Chapter 3 THREE

• FREDRICKS MANSION • 9PM

Elsa couldn't sleep, She kept tossing on the bed, Her mind on Rapheal. She couldn't sleep after she saw them kissing, She couldn't deny the jealousy that stirred within her.

He wasn't here to see her dad but her sister, Cecilia. The thought of them together, probably intimate disturbed her.

She was very sure that they were having S-x right now and it made her heart clench.

Rapheal always came to their house but he never noticed her or tried to talk to her. She recalled what he said to her a few months ago.

'You're very boring' His words still stung,As painful as it was to hear, Elsa knew it was the truth....A few boys had also said the same thing to her.

Rapheal seemed to dislike her so much and that was why she never told him about her crush on him, She was afraid of getting rejected.

She remembered the way he would glance at her coldly, It was as if she was invisible to him.

Elsa sighed, feeling sad already. He was clearly out of her league and he liked girls that were Sexy, Elegant like Cecilia.

Unlike other girls her age, Elsa didn't spend hours in front of the mirror, perfecting her makeup or curling her hair.

She dosen't obsess over designer clothes or struggle to walk in high heels. She didn't party all night or flirt shamelessly with boys.

For Elsa, her books were more important than parties. She preferred staying in her room, reading Novels, writing songs, and losing herself in the world of fiction. That was her happy place.

Her eyes closed instinctively and then she fell asleep.....

•NEXT MORNING-LIAM'S OFFICE•

Liam walked into his company acknowledging his employees greetings with a nod.

He expected to hear Hazel's sweet voice but he heard nothing,He didn't even catch a whiff of her scent,Liam always knew when Hazel was around him with her scent.

He expected to hear her ask if he wanted coffee but there was only silence.

That was odd.

She was always the first person he saw whenever he arrived at his company but today her desk was empty.

Liam frowned, wondering if she hadn't arrived yet. He stepped out of the elevator and scanned everywhere with his eyes hoping to catch a glimpse of her but she was nowhere to be found.

He walked into his office, his mind preoccupied with Hazel's absence. Where was she?

He pulled out his phone and called her directly but it went straight to voicemail,He tried again and it was still the same thing.

Liam was about to send her a message when his manager, Ethan knocked on the door.

"Good morning, Mr Everston. I wanted to let you know that Hazel called me earlier. She said she's not feeling well and won't be coming to work today."

Liam eyes narrowed in Surprise. Sick? How? But she was perfectly fine last night....Then what the fuck happened?

He remembered that she looked really tired last night and he sighed. Did she overwork herself too much yesterday?

"When did she call?"He asked,His expression filled with concern.

"About Ten minutes ago sir"Ethan answered making Liam frown again.

She called Ethan about Ten minutes ago and he had been calling her nonstop for about twenty minutes but she wasn't picking up. That meant she purposely Ignored his calls but Why?

"She also said she needed to take the day off. She apologized for the short notice."Ethan added.

Liam nodded. His expression unreadable.

"Do you need your coffee sir, I'll go...."

"No"Liam declined coldly.

"I don't want anyone else's coffee, Only Hazel's"He added firmly.

He only liked her coffee, and it wasn't just about the taste.

It was the way she knew exactly how he took it. It was about the way she smiled when she handed it to him, the way her eyes were filled with warmth when she gives it to him.

Ethan's eyes widened slightly but he nodded and left his office.

Liam frowned. He never frowned unless he was annoyed or in a bad mood.

He needed his Coffee and his Secretary but sadly none was there with him.

• FREDRICKS MANSION •

Elsa knocked softly against her dad's room door, wondering what he wanted to talk to her about. She hoped it was nothing serious.

"Come in!" she heard her dad call out.

Elsa took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and walked in. Her dad, Mr. Fredrick, was sitting on the couch in his room, surrounded by papers on the table. He looked up from the document he was reading and smiled at her.

"Good morning, Dad," Elsa said,Her voice sounding very cheerful.

"Morning, Elsa. How are you doing?" her dad asked softly.

Elsa nodded. "I'm fine, Dad."

