had even half of it, maybe I wouldn't have turned so miserable….(she sighed while looking at the photograph) Do you think….if I had defied my father, then….maybe…..maybe I could have been together with my lover- (her lips trembled before she becomes quiet for a moment then took a deep breath) No….there is no point of crying over spoilt soup. I understand what you are trying to say….but I just wanted Victoria to be successful in her life, so that everyone respect her. (She rubbed her forehead) she is my eldest daughter, so I had high expectations on her. She reminds me of my own childhood, those eyes that crave for attention, yet….this useless mother failed to notice. (Her eyes welled up)

Me: It's fine Ma'am , you still have lots of time in your hands to correct your mistakes. (I said in a warm manner)

Greta: You are right, but I have a condition. (She said while wiping her tears) I don't want Victoria's education to be affected because of this team.

Me: Don't worry ma'am , trust your daughter. She is really talented. (I grinned)

Greta: Who said that I don't trust her? (She frowned) Rather I have doubts on the people she is been spending time with, namely you.

Me: Ouch, come on Ma'am, I will make sure that Victoria's education doesn't get affected and that each of the team members focus on their studies. (I laughed nervously)

Greta: Coming from a person who was failing on purpose. They say that the eldest daughter takes after their father. In your case, it's more than true. (She said narrowing her eyes)

Me: Jeez Greta, take a chill pill. (I folded my arms) I am telling you, Victoria's marks won't be affected, that's it. Now stop being a pain in the butt.

Greta: You kept that inside of your stomach for a long time, didn't you? (She raised her brow) Anyways, I agree with Victoria rejoining the team, but if I find that her grades are dropping, I will make her withdraw immediately and change her school.

Me: (I frowned) Fine, deal.

Greta: You can leave now.

Me: I will, but before that, I have two requests. (I said finally standing up and putting the photograph back inside my pocket)

Greta: Now what? (She raised her brow losing patience)

Me: Firstly, I hope you can keep our conversation, especially regarding my family, a secret from Victoria.

Greta: Fine by me. Anyways, I don't want to get my hands dirty by involving in your family matter. (She sighed)

Me: Thank you. Secondly….I know that business is hard to maintain and it needs lots of hard work and time but I hope that you take a pause every now and then and look around you before it's too late. They crave for your time, don't neglect it, or else….those regrets will remain forever. Before you realize, these moments will slip out of your palms and leave a bitterness in your heart. (I smiled faintly)

Greta: (she bit her lip, there was sadness behind those proud eyes) You are right….(she pinched the bridge of her nose) Never thought that I would be lectured by an adolescent. But I guess, there is no harm in learning from mistakes. Thank you….I will try my best.

Me: I will take my leave then. (I bowed respectfully before opening the door)

Victoria: (she rushed in, her face was filled with concerns) What happened? Are you fine? (She asked me getting worried)

Me: (I could notice her anxiety, as I pat her shoulder and smiled brightly) Everything is fine, go and speak with your mother. I don't want to disturb your quality time, so take care and hope to see you in the field from tomorrow. (I winked before leaving)

Victoria: What?....(she stood there unable to believe her ears before she turned her attention towards her mother) What was she saying?...

Greta: Hm. (She regained her composure) Come and sit here, we need to have a proper conversation. (She said finally smiling)

I picked up my pace, walking out of the Bungalow. It was already late evening outside that empty shell, it felt like time has stopped for hours while I wasted my time explaining an grown ass adult that she needs to be more empathetic towards her own children. "Sometimes so-called grown-ups act more immaturely than a Toddler."

My stomach growled, seems like that salad has already been digested after overusing my brain. I craved for something sugary as I made my way towards the nearest store. While I walked, the feeling of being followed remained but I tried to ignore it. Its been almost two weeks since this started, right after visiting Lotte's home. The street lights were lit, and it was getting a bit chilly, zipping up my jacket, I entered the store only to bump into Gouenji who seemed flustered seeing me there.

Gouenji: Uhm…(he hesitated)

I frowned remembering the last encounter and walked passed him ignoring his presence. He stood there for few seconds feeling stupefied before exiting the store.

Me: (I sighed while going through the snacks section) Ratree….how much longer are you planning to follow me?

Ratree: (she finally shows herself as she bites her tongue feeling embarrassed) Oops.

Me: (I turned towards her) Why have you been following me and clicking my pics without permission? Do you know that I can complain against you to the officers for interfering in my privacy? (I raised my brow)

Ratree: Of course you won't complain for something this silly. (she smirks)

Me: (I walked up to her and twist her ear) spill the beans.

Ratree: Ouch! I am sorry! I just thought you are hot! (She said while wincing in pain)

Me: What the fuck?! (I was taken aback as I let her go)

Ratree: (she rubs her ear pouting) Yeah, you have a sexy body, with slightly visible abs, like dang, you are perfect model for my photography.

Me: You do know that I am a girl, right? (I raised my brow)

Ratree: I know, that makes it even better. (She winks making me shiver through my spine) Imagine, you as model and me as a photographer. We can earn so much money! (Her eyes sparkles with excitement)

Me: (I sighed then raised my middle finger) Fuck off. (I said in a low warning tone) If I find you following me ever 'again', I will make sure that you regret your life. Don't think that you are the only person who can stalk others. (I smiled before patting her shoulder and walking off)

Ratree: (she blushed) S-So cool!!! She is perfect!!! (She grins) Don't think that you scared me, I will find another way to be close to you!

I sensed that my encounter with Ratree wouldn't be the last. She's closely associated with a professional photographer, almost like his adopted daughter, holding down the fort at his photography shop in his absence. The details of her origin from Thailand and the identity of her real parents remain shrouded in mystery. My brother, King, shared a tidbit—Ratree is a lesbian with a girlfriend and a strong penchant for wealth. Intrigued yet cautious, I couldn't shake off the feeling that her enigmatic aura urged me to keep a safe distance.

Reaching the restaurant, I sat down on a chair placing my head on the table. My stomach growled loudly like a Lion's roar, and my eyes felt heavy due to tiredness. All of a sudden my nose started inhaling a delicious smell as I looked up and noticed a bowl of ramen and Naomi. I grinned at her before grabbing my chopsticks. "Itadakimas!" I said before slurping the noodles.

Naomi: Jeez, eat slowly, or you will burn your mouth. (She says out of concern)

Me: Can I have another bowl? (I said with my mouth full of food)

Naomi: Fine….(she rubs her forehead) Just eat carefully. (She said before heading towards the kitchen).

I completed my first bowl and put my chopsticks down, then waited for Naomi to bring more, before I could realize, I already dozed off.

Jules' Voice: She must be tired.

Naomi's Voice: She will catch a cold if she continues sleeping here.

Jules' Voice: It's fine, let her sleep. I will wake her up after sometime. Tomorrow is an important day for her.

Naomi's Voice: I am concerned regarding her health. She isn't sleeping properly, look at those dark circles under her eyes.

While I was sleeping soundly laying my head on the hard table, another drama was unfolding, nearby.

Karl: I hope you won't disappoint me tomorrow. (He said in an annoyed tone)

Christina: (meekly) D-Don't worry….that bitch won't win. Trust your sister.

Karl: You better keep your promise, or you know what will happen with you. (He said pulling her hair) I hate useless minions. (He said before leaving her)

Sofie: Christina, stop angering your brother. Poor little Karl has gone through a lot because of those whores. My poor child. (She said while stroking his hair)

Christina: (she felt bitter) I am sorry mother….I won't disappoint you….

Sofie: This would be your last chance, so use it carefully. (She warned)

To be continued....