Not the main character anymore

Evelina

~~

Madeline had been extraordinarily cold to her ever since the art gala incident. Not that Evelina cared though. She doesn't speak to Evelina anymore and found faults in whatever she did. Howver, unlike before, James and Susan always stood up for her now. Those bloody clowns.

She had woken up the next day feeling tired and sore. she had a weird dream about the mysterious billionaire and her. She almost saw his face. Almost. However, the scent of her luxury dress still lingered on her. Evelina liked it so much that she wished she could wear it on this new day.

She walked down to her window and glanced at the mansion, scrutinizing for any sign of the billionaire but found now. “Just the securities and maids as usual.” She sighed and headed to the bathroom to commence her morning routine.

Next, she headed to the kitchen to get breakfast done before Madeline and James would wake up and sulk about hunger.

Evelina cracked an egg, into a bowl, mixed all pancake ingredients, and was flipping a perfectly golden pancake when the phone buzzed.

“We rarely get calls. Who could it be?” She murmured as she approached the phone. When she saw that it was an unknown number, hope flickered in her chest.

Could it be…?

“Avalon residence," she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Ms. Avalon, this is Chloe from A&A Fashion Home. We met at the gala yesterday. We're excited to have you model our new line, and we were wondering if you'd be free for a fitting today?"

Damn. She had thought the Adrenaline from the day before was what made those people approach her but now they actually called?

Evelina's lips parted to say, ‘I'd need to check my schedule…’

But before she could complete the thought, Susan materialized beside her, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Of course she's free! One pm works perfectly, doesn't it, Evelina?"

What the actual heck?

How had Susan gotten beside her so fast?

Evelina blinked, startled by her mother's sudden presence. She was about to give her some eye communication to behave herself, but the designer's delighted chatter filled the silence, leaving no room for further questions.

“That's perfect! We'll have plenty of time to get you ready. See you soon, Ms. Avalon!”

And with that, the call ended.

Evelina sighed, not knowing how to handle Susan. “How — how did you even hear that?" She blurted out in wonder.

“A mother always knows, darling," Susan winked. "Now, let me help you with that bacon. You'll need all your energy for your big day."

Evelina was dumbfounded when Susan took charge of the kitchen, cooking and letting her do the less work.

She did as much as offering Evelina strawberries hand-fed, adjusting her hair like a stylist, and fawning over her every word. It was a stark contrast to her usual indifference towards Evelina's endeavors. This sudden maternal warmth felt — unnatural.

Yet, all of this was because Evelina now had a billionaire interested in her. Instead of impressing her, Susan only ended up disgusting Evelina further.

The clatter of plates announced Madeline's arrival. Evelina glanced her way and saw her face still crumpled in sleep even as it was already past nine. "What's all this fuss?" she grumbled.

“Darling, Evelina's being fitted for her modeling job!" Susan trilled with a voice that was dripping with pride. "She'll be too busy for breakfast duty from now on."

Madeline's eyes narrowed. "Modeling? What modeling?"

"The designer from the gala, silly! Remember as they all trudged to our dearest Evelina. Now, they have offered her a gig.”

Madeline sat on the dining chair as Susan served the meals. Evelina made an attempt to help her out but Susan ushered her aside. “No, no, love. You sit and eat well so that the food can digest properly.” She sat baffled Evelina on the chair and served her food first.

“James, breakfast is r…..” Susan was about to call on James when Madeline screamed out.

"What?! This is not fair!" She shrieked, her eyes finally snapping open. "I used to be the one getting pampered! Mum, what are you doing?!”

“Well, not anymore, darling," Susan chimed, patting Madeline's hand. "Evelina's the new star of the family. You just need to learn a thing or two from your sister."

Evelina's stomach churned. Her family's obsession with wealth and fame was suffocating. She longed for a single morning where the conversation revolved around something other than materialism and social status.

James shuffled into the dining room, stretching his body and in a sleeveless polo that had his pot belly dangling like a baby bump. “Good morning, honey.” He kissed Susan and took a seat beside Madeline.