Her dad adjusted his glasses, his eyes focusing on her. "I want to talk to you about something."

Elsa shifted uncomfortably and stared at him nervously. "What is it, Dad?"

Her dad hesitated before speaking. "I've received a proposal from Mr Kingston,He wants Rapheal to marry you."

Elsa's eyes widened in shock. "He wants me to get married to Rapheal?" she repeated,her voice in a whisper.

Marry Rapheal? She was very shocked. Yes, She had a crush on Rapheal but Marriage? She didn't think she was ready for that. He doesn't even like her so there was no way he'd agree to marry her.

Why would Mr Kingston want her to marry his son? Was Rapheal aware about it? And if he was,Did he agree to marry her?

"Yes, sweetie. What are your thoughts on this? Would you like to marry Rapheal?"

Elsa looked down,Her cheeks flushing red. "I...I don't know Dad, I'll think about it"

He nodded understandingly.

"You should think about it carefully Elsa, Marriage is a big commitment and you need to make sure you're ready for it"

Elsa nodded, biting her lips. "I'll think about it but can I ask, what made Mr Kingston want me to Marry Rapheal"

Her dad leaned forward, a serious expression on his face. "Mr. Kingston thinks you're the perfect woman for Rapheal," he said.

Elsa's eyes widened in surprise. How? She hadn't really talked to Rapheal's father except when he comes to see her father so why would he pick her and not Cecilia?

"Really? But why does Mr. Kingston think I'm the perfect woman for Rapheal?"

Her dad leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I think Mr. Kingston wants Rapheal to settle down with someone who is kind, intelligent, and beautiful. And he thinks you fit that bill perfectly."

Elsa blushed at her father's words. She had never thought of herself as the perfect woman for anyone, let alone Rapheal.

"What do I do now, Dad? I...I don't even know what to say,I don't think Rapheal likes me"

Her dad chuckled lightly.

"Sweetie, Any man in his right senses would fall for you. You're kind, Intelligent and beautiful. You have so much to offer and I'm sure Rapheal would see that too but I think you should take some time to think about it. We'll discuss it more later, and then we can decide what to do next."

Elsa nodded, smiling lightly. She was glad that her dad wasn't forcing her into marrying Rapheal.

But was Rapheal aware about all this? And if he was,Did he agree to marry her? She knew he wouldn't,There was no way Rapheal would want to settle for someone like her but what if he agrees?

Should she say Yes?

No! Marriage was a big deal, She had to think about it carefully like her dad said and make her decision.

•••••

• LEXINGTON INSTITUTE •

Elsa walked through the school gates with a wide smile on her face and immediately she saw Triston and Darlina.

"Elsaaaaaaaaa!"Triston shouted excitedly and rushed to hug Elsa tightly, Darlina smiled widely and also joined in the hug.

Elsa giggled as they both hugged her tightly. "Did you both miss me that much?"She teased, smiling widely.

Triston pulled back, grinning widely. "You have no idea how much we missed you but we also have some Juicy gossip to share"

Darlina rolled her eyes, pushing him away from Elsa. "Triston don't start Spreading...."

"You wouldn't believe what Darlina did yesterday"Triston interrupted and Elsa stared at Both of them curiously.

Darlina groaned. "Shut the hell up Triston"

He ignored her. "She made a video of Dylan and Carmila having S*x"He whispered.

"What!"Elsa Gasped,her eyes wide in surprise.

"Doggy style, She was screaming so loudly...."

"And Dylan's dick is so small."Darlina snickered. "I wonder why she was screaming"

Elsa's eyes widened in surprise. "You guys are so mean."

Triston and Darlina just laughed.

"I'm serious, it's like a small banana," Triston said, chuckling.

"I know, right? I felt so bad for Carmila."Darlina giggled and Tristan's heart skipped a beat at the sound,It was very rare to see Darlina laugh like that.

Elsa shook her head, laughing. "You guys are ridiculous,Why would you compare his...to a banana?"

"I'm serious, it's like a small banana"Triston grinned,his arms wrapped around their shoulders as they walked.

