Rose
A day passed since Aziel's visit and it was time for Dad to come home too. I waited patiently in my room writing in my diary.
I guess I still have a thing for diaries. Well, there are many who still keeps and writes in their diary, including me.
I listed all my major plans that I should focus on given my second chance in life.
First: I need to start my business as early as possible, I know the fashion trends each year so it would give me a boost, but I should make my business independent from The Rockfeller's, I can't make the same mistake twice.
Second: I should have a social life, I was bad at socializing and thought it was pointless, but I could really make use of the connections now.
Third: Exile Sophia, Step-mother, and Aziel from my life, and of course I won't forget making their lives a living hell.
Fourth: Avoid the misfortunes that would come in my life. After 5 years, my father would be in a huge accident and will be in a comatose for years. The Rockfeller would also declare bankruptcy in this time, someone bought shares and invested which in turn made him/her the highest stockholder, and he/she ousted me from our company. Blah blah blah.
I hate thinking back at my misfortunes, my mood would quickly plummet down.
Oh god, how can you shower me lots of mishaps in this short life? I might go crazy just thinking about them. But I vowed to be happy this time, and I will be.
I heard some chattering and it was getting noisy downstairs so I presume Dad's home. I quickly ran through the door and almost tripping on the stairs.
"Be careful Rose" I heard Dad yell and I was so happy to hear his voice again.
"Welcome back Dad" I threw him a huge hug and he also wrapped his arms around me.
"I brought gifts and some souvenirs from the trip. I think you'll love them, Rose. I also bought some dresses and accessories since you love fashion. And I bought some plushies to add with your collection" He is obviously eager to make me happy. His joy was apparent to me and I was on the verge of tears. I just realized my father's precious and adorable, he's like a child who denies his feelings but there are moments where he couldn't resist and this is one of those moments.
He's gradually showing me his warm and caring sides and my heart felt full. I never had this experience with Dad before but I'm happy seeing him this happy.
I won't lose you Dad, I swear, not this time.
I wiped some of the tears that were about to fall and giggled. "I love all of them. Thank you, Dad, I am very happy with all these gifts."
I saw Sophia in the corner of my eyes and turned to her.
"Dad, how about Sophia?" I asked him innocently while looking at Sophia with a victorious smile. Dad paused for a while and I could clearly see he's taken aback.
"I'm sorry Sophia. I'll just buy gifts for you next time." I smirked at her. She was ogling the gifts my Dad brought thinking she'll be having some, but poor Sophia, none of it is hers.
Well, I planned it all, I texted my Dad's secretary saying I want gifts, leaving Sophia out of it because I lied telling him, she just received presents from Aunt Ysabelle
I smirked and I saw Sophia's face filled with envy, Dad just showered me with presents but she has none.
It may be immature of me to do this, but I want her to feel despair in every way possible.
Go on, envy me more. Show that despicable side of yours.
"It's ok Dad, you can buy me lots of gifts next time." She cheerfully stated but her eyes told me otherwise.
"It's ok Sophia, you have Aunt Ysabelle to give you presents" I mocked her, fully knowing her mother would never do anything like this, giving gifts and all. She was greedy for money and is selfish with it.
Aunt Ysabelle came in the scene and greeted Dad annoyingly. Her high-pitched voice was extreme torture for my ears. Dad just nodded at Ysabelle and I wondered. Even in the past, Dad never showed his love for Ysabelle, it's like he never loved her at all.
It was like she was enduring her all this time but I never knew the reason why?
"Rose, I'll just be in my office for a while, there are some things, I need to do" I nodded at him. Dad called the maids to bring the gifts to my room and left us in the living room.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I faced my step-mother smiling. "Aunt, We'll be cutting the amount of money you can spend on a yearly basis if you want you can refund some stuff you bought that are useless." I blurted out, Aunt took time understanding my words and her face contorted to an ugly one.
"You can't do that, All that I bought are not useless and I bought it with my money" I scoffed. The audacity of exclaiming it was all her money.
"Your money? Tell me how is that possible Aunt, you never worked your ass off for any money here. I would understand if you did some chores or helped in business, but you are living like royalty here" I said calmly. She was turning as red as a tomato, her face full of rage hearing me uttering blasphemous facts.
This would also be discipline for them since, in my past life, they were living extravagantly and the money they used was enough to give Dad a headache.
"And we'll be cutting off the allowance of Sophia."
"What? Why including me? I never wasted any money" I sneered at her and raised my brow. They're such petty liars, it's making me sick to the core. Sophia buys expensive things and usually boast it to other people, and now she actually dares to tell me, she never wasted any money?
"I'll talk to Howard about this!" Aunt yelled to my face, trying so hard not to lose her patience and cool.
Well, it would be a disaster if she does.
I shrugged at her and smiled sweetly.
"Suit yourself"
I talked with Dad's secretary about this and he informed Dad. They both agreed with my decision and froze their credit cards.
Aunt never had authority in this house, I was her shield and sword. She used my childish love to tie Dad in the neck.
But...she never showed any hostility to me, she was only here to use our money and nothing more.
Well they can't do anything about this situation right now, they were leeching us off but now, they will have none of our wealth, even a speck.
Starting today, I will be cutting off their benefits of being a part of the Rockfellers.
Aunt Ysabelle suddenly grabbed me by my elbow and dragged me to Dad's office leaving Sophia behind.
"Hey, that hurts" I released my elbow from her grip and Ysabelle just stormed in Dad's office while I waited patiently outside.
Well, I have matters to talk with Dad and it's also a bonus to see Aunt creating a fuss.
"Howard, your daughter just said you'll be cutting my expenses and money off. How can you do that to me?" I scoffed at her words, she's still on with having her own money and all.
"I already decided it, we all agreed that this would be the best choice, to limit your funds and stop you from wasting money"
"No...no. You can't do this Howard, How am I supposed to live like this?"
Pfft. She's so dramatic. She's like those actresses from the '80s, who can't even act properly.
"Ysabelle, we're just freezing your credit card but the deal's still on. Please get out. Can't you see I'm busy here?"
Huh? What deal? I've never heard Dad making a deal with Ysabelle.
"How is it possible, if you'll freeze my credit cards?"
"Ysabelle, let's just talk later. I need to finish these documents today" Father said in a weary tone, he was obviously tired. He just came back from a business trip and here comes Ysabelle with her sudden outbursts.
"No. I won't leave until--"
"Ysabelle, Get out now!" I was startled with the sudden rise in his tone.
Aunt went outside the office, stomping her feet on the ground. She forgot about me as she dashed out of the office.
I knocked on the door three times "What is it now Ysabelle?"
"Dad. It's Rose" he paused for a long time and I could hear him sigh.
"Rose come in" I walked inside his office and I could see his tired form. He was facing his laptop with lots of documents beside him. He just closed off a deal in London so he's working his ass off.
I wanted to ask about the deal but he looked worn out that I just shrugged the thought out.
Maybe it was not that important.
"Dad, I want to work in the company" He lifted his gaze and looked at me confused.
"What?"
"I want to learn about the business and help."
"But.. I thought you want to pursue fashion and you're too young to help in business." I smiled at him and shook my head
"Yes, but it could serve as training and it would be good for me to start early, besides I could always design clothes in my free time." Well, what I said are facts but my true goal is preventing bankruptcy and establishing my own company.
"Oh...ok. You're right it's better to start early and it could be a good training-" He paused for a while and thinked deeply.
"Ok...When do you want to start?" I smiled with his approval.
"As soon as possible"