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Still dazed by what Xavier just said about my father, I picked up my phone to call him. I needed clarification on what was happening.
My father picked up the phone after one ring.
"What are you calling me for?" my father asked from the other end of the line, without a single greeting.
I remained silent for the longest time, tears streaming down my face. When has the relationship between my dad and I gotten to this point?
"Layla!" I heard someone shout my name, and then I was brought back to the reality that I was on call with my father.
"I hope you have not caused any problems for the Wrights," he asked.
"Just how much is my life worth to you to sell me out like that, Father?" I finally asked the question that had been lingering in my heart.
"What do you mean by that stupid question you just asked?"
"A million dollars, 3 million? Or the money to save your dying company. Just how much were you given to discard me like that without even my permission?" I hadn't even noticed I was crying bitterly until Rose offered a handkerchief to wipe my tears.
"My opinion has never mattered since I was young. You have always favoured my brother over me, even my sister, but this time, you really outdid it, Dad."
"Why are you being so dramatic over a minor issue?" he asked.
"You call this situation a minor issue?" I scoffed at what my dad just said.
"A marriage where my husband does not want me in his sight at all, where his heart belongs to another woman, even worse, my own stepsister, and you know about it, and you call this being dramatic with me."
"My company was going bankrupt, and I was indebted to them, and no one wanted to help me. I needed someone to help me revive my company. They offered a marriage alliance between our families, and I personally picked you.
"Are you not supposed to be grateful that I gave you a solid background? Couldn't you reply to me for all the good deeds I have done for you as your father?
"Under no circumstances should you leave the marriage or anger Xavier and the Wright family. The day you do that, I will not consider you my daughter again.
"And an important notice: find any means to get pregnant for your husband so we can secure our stance with the Wright family forever. That is our only way out of that marriage.
"Do everything you can to make your husband fall for you. That is your simple mission. Have I made myself clear?
"I guess we are done with this conversation, and don't call me except you have the news I am expecting or you are getting pregnant or have other pressing issues," and he hung up the call on me.
I fell to the floor and cried my eyes out. When did my dad become so greedy for money and power?
Suddenly, I noticed someone hugging me. I had forgotten about Rose and Mrs. Adam.
"Apparently they were still standing there, and they heard everything.
"I look pathetic, right?" I raised my puffy face to ask Rose the question.
"Do you want the truth, or should I lie since you are my boss?" she asked back.
"That answers it. I'm looking pathetic," I replied back.
"I never said that, and all this while she still kept a straight face.
"Your face tells exactly what you are thinking about; it can tell.
"The tension finally broke when she laughed out loud. Was it that obvious, and I really tried my best not to give any expression? She replied while standing up and trying to get me up.
"What you need right now is not to feel pathetic about yourself but to bounce back really well. Nothing can change the fact that you are married now, that he is your husband, and that you are Mrs. Sinclair.
"And then she realised she was talking to her boss's wife.
"My bad, please forgive me. I am not supposed to talk like that to you.
"I chuckled. Are you just realising that right now you are moving closer to her?
"We are friends, right? And thank goodness you are around. This house won't be boring, and it will be two against my husband. I stated that I was turning the whole serious conversation into a joke.
"Ma'am, was Xavier always like this? I asked Mrs. Adam, who was afar about to use the stairs to the third floor.
"No, he was the sweetest boy any mother could ever ask for until the incident, and he changed.
"What incident? My curiosity picked up.
"I have loads of work to do. She left me unanswered, like she was trying to escape the answer.
"Now that felt weird to me. What was Xavier like before to make her say those things because his character is totally contrasting?
"How can this cold-hearted man be someone good before?"
....
I've decided to apply secretly for a job. I can't just sit at home doing nothing.
Since I've been living with Xavi in this house for two months now, I can tell when he leaves and comes back from work. So, if I can get a part-time job for just that period of time, that would work for me. And for the first time in months, luck was on my side.
I decided to call my friend Jordan, and yes, a girl and a boy can be friends purely platonically.
Jordan has a girlfriend, and she is a model, so it's safe to say we are just friends.
Jordan, my twin brother Logan, and I have been friends since kindergarten. Jordan used to be our neighbour's son, and he was also Logan's best friend.
"Where the hell have you been?" Jordan responded loudly from the other side of the phone; his voice was so loud he was literally screaming.
"Good way to greet your childhood friend you haven't seen for months." I wanted to tease him a little bit.
"I was so worried about you; you just cut me off four months ago," he answered back.
"Sorry, something urgent came up," I tried explaining plainly.
"That you married," Jordan interrupted me real quick.
"You think I wouldn't know? We are supposed to be friends, Layla, and I am also like an elder brother to you."
"How... how did you know?" I was honestly shocked because I tried to keep it away from everyone I knew, and the wedding was kind of private because no one knew what I looked like.
"Ironically, nothing about the Sinclair family can be private. The two words just don't work together. Did you think Logan was going to keep it from me?" He asked me.
"Darn it. About that, I'm sorry for not telling. I didn't want to let you in on my ordeal."
"How is married life? Are you sure you're good?" Jordan asked me, genuinely sounding concerned.
"Yes, I just have a little favour to ask you. What is it?"
"I need a job at your fashion house," I finally told him what's on my mind.
There was a small pause; deep down, I wanted a positive answer.
"The thing is, right now, we already have a creative director, fashion designer, and stylist for the next collection, and we signed long-term deals with them. But, nevertheless, there is a spot open."
"I will do it," I answered him, interrupting him from going further.
"You didn't even let me finish my statement," Jordan said.
"It's in the sales-related department; are you there, Layla?" "Yes, I'm listening," I answered back.
"The position is for a public relations specialist. Come by to the office tomorrow so I can tell you the full details," Jordan concluded.
"You remember the office address, right?" he asked me.
"How would I forget? Even if I do, I'm just going to look it up on Google; after all, it is one of the leading fashion houses here in Maryland."
"I will be there."