Stella's POV
~Next day~
Bang
Bang
Bang
The pounding on my door was relentless — sharp, anxious, impatient. My eyelids fluttered open to the soft golden rays of the morning sun slipping through the curtains.
Bang
Bang
I groaned, pressing a hand to my temple. "Who is there?" I asked, my voice hoarse, scanning my room quickly. Everything was in place, except my phone, resting quietly beside me.
I slid the phone under the sheets closer to me, my gaze darted around the room again. When I was sure there was nothing else, I got out of bed.
Whoever was at the door had better have a death wish this early.
With a sigh, I trudged to the door, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My brow furrowed at the thought of who might be knocking this hard early in the morning.
The moment I turned the handle, the door flew open and slammed inward and Phina stood there.
Her eyes were blazing like fire, and her tone carried that entitled chill I had come to despise. "Stella, have you forgotten you were supposed to make breakfast?"
I arched a brow, feigning confusion. "Make breakfast?"
"Yes, make breakfast," she repeated, that smug smirk spreading across her face.
"Oh, Princess," I said, folding my arms, "shouldn't you be in the kitchen learning how to make breakfast for your husband? You know, the one who adores home-cooked meals?" I chuckled softly.
Her nostrils flared, her fists tightening by her sides as she glared daggers at me. "Stella, it's not in your place to tell me what to do."
"Oh, right," I said coolly, stepping aside as though dismissing her presence. "You're the golden child of this household. You don't need to cook. But then again, maybe you should just fix the breakfast for yourself …I have other important things to do."
"Stella… you dare…"
Before she could finish, I slammed the door shut in her face. The satisfying thud echoed through the room. I had no patience to entertain her theatrics this morning.
Almost immediately, the banging resumed, even louder this time. "Stella! Open this door!"
I rolled my eyes, crawling back into bed. "She can yell all she wants," I muttered to myself, pulling the covers over my head. "The maids will fix the breakfast… or she can starve. Not my problem."
I was ready to return to my beauty sleep when my private phone buzzed.
My gaze narrowed. For the sake of the information I asked for last night, I had it kept on. I pulled out the phone, and as expected, it was Linda.
"Hey, baby girl," she greeted me as soon as I picked the phone. Her voice was exceptionally soft and happy.
"You're in a good mood." I smirked.
"Of course."
"What's going on?
Has Joel finally proposed?" I asked.
"Far from that…" she answered readily.
"So, what's up?"
I don't buy the idea that she would be this happy without a reason, and being kept in the dark, I don't cherish it.
Should she ask me to guess, I dare not because I can never predict the right answer, and my luck has always been terrible.
"Just say, I got your request." She smirked.
My heart gave a delighted leap. "Did you really get your hands on it, or you're pulling my legs?" I asked her, my heart thudding with expectations.
"Mm-hmm. Check your phone. His itinerary and detailed information are all there. And, guess what? He's got something going on tonight."
"Yes!" I whispered, punching the air with my fist. My chest flooded with satisfaction.
I didn't know how the night would unfold, but the fact he had something going on today was already great. It made everything easier.
"I owe you lunch," I said with a giggle.
"Better make it dinner," she replied playfully.
"Done." I hung up before she could say more. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the files she sent.
My lips curled into a cold smile as I studied the information. His itinerary was exactly as I expected for a lustful man like him—practically living in the club with ladies in both arms.
"How do I get this ready?" I exhaled, my mind already spinning through possibilities. Then, a spark of inspiration hit me.
"Oh… perfect."
I encrypted my number, switched my caller ID to 'Unknown,' and forwarded the itinerary straight to Phina.
With how much she hates me and with the little provocation this morning, I was certain she would make a move, which had to save me from the stress of planning.
When I saw the "delivered" mark turn into "read," a thrill of anticipation and excitement ran through me.
"Let's see how far you'll fall this time, Princess," I whispered, with a smirk.
In this game of wits, I only had to get myself ready, walk into the showroom, set it in motion, and sit back to enjoy the show.
And Phina, she is the main character that holds the key to all… this game has just begun.
With a cold smirk, I typed out a message and sent it over.
With the confirmation of its receipt, I called her number, and she picked up on the first ring—no doubt she had been waiting to hear from the sender. We spoke briefly.
"Hello." I smirked, my voice suppressed to match the one person she cherishes so much amongst her friends—Joey.
With the first stage complete, I had to step out of my room to have the second stage in motion.
I freshened up quickly, brushed my hair back, and changed into a light floral top with slim jeans. With the design draft from last night tucked under my arm, I stepped out of my room.
The living room smelled faintly of rose perfume … Phina's signature scent. She sat elegantly on the couch, legs crossed, scrolling through her phone and laughing softly at whatever meme caught her fancy.
The laughter died the instant she saw me. Her eyes narrowed. "You finally came out of your room? Thought you'd spend your eternity there."
I smirked. "Someone wasn't exactly letting me enjoy my eternity in peace. I only wonder if you'll still have time to disturb me once you're married."
"Stella," she snapped, standing abruptly. "Aren't you forgetting your place?"
"Oh… my place as the shameful daughter of the Norton family?" I asked sweetly. "It's hard to forget something that's been tattooed on my back for years."
Her face darkened. "Stella, the issue between you and Bruce wasn't…"
"It wasn't what I thought?" I cut in with a dry laugh. "Please, spare me. "Someone knew she was the scum that took her sister's fiancé from her. So, don't act innocent."
Her eyes flashed cold. "You're quite sharp-tongued this morning. Were you thinking you're about to marry the most decent man alive?"
"And were you decent?" I shot back calmly, my gaze holding hers.
Her lips parted, but no words came out. Her chest rising and falling with suppressed fury, her fingers trembling.
I smiled faintly. "If you're done, we have real things to discuss. Here." I said as I held out the draft to her.
"Well, if you are interested, you can take a look at the design while we visit the venue this morning to commence preparations."
She snatched it from me, flipping through the pages.
For a brief second, her eyes gleamed with interest, but it faded fast.
"Stella, couldn't you make it better?" she asked mockingly.
I tilted my head. "Rather than criticize, why don't we go visit the hall? You can judge it there."
She gave a sly smile. "Since you're so eager, let's go then."
"After my breakfast, Miss Phina Norton."
"Stella…"
Her voice rose, but I was already turning away, headed to the kitchen with a small smile on my lips, her outrage following me down the corridor.
In the kitchen, the clock ticked softly. I glanced at it, I had two hours before Oswald Dallas arrived at The Palace Hotels. A smile ghosted across my lips.
"This time," I whispered to myself, pulling a glass of juice from the fridge, "failure isn't an option, definitely not this time."