Chapter 3 Second Chance

I dragged myself, my wet hair all but clinging to the middle of my back looking even more petite in the clothes that were threatening to drown me. My fierce blue eyes contrast my drenched and weak look.

I took in a deep breath as I saw my father's mansion where the party is ongoing in the family's garden, tuned to accommodate the guests.

It was the same. On the side of a hill completely separate from their next neighbor for about thirty minutes. The peace and quiet was heavenly, but it was also easier to enter heaven here.

The same before it got renovated with my mother's money two years from now.

My eyes flashed with a cold light.

Never will I let that happen again!

I raise my eyes towards the sky, muttering a quick prayer of thanks to the one who sat there.

Passing the side of the house and completely avoiding the banquet, I entered my room and changed into a simple cold-shoulder lilac dress.

I had given up my original room up to Stephanie when she coquettishly asked and cried for it, throwing tantrums even, and I was content to stay in this one.

Now, I will ensure that even things that I did not want, Stephanie and her mother were not suitable to take them!

Going down to the garden, I take a look across the garden.

I scoff at Frank and Lailah who were in a conversation at a round table.

Standing not far away from them, Stephanie was in a conversation with her mother and apparently, the conversation was not going well by the way her hands were fisted by her side and she was pulling at her princess dress.

'Stephanie had changed her outfit as well.' I noticed.

I watch as Lailah pats Frank's hand and removes it quickly, a blush covering her cheeks.

How did I not notice this?

The little glances, the smallest touches. I had been so focused on what was in my presence that I never stopped to look at the big picture or even question their activities.

I was determined not to be hard on myself, after all a new chance at life was not just given to anybody.

Ignoring the smile Lailah sent my way, I picked up a flute glass containing champagne and walked towards where my Father was entertaining the directors of XS.

I just didn't expect to be stopped by somebody.

"Sister." Steph grabbed my shoulders roughly.

"Stephanie." I reply coldly looking at her.

"Stephanie? You always call me Steph!" she sulked coquettishly.

"You were named Stephanie Myers and that's what you are to me." I say, my eyes drifting to the gathering of directors that were looking towards me and Stephanie.

I had always known that a couple of them had always vehemently disliked Stephanie but out of their deep respect for my Mother, had wanted me to become the CEO of XS.

Just that I kept disappointing them regularly!

This will not happen again!

I threw a quick glance at Stephanie and noted the glint in her eye.

Soon enough, Stephanie opened her mouth and stretched her hand at the same time.

"You can't be mad at me! I just couldn't join you." Her loud voice attracted the attention of several people as several heads turned to our direction.

I groan inwardly.

I want to avoid her, yet Stephanie still comes barreling towards me.

Is my fate completely entwined with hers?

"What happened Grace?" From my place at the other side of the banquet, a girl asked, her calm demeanor making people listen to her.

I looked at the owner of the voice - Lailah and scoffed.

Vile serpent.

"How would I know?" I replied coldly and side stepped Steph who was raising a leg to trip her.

"Ah!" a scream rang out loud.

If most of the attention were previously on them before, now they most definitely had all eyes on them.

I snort inwardly.

Well, I would make the best use of the attention.

A laughter rang out in the banquet. It was a rich but soft melodious laugh. It sounded like it was tinkling the ears and the several people who stood with my Father felt a sense of nostalgia.

Why did this laugh remind them of someone?

"How did you slip? When will you stop being clumsy?" I chide Stephanie watching the fire in her eyes burn brighter.

"Come on, stand up." Mr. Koore's gruff voice sounded dismissing the bruise that had begun to form on his stepdaughter's head.

I chuckle inwardly. It seemed like my Father did not like either of his daughters very much.

"What was Steph talking about when she said she couldn't join you?" The airy voice spoke, its owner looking like an exquisite princess in her trumpet style gown.

I sigh and rubbed her glabella feeling a headache coming on.

What was this evil triangle between myself, Lailah and Stephanie?

In my past life, I married Frank who had an affair and birthed a child outside by Lailah, yet was completely head-over-heels for Stephanie.

Frank scowled, noticing my eyes on him.

He'd never liked me, but why was he looking at me with so much hatred?!

"I don't know. Ask her" I say, making my way over to XS directors.

I didn't see my stepmother, Caroline, motion to her daughter with my eyes.

"Grace wanted to go cliff diving, but I said no, that it was too scary. I may be impulsive but I'd never do anything to risk my life and cause my family unhappiness." Stephanie's voice rang out clear.

People began to instantly mutter. After all, what better gossip than the gossip of the Host family?

Lailah walked towards me, her pale pink trumpet gown trailing behind her shimmering with the light. Her Rickshaw family was not on par with the Koore but she was given an invitation being the best friend of Grace Koore, the legitimate daughter of Richard Koore and the heiress to XS, a multinational corporation that death with technology and fashion.

I knew how beneficial it was for Lailah to stick to me and she was doing it very much well, like a parasite, seeing as the Head of their Rickshaw family had complimented her seeing that her association with me had brought in several benefits to the family's business.

"Grace, how could you do so?" her long fingers pulled my forearm indicating our closeness.

A strong sense of anger overwhelmed me and flashes of me bleeding out my baby filled my mind.

Lailah, you must pay!