ALOURA
The car slowed down as it zoomed into my father's estate. His mansion staring wide eyed at me as if it was shocked to see me. Well, I'm shocked to see you too. who knew I'll be here today?
Dave parked outside the grand mansion and June opened my door, Diya stepping out from the other side. I ascended the mini steps they led to the porch and Diya fell into steps beside me.
"But.. Aloura, will you be alright?"
I stopped on my feet and turned to her. I suddenly wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. The former because it was simply ridiculous- Why will you ask me if I will be alright in my father's house- and the latter because of her genuine compassion towards me.
"Hey!", I called. "I spent twenty one years of my life here.", I told her with a smile, my face smooth with no worries to convince her.
I moved up to the door and I raised my hand, ready to twist the knob but the door opened before I could, leaving me staring into the doll_like face of my step_mother. Ugh! why the hell is she the one opening the door?
I scrunched up my face in disgust.
"Look who we I'm seeing at my door. What an August visitor."
I scoffed. My brow raised at her 'my door'. I decided to walk away from her.
I was about to by_pass her when she pulled me into a sudden hug, her Manila perfume blocking my nostrils. What the hell, Kim!
I was about to shrug her away when she whispered into my ear.
"Behave yourself, Aloura. We're not alone."
I suddenly went still before I allowed the forced calm to wash over me. We're having visitors and my father is ready to parade me like a doll again. I force a bellé smile to my face before I stepped into the dinning hall.
Diya tried to enter with me but Kim sent her a wistful glare.
"Leave.", she barked at her and I found myself lifting my brows.
"What?", I snapped back at her and she shook her head as if to say you're just being childish..
"She can't, not today.", she told me before she slammed the door on her face, the bang echoing on my ear. I wanted to ask her why but I decided against it. My father's associates were already staring at me.
I lifted my head and widened my shoulders, stepping up to them like a diva that I am, a true daughter of my father.
My heels clicked softly on the floor as I made my way to the polished brown mahogany table. The dining room, as large as elegant as I remember, shimmered under the brightness of the crystal chandelier that hung low on the ceiling.
The table set with fine crystal glasses and sparkling cutleries. I was familiar with it all- even the lavish artwork that adorned the wall- they are all the materials my father uses in enticing people. Especially his business associates.
My father sat at the center of the table and by his righthand_side sat two men in suites, one bulkier and the other lean but muscled. They must be the one my father wanted to introduce me to.
I swept to my seat with poise and confidence. My smile not too bright and rigid. With my smile still glued to my face, I gave the older man a curt bow. I turned to his son and my lips parted in surprise but I was quick to comport myself. Holy fucking Christ!
The guy was handsome. With his dark hair and small lips, he would fit so much for a prince charming character.
I settled into the seat closest to my father and I heard Kim grunt before she settled beside me. I raised my head to take another look at them again.
With the striking facial resemblance and aura, the two could be easily distinguished as brothers. If not for the sprinkle of white hair that betrayed the older man. He would be in his middle age if not more.
Again, my gaze shifted to the son and I found him already staring at me. I stared shamelessly back at him, expecting him to look away like many others who get intimidated by my beauty. Instead, he relaxed into his chair and stared openly at me.
Intrigued, I dropped my elbow on the table and returned his flirty stare. That was what I was doing before my father cleared his throat to call my attention. I looked at my father to find the whole table staring at us.
A deep blush covered my cheeks and I looked away. My father spoke up. "
Allow me to introduce my guests, even though I can see some have introduced themselves already."
I bit my lip as they laughed at my father's words while he only smiled at them, unconcerned. My father continued. He stretched his hand towards his father.
"This is Kayden Thomas, a friend and a business associate. One of the founding members of Unity Globacom and and telecommunications.", he gave me a wink before he continued.
"He is also one of the biggest shareholders of Bakers electronics."
"And this is his only begotten son, Julian Thomas. Julian, this is my daughter, Aloura, the heiress to Bakers group." Kayden stood up and stretched his hand towards me. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Baker."
I rose to take his hand. "Please call me Aloura."
He smiled. "Nice to meet you, Aloura. Call me Kayden"
"Thank you, Kayden. The pleasure is all mine." I turned to Julian and stretched my hand towards me and the guy rose to feet, surprising me when he took my hand and dropped a kiss at the back of my palm.
