Chapter 9 Dream

• Mariel took me to a shopping mall. It was not simply a mall, but one of the biggest malls in the world. I had no idea what we should do, but she was kind enough to discuss her thoughts.
• “Actually ma’am, my boss simply told me to accompany you today.” Her eyes looked down. She was wearing ripped jeans and a white shirt.
• I nodded and pointed to one of the stalls inside. “Let’s go there.” I dragged her with me. “You suddenly rushed into my room and I wasn’t able to eat my breakfast so I’m hungry. Today is my cheat day.”
• Her forehead furrowed. “What is a cheat day, ma’am? You wanted to cheat on your boyfriend?!” She exclaimed, wearing a shocked expression with her confused eyes.
• I giggled. My palm uncontrollably patted her head as we got inside the food chain called Jollibee. “No. You don’t understand because you’re still young, but as a model, I need to limit the calories that I should take every day.”
• “A cheat day means I can eat whatever I want from that specific day, but of course I have to go to the gym after. Furthermore, I don’t have a boyfriend yet.” I continued.
• We settled ourselves inside and I was the one who ordered for us. It was not long after when our dishes were being served at our table.
• “You’re fine eating at a fast-food chain, ma’am?”
• I swallowed the chicken skin and spoke. “Of course! When I was young, I used to eat here with Bla------- with a friend.” I bit my lips. Damn! My tongue almost slipped.
• Mariel was speaking while eating, yet my mind couldn’t process what she was saying currently. She unintentionally burped when she was done. “Sorry about that,” looking so apologetic.
• “No worries,” I said with a smile.
• After paying the bills, we explored the mall and bought new things. Although it’s quite expensive, but I’m fine with what she bought since she told me that it was one of the company’s benefits as a contracted model. It was also my first time after so many years to finally explore this place.
• “It’s such a tiring day.” I put all the paper bags on the floor and slammed myself on the bed. I was already inside my hotel room and it’s almost five in the afternoon.
• I heard a deep sigh. “Your work will start tomorrow at 8 AM at the De Villa’s company, ma’am. There will be a photoshoot with a car.”
• “OK. Thank you.” I wasn’t able to hear her words when I felt that my eyelashes start to get heavy until my eyes dropped. Right! I need a long sweet rest before I start my journey. Since Mariel knew that I was tired, she would've locked the door for me with her spare key after she goes out.
• When I opened my eyes again, I was already carrying an infant in my arms, looking at him tenderly, touching his soft fingers. He looked at me and giggled. The look in the baby’s eyes was pure happiness, yet when I was about to touch his forehead, a dazzling spark lit his eyes that made me taken aback.
• His eyes then displayed hatred and loneliness. I wanted to wrap my arms around him but I couldn’t. His small figure was slowly disappearing. The giggle echoed and it crumpled my heart. In just a blink of an eye, my baby vanished like smoke. My baby left me.
• I woke up catching my breath. I was soaked with my own sweat and my heart was beating drastically. As I touched my cheeks, my body stiffened when I realized that my face was all wet. There were tears in my eyes and I felt furious about this. For three long years, it still haunts me wherever I go.
• I looked at the clock on the wall and found out that it was already six in the morning, I still have two hours left to get ready. I got up, tidied my bed and did my morning routines. I slept for too long that I forgot to eat dinner last night.
• I wore a red fitted crop top with a blazer paired with red high waist and red heels. I put light makeup on and tied my hair up, giving a fierce and sexy look. When I felt satisfied with what I look, I grabbed my small tote bag and left my room.
• At the time when I went down, I could feel their deep stares so I put my sunglasses on and pretended that I wasn’t paying attention to them. I have my own car so I don’t need to worry about my own transportation; since their company was also not that far, I could just drive by myself.
• Not far away, I saw Mariel next to my car. Wearing a suit that fits her well, my eyebrows narrowed. “I thought that I already told you that I’ll meet you at the company? There’s no need to trouble yourself here, Mariel.” I softly asked. This kid.
• She slightly lifted her glasses with an awkward smile. “Since you refused to have your personal driver, I couldn’t help but come here, ma’am.” Her innocent eyes were sincere.
• Sighing, I opened the car door and she followed me inside my car. “It’s my first time to be treated extremely special from a big company. I mean, they do treat me well but not to the extent that they would let me shop without paying anything. As well as giving me a personal driver, and letting me stay in the most expensive hotel in the country.” I buckled my seatbelt and so did she.
• I was already driving when she spoke again. “Well, aside from I personally idolize you, the De Villa company has always been treating people well, ma’am. Although------” She glanced at me for a while. “Your treatment is truly more special.” She continued.
• “More special? Why?”
• “Well, I heard that it was Mr. Fergus De Villa who told Mr. Black to treat you well, ma’am.”
• I almost couldn’t process. Sir Fergus? My former father-in-law? “Do you know why?”
• She shrugged her shoulders as I focused myself on the road. “I just heard it from my brother when he was with Sir Black.”
• “What’s your brother’s name?” I pretended not to know him. From what I can see, she was still not aware of my past relationship with her boss and brother.
• "Harry... Harry Hemingway."