Fate of The Fake Princess

"Laura, what are you doing! We've been waiting for you at the office since this morning, and here you are, relaxing by the pool," shouted a formally dressed man to a girl playing by the poolside. "Please act a bit more mature!!" he continued.

The woman seemed surprised by the man's arrival, hastily stood up but dared not look at his stern face. "Uh, well..." she stammered, her eyes shifting restlessly.

"Quickly change your clothes! We have to go to the office right now!"

The woman became even more confused, rejecting with hand gestures. "I-I can't," she replied.

"What do you mean! You can't continue to be this selfish; you have to prioritize the company, think about your family," the man continued with the same tone.

"I can't... how do I explain," the woman said while scratching her head. She shifted her gaze towards the inside of the house, hoping for help from the homeowner.

"I don't care, change your clothes quickly! We have to go to the office!" commanded the man while pulling the woman's hand towards the house. She struggled to keep up with his determined pace. Suddenly, they stopped when faced with another woman.

The man slowly released his grip on the woman he called Laura. The current situation left him bewildered. He observed both women from head to toe.

"My problem is resolved, Marvin. Thanks to her."

"Wait a minute, so I haven't been talking to you all this time?" asked the man named Marvin.

The woman nodded quickly, smiling brightly. "From now on, Eugene will take my place," she said. "Eugene, let me introduce Marvin Campbell. He's my father's right-hand man. And Marvin, this woman is Eugene Thompson."

"I'm Eugene Thompson, nice to meet you," replied the woman standing behind Marvin's robust figure.

Marvin focused his gaze on Eugene, his eagle eyes scrutinizing every inch of her. "She really looks like you. Where did you find her?"

"At the office, specifically in the office lobby. A few days ago, when I went to the office, I saw her about to walk towards the reception area. She was applying for a job in our office. Can you imagine what happened next?" Laura explained.

"As usual, there will be chaos in the office."

"That's why I brought her here. I've also trained her to behave like me, so she can take over-"

"What do you mean?" Marvin interrupted, appearing irritated with his boss's words.

"I've told you hundreds of times that I don't want to be in business. I have my own way of life, but all of you force me. That's why I found my own solution, and look at her now," Laura clarified.

"You can't just do as you please, Laurence Griezmann. You can't hand over the company to a stranger," Marvin warned, glaring at the woman.

"You, my mother, all of you can't just control my life like this. She's not a stranger; you just haven't met her. She's smarter than me, more capable of leading the company than I am," Laura continued, trying to convince Marvin.

"You're insane, Laura!"

"Exactly, I am insane. I spent my whole life serving my parents, and now it's time for me to find my true self," replied the woman. "For business matters, I entrust it to you and Eugene. I've trained her in some basic things I usually do."

"Come on, Laura, think it over. I'm ready to help you run the company," Marvin pleaded.

"My decision is final; you better help Eugene," she said casually. "Feel free to talk, I have other matters to attend to," she added, walking towards Marvin's house. Marvin tried to catch up with her, grabbing Laura's hand and saying, "Don't leave yet; let's settle this matter."

"My problem is already resolved; I found the right person. Now, it's up to you whether the company will be without a leader or if you work together to manage it until my father recovers," she said while looking at Marvin and Eugene alternately. After that, she left the two of them.

Marvin turned his face away in frustration, while Eugene could only stand there in confusion. She didn't know how to act now. "Why did you agree to cooperate with Laura?" Marvin asked without looking at his conversation partner.

"Because of money, she gave me a lot of money," Eugene answered with her head bowed. "I need the money to pay off my debts to loan sharks."

Marvin sighed heavily. Now he looked at Eugene from top to bottom. "Why did you borrow money from loan sharks?"

"I needed money for my mother's medical expenses. I had nothing left to sell. The shortcut was to borrow money from loan sharks," she explained.

"How is your mother now?"

"God is kinder to her; the day before yesterday marked the hundredth day since my mother passed away."

Marvin's sharp gaze softened; he felt pity. As a fellow child who had lost his mother, he understood Eugene's feelings. "And where is your father? Don't your other siblings help you?"

