Win me back if you can

Ginaaaaaaaa! where is that stupid girl?" I heard the woman I used to call mom yell my name

Such a nuisance, I'm sure she's somewhere lazing around" Selena added

I'm coming maa......" I had to yell back so they could hear my voice since I'm currently washing the car downstairs.

You heard me, Yvonne and her husband are millionaires obviously they can afford to pay someone to get that done but no, they're just hell bent on breaking me.

I desperately want to punch that fool in the face. Lazing around...... seriously?

If laziness was a person, it'd definitely would be Selena Ross.

After running up the stairs, I went to the lounge breathing heavily. Don't blame me, I could never get used it. There's an elevator in this house, but I'm not allowed to use it.

In the lounge I saw two of the three devils in my life.

You call........." I was not able to finish my statement, when a resounding slap landed on my right cheek. I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me who it was

Why did you take so long to get here?" Selena yelled in my face

I'm sorry ma'am Selena" I apologized definitely wasn't sincere about it.

Oh no you are never sorry, dimwit" Yvonne supported her child as always. One would think that she's not my biological mother

Kneel down" Selena barked. Feeling the regular anger surging through my veins, I did as commanded

Calm down damsel, you wouldn't want to get stressed. Remember you have a shoot scheduled for tomorrow" Yvonne said in an unbelievably calm voice. Not like I'm surprised, she only uses that voice for her husband and daughter.

True mum, she just wants to annoy me because she's jealous of my beauty" she said smiling

Sorry? what? beauty? who? Selena beautiful? she's just delusional again.

Get the hell out of here, go to my room and prepare the things I'll be needing for my shoot. Make sure you take your bath, wash and sanitize your hands before entering my room and touching my stuffs" Selena ordered

Yes, ma'am" don't be surprised, even though she's just one year older than me, I call her ma'am.

How did Yvonne do it? I don't know. I'll just tell you the story another time. For now, I have some packing to do.

I hurriedly took my bath and I went to her room to start packing. As usual I was mesmerized by the room decor, all the luxurious clothes and accessories.

Even though she's not that beautiful, she's a top model.

I could only admire her things but never dream of trying them on.

After I was done, I went back down stairs finished cleaning the cars and head back to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Mr. Ross will soon be back. I have to hurry up. I boiled water and set it aside.

Ginaaaaaaa" what now again. Soon Selena came rushing into the kitchen

How dare you?" she barked angrily

What did I do ma?" I asked politely

How dare you pollute my room?"

I was confused because I had no idea what she was talking about.

The air in my room stench" she concluded

Before I could open my mouth to speak, she took the hot water I had set aside for her father's tea and poured it on my hands, thankfully I covered my face because right now my face would have been ruined.

I yelled in pain, crying profusely. Yvonne came out from her room with a grin on her face

Better get up and finish preparing dinner, stupid" with that she left together with her daughter.

Why me? Why does my life have to be so miserable? What have I done wrong?

I'm tired of this unending pain, have I not suffered enough? It's been more than 20 years.

I miss my papa, he was my best friend, the best dad in the whole world. After all the pain Yvonne has caused me, I came to the realization that anybody could be a mother but not everyone can be a mom.

After crying, I had to get up and continue making dinner because if Mr. Ross comes back and he's food is not ready yet, that means today will be my last day on earth.

I had to boil another water and I finished cooking after an hour. Few minutes after I finished cooking, Mr. Ross came in, thank goodness.

Good evening sir" I greeted respectfully

What is good about evening? Definitely not about seeing your face" he spat.

His eyes drifted to my hands but said nothing

Soon his wife and daughter came down to greet him.

I quietly left their presence and started serving the food. When I was done I informed them, after which they are. I cleared up everywhere, ate the leftover Mr. Ross left. Yvonne and her daughter didn't leave any, because they want me to starve to death.

I retired to the tiny space, I call room. It's actually a very small store where we keep unnecessary stuffs.

