Chapter 4 Rose Abertton Ii

- There's a risk that Mom will lock Olivia in the attic. - Isabelle laughed. - We don't have an attic. - Rose replied seriously. - "Maybe I'll just keep the mice company," I sighed. "Don't worry, Rose, I know you wouldn't be a 'bad' girl with me. - I smiled, trying not to look ironic. Rose took a deep breath and shouted to the maid: - You can take my plate! I've lost my hunger. Not to mention that I can't eat anything else for the next 24 hours. I've got to get thin and scrawny to fit into a Prada dress I bought a while ago and haven't worn. Or do you think I should buy a new one, darling? - No shopping, Rose. The jet's going to be hard enough. - Dad said it in such a serious way that it worried me. - All right then... I wear the dress that still has a label on it. Rita comes on a jet, Olivia stays at home, Isabelle buys a new dress and dinner is ready! - She shouted around herself, just missing the shrill stepmother-witch laugh for a typical fairy tale. - Dad, I think someone forgot to pay my college fees," I said, as I finally tasted the fish that had been made for dinner. - Ah... - Dad smiled awkwardly. - Are we... Having financial problems? - I asked. - Of course not. - He said quickly. - "I think you should cancel medical school, Olivia," Rita suggested, "Why don't you work for your father's company? - Work? - I was incredulous - I'm only 19! - Medicine is a course that requires effort, dedication and intelligence, Olivia - she continued - Not to be a nag, but you know I'm honest and I don't think you're capable of it. I know daughters and sons of friends who are much smarter than you and couldn't go all the way. Why don't you choose something that requires less? And cheaper? Remember that once you graduate, you won't even be able to use the surname Abertton, as you're not a legitimate Abertton. In other words, you'll have a diploma but no name. Who would see a doctor like that? - I'm Olivia Abertton. So I have a surname! - I objected. - Ah, but hardly anyone knows it comes from Ernest Abertton! And you don't want to tarnish your father's reputation and that of your whole family in public, do you? - But she's not family! - Isabelle smiled - So... - Why should you worry about one? - Why are you so boring? - Rose looked at the youngest. - Why are you so mean? - Isabelle faced her. - No fights over me, please - I mediated - If you have problems paying for college, I can try for a scholarship. - Under what name? - Olivia - I looked at her seriously - I have a brain, if you know what I mean. And maybe I don't need to use "your" surname, which in this case comes from "my" father. - Ah! - Dad massaged his temples - Please stop! I immediately got up and hugged him from behind, with him still sitting in the chair: - Sorry, Dad. - I gave him a kiss. - It's all right... - he looked at Rose - It's just dinner! Don't make me crazy, please. I've got enough problems as it is. - He got up and left the dining room. I waited for him to leave and looked at Rose. - All your fault, as always! - She pointed her finger angrily in my direction and stormed off. - It's your fault for existing. - Isabelle looked at me seriously - I still have to put up with her, because she's my mother. But you don't! How can you? I laughed and went towards her, hugging her affectionately: - I'm patient. Perhaps this is my greatest quality. Nothing can take my mind off things or make me suffer. I've been through my share of suffering in life. - You're a saint, Olivia. In fact, is there a saint called Olivia? Could I add her to the list of saints? We started laughing and she looked at me with those eyes that would tickle me to death and I ran off to my room in dash. amad I was lying down when my father knocked on the door and came in. The light was off: - I've come to say goodnight to my Heart. - His voice was sweet, as always, and full of love. - Hmm... I like that. You know I can't sleep without you kissing me goodnight. Dad sat on the bed and kissed me, smoothing my hair: - You're just like her! - His voice made it clear that he missed her and was sorry. - I would never want to be like her, Dad. - I made it clear, knowing that we were referring to my mother. Who would want to be like a prostitute mother? Only I knew what I had gone through as a child in that horrible place. - You're sweet... And despite everything, those beautiful black eyes never stop shining. - I can't be sweet, Dad. It's really hurting me! - I laughed. - Never lose your essence. It's impossible not to fall in love with you, Olivia Abertton. - Your wife doesn't think so. - Still, this doesn't seem to shake you, Heart. - Rose is good around people I've already met. So... I'm kind of grateful to have her around. - I love you, Heart. - I love you too, Dad. As soon as he left, I texted my sister: @olívia_ Who's going to fly? The woman @rita_who's going to marry the richest man in the country. @olívia_ I want to be your sister-in-law! @rita_ You're too young to get married, girl! @isabelle_ No, I'm too young to get married! @olivia_ What are you doing up, brat? @isabelle_ I'm nervous for the meeting with the CEO. Should I send a message to Jorel, @olivia? @rita_ What do you mean? You're not going to this dinner, @olivia baby? @olívia_ Yes @isabelle, tell me I've been dreaming about him since I first saw him on TV, saying that Noriah North was a province kkkk @rita_ I'm happy. Soon I'll have a giant diamond on my finger. @olivia_ And I'll be one step away from being introduced to Jorel Clifford, the love of my life. @rita_ You can't love him! You don't even know him! @isabelle_ This is the woman who said she's going to wear a diamond on the finger of a man she's never seen before! @olívia_ If Jorel ignores me at least we'll see each other at the get-togethers. And then I'll be able to drool over him! @rita_ How can you like a scumbag like Jorel Clifford? @olivia_ The same way you're marrying heartless CEO Gabe Clifford. @rita_ left @isabelle_ left. I looked at the picture of Jorel on my bedside table and smiled: - I think we're finally going to meet, my darling!