"I don't have a father, and I don't know who my siblings are. Since I was a child, I only lived with my mother," Eugene revealed.

"What was your last education level?"

"I went to college until the third semester because there was nothing more important than my mother's medical expenses," she said.

Marvin nodded; he understood the situation and the background of the woman in front of him. But as the right-hand man of the company owner, he couldn't be defeated by compassion. The fate of hundreds of employees was at stake here.

"What did Laura tell you?"

Eugene then took the notebook left on the bench and handed it to Marvin. "That's the notes Laura gave me, about her daily habits, what she likes or dislikes. She told me to study it."

Marvin smiled, realizing that writing such a thick note couldn't be done overnight. That meant Laura had been preparing for a while, and she was serious about her plan.

"Do you enjoy being Laura?" Marvin asked, wanting to know Eugene's answer.

"It's not about liking it or not, but it's about responsibility. I've received her money, so I have to fulfill my duty," Eugene replied, still not daring to look at the man.

"In your opinion, how worthy are you to replace Laura as the leader of her father's company?"

This time Marvin's question left Eugene speechless. Of course, she wasn't worthy to replace Laura. "I am not part of the Griezmann family, but I will try my best. I will be responsible for what I am doing now. Are you willing to help me?"

Marvin didn't answer the question; instead, he chose to leave Eugene. "I need time to answer that," he said. Eugene stood, staring at Marvin's robust figure growing more distant. She never expected it to become this complicated.

"What should I do?" she mumbled, covering her face with both hands. "Should I just withdraw from this cooperation?"

"Too late," someone said, suddenly grabbing the woman's hand. "You're coming with me to the office right now. There's important business to attend to."

"Wait, Marvin," Eugene said, hitting the strong hand gripping hers. "I need to change clothes first; there's no way I can go to the office in these clothes."

The man realized this and released his grip. "Quickly change, I'll give you five minutes."

With a half run, Eugene headed towards Laura's room on the second floor. She already had permission to enter and use Laura's clothes. The woman descended the stairs quickly and stood next to Marvin. She was silent for a few seconds, surprising Marvin with Eugene's choice of attire.

"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with my clothes?" the woman asked, checking what clung to her body. "If so, I can change into something else."

"No need, we don't have time for that," he replied. Marvin stepped forward, followed by Eugene from behind. He opened the door for his boss's lookalike twin. Eugene, unaccustomed to the gesture, was confused. "Hurry, get in!"

"Al-alright," Eugene muttered as she got into the car. Marvin slammed the door shut and moved to the other side, sitting in the driver's seat. Soon, the luxurious car was moving away from the large and lavish house.

Throughout the journey to the office, Marvin kept stealing glances at Eugene. He never expected that such a style of clothing would be suitable for the office. Apparently, Eugene knew what she was doing beside him.

"Marvin, please be honest with me. Am I wearing the wrong clothes?"

"No, I was just surprised. Usually, Laura doesn't wear clothes like that to the office," he answered without looking at Eugene.

"What am I going to do? I'll be the center of attention for your office employees," Eugene panicked. "You, I wanted to change earlier, but you didn't allow me."

Marvin chuckled at Eugene's words. "Being the center of attention is inevitable. But not because of your strange style, but because Laura never wears clothes as neat as this to the office."

"Really?"

Marvin nodded; he was pleased that Eugene managed to erase the 'messy' image built by Laura. The man changed the topic of conversation, starting to teach what needed to be done upon their arrival at the office.

Fortunately, Eugene quickly understood the instructions given by the man next to her. "Just don't sign anything given by Carlo," he repeated the warning given by Marvin.

"Right, I'll ask you about anything," added Marvin.

"Okay, I'll do everything you instruct."

The car suddenly slowed down, and Marvin began turning the steering wheel to the right. Shortly after, they entered the main gate of the seven-story office building. Marvin mentioned that Eugene shouldn't be far from him, saying, "We must always stay close; I don't want you talking recklessly."

"Alright, calm down."

"If anyone asks, just say you're from the hospital."