I applied ointment to the burns after which I did my regular night routine and went to sleep. I laid on the old tiny mattress thinking about my life.

All the bad memories but the happy memories and my love brought a smile to my face. With that I dozed off.

It's another beautiful day and for some reason Gina is happy. She was already up and going about her usual routine.

Yesterday was horrible but she could somehow feel that today would be different. Currently she's preparing breakfast for those evil people.

Right, there are basically three reasons why Gina feels elated. The admission list for Western Aves University would be released, her boyfriend will be back from his business trip soon most importantly Selena is going to another country for a shoot.

Don't be confused, Yvonne and husband are not kind enough to sponsor her education. Selena has always been lazy when it came to education, so Gina had to secretly read her books, for the laptop that Gina is currently using, it belongs to Selena. Don't blame her, Selena was not using it, in fact she disposed it saying she didn't like the color.

Seeing that her masters won't help her, she attended online classes and has been under scholarship since high school.

"Baby, this love

I'll never let it die

Can't be touched by no one

I'd like to see 'em try........."

Gina was singing happily that she didn't know when Selena walked in

Why are you singing?" Selena asked with a scornful look

I just felt like singing" Gina casually replied. She wasn't ready for anyone to ruin her mood

To even think that it's a romantic song. Listen no man in his right senses will settle for something like you not even a beggar" Selena smirked

Time will tell" Gina mumbled

What did you say?"

Nothing. Do you want something?"

As if you are capable of giving me anything, nonsense."

Okay" Gina was not gonna let this witch take away her joy. Though her body still hurts she didn't want to be sad.

Make me banana split "

I thought you said I'm not capable of giving you anything"

Shut the hell up and do as you're told" with that she walked out, swaying her non-existent hips

Such a rude brat"

Yvonne really did a poor job raising her daughter not only is she ugly, she's mannerless.

Later in the day, Selena left for Italy, Yvonne went shopping and Mr. Ross went to the company.

Gina was home alone, it was time for her to check the admission list. She was confident up until few minutes ago. Though she was hopeful, she didn't want to get disappointed.

Though she wasn't entirely discouraged, she was very anxious because she had checked the university's recent news and had seen a new update which didn't look very encouraging. What surprised her the most is that, someone very close to her played a role in the new development and the worst part is that Gina didn't know what the person is up to.

Please God, help me get admitted into Western Aves University" she silently prayed after which she logged in to the school's website and inputted her password.

Mrs. Yvonne, her so called mom and her bitchy friends were responsible for the new development. According to her when interviewed, she claimed that Western Aves University is a school for the rich and that poor kids aren't allowed in the school.

Even though the poor kids would be on scholarship they still had to undergo strict scrutiny by the board of investors and she is the chairperson of the board.

What a wicked woman!

I was scared to my bones, what if she sees my name and removes it? What am I supposed to do? My life would be utterly ruined. Anxiety got the best part of me.

Holding onto the little faith I had left. Few minutes later, Gina was crying out of happiness.

Yessss, I did it. Dad I did it. Thank you God, I love you " shouted Gina with a bright smile on her face. I don't know how I escaped her claws but I did

Her mood changed when she realized that her dad wasn't with her to celebrate with her, to tell her how proud he is.

I miss you dad, I miss you so much that it hurts. You left me all alone, thank God for Xander" with that a lone tear escaped her eye

That's right, she has a lover, Gina suddenly remembered she wasn't alone, she still has Xander.

She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Xander's number.

After the third ring, there was no response

Is Xander okay? we haven't spoken in a long time now" Gina didn't know how else to reach him

She was deep in thought when her ringtone jolted her back to reality, seeing that the caller is Xander, she hurriedly answered the call

Hello babe" Xander's thick voice vibrated through the phone

I'm not fine" Gina whined

What's the problem? are you okay? are you hurt somewhere?"

hmm, which one of these questions should I answer first?"

anyone, just answer"

I'm not hurt" she lied

That's a lie"

It's not, I'm just worried because we haven't talked in a while and when I called you didn't answer" Gina complained

I'm so sorry babe, I've been pretty busy around here"

How is it going now?"

