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Chapter 10

Frederick pov

It was 7:00 am and of course, my alarm clock struck. It was a Tuesday and I felt exhausted from the previous day's work at the office. I had Jane, my secretary, review lots of business deals. Most importantly, I did a thorough check on the work done by my accountant for the past few weeks.

I got up from my bed and walked lazily to my desk to check all the emails that must have come in while I slept. I partnered with both local and international businesses and so, my work was extremely important to me. I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized I had only two emails to respond to.

I used thirty minutes to carefully respond to the emails. I wasn't a workaholic as you might think. But, whatever was the source of my livelihood needed utmost attention. I was a billionaire, with penthouses on islands, mansions, cars, expensive tuxedos, and wristwatches. To maintain my lifestyle, I had to be serious with work. As a matter of fact, my parents were broke and I couldn't depend on them!!!

I walked into the bathtub to have my bath. As I came out, I headed straight to my wardrobe. I decided to go with a navy blue Kiton double-breasted suit with shoes from Bergdorf Goodman. To get top deals from top businessmen and women, you must belong to the first class. And from the way I was always dressed, I was first class .

I picked up my phone and rushed down the stairs.

Good morning Frederick, Ma Cleopatra greeted

Good morning Ma Cleopatra, I answered back.

Kharis, I heard her say and began looking around as though I was expecting someone to walk out. And yes, someone did walk out…

"This is Kharis Carter. She is the perfect replacement I got for you", Ma Cleopatra kept talking.

As for me, I was lost. Could this be the waitress and woman that has had me confused for a while? I didn't know why I went to the restaurant the other day with Ivy just to look for her. But, there was something about her that seemed unexplainable. I kept looking at her. She was all shades of a perfect replacement.

But, I wouldn't just get myself lost because of a maid. I am a billionaire for heaven's sake.

I turned to Ma Cleopatra, kissed her on her forehead, and walked away from them into my car. As Lois drove me to the office, I kept thinking about what just happened. This was a serious coincidence. I couldn't take her facial expression off my mind when she saw me. She looked shocked and frustrated. Well, this was just the beginning…

Kharis pov

After I got back home from seeing Ma Cleopatra, I felt excited but how was I supposed to break the news to my parents. I knew fully well they would stop me from going but I wasn't going to let that happen. I planned to move to Ma Cleopatra's house, work for two years and get paid, then travel out to continue college and get a prestigious job just like most successful women. I wasn't going to let two cruel people stop me just for their selfish reasons.

I woke up this morning feeling energetic. Waking up by 5:00 am was a norm for me. First, I went to the kitchen to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen. I took my time to tidy every nook and cranny of the kitchen- this may be the last time someone would clean up this place, I might as well do it perfectly. As I opened the cabinet, I noticed a box and went ahead to open it. Guess what I found!!! A sachet of cocaine and several hard drugs. I figured they belonged to my stepmom.

Is this woman mentally derailed? She smokes, consumes hard drugs, has a nasty attitude, and pours the entirety of her frustrations on my body. Well, it was exactly not my business. I was leaving for good.

After the kitchen, the next chore was doing the laundry. I stared at the pile of dirty clothes frowning at me. It was not new washing clothes, underwear and rags. To think about it, I guess I was born to serve. I served my parents, I served the restaurant, I even served the Clintons' and I'm about to serve the owner of the mansion where I'll work as a maidservant.

I'll only ever get true freedom and happiness when I become a boss and I was working so hard for it.

I reached out to the bowl of detergents and before I could regain the stamina to sit down, a cane landed on my back. Not again, I thought!!!

"Why are you making a whole lot of noise. I have been trying to get some sleep and yet all these ransackings of things and movements wouldn't let me close my eyes for a second"

My stepmother didn't even finish her statement and landed another stroke on my arm. A voice within me kept pressing hard to get the cane and hit her back. "What would you lose?". The voice asked. You'll probably be chased out and that's good for you, run away to Ma Cleopatra already!!!

I ignored that voice and I know you might be thinking - Kharis, you are such a damn fool. It wasn't in my nature to retaliate especially if it were my elders. I was patient and enduring and that is why my life was so fucked up.

I stood still as I heard her footsteps fade slowly. I promised myself I wasn't going to shed a tear, not now, not ever again because of her! I washed and dried the clothes quietly.

As I moved upstairs to my bedroom, I heard "what's for breakfast?". I turned around and saw my dad looking sternly at me. I was already tired, my back was hurting and my hands were already sore.

Nothing is for breakfast sir, I answered him.

He turned around and picked up something and aimed it at me. Luckily for me, I was able to dodge quickly. I ran away to my room and shut down the door.

I heard footsteps approaching my door and my heart began racing. I was really scared and almost grabbed my phone to call 911. The torture was too much, I cried. I couldn't even see what he threw at me. What if it was a knife or something that could land me in the hospital? I didn't know if I should be thankful for my life or regretful for it.

I stayed on the floor till I heard the footsteps leave the stairs and go down. I still lay on the floor feeling terrible and unable to fight for myself .

I heard voices outside the house and struggled to move to my window. I could see my stepmother and dad drive out of the compound. I took a deep breath and rushed to pack my things.

I was never coming back here, so I packed my good clothes, shoes, Piggybank, some important stuff from my mothers' attic (makeup kit, photos, pieces of jewelry), and my phone. I was in so much hurry and when I ran down the stairs to the door, it was locked. Did these people just lock me inside? I felt so frustrated, I ran to the back door, and it was locked as well. I didn't have the spare key with me.

I didn't know what to do anymore. After sitting for thirty-six minutes, an idea popped. I rushed to the parlor window and tried to see if I could force it open. It had a net and glass on it. I searched for a pair of scissors and took my time cutting out the net. Then I got a plank of wood and hit the glass hard. Oh yeah, it shattered but how was I going to step down without getting bruises or cuts?

I looked down and began preparing my body, mind, and soul to jump. I wore my boots and clothes to cover all of my skin. I remembered there were gloves in the attic, I raced to my room, got them, and put it on. I threw my bags down, climbed carefully, and jumped down. Luckily for me, I didn't sustain any injury. My boots were thick enough and I tried to maintain balance as much as possible.

Do you know what it's like to be free? That was exactly how I felt! Fulfilled. Happy. Complete. Safe. Do you understand?

I had little money on me and it was just enough to take me to Ma Cleopatra's house. When I got to the gate, Lois was already outside.

Good morning Lois

"Welcome, Miss Kharis, please come in."

I'll still say this, the mansion was big. Its interior decoration obviously, was done by one of the best interior designers in New York.

Good morning Ma Cleopatra, I greeted as she walked into where I was.

"Good morning Kharis. You are early. Mr. Frederick Hudson would be down soon. How about I take you to your room to change into something nice."

Did I look terrible? I checked myself and saw dirty stains on my clothes. It must be from trying to escape. I felt embarrassed and proceeded to change up. I wore a short flowy dress and packed my hair in a ponytail.

As I walked out to the living room, I heard Ma Cleopatra call my name and I increased my pace till I met her… and him!!

This is Kharis Carter. She is the perfect replacement I got for you", Ma Cleopatra said to Mr. Frederick.

For two minutes, the man didn't utter a word. I felt frustrated. Maybe, I had not escaped from torture. This man constantly belittled me the few times we met. And here I was, in his house...

I watched him kiss Ma Cleopatra and walk away. It was really obvious that he adored her...

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