Richie's P.O.V
Fireworks began to pop, their explosion filling the sky with sparks, while a heavy rain poured down, adding a misty haze to the night.
The lights in the hallway flickered before going out completely, plunging everything into the darkness that I loved so much.
It happened just like this:
"Sir Rich, open the door," the soft, delicate voice of the lady spoke, her lips parting slightly with each word.
"God, she acts just like my mother," I thought, annoyed. Both of them were terrified of the dark.
"Sir Rich, I want to pass through. Open the door, please," she mumbled, pointing to the door with her index finger.
I rolled my eyes. "Nah."
I started locking the door, enjoying her frustration.
"Yes, please!" she begged, attempting to take the key from my hand. Instead, she ended up leaping straight into my arms.
I froze. The hug was tight, unexpected, but... real. Her body pressed against mine, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around her waist, not letting her go.
She started to tremble, and I could feel her heart pounding against my chest. I pulled away, realizing how uncomfortable the situation had become. Her face—goddess-like—was etched into my mind.
"Sir, the door!" she said, shifting back, closer to the door now.
"What's wrong with it?" I asked, pretending to misunderstand.
"Open it!" she snapped, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"I can't," I smirked. "It's raining heavily."
She stood frozen for a moment. "Aah, I'm dead! Alisha will kill me!"
Her face went pale. She seemed like she might cry, but I wasn't going to open the door for her.
"Sir, people are waiting for me!" she said, her voice trembling.
"Nope, they all went home," I lied, enjoying the panic building in her.
"They would have gone home by now!" she cried, her face pressed against the door.
"Okay, I'll open it, but…" I stopped, studying her face intently.
She fell silent.
"Will you join my industry? I'm planning to shoot a movie soon," I said.
Her eyes widened in confusion. "Movie? What's a movie? Is it food or something?"
I exhaled in disbelief. "She doesn't even know what a movie is?"
"Is she for real?" I thought. "As beautiful as she is, she's uneducated."
"What's a movie?" she asked again.
I didn't respond, still unsure how to explain. How could she mistake a movie for food?
"I don't want to be in any movie! God will not allow it. Poor people like me don't do movies!" she cried out, her face filled with desperation.
"Do you know you're giving me a headache?" I snapped, getting annoyed by her loud protests.
I walked to where she stood by the door and opened it. She darted out, running quickly down the stairs.
---
Later, on the phone with Alberto:
I texted him:
"I met her already, but she's not my type."
Alberto replied:
"Not your type?"
"She's uneducated. Clumsy. Definitely not what I'm looking for. I can't make a movie with her," I explained.
"Why?" Alberto asked.
"Because of her stupidity and her awkwardness. She's too... local for me."
Alberto responded:
"But she has red lips!"
"What will my fans think if they find out I'm using an uneducated person in my movie? Her dumbness will ruin everything!" I sent, and then switched off my phone.
I grabbed my car keys and walked out of the ENCHANTED tower, heading home. My house was just across the street, so it didn't take long.
As soon as I entered my house, I was met by Alberto, already standing near the smart door.
"How fast!" I said with a smile, putting my phone down on the table.
"You behave like your dad," he said with a grin.
"Good for me," I smirked.
"About the girl..." he began, raising an eyebrow.
"Forget her," I interrupted. "Let's look for someone else."
"Why?" Alberto asked.
"She's uneducated," I replied.
He sighed and left my room.
---
Nare's POV
I finally managed to escape Richie's mansion, and instead of walking, I ran. As I ran, my mind raced with thoughts of what I'd tell Mhesha.
Just as I expected, I arrived at the gate.
I knocked, and Sir Badrah opened it.
"Nare, you're soaked!" he pointed out.
"Yes, but when did Mhesha's car leave?" I asked quickly.
"Three hours ago," he replied.
My heart sank. My nails felt like they were rotting, my breath caught in my chest.
"Is there a problem?" he asked, noticing my anxiety.
"No, no problem!" I hurried past him, heading to the main door.
With one last deep breath, I opened the door, only to find them all sitting in the living room. They stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to me.
"So, they've started kissing and touching you? I just pity your life. If you get pregnant, that's your problem!" Alisha sneered.
Mhesha rolled her eyes. "You're being too harsh on her."
"Oh, so they've started having sex with you, and you're just letting them? Opening your legs for them!" Natasha taunted. I couldn't hold back the tears.
"Where were you?" Mhesha flicked her hair back, a cruel smirk on her lips.
I stammered, not knowing what to say. Before I could gather my words, I felt a sharp slap across my face.
"Start talking!" Mhesha snapped, her grip tightening on my clothes.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
"Where did you go? Have you started sleeping around? With who?" Natasha laughed mockingly.
The next thing I knew, Alisha started hitting me with a wire.
I crumpled to the ground, blood spilling from my mouth. The world went black.