Darlina scoffed. "I'm pretty sure his dick isn't even up to that."

"Mine is more bigger than his. Mine is about six inches."Triston winked, staring at Darlina.

Elsa gasped, her cheeks flushing red. "Triston, that's too much information!"

Darlina raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure it's not that big, Triston."

Triston chuckled. "I could show you right now."

"TRISTON!"Elsa and Darlina yelled in unison,

Triston shrugged. "I thought you wanted to see how big my dick is."

Elsa exclaimed, "Can we stop talking about your dick!"

Darlina chuckled lightly.

Just then, Darlina suddenly felt something wet and cold drop onto her hair. She reached up to touch it, and her fingers came away sticky with egg white.

Darlina's eyes widened in shock. "Ahh! What the...?"

Elsa's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my god, Darlina!"

Triston's face darkened. "Who did that?"

Darlina looked up,Her eyes scanning the rooftop above and she saw Camila, standing on the edge of the rooftop,A sly smirk spreading across her face.

Darlina clenched her fists and made her towards her while Triston and Elsa rushed after her trying to calm her down.

As she reached the rooftop, she stood face to face with Camila, who was smirking at her.

"I fucking dare you to do that straight to my face again," Darlina spat,her eyes very cold.

Camila stepped forward. "You think I'm afraid of you?" she sneered, and then threw another egg.

This time, it landed straight on Darlina's face. Elsa gasped in horror.

Before Camila could react, Darlina grabbed her arm and pushed her to the ground. Camila's eyes widened in panic as Darlina sat on top of her, an evil glint in her eye.

Elsa and Triston watched in shock,They knew Darlina was about to something crazy.

"What's wrong, Plastic Barbie? You scared?" Darlina taunted, smirking.

She took one of the eggs and gripped Camila's hair in her hands. "Open your mouth!" she commanded, her voice cold.

The students gasped, already grabbing their phones to take a video of the scene.

Camila's eyes went wide with fear as Darlina pressed her fingers against her chin, forcing her to open her mouth.

Darlina's eyes were filled with rage as she forced Camila's mouth open, pouring the egg white down her throat. Camila struggled and gagged, but Darlina pinned her down, her hands gripping her shoulders tightly.

Camila's eyes widened in as Darlina smashed another egg on her face, the shell breaking and covering her skin in a sticky, white mess.

Darlina began to spread the egg across Camila's eyes, nose, and face while Smiling widely.

Camila thrashed about, trying to break free, but Darlina held her firmly.

She took another egg and smashed it on Camila's face.

Darlina repeated the process again and again, each one landing straight on Camila's face. The crowd watched in horror, their phones forgotten in their hands.

Finally, Darlina seemed satisfied,She pulled out a pen from her pocket and began to write on Camila's face, the ink flowing across her skin in bold, black letters.

"YOU'RE A PLASTIC BARBIE BITCH AND I HOPE YOU CHOKE AND DIE WHILE SUCKING A DICK," Darlina wrote, her handwriting messy but everybody saw it clearly.

The crowd gasped. Triston's eyes widened crazily. Camila lay there, her face a mess of egg white and ink, her eyes streaming with tears mixed with egg.

Darlina stood up, smiling widely"You should have thought twice before messing with me," she spat, before turning and walking away, leaving Camila humiliated once again.

•••••

Hazel stood upright, wincing in pain as she bit her lip hard.

Her eyes were puffy and swollen from a bout of intense crying.

The tender skin on her cheeks was also swollen, a painful reminder of the brutal slaps she had received from Dawson.

Her hair was disheveled, scattered wildly across her face, while ugly bruises were on her skin,cheeks and neck.

"My food better be ready before I come out of this bathroom!" Dawson's angry voice came from the bathroom, making Hazel shiver. Hazel quickly went to the kitchen, ignoring her pain. She moved slowly, trying to calm down.

As she finished cooking, Dawson walking into the kitchen. "Is my food ready?" he growled.

Hazel nodded."Y-yes, it's ready."

