I held my cheek in pain as hot tears poured from my eyes. When I looked at the mirror, the bruise on my face was a reminder of the abuse I went through and the tears revealed the pain I felt inside.
I applied makeup to cover it up and slipped into a blue designer gown, I did not want to appear shabby and helpless before Allen and my In-laws.
The drive to the Vanderbilt mansion was quiet and cold, neither of us talked to each other, I prefered it that way, Dalia is such a brat.
****
" I have noticed your success in handling the family's business these past three months" My father finally broke the silence which I was becoming uncomfortable with.
" Thank you Dad" I replied, while pouring us both another set of drinks.
When my father raised his eyebrow, I knew he was not satisfied with my success and was about to let the cat out of the bag.
" Allen quit mixing business with pleasure, your promiscuous acts with your top associate is unethical". He spat out in a very serious tone.
This was actually the moment I have been waiting for, to defy him, so I didn't hesitate in defending myself.
" But Dad, Diana is just a friend" I replied hysterically.
" Watch your tongue, boy." My father warned, this time, his eyes said it all.
I had crossed the line. But he didn't have much of a choice, I have always been the black sheep of the family, who defied his orders, damning the consequence.
There was a knock at the sturdy's door.
"Come in". My father said, lowering his gaze to the documents on the table, which I didn't pay much attention to, until now.
My cunning little sister, Dalia, walked in. She loved our father dearly and always wanted to be in his good graces.
" You're here my princess, right on time".
My father, who was angry a moment ago, spoke calmly, while they shared a warm hug.
" My children, it will interest you both to know that the requirements for who takes over from me at the company has changed". A smirk appeared on Dad's face.
"But Dad, You were supposed to transfer full authority to me tomorrow at the company, I thought that's the reason for our meeting here today", I reminded him.
It seems he has forgotten how he made me marry that useless thing who calls herself my wife, just to meet his demand for the transfer of the family's inheritance to me.
" Where's your wife, Allen?" My father asked, looking at me sternly in the eyes.
The room was getting too heated and uncomfortable for me, despite the air conditioning, but I maintained my composure.
"At my residence" I replied.
" Your darling little wife is downstairs, seated calmly at the dining table, waiting for you " Dalia cut in, smiling cunningly.
"You lack responsibility, Allen. It's high time you became responsible. Whichever of my children gives me a grandchild first gets full control of my estate," my father concluded.
My blood boiled, Once again, he showed me he was in control. I didn't say a word, I gulped my drink to calm my nerves.
"Dinner is ready, Dad," Dalia said cheerfully, leading my father downstairs as if I didn't exist.
I went through the documents on the table, My father wasn't joking, My twin brother who hasn't been in touch with the family for years, was also included.
But why? Could my twin brother have reconciled with my Dad, without me being aware?
I had questions that needed answers, and I'll surely get them. No One would take what is mine from me, not even my twin.
We had dinner quietly as a family, I excused myself after I had my fill and went to the garden for some fresh air.
"Good evening my husband" My little wife was at it again.
" Don't call me that, what do you want?" I asked, the mere sight of her disgusts me.
" I haven't seen you in months. You act as if I don't exist, as if I mean nothing to you", She replied, sounding hurt.
" Yes you mean nothing to me, you disgust me, get out of my sight" I yelled at her, making sure she shivered to her bones, My little wife broke in tears and ran off.
****
Allen's words hurt me, I felt like a worthless piece of rag, I quickly ran out of the Vanderbilt mansion and boarded a taxi to my family mansion.
I yearned to be where I had good memories, when my life was bliss before my father died. I used to be the apple of his eye, but now that he's gone, my life has become hell.
On second thought, I decided not to go there. I do not want to see my mother, she is the reason why I'm going through this suffering, because of her greed.
Where will I get drunk? I thought. I felt like forgetting my sorrow, even if it was for a sec.
"Take me to a bar" I asked the taxi driver.
" Okay miss, there's a good one close by" He replied, while switching lanes.
It was my first time in a bar, nevertheless I asked the barman for his strongest blend, I craved for an all time high.
It wasn't long before I began seeing double and feeling so wavy, I liked the tingling sensation.
Those blue eyes, I saw them again.
"Hey handsome" I said, my eyes were fixed on his strong muscles that were visible in his folded sleeves.
"It's you again, what are you doing here?"
He asked, meeting my gaze.
"Drinking away my sorrow" I laughed.
"Okay beautiful, let's cheers to that" He teased,
We both laughed and continued talking. I felt so comfortable telling him about what I was going through. He was a good listener, staring into my eyes most of the time.
"Do you want to get out of here?" He asked softly.
"Yes, take me with you" I said, throwing caution to the wind.
We walked out of the bar, holding hands. Outside the bar he asked me
"What's your name?"
I thought he would never ask.
" Valentina," I replied.
" Valentina you are beautiful" he continued, as he drew me closer and kissed me passionately.
OMG! I didn't see that coming, but I liked it and wanted more.
"Take me home," I said.
"As you wish Valentina" He replied and carried me in his arms.