I blushed and quickly removed my hand from his.
"Thank you from sparing us some of your precious time."
I didn't say anything. I stopped smiling and I stared at him, trying to work him out. I wondered where he got so much of his confidence from but the, I remembered who his father was.
I personally didn't recognise him but everyone else knew who Kayden Thomas was.
Kim cleared her throat. "I think it's time to serve the menu." she announced and beckoned the chef over.
I didn't look at Julian again. The dish was served and I ate my food quietly. , my father and Kayden speaking over their food.
I was at the verge of taking my meat into my mouth when my father called my name again.
"Lora, did you know Kayden is my closest friend?"
I dropped my cutlery and faced him, my brow raised as I wondered why he was disclosing such meaningless information.
"Yes, but there is a way we can become closer.", Kayden interjected and my father looked towards my side.
"You mean by sealing the friendship with blood? I hear there's no bond tighter than the one tied with blood."
The two friends busted into laughter. An awkward smile on Julian's face while Kim grinned sheepishly.
My appetite lost, I dropped my cutlery and beckoned for a maid to serve my champagne, my expression unruffled by their expensive joke.
It was not the first time I would be keeping a smile on my face for my father's friends, but then why is today's smile so tiring? I could not wait to get into my room and relax on the bed.
I almost jump up in ecstasy when the Thomas announced their departure. I was in glee. I only waited for a few minutes after they left before I climbed up the stairs.
I entered into his office to find his seat empty. I knew he wouldn't be in his room either. He was not an early Sleeper. But I knew where to find him. I climbed up the stairs, taking the steps one after the other, not allowing the tension to take over my actions. I turned around the corner, into the porch at the second floor.
Just as I've expected, my father was standing at the porch, his back to me. His hands were placed on the railing as he stared into the perfectly manicured lawn.
"What was that for, father?"
He turned to me, his brow sewn with confusion but I was not to be fooled. I already know too much of him for that.
"Don't play the ignorant card with me. What was that earlier? The sudden dinner, everything." I waved my hands before his face and he fold his arms, leaning against the railings.
"Why? Can't I invite my daughter for dinner again?"
"You know that's not what I'm talking about, dad."
I have begun to get angry which I hate. I hate it when I get angry and lose my composure around him -when I my emotions get out of my control and I lose my tongue.
"Ohh.. Are you talking about sealing the friendship with blood thing? What do you think I meant by that?"
"Whatever the hell you meant by that, I do not care."
My father smiled, annoying me more. It was that kind of smile that made me feel stupid. The one that made me feel as if I was not enough. He stepped closer to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Aloura.", my name dropped from his mouth so softly. "I know how much you need to uphold your dignity outside so people won't look down on you but my dear, you don't need to wear that armour around me."
"What?!", I stared at him, wide eyed. How could he think that? Of course I have my armour but he's the one I need an armour with the most. I stepped back, away from him, making his hand fall to his side.
"I don't think you get what I'm saying."
He stepped closer to me again. "Why do you think I'm not getting it? I saw the way you were gawking at Julian earlier. Am I not only making things easier for you?"
I scoffed. Easier indeed.
"Or, would you prefer I choose someone you don't know?" I think he seemed to realise Julian also was practically a stranger to me, and then he said, "Would you prefer I choose someone you are not in any way attracted to?"
Well, I guess my attraction to him was no more a secret then. However, I still stood my toes.
"You won't meddle in my business, dad. You're not choosing for me."
"No. It is you that will not disrupt my plan.", and so he decided to drop his act. His expression changed and his voice hardened.
"I have always fed you, clothed you and take care of all your needs with the company's money. Even the shitty apartment you got for yourself now is out of my money.", he leaned into my face.
"Tell me, have you ever made your own money? You are only spoilt. Drop that act and be useful for the company for once!"
My eyes widened and I stared at my father as if I was seeing him for the first time. My eyes burned and my heart ached. For the first time in the last ten years, I ached for my mother.
I wanted her here.
She always spoke the truth, even when father wouldn't. She would have told me if my fuss is truly baseless. But I would not cry before this monster. I sent him a final glare and then I was walking away from him.
He didn't call me back, I knew he wouldn't. Perhaps he would have made it easier if he did. Maybe it would have been better. But it was not. It was as shitty as the night my mother left me. It was the same as when she left me into his cold arms.