Dawson strode over to the table, his eyes fixed on the plate of food. He took a bite, and then his face twisted in disgust. He threw the plate of food at Hazel's face.

Hazel gasped, her eyes widening in shock as the plate of food slammed into her face, the eggs, bacon, and toast splattering everywhere, adding to the bruises and pain she already endured.

She stumbled backward, her hands instinctively rising to cover her face.

"You can't even cook properly! What's wrong with you?"

Hazel's eyes stung with tears.

She knew that apologizing or explaining would only make things worse so she remained silent, her eyes facing down.

"What's the point of having you around when you can't even cook! You can't satisfy me in bed! You can't do anything. You're useless to me! Useless! Get the fuck out of my sight"He roared,his voice echoing through the room.

Hazel flinched, Her heart racing with fear. She quickly turned around and left the living room. She locked the bedroom behind her and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted and emotionally drained.

Just a little while longer then all this would end.

• RAPHEAL'S PENTHOUSE •

Rapheal laid on his bed, his hands clutching his stomach tightly. He was so fucking hungry. He hadn't eaten anything since his dad had frozen his accounts. He had come back earlier, hoping to eat, but then his fridge was empty, and he couldn't even order because of the goddamn frozen account.

How the hell would he survive without money? He couldn't survive without money! He had to get his money back, and the only way to accomplish that was to get married to Elsa. He had no choice!

For the sake of his poor stomach and his normal life back, he had to do this. He couldn't even pay for a fucking hotel room; how fucking shameful was that? No, this had to stop. His father wanted him to get married then fine, he'd fucking get married to her.

But he'd never accept her as his wife. Because he was married to her didn't mean he'd stop fucking the women he wanted. He'd never change for one fucking woman. He'd make her regret ever getting married to him.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Liam's number. "Hey, bro," he said, his voice sounding dry.

Liam's voice was laced with concern. "Why's your voice like that?"

Rapheal ignored his question. "I need a ring."

Liam sounded confused. "Huh? What do you need a ring for?"

"I wanna propose."Rapheal responded, shortly.

There was a long pause, and then Liam suddenly burst out laughing. His laughter was loud over the phone.

Rapheal's annoyance grew. "It's not funny Liam, I'm serious."

Liam's laughter died down, and he asked, "Wait, are you serious?"

"Does it sound like I'm FUCKING Joking? I'm literally dying out of hunger right now, and I'm broke as Fuck. I need to propose to the Virgin as soon as possible."Rapheal said,his voice low and firm.

Liam's laughter erupted again, louder and more uncontrollable than before. Rapheal's annoyance turned to anger.

"It's not funny" Rapheal repeated.

Liam's laughter finally subsided. "But you said that you planned on getting married at the age of 50...."

Rapheal cut him off. "Buy me a ring and come meet me at my penthouse. I'll be waiting."

With that, Rapheal hung up the phone.

*

*

• FREDRICKS MANSION •

Cecilia's was currently on her live video when a maid burst into the room, looking frantic.

"Miss Cecilia, Rapheal has arrived at the mansion." the maid announced, out of breath.

Cecilia's eyes widened in shock. "What? He didn't tell me he was coming!" She quickly ended her live video and rushed out of her room, almost tumbling down the stairs.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw Rapheal kneeling in front of her stepsister, Elsa, a small box open in his hand, revealing a stunning diamond ring.

Cecilia's face fell, her eyes filling with shock and horror. "No, this can't be happening!" she whispered to herself.

Elsa, on the other hand, looked like she was in a dream. Her eyes were wide with shock, and her face was pale. She couldn't believe this was happening right now.

"Angel Raph what are you...?" Elsa trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rapheal's eyes locked onto Elsa's, his expression serious. "Elsa Fredrick, will you marry me?" he asked.

Elsa's breath hitched, and she looked like she was about to faint. But then, a small smile spread across her face, and she nodded. "Y-yes, I'll marry you."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Elsa and Rapheal. Cecilia's face was pale, her eyes wide with shock and horror. She looked like she was about to faint.

And then, without warning, Cecilia collapsed onto the floor, unconscious