Chapter 1

• Eloise's pov
• It was a typical sunny day and I was on my way to the library. My friends had texted me earlier that they were already at the library. We planned to meet there for our usual group study.
• Someone suddenly pulled me and called my name. "Eloise."
• I took off my sunglasses to see who it was. "David," I exclaimed as I hugged him.
• "How have you been girl? I have not seen you since our freshman night. I tried contacting you but I couldn't reach you."
• "Buddy, I have been quite alright. I lost my phone during our freshman night, my careless ass didn't back up my files so I couldn't retrieve them."
• " I'm sorry about that honey, can I scan your phone's QR code? You know so I can text you later."
• "Sure." I opened my phone then I stretched it for him to scan it.
• "I have a class in five mins, I've got to run. See you around love." He said as he was done with the scanning.
• "Bye, Buddy." I nudged him then he made his way to his class.
• I continued my journey to the library as I increased my pace like my life depended on it. I soon got to the library, I went to the usual spot I always study with my friends.
• They were reading already. "You are seven minutes later than usual," Emmanuel said without looking at me.
• "I'm sorry guys, I bumped into an old friend."
• "It's fine, let's just start what we are here for. I have an appointment with my editor at four." Tory muttered
• "Let's get started babies," I whispered.
• ***
• I got home just before the curfew my dad's wife Rose set for me. I lost my mom when I was born, my dad remarried when I was fourteen.
• I guess my dad's not home, I have to listen to his wife nag me.
• "Eloise, who took you shopping for new clothes? Are you seeing a rich man?" Rose yelled at me.
• "What if I am? You won't even let me spend my dad's money. I thought we agreed that my room was off-limits. " I yelled back.
• "Sly bitch. Your dad is working his old ass off while his little daughter is whoring around. Scram!" She screamed again.
• I went to my room angrily, tears flowed down my eyes as I sat on my bed. I took a look at the picture of my mom on my bedstead. "I'm tired of living like this mom. What should I do?" I sobbed.
• Every night at ten, Rose goes to the country club in our estate. That's also when my dad returns from work. I threw my stuff roughly into my traveling boxes and waited till ten.
• Soon I heard my dad's voice. " Eloise! Rose! Is anyone one home?" He called and I heard something clatter. I stood up from bed and went to the living room. He was placing the groceries in the fridge.
• "Eloise, I thought you were working on your walking steps." He said still arranging the groceries. I pulled out a dining chair and sat on it.
• "Dad, can we talk?" I said quietly.
• "Sure," He closed the fridge and he sat on a chair opposite me. He looked at my face closely.
• "El, have you been crying? What's wrong? I have not since you cry in a long time. Your face is swollen." I could see that he was worried.
• "I wasn't crying. It is probably swollen because I just woke up." I pinched my thighs as I lied to him. I hated lying to my dad.
• "Oh, so what is it you wanted to say?" He asked curiously.
• "I want to move out, sir." I blurted out.
• Victor's pov
• It's my turn to go on a dinner date with my mom. My brothers had already done their shift, this had been our routine since we lost our father last year. He died with his best friend in a car accident.
• My mom is a strong woman that always hides her emotions. Watching her work alongside my dad at the company was so sweet. Their love was so grateful that when he died she broke down.
• After she got well, we decided to go on lunch dates with her frequently. She's heading our company alone as my elder brothers are not interested in Business.
• I had reserved her favorite restaurant then I went to pick her up at her home. She was already waiting outside the house. I got out of the car to get the door for her like my dad always did.
• I grabbed her hand lightly and kissed it "Good evening my lady."
• "Good evening Lord Hart," She chuckled softly.
• I opened the passenger's door with my other hand. "I can see you have started seeing this Bridgherton series."
• "Yes, My lord." She said as I helped her in. I closed the door after her and got into the driver's seat.
• When we got to the restaurant, the staff had lined up to greet us outside. We were ushered into the already empty restaurant. The waiters brought food to our table and a brand was playing softly.
• "Victor dear, I want you to start your internship in the company as soon as possible. " She said as she wiped her mouth. That surprised me.
• "All of a sudden?" I asked gently trying to maintain my cool.
• "I don't want the members of the board to see through you. If you just come immediately after your graduation, they will grumble. You will be in my secretarial team, that way I would build you myself."
• "Yes, boss. Can we keep eating Ms? I don't like that my date keeps talking about work when we are supposed to enjoy the moment."
• My mom called Mr. Garry, our driver to come to pick us up as we both had wine. While we were waiting for Mr. Garry we decided to dance.
• "I was meaning to ask you, It's been a while since you talked about aunt Stephanie." I held her waist as she placed her arm on my neck.
• "Ah, Stephanie. We hung out yesterday, David is also starting his internship."
• "Nice," I said happily and we danced for a while.
• "Your driver is here sir." The manager of the restaurant said to us.
• "Thanks for hosting us tonight, Mr manager. Let's go, son. " My mom said as she supported me with her weight.
• He escorted us to our car and sent us off.
• Mr. Garry dropped me off at my dorm in college. I could remember that my mom kissed me Good night on my forehead.
• Does she think I'm four or what? I managed to take myself to my room and I slouched on my bed as soon as I entered my room.
• The wine I had with mom was surely an alcoholic one because there's no other explanation for my state.