CHAPTER 5

Saturday morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the Cole family dining room, warming the polished table set for breakfast. Silver domes covered platters of food, and sparkling white china was neatly arranged. The house staff moved quietly, refilling glasses and folding napkins.

Amelia sat at the far end of the table beside Viviana and opposite Vincent. She picked at her scrambled eggs without much interest. Yesterday’s events; being humiliated at the spa and wrongly accused at the mall, still weighed heavily on her. She had never been this humiliated in her life as she was at the mall. But ever since she set foot at the city, humiliation had been following her at every place.

She raised her fork to her mouth and when she went to bite she realized there was nothing on it. Vincent noted as she put back the fork on the plate but he remained silent, throwing her an occasional glance as he wondered what she was thinking.

Amelia, oblivious of Vincent’s glances was lost in thought.

“How could they accuse me of stealing?” her thoughts wandered again*. “I have never taken something that did not belong to me. Ever.”*

She remembered the crowds faces as they watched her being interrogated. The way they had all taken out their smart phones and started recording. She had wished that the earth would have swallowed her at that very moment.

“And who was that guy? The one who warned Viviana against me?” she rubbed her chin with her fingers, unconsciously dropping the folk that was on her hand as she did.

Vincent noted the untouched plate of food beside her. He could tell her mind had wandered.

“Everything Okay Amelia? Is the food not to your liking? You have barely touched your breakfast.”

Amelia was jolted to reality by the question,

“No…Everything is good. Thankyou.” There was hesitation in her voice.

“Good, now eat up please.”

“Yes.” Amelia responded as she picked her knife and fork once more.

"So," Vincent said, folding his napkin. "How was your day yesterday? The Spa and shopping, did you two have a good time? I got home late so I never had time to ask about it. Did you enjoy yourself Amelia?"

Viviana jumped in, cheerful. "It was amazing! We had such a great time, didn’t we, Amelia?"

Viviana, who all along had seemed cheerful… too cheerful all through breakfast. She had buttered her toast with flair and sipped her smoothie, completely at ease the whole time Amelia sat beside her without a care in the world. She did not seem bothered or concerned with Amelia’s attitude.

Amelia was caught off guard by the question. She did not understand what part of the humiliation she had gone through at the mall would be considered fun. But she did not have the energy or the words to express herself. She glanced up briefly and gave a small nod then forced a smile. "It was okay," she murmured, then looked down at her plate.

Vincent studied her for a moment but said nothing more. Although he had not known her for long, he could tell something was bothering her. She was just like her mother, never able to hide was eating at her. He glanced at Viviana, then back at Amelia but didn’t say a word.

There was an awkward silence before Viviana changed the topic.

"I’m really looking forward to this afternoon with you two. You’ll come, right? I’ve been planning for this day for months and I can’t wait to spend it with my dad and my new sister."

Amelia hesitated. "Maybe I’ll rest today. It’s been a lot to take in and I’m not feeling too good."

Viviana’s eyes widened, still smiling. "It’ll be fun. We’re visiting the orphanage I grew up in. Did Dad tell you I was adopted? "

Amelia looked at Vincent in surprise. He calmly cut his steak. "Didn’t think it mattered. Viviana is my daughter. Always will be."

There was a tone of finality in his voice that made Amelia feel more like a guest than family. Their bond was deep and unshakable. She wondered if she’d ever feel that close to him.

Viviana, pleased at what Vincent had just said continued, “Dad lets me host a dinner gala at the orphanage. We invite our friends to come and raise funds to help run the orphanage as we socialize with the kids. I’ve been planning for it for months and would love for you to come as well.” Her face was full of innocence as she looked expectantly at Amelia.

"You should come," Vincent added. "It’s in the countryside. Different from where you’re from, but maybe you’ll find it familiar. You may end up liking it."

Amelia nodded slowly. "I’ll think about it."

The staff began clearing plates. Silver clinked gently against china.

Vincent rose, adjusting his blazer. "Amelia, would you mind joining me in the study for a moment?"

She wiped her hands and followed him. As they left, Viviana quietly stood and followed at a distance. She wasn’t comfortable with her father pulling Amelia aside. What is it that he wanted to talk to her about that he couldn’t tell her in front of her? She didn’t like the fact that Vincent was keeping something from her and wanted to find out for herself what exactly he intended to talk to Amelia about.

In the wood-paneled study, surrounded by towering bookshelves and plush leather chairs, Vincent gestured for Amelia to sit.

"Is everyone treating you well?" he asked

.

"Yes," she said. "Everyone’s been kind. Viviana has tried especially hard to make me feel at home."

Vincent nodded. "I’m glad to hear that. I know it’s not easy adjusting to all this. But if there’s anything bothering you, please don’t keep it to yourself. You can always talk to me about anything."

“Okay. Thanks.” Amelia responded.

Vincent could tell she was hiding something but did not want to press further.

He leaned forward. "Have you thought about staying here longer? Like I said, this is your home too. If school is something you want, I’ll support it. Or take your time. No pressure."

Amelia took a breath. "I’m not sure I want to stay forever. But I do want to get to know you better. Maybe just take things slow."

Vincent smiled. "That’s fair. A good place to start."

He stood and looked out the window for a moment. "Will you come with us this afternoon? The kids are great, and it’s peaceful there."

Amelia nodded. "Yes. I’ll come. It’ll be good to get out of the city for a while." Her chest had felt choked with emotions ever since she arrived. Maybe getting out to some fresh air and a different environment would help ease the pressure.

“Great. Viviana and I will be glad to have your company. I’m looking forward to spending time with you as well. We haven’t spent much time together since you arrived. Away from the house, I mean.”

“Me too. “Amelia said with a smile.

Just outside, Viviana stood near the door, fists clenched. Her stomach twisted as she listened.

"So now you want to stay? You think you belong here already?"

She turned away, heels clicking softly as she stormed down the hallway.

In her walk-in closet, she stared into the mirror. Her jaw tightened.

"Tasted a bit of luxury and now you think this is your world?" she hissed, tearing off her earrings. "I’ll remind you exactly who you are."

Viviana flung open a drawer, eyes blazing with determination.

"You’ll regret ever stepping into this house Amelia. I’ll make sure of it."

Her reflection stared back, smiling, beautiful but dangerous.