Chapter 2 A father's scheme

Vivian's pov

I had just stepped into the living room to pick up my phone which I had left on the couch, when Cynthia stormed in, dropped the bag she was carrying and walked angrily into her room. I watched her in curiosity and wondered what could have caused her reaction. Picking up the bag she dropped, I peeped into the contents and seemed satisfied.

This is the exact medicine the doctor asked me to get for mum, I thought, and smiled. I'll have to drop by at the hospital later in the day, but for now, I have to check on my younger sister.

I turned and saw her approaching, in a changed dress.

"What's wrong with you?" I demanded and added, "You dropped your bag carelessly and stormed off".

I stared at her intensely as she scoffed and folded her arms.

Though with a frown, I still acknowledged Cynthia's beauty, which, of course, is a replica of myself. We look so much alike that people do make mistakes in identifying us.

Cynthia turned her gaze at me, her lips pouted. "I ran into a jerk today" she said.

"No, I'd rather say a jerk ran into me today" she corrected.

I laughed at her correction and chipped "Take it easy girl, you're always too harsh anyway."

"Are you sure you're not the jerk that ran into someone?" I asked playfully, knowing fully well that Cynthia wouldn't have that.

"Oh please, Vivian" she replied, widening her eyes, and I let out a little laugh.

"Can you imagine that I almost got hit while rushing home with the medicine? She dropped.

"You really don't mean it," I said, raising an eyebrow.

I watched Cynthia's face for anything that could hint at a joke but found none. Her face remained stern and cold.

When she didn't answer me, I asked "How did it happen?"

That did it. Cynthia exploded and narrated the whole incident while I listened intensely.

"Hell! You need to see him looking like a spoiled rich brat who thinks he can get away with anything", Cynthia blurted.

I sighed. Cynthia's temper is one I never looked forward to and anyone who gets her angry is sure to be in trouble.

"Wait" I said and added "I thought you said he asked if you were alright and offered to pack your things."

"If I had got hit, would he have packed my injured self instead? He drove as if he was crazy, and it took all the energy in me to jump away from his way!"

"Yeah, I know you're an athlete, alright" I laughed, throwing a punch at her.

"All I know is that, I gave him an earful and told him to go to hell. He shouldn't get himself drunk early in the morning next time," Cynthia replied, and made to leave the living room.

I shrugged and shouted after her "He might be going through a hell of problems, you can never tell."

Cynthia turned, looking at me as if I was crazy, and mumbled away.

I hesitated. What if something had truly happened to Cynthia? I tried to put myself in her shoes and I can see why she was so angry. I wouldn't be able to stay alive if something happened to her. Aside from mum who is critically sick and hospitalized, Cynthia is all I've got, and her energy has kept me moving.

Whoever that jerk was, I thought, he was really crazy for almost knocking my sister down.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves and searched the bag for the medicine.

Standing up, I glanced at the wall clock. It says 8:15am.

I jumped up immediately. I have to get to work, Evelyn ma'am would be expecting me already.

*** *** ***

Happy Restaurant.

As I stepped out of the taxi, a wave of breeze swept past me, making my long hair dance in rhythm. I clutched my bag and watched as the taxi left. Glancing across the road, I could see that the restaurant was already buzzing with customers.

Oh, I'm so late for work, I mumbled as I crossed to the other side of the road.

Just when I was about to step in, the door opened and Evelyn ma'am appeared carrying two dispensing bags.

"Vivian, you should have been here earlier" She scolded and raised her brows.

I rushed to collect the bags from her. "I'm sorry, Evelyn ma'am". I apologized.

I had to wait for Cynthia to return with the medicines so that I could drop by at the hospital".

As if remembering something, she turned, with a concerned look on her face.

"Oh yeah. Have you taken it to the hospital? "

"Sure," I replied, adding "The doctor sent his regards"

She smiled and nodded. I placed the bags carefully, making them lean against the wall. The waste collector would be here to collect them soon, I thought as I swayed inside merrily to begin the day's work.

Stepping in, I received various comments from customers whom I've grown accustomed to.

"Oh Vivian, you look great."

"What a lovely dress you have on. It fits perfectly".

Thank goodness you're here Vivian, can I place my orders now?

I put on my apron quickly, and I began to attend to the customers, smiling and muttering Thank you as I went about. Evelyn ma'am glanced at me and I blew her a kiss. She seemed very satisfied and smiled graciously.

*** *** ***

Johnson's pov.

I sat in the open space in the large compound of my mansion, bathing in the warm embrace of the cool morning breeze. I was expecting feedback from my men.

Earlier, I had summoned them and ordered that they find a replacement bride for Collins.

I couldn't afford to tarnish my image. The wedding preparations had begun, and I am not going to back down no matter what, I thought, as my phone vibrated.

"Fred, what's the update?" I asked eagerly.

His voice came through the receiver "Sir, we've found someone who seems suitable for the replacement.".

"Perfect! Bring her into the house now!"