Eugene responded by raising both of her index fingers. Following Marvin's advice, Eugene stood behind him until the elevator door opened again.

"Wow, the office is really nice," Eugene remarked, earning a sharp look from Marvin. Immediately, Eugene closed her mouth. "Sorry."

Eugene's arrival at the office naturally attracted a lot of attention. All the employees looked at her strangely. She wondered how Laura appeared when heading to the office.

"Welcome back to this office, Laurence Griezmann. I thought you were still spending your father's money in the Maldives," said a man, his face looking very annoying. Marvin signaled to Eugene to keep walking. "You shouldn't act like a princess, asking to be picked up and all."

For some reason, Eugene felt offended by the man's words. She stopped walking and turned around. "And what's wrong if I act like a princess? Do you know who I am?"

"Of course, I know who you are, the pride of your parents, but in reality, you can't manage the company properly," the man retorted. Eugene became more irritated; she intended to respond to the man's words, but Marvin held her back.

"Enough, don't listen to him."

"Indeed, don't listen to me. Listen to him instead. Forever, you will depend on him. He even knows more about this company than you do, you useless child."

"What did you say?!"

"Enough, Laura, don't listen to him. There are many things we need to do," Marvin intervened.

Eugene glared at the man; for some reason, Marvin's attitude was very different, 180 degrees. He was so strict at home and became timid in the office. The man knew that Eugene demanded an explanation from him.

So when they entered Laura's office, he immediately explained. "I respect Mr. Robert Bothroyd; he is the big boss's cousin. I don't care what he says about me; all this time, I have only worked for Mr. Adam Griezmann."

"What is his position in this office?"

He used to work as the

Chairman of the Board, but his son, Jayden Bothroyd, replaced him. His son is just as annoying as he is; he wants to take over this company. That's why I'm very strict with Laura; I don't want this hard-built company to fall into the wrong hands," Marvin explained.

Eugene saw the sadness in Marvin's handsome face; he seemed sincerely devoted to the company. She could also see the heavy burden Marvin was carrying, so it was no wonder he was very strict with Laura.

"You said there was something important we needed to do? May I know?"

"You shouldn't know, but everything is too late; you're already here," Marvin replied. "The files are in my office; I'll get them."

Marvin then went to his office, located right in front of Mr. Adam's office. While waiting for Marvin, Eugene checked the contents of the spacious room. She was interested in a photo displayed on the desk.

It turned out Laura looked very much like her father. "Maybe my father also looks like this," she thought.

Suddenly, the sound of the door opening was heard. In an instant, she returned the photo frame and turned towards the door. A woman entered the room, and Eugene, recognizing her, greeted her. "Mother," she called.

"Who are you? You're not the Laura I know!"

"What does you mean, mom?" Eugene stammered, afraid that Laura's mother would recognize him.

"You're not my child, who are you?"

Eugene lowered his head; his lips felt dry. He couldn't answer the big lady's question. He regretted being too enthusiastic earlier. It was understandable since meeting Laura's mother reminded him of his own mother.

Not only Eugene but also Marvin, standing behind Mrs. Wanda Griezmann, was surprised, confused, and anxious. He regretted Eugene's overly friendly attitude. Laura had never been on good terms with her parents.

"Sorry, Mrs. Wanda, I think Laura mi-"

"I didn't ask you to speak, Marvin," Mrs. Griezmann interrupted.

Eugene felt increasingly conflicted, but he had to quickly resolve this situation. He racked his brain, searching for a way to appease Laura's mother. Suddenly, he knelt down, holding the middle-aged woman's feet.

"I apologize, Mom."

Mrs. Wanda turned her face away; she did not expect her daughter to behave like this. Tears flowed uncontrollably, as did Eugene's. He remembered his habit of apologizing to his mother for making a grave mistake. He was confident that Laura's mother would forgive her daughter's mistake.

"Get up!" the woman commanded. Eugene rose, but he dared not look at Laura's mother. "What made you change like this? I was surprised. I thought you were someone else's child."

Eugene closed his eyes, guilt piercing his heart. "Sorry, Mom," he whispered. That was all he could say to the woman.

