Ficool

Chapter 8 - CHAPTER 8

IRENE'S POV

"These bloggers are insane… what kind of nonsense headline is that?" I could feel my face heating up already. I hated being put in the spotlight. The fact that they took the perfect angle, probably the moment Bright whispered something in my ear that made me smile, now makes it look like we were intimate.

"My best friend is now blown, a superstar!" Before I could even process it, Erica scooped me up and spun me around.

"Hey, bring me down!" But she wasn't having it.

******

ANITA'S POV

I had looked at the headline over and over again. Each time, it felt like my heart wanted to rip itself apart.

I hated to admit it… But they looked so good together. My grip on my phone tightened as if I could squeeze all the screaming inside me into it.

I lost Bright once. I'm not losing him again.

Just then, my sister Bella finally walked in.

Funny how I'd been around for days and she hadn't thought it wise to come see me, typical of her.

"Hey, you're finally home. I thought you'd never come back, Sis. When do you intend to travel back to Canada?"

I didn't even want to glance at her. Bella had a way of getting under my skin, but I had bigger problems to focus on.

"Good to see you too. The girl with Bright… she seems like an upcoming actress. I haven't seen her face on my screen."

Now she had my full attention. I turned to face her. She exhaled deeply and threw herself onto the couch.

I knew she'd be just as mad as I was. If there was something Bella and I had in common, it was our love for Bright, love that had never been returned the way we wanted.

But I was in a better position to have him, and it had nothing to do with being the older sister.

"I don't know. I haven't seen her face around either, but Bright said she's his friend." Bella rolled her eyes, sinking deeper into the couch. "I hate to admit this, but she's very beautiful. You should've seen her body. The way he was all over her… It's crazy."

Hearing her call the girl beautiful made my fists tighten. I'd been staring at her pictures, searching for a flaw, maybe her eyes, nose, or lips, but everything about her was perfect.

I didn't say another word. I picked up my phone, walked straight into my room, and collapsed on my bed.

IRENE'S POV

Just another day, I was about to go inside, thirty minutes earlier than my resumption time. I guess I was trying to make up for yesterday.

Somehow, I felt nervous. I didn't know how to act; I just hoped I wouldn't run into him today.

Inside, it felt different. The house was being decorated. I spotted Mr. Bright's mum giving instructions to the maids, which made me wonder what the occasion was.

"Good morning, Ma," I said, swallowing hard and masking my nervousness with a smile that didn't quite reach my soul.

Her eyes swept over me. I guessed it was a habit of hers.

"You. That headline, it happens all the time. Bloggers will put out anything once they see my son with any lady. Don't get it twisted."

And with that, she went back to giving instructions.

I walked straight to Lily's room, and even though she was busy, wrapping gifts.

"You're here already, come. Let's get this done." Her voice was full of excitement.

I sat quietly. "Princess, what are you doing?"

She dragged me over in the cutest way and smiled. "Today is my daddy's birthday, and I'm wrapping gifts and writing my favorite things about him."

Right… why hadn't he mentioned that to me? Not that we had that kind of relationship anyway.

Still, thinking about it, I should give him something. It's the right thing to do.

"What are you thinking, Ms. Irene? You seem far away." Her tiny hand pulled me back from my thoughts.

I lifted her, making her laugh, and then set her down again.

"You were very beautiful yesterday. Well, you've always been fine. I think you and Daddy would make a good duo. If Daddy wants to give me a second mother, she should be pretty like you… and sweet."

Did she just wink at me? "My darling, you're too young for that kind of talk. Where did you see those pictures anyway?"

She instantly covered my mouth. "Shhh… our little secret. Grandma's phone."

It took everything in me not to laugh out loud. "Okay, I'll keep your secret, as long as you don't do it again. My lips are sealed." I even did the hand motion.

"Now, let's finish up. I'll help you."

Time passed quickly. I still hadn't seen him today, and asking Lily might put ideas in her head.

When it was time to leave, I hugged her. "I'll see you tomorrow, love. We'll continue story time."

"I want you to stay for the family dinner, please." Her little pout nearly made me say yes, but I knew better.

"Since I'd love to, it's a family dinner. Your dad probably wants something intimate with his family, princess."

"That's a strong accusation, Miss Irene."

"Daddy!" Lily ran into his arms. I hadn't expected to see him.

"I can't wait to see what my little princess has for Daddy. Don't worry, Miss Irene will stay over for our dinner."

And just like that, he walked out with her.

Now what was I supposed to do? Lay here and wait? I buried my face in the pillow. I didn't like this.

Time flew, and now I was here, sitting at the dinner table with all these faces.

I wasn't exaggerating. I could feel four sets of eyes on me. Lily clung to me, which I loved, but I doubted the others felt the same.

"Bright, we have a new face I don't recognize. Who is she?"

Finally, the woman in a Nun's outfit spoke. Even though she was referring to me, her tone cut the tension a little.

"Oh, that's Irene, Lily's new nanny."

I heard someone scoff. Bella.

Her smirk shifted to surprise. I followed her gaze… and realized she was staring at my neck.

Oh. The necklace.

"Who gave you that necklace? Isn't that the same one sold at the auction?"

 

More Chapters