It's going well but hectic"

I know you work too much but you have to take care of your health"

I understand babe, but you know why I'm doing all of this. I have to inherit the company and to do that, I have to convince everyone that I'm capable. Once everything goes as planned, I can finally break up with Selena so we could get married."

That's sounds good, but I don't like the fact that we have to keep our relationship a secret while you date Selena. The thought of both of you together kills me"

C'mon babe, I'm sorry and I hate the fact that I'm the reason for your tears"

Gina could sense the sincerity in Xander's words. She believed him.

It's alright, I'll just keep enduring everything till everything works out"

Enduring for few more years? Gina felt she could handle it. Besides she had endured all the hardships for almost 16 years.

I'm sorry you have to put up with those people" Xander apologized again. He hated how he was hurting his baby.

He knows how wicked those people are including the ugly Selena. He hated the fact that he was dating her because of a stupid directive from his Grandfather.

The only thing he wants to do is to show off the only woman he loves, the only woman in his heart but it seems impossible for now.

Xander has contributed a lot to the company that he would do anything to inherit it.

Are you there?" Hearing his woman's voice, he came back to his senses

Yeah babe "

Yes, that reminds me, I have good news" happiness laced Gina's voice

Really? what is it?" Xander was surprised and excited to hear what his little vixen has to say

I got admitted into Western Aves University" Gina revealed with smiles all over her face

What? really? how? whe...."

Calm down Mister" Gina said laughing

I know what you're thinking. I wrote the entrance examination and I was the top scorer, so I was offered to study there on scholarship"

Woah.. I'm so proud of you babe, congratulations honey. Tell me, what do you want and I'll get it for you"

I just want to see your face, hug you and kiss those soft lips" Gina said while blushing

"Hahahahaha" Xander laughed really hard

This young woman won't kill him, she had the chance to ask for designer stuffs but she won't

Okay, let's see how the week goes" he smiled

Alright, I love you papi"

Damnn... Xander loves it Gina called him papi

You really want to kill me young lady" he groaned

That's not my intention" she laughed really hard

It's not funny woman"

Yes, yes I know" I have to go now I have things to do

Xander hated the fact that he's woman was less than a servant. He can't wait to get her out of there and make her the most respected woman in the world.

Okay babe, I'll talk to you later. I love you"

I love you too, bye" with the she hung up.

She didn't want to stop talking to her papi but she has to complete her chores before Yvonne comes back.

Life around here, sulks.

............

"Mummy" a loud voice shouted from outside, few minutes later the person behind the voice soon walked in. It was no other person than Selena.

She's been out of the country for a week and now things are about to get uneasy for Gina again.

"Welcome back home honey. How was your shoot? hope it went well?" Yvonne questioned

"Calm down mom." she laughed

"Hmm.... its seems like something good happened. Tell mummy about it"

"nothing unusual, my fans were going crazy for me and I got another brand deal"

"really? what brand?"

"Guess mum"

"oh sweetie, you know I'm not good at that"

"I know but just try"

"okay, Is it Suri?"

"what? noooo. that's far from it"

"It's House of Grandeur"

"Oh my goodness, that's amazing. At least they're not dumb, they know you're the only option they have, as well as the best"

"Of course mum, Ian was literally begging me to accept the offer and all the conditions are in my favor"

"Awwn, my efforts are not in vain. I really put in a lot a work to get Ian to choose you"

"I know mum and I'm so grateful"

"It's nothing baby, I mean my daughter is the best"

"Mum enough with the flattering. That reminds me, where is that witch?"

"Oh, she went to get some groceries"

"I hope you didn't give her money for transportation?"