"Who taught you to behave like this?" Mrs. Wanda asked Eugene. But he didn't answer; he just kept bowing his head. Occasionally, sobs could be heard from Eugene's thin lips. Not getting an answer, Mrs. Wanda turned to Marvin as if seeking an explanation from her subordinate.

"Sorry, Mrs., I thought Miss Laura had realized her mistake," Marvin said. "I sincerely hope you can forgive your daughter."

"Easy, it's not that simple. I know what kind of child this is; he might misbehave again later," Mrs. Wanda replied sharply, staring sharply at Eugene. "I need real proof. Not just an apology."

"What should I do, Mom, to get forgiveness from you and Daddy?" Eugene asked. Marvin and Mrs. Wanda were surprised to hear that; Eugene's actions were truly far from Laura's true nature.

"Look at this, Marvin. Because he often roams around and doesn't know what's happening in the office, you tell him what he needs to do if I accept his apology."

"Yes," Marvin replied.

"You handle her; I'll go first," the woman said, turning around. Marvin prepared to open the door when suddenly Eugene ran and hugged the middle-aged woman from behind.

"Mom, I can't start without your support," Eugene said softly.

Mrs. Wanda's heart trembled greatly; her daughter had never asked for such a thing before. But she couldn't refuse; the woman gave a brief hug and quickly left the office.

Eugene could now breathe a sigh of relief, confident that the Big Lady had left the office.

"You're really crazy, Eugene," Marvin said. "I didn't expect you to do that; you're really different from Laura. Luckily, it turned out well."

Eugene was confused by Marvin's reaction, unsure whether to be happy or scared, but he had a reason for doing so. "First, I lied to a mother, so I apologize for all the lies that will happen next. Second, she told me to take care of this company. Of course, I need her support."

Marvin nodded; he now understood the mindset of the woman before him. Eugene apologized on behalf of Laura and himself. "I didn't think you were this smart, Eugene."

"I'm not smart; I'm just trying to see myself as both Laura and Eugene. Oh yes, one more thing, I'm used to doing all this to my mother," Eugene continued.

"That's good, then. When are you going to start learning about this company and its problems?"

"As soon as possible, but I think we don't need to study here. How about we study at Laura's house? Is she okay with that?"

"Good idea, coincidentally, she's already gone to America, so we can use her house," Marvin said. "In the meantime, just study the easy stuff like this financial report. Do you understand it?"

Eugene just flashed his white teeth and said, "A little."

Marvin rubbed his forehead, thinking Eugene didn't understand company reports. "Just read it first, and if you have any questions, let me know."

After saying that, Marvin left Eugene alone. Eugene felt lonely and confused again; he had read and studied the report several times, but he still didn't understand.

Eugene found a piece of paper and began to write down the questions he would ask Marvin later. Apparently, Marvin quickly returned, and Eugene immediately handed him the list of questions.

"Don't you ever learn this during college?" Marvin asked, surprised that Eugene was asking such easy things.

"I forgot everything taught in college, besides, I only studied until the third semester," he answered with a pout. "They said I could ask anything."

Marvin sighed deeply. "Alright, I'll teach you how to read the company's financial report. Listen carefully," he said. Marvin looked like a lecturer teaching his material to his student; he was patient and diligent.

When Marvin was teaching Eugene, suddenly his phone rang, and he quickly reached for it. "Who's calling?" Eugene asked curiously.

"The finance guy, we already have an appointment," he replied. "Please review what I explained earlier. I'm leaving now."

Marvin put his phone away and walked quickly to the door. Suddenly, Eugene threw out a sentence. "Marvin, don't take too long. I'm afraid of being alone."

"Don't worry; I'll be back soon."

The door closed again, and Eugene leaned back. He never thought learning about the company's financial report would be so difficult and complicated. "I can't take it anymore," he muttered with his eyes closed. The silence in the room made him feel a bit calm.

But it didn't last long; he heard someone opening the door again. He thought it was Marvin, but it turned out to be someone else. A man stood staring angrily at Eugene.

"Hey, get out of my chair!"