Chapter 6

Frederick pov

There was something about that woman!!! I couldn't even figure it out. When did I even start thinking about her? I haven't even had a reasonable conversation with her yet but she was occupying my thoughts more often. She's not usually like the kind of women I keep around, but she seemed different. All these thoughts kept flowing in and out of my head as I woke up this morning.

I was at her restaurant with Ivy!! I waited for almost an hour before I saw her rush into the restaurant and an office tagged as an executive. I wondered if she was alright because of how she ran into the restaurant. I waited for almost 10 minutes and then I decided to leave Ivy in the male restroom.

While I was trying to find my way, I eavesdropped on a conversation between a waitress and her manager.

"Kharis, you are late again and this time, it is worse for you!! Most of our customers were left unattended to just because of your incompetence. I'm sorry my dear but this was your last chance and you blew it."

I felt bad for whoever this Kharis was but it wasn't in my place to meddle even if I knew I could!

I walked away back to my seat and met a happy-looking Ivy staring into her phone.

Uhmm, Ivy, we haven't had a conversation since we got here. I threw the first question…

Ohh Frederick, what exactly do you want me to say? I'm not going to try to force myself on you. Besides, you need me more than I need you. She answered back in a harsh and disrespectful tone.

I kept mute and opened my phone to check out if I had any mail that needed my attention. After sitting for what felt like hours. I left Ivy with her phone and the restaurant. Then, I headed back home.

As I lay on my bed reminiscing about the events of last night, a call came on my phone. I cringed at the thought of it being a business call. Today is Sunday for crying out loud!!! I picked up my phone and it was Kiel. What the fuck does this dude want around 6:09 am on a Sunday?

I picked up the call and forced a "good morning bro" out of my mouth.

"Good morning Fred, what are your plans for today?" he asked…

Dude, I'm not in the mood for any sort of outing. I have lots of business work to attend to!

"It is only going to be for a few minutes. There is someone I'd love to introduce you to" I met her recently"

A woman, Kiel, for real. A woman is the reason why you want to drag me out of my house on a Sunday, I answered back in disappointment.

It's not as though Kiel was rebellious or lazy, he had businesses to attend to but he was regarded as the life of the party. He knew how to blend business and pleasure and as for me, I was considered the boring guy.

I knew how to have fun but I wanted it with the right person and Ivy didn't seem like it. I went back to my conversation with Kiel.

Bro, I have a major business deal to sign off with Giveon Ventures. I need maximum concentration and support. How about we talk about your woman some other time!!

Okay, dude!! I knew you were going to decline though. Take care of yourself bro, Kiel said and dropped the call.

I buried my face and sighed. It is going to be a busy week since wedding preparations are just around the corner.

Kharis Pov

My back was still sore from last night's beatings. When I got home, my parents were back already, patiently waiting for me to arrive with items from the grocery store.

Good evening ma'am, Good evening sir, I greeted my parents and headed straight for my room.

Kharis, where are you coming from? My dad asked with a strong wire in his hands. I didn't even know if running away or lying was the best option at the moment. I just stood still.

My Stepmom dragged her feet into my room with a bucket of hot water.

Kharis, she started, I remember writing a list of items for grocery shopping. First of all, you didn't buy them and secondly, you walked into my house late. You dared to act all innocent. My Stepmom spoke with so much hate.

While I received the harsh words from my stepmom, my dad lifted his right arm and planted a hot tough wire on my back. And it went again for the second time, the third time, and the fourth time...my skin had opened.

How was I supposed to explain that I didn't have money for grocery shopping? They both left my room immediately after the strokes from the wire and hurtful words….

I could barely sleep. I was in so much pain and when I woke up this morning, the pain was still there. My back was hurting and even pills could not help.

I lay on my side reminiscing about all the pain and torture that I went through last night. How could life be so cruel…

It was 7:00 am and a Sunday for that matter. I was still thinking about everything when I heard my name from the living room…

Kharis!!!!!!.. Kharis!!!!.... Where is this stupid girl? I could hear my stepmother scream.

Yes, mother, I answered….

"I am not your mother, don't you understand". Anyways, take this money and go grocery shopping. Be back in 30 minutes or else you'll live to regret this morning!"

Was that a threat? I quickly rushed to my bedroom and put on a free dress. And I headed out to the store just down the road….

I quickly scrutinized the list… sardines, soy sauce, paper roll…

I got a cart and began filling it as soon as I got to every time on the list. While I was going through the list, I bumped into an old woman.

I'm sorry ma'am, I said faintly…

Are you okay? She asked… feeling concerned

I'm fine ma, I said, and a tear fell from my eye. The tears had to give me away.

Cleopatra... that's my name!! The woman said to me…

Okay, ma. I'm in a hurry. I have to leave now. I said almost shivering and crying…

Can I get your cell number? She asked…

Is everything okay ma… I answered back...

Yes, darling. I just want to be able to talk to you, if you are comfortable with it!!

Okay. The number is 026620…