"Of course I didn't. why would I even do something as stupid as that? its not like she doesn't have legs"

hearing the words of her mother, Selena was happy. She has never liked Gina, if not because of the fact that she wants to see Gina suffer, she would have killed her a long time ago.

Murder? yes. it's not a big deal. It's not as if she won't get away with killing Gina, she just wants to torment her.

Selena is not a fool neither is she blind, she knows Gina is way more beautiful and intelligent than her but she vowed never to admit it.

She so much hate the truth, the bitter truth that the daughter of the man who separated her parents is actually better than her.

"Enough with the frowning, let me get you something to eat. That witch prepared your meal before leaving" Yvonne's voice jolted Selena back to reality

"I hope she didn't poison it?"

"She dare not" Yvonne retorted

Soon Selena was eating the delicious meal prepared by the so-called witch

Another thing Selena dare not admit is that Gina is an amazing cook. She loves eating Gina's food because it satisfies her taste.

"I will take Gina to live with me when I get married to my love, Alexander so she can continue been my slave. Besides I already told him about it. He wouldn't mind, since he has to inherit the company by making me happy." she thought to herself with an evil smirk plastered on her face.

Hell no" she mentally slapped herself for even thinking about something that absurd. In as much as she wants continue torturing Gina, she didn't want anyone to steal Alexander away from her.

"Who destroys their own family with their own hands? definitely not me" Selena thought

Even though Gina looks shabby most of the days, there's no way to completely hide her beauty. It is still very much visible.

Her face, smile and curves are killing, who would not fall for her?

Thinking about everything just triggered her anger and she yelled, soon Yvonne ran into the dinning because of the loud noise of shattering plates

"What's wrong baby? are you hurt? don't you like the food?" Yvonne panicked, checking for any injuries on her daughter's body

"Enough" Yvonne got startled by her baby's scream

"Enough with all this, why did you have to give birth to Gina? what was so special about her father that you could not keep it in your pants? that you had sex with him?" Selena yelled

She was tired of constantly having to convince herself that she's not inferior to that bitch. Tired of seeing her face

"I'm sorry dear, I'm so sorry my baby. It was part of the plan......."

"Stop it. What stupid plan huh? There were other ways to go about your plan but I guess hurting me too is also part of it"

"No baby, you know that's not true. What do you want mummy to do? I promise to do it"

"That's a good question woman, I want Gina to be destroyed. I want her to wallow in misery for the rest of her life, for her to remain inferior forever. I want her to lose her will to live"

"Mummy will handle it" Yvonne assured her child

"Good, that's what mothers do" Selena grinned evilly

"Uhm.... baby I have to meet up with Alexander's grandmother today to discuss about your wedding"

"Really? have they finally made their decision?" she smiled widely as if she wasn't about to burn down the house, which her mother found quite scary but didn't say a word

"You know you've always the best and only option. You're second to none my dear"

"I know......you should get going mom. You don't want them to think we aren't serious about the wedding"

"Yes....., yes sweetie, I'm right on it" with that Yvonne kissed her daughter's cheek before leaving the house

Finally it is happening, I am getting married to my man. I have to prep myself for the wedding night, can't believe we've not had sex for the past 3 years we started dating.

Though Alexander is 28, he acts like a 7 years old child when it comes to matters concerning intimacy.

I've been waiting for years now I can't wait for Alex to explore every inch of my body.

She was about going upstairs when the doorbell rang

"Who is it?" she opened the door and found her Alexander standing in all his glory, looking handsome as always.

"Can't believe this man is all mine", Selena did a little dance in her head before jumping on the man. She was about to go over to the bar area when she heard the door bell ring.

She grumbled as she had to do it herself, since Gina wasn't around. She opened the door, revealing Alexander. Selena smile brightly while hugging him

"Hello baby, you didn't tell me you were coming" she pouted

Meanwhile Alex was still in shock, he didn't expect to meet Selena at home

Gina told him she was on a business trip and wouldn't be back till next week.

