Chapter 52: 53

I woke up earlier than usual because I do not want to be caught up with traffic this early morning. I had plans of begging Armani to permit me to take my car instead of having to wait for his driver every time. I know he is not the easiest person to deal with but I hope he doesn't turn me down again.

I went to shower to prepare for the day. I checked in my closet in search of what to wear and I find myself completely clueless.

I remember how Ava dressed up like she was going for a shoot and Hattie dressed casually like it was not a big deal. Maybe I should just dress like my usual self.

Perhaps, a beautiful dress will be okay for the day. I settled for one of the dresses Harley picked for me the last time we went shopping. Indeed, she has good taste and a better fashion sense. I think I will take her to the store often. I love every single thing we bought.

I apply a little make-up on my face to make my face pop out a little and style my hair in a different style. Usually, my hair is straight and all but I wanted to try something new so I made it curly and it turns out to be amazing. I stared at myself a little longer in the mirror before I went to the kitchen to see what I can have for breakfast.

Even though I didn't learn a lot from my mother, at least she taught me to never miss breakfast.

Jenny just finished making pancakes when I got into the kitchen.

"Good Morning" I greeted with a smile. I have decided to forgive her and move on because either way, I'm completely helpless.

"Morning dear" she greeted back.

I looked around the kitchen, only to find everything in order and Jenny seems to have cooked three different food alone. At first, I thought it was just pancake but I begin to smell other foods and I just couldn't help but check it out. I was right, after all, she made Bacon, pancakes and chicken and waffles.

Why does she bother cooking so much when it's just Armani and I in the house? Armani doesn't even touch the food half of the time, all he ever does was work and drink coffee. And I have never seen the other employees walking around in the house unless Armani sent for them. I doubt that it's Jenny that makes their food because they have their own apartment all to themselves. So why stress herself this hard?

"Jenny why make three different food when we are just two that wants to each?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Armani likes it when I make varieties of food available for him. Even if he doesn't want to eat, he will be left with no choice but to do so.

"Oh!" I nod in understanding. "But that doesn't explain why you always do the cleaning and cooking alone when there are other people to get it done."

"That was Armani's instruction."

"Sometimes, I don't understand anything going on in this house." Instead of a reply, she just missed instead which means she is not about to give me any information so I just dropped the matter.

"I'm sorry" she said out of the blue and I looked at her confused. Sorry for what? My expression says it all so she further explain herself.

"I know about what Harley told you, and I know that is what prompt your attitude for the past few days. I understand if you are angry and I am sorry, but I can't help the situation. As much as I will love to help you, that will means betraying Armani and he treats me like family. I know him way too much, so I understand how he is to a certain level. Betraying him will hurt him so much and I have no intention of doing so.

I know how he has hurt you. I know it's not fair, I wouldn't have prayed for the same for my daughter but it is what it is. I will help you in any way I can, but not by revealing things like Harley wanted.

You are such a good person, and you do not deserve this kind of life, but there is a limit to the role I can play in all of these" She explained.

"Listen, Jenny. I wasn't exactly mad at you, just a little disappointed. I know you have a job to keep so I didn't exactly expect more from you. You had to do what you have to do to keep your position. I get it, you earn your stay. But I thought we were friends. I didn't blame you for what you did to remain here but what I wasn't expecting was you briefing him about what I do on a daily basis.

I am not surprised that he wants to know everything but what pissed me off was that it has to be you. I don't open up to people, but I did to you. I told you stuff I find shameful but what did you do?

You told him everything without a filter. I must admit, it hurts but I have gotten over it."

"I am really sorry" she repeat.

"It's fine" I know there was no need dragging the issue because she felt justified at her end, so I just let him go.

I find myself staring blankly at all the food, thinking about which one to eat before I finally settle for pancake.

I must admit, Jenny is a good cook.

I picked my phone to call Bel to check up on her and know what are decision is. Whatever choice she makes, I gat her back but I just hope there would be no regrets.

I dialled her number and she picked up on the first ring. For her to be up this early, I can tell she already made a decision she would regret. Sometimes, I wish she sees things from my perspective, maybe things wouldn't get complicated for her.

We have our differences, and it's cool. But her choices always get her into trouble. Not that I am better, because I am not and that is why I often leave her to do her thing but what she never understand is she is always left with a choice. Unlike me, my family impose decisions on me, and there is no out. Sometimes, I envy her so much and which reverse is the case. Then, she will know the power of the freedom she has and make good use of it, but it is what it is.

"Babe" she said softly into the phone and I just wish she will listen to me this time.

"What have you done, Bel?"

"I texted him last night, he said I should meet him in his office today."

"Is that what you want?"

"In all honesty, I don't know."

"You know it's not too late to back out, right?"

"I guess it is now. I have make up my mind."

"Be careful and always remember I love you." I said afterwards and hang up.

Jenny helped me to clear my dish and I went into my room to pick my bag.

I stopped at Armani's room and knocked gently.

He opened the door looking half asleep. I hope I don't get into trouble for waking him up.

"Good Morning" I greeted, and he just stare down at me with a questioning look. I took it as my cue to continue so I asked him if I could use my car today instead of going with the driver.

"Where are you going?" He questioned like a fool that he is. Did he forgot that I have to attend classes on weekdays?

"Class" I answered like its the most obvious thing. "Dressed like this?" He questioned once again, checking me out from head to toe. "Is there something wrong with my dress?"

"How about you go naked?" He said, clearly annoyed. I don't understand, there is nothing wrong with my dress. Absolute nothing. It is a bodycon dress but other than that, nothing is showing. No cleavage or whatever, its not even revealing unless you want to stare down at my long legs. And only a pervert would do that. But I know better than to say a word.

My silence must have provoke him because he went ahead and start ranting about how ridiculous my dress is.

"You a married woman, Lila! If you want men to be ogling over you, why don't you just go around Naked? What is with this ridiculous dress all in the name of going to class? Is this your first time in college?" He spat all of his bullshit in my face and I just stand still and take them in. "Going out without a ring, how would anyone know you are married, Lila!" He kept on screaming nonsense and I almost shouted back at him for his trash. Is it my fault that he didn't marry me in a legal way? Heck, what marriage am I even talking about? Do I need to remind him that he brought me here out of my will? Now he is demanding for me to wear ring around. Which ring? Did he give any to me? Or is it my responsibility to live up to his lies and buy myself a ring? This is bullshit, bullshit!

Even though I didn't say a word out loud, my expression says it all. Anyone could tell that I am madly pissed. I have had enough of his nonsense. How can you be having insecurities over a woman that means nothing to you? Just because you thought you own her? I am not a piece of baggage. I am not to be possessed, but who am I to blame other than my Fucking Father?

"Give me that look again, and you will land in the hospital for days." He warned. Funny how my expression is doing more than my words could ever say.

"Do I get to leave this house with my car or I have to wait for your driver?" I asked, clearly annoyed.

"You will do no such thing. You will stay in your room throughout the day, without taking a step out. Is that clear?"

I need this guy to understand he doesn't own me. He has done his worst in the past, I wonder what he will do again. But regardless, I will leave this house and go against his order.