“Morning, Dad.” Evelina greeted him.

James reached for Evelina’s hand over the table. “Good morning, my pretty star!” He squealed.

Madeline’s eyes were contorted with envy as she watched James squeeze Evelina’s hands. Perhaps, out of envy, “Good morning, Dad.” She also said.

Everyone gazed up, including Evelina. Did Madeline just wish her dad a good morning?

“Oh, wow. Someone is learning. Morning, Madeline.” James replied and resumed munching on his food.

That didn't please Madeline. “Even you, Dad?!” She cried out. “You are going to pamper Evelina and not me?!”

“Shhh!” Susan tapped the table close to Madeline. "Be grateful, Madeline," She snapped. "Your sister's success benefits the entire family. Who knows, maybe another of the billionaire's extravagant gifts will arrive today!"

James clapped. “That’s correct. We are going to receive more presents from our mystery billionaire this morning.” He sounded excited.

“Can’t wait!” Susan squealed.

Madeline interjected, cutting their excitement shut. “You’ll see that this time, my name will be written on the notes. The billionaire still hasn't realized his mistake.”

“Seriously? Even after the art gala and Evelina’s portraits all over the exhibition?” James scoffed.

Madeline wasn't ready to give up. “Those are bull. Ugly portraits at that.”

“Madeline, this isn't your party. You need to start understanding that this is about me and not you.” Evelina couldn't refrain herself from sarcastically putting Madeline in her place.

Madeline turned red with anger. “You better don’t speak to me, you fat face thing!”

“MADELINE!” Susan called her to order but Madeline projected her aggression on the spoon and plate as she made loud clanking noises.

Evelina’s eyes went around. “Pathetic.” She muttered under her breath.

.

The package never came. Even at the time, it was usually delivered, nothing came through.

“It’s probably just because of Madeline's little — outburst at the gala. We can't blame the man, can we?" Susan tried to retain hope.

It didn't strike Evelina that she could be disappointed when nothing came as a package today. She guessed she had probably gotten used to the routine.

Madeline's cheeks flushed red at Susan’s claims. "It wasn't my fault! You're all just obsessed with Evelina now that you blame me for everything!”

"Now, now," James soothed but his voice tinged with annoyance. "Be grateful, darling. Evelina's success will bring wealth to the entire family."

Madeline rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Do you want to know why the gift didn't come through? It's because the billionaire now realizes his mistake and is preparing a bigger present for me and not this HIPPY!”

Susan gasped. “Could that be true?”

“Of course, it is! Isn't it insane? Why would he like Evelina over me?!”

“That could be true. Oh, gosh! Is my Madeline going to wife a billionaire now?!”

“Yes, Mum and Dad. It's me, Madeline Avalon, after all.” Madeline flipped her hair, proud as a peacock.

Evelina felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She couldn't bear to listen to their ridiculous expectations any longer. Seeing Susan and James switch up and pamper Madeline just because no gifts came for her today was an eyesore. Those people needed the holy ghost in them.

Pushing her chair back, she announced, "I'm done. I'll be in my room, getting ready for the fitting."

Susan's face tightened, but James simply mumbled, "Suit yourself."

Madeline, however, hissed, "Oh, let her go! She thinks she's so important now but she has learned her place. I'm the fucking QUEEN!”

Ignoring their bickering, Evelina retreated to her room. She needed a moment of peace. Her family's obsession with wealth was as pathetic as their inability to obtain it.

She was suddenly not the main character anymore. This showed that the previous affections showered on her were because of the potential gains. Not that she didn't already know that anyway.

One thing that had always pained her was how her parents loved Madeline more than her and were also not wary about making it obvious. Was it just because Madeline was the type of daughter they wanted or there was more? Her guts had always told her that there was more to it. She just didn't have the guts to find out yet. However, now, she ached for the truth. She would find whatever mystery was hiding away.