"Hi" his deep voice vibrated sending shivers down Selena's spine.

"There's no way I'm getting used to this" she giggled

Alex didn't want Selena to be suspicious of anything, so he acted normal

"I wanted to surprise you and I guess it worked" he smiled

"It did work but how did you know I'm back, I didn't tell you" she asked

Alexander was thrown off guard, he possibly couldn't say he came to see Gina, as that was the worst thing to do. He quickly thought of a convincing lie and spilled it.

I missed you so much, that I tracked your phone and it showed that you arrived. Here I got you this" he said, handing her the jewelry that was meant for Gina

Awwwwn. Thank you so much baby" She laughed kissing his lips.

Suddenly the door open revealing Gina carrying multiple bags containing groceries. She was famished, exhausted and sweating profusely after walking for hours.

Gina got excited when she spotted Xander's car that she got energized for a moment but the scene in front of her is what she least expected.

Why is Selena here? why is she back? what happened to her shoot? several questions were running through her mind

Seeing that it was Gina, Selena continued kissing Alexander but this time more hungrily

Alexander tried pulling away from Selena after few attempts, he succeeded.

"Good afternoon sir, ma'am " Gina greeted mumbled before going to the kitchen.

Alexander could feel the pain in Gina's voice and could see the hurt in her eyes.

"I'm starving babe, is there any available food?"

"Oh, no baby"

Alexander knew Selena was lying. There's always food in the house because Gina makes sure of that

How about you tell Gina to make me some" he further pushed

There's no need to eat her tasteless meals. I know of a new restaurant in town and believe me when I say their meals are so good" she smiled

He really wanted to eat his woman's food but this bitch is making it difficult

"But Selena......." Selena cut him off

She planted a soft kiss on his lips before dragging him out

Selena knew what she's doing. There's no way she's gonna let Alexander eat Gina's food and become addicted.

Seeing that they're out of sight, Gina came out from the kitchen, peeping through the window. Seeing how Selena was throwing herself at him, she got annoyed

"That's my man bitch"

"To say that I'm hurt would be an understatement. Why? why should I share my man? they keep taking from me without giving anything in return. I am the girlfriend, I'm the woman he loves, so why should I hide? what's so wrong with me that I have to be kept in the dark?

I'm human too, so whyyyyyy?

Who is Selena to compare with me? on a different situation she can't stand on the same ground as me, she can't be compared to me in anyway.

I have been enduring for years, my life has been hard since papa died. Is it not enough? when will it end? I need a break I also deserve to be happy.

When it seems like the world was crashing down on me, Xander stumbled into my life, he became the light in my dark world.

I thought I could finally have something they could never have. I thought I could have Xander all to myself, but then again it seems that I was being delusional, that nothing could ever truly belong to me.

Maybe Selena is right, maybe I will forever remain a loser.

I am not an orphan but realistically I am not different from them. I have a mother who is alive and healthy but as the same time I have none. She never liked me though, even when she was still married to papa.

Papa why did you leave me? you were the only true family I had, you left me to wallow in my sorrow alone. You broke my heart, shattered it and left me to the cold hands of loneliness, as unpleasant as it is, I have been stuck in it, shackled by the chains of pain.

Papa you lied to me, you promised to stay with me forever. I love you but I hate you more for your sudden disappearance. My memories of you brings both good and bad feelings. You're truly good at lying. I once thought of escaping this hell hole to travel the world hopefully to see a trace of you.

Everything hurts, everywhere hurts. Who gets to decide who the winner and the looser is. Papa you thought me to play by the rules but those people, have they ever followed the rules? they break the rules and toss it around claiming the wealthy and powerful are not subject to the rules.

My dreams are nightmares to me. I want to fly so high but without my wings, is it even possible? I looked behind and found them mocking me. Again I think I'm delusional

So much